BCom Economics

BCom (Economics) is a three-year full-time programme in which students are introduced to economic theory, economic policy and empirical issues associated with economic analysis. The core modules for specialisation in economics are economics and statistics, although mathematics is also an important component. In the first year of study students become thoroughly acquainted with the principles of economics with special emphasis on the South African economy and its challenges. Students are also introduced to economic theories and concepts and the basic instruments of macro- and microeconomics. In the second year of study the focus is on intermediate economic theory focusing on both microeconomics and macroeconomics. In the third year of study modern economic analysis is emphasised while particular attention is paid to public policy, international trade, economic analysis and growth and development. The latter is the central economic policy challenge in Africa and South Africa in particular. Graduates are primarily employed as analysts, consultants, researchers or traders in either the private or public sectors. The government, the South African Reserve Bank, private and commercial banks and leading local and international stockbrokers and consultancies commonly employ graduates in economics. Students are strongly advised to proceed with postgraduate studies.

Economics entails an understanding of how the world works through concepts such as: growth in production (output); money, prices and inflation; international trade; unemployment; inequality and social infrastructure.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

  • Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.

Career Opportunities

Economists may specialise in banking, public finance, international trade and investment or economic development. Economists are employed by government, the central bank, private and commercial banks, stock brokerage firms and consultancies, both locally and internationally. Positions include analysts, consultants, researchers, traders and academics.


Programme Code

07130052


Closing Dates

  • SA – 30/11/2020
  • Non-SA – 31/08/2020

Admission Requirements

  • The closing date is an administrative admission guideline for non-selection programmes. Once a non-selection programme is full and has reached the institutional targets, then that programme will be closed for further admissions, irrespective of the closing date. However, if the institutional targets have not been met by the closing date, then that programme will remain open for admissions until the institutional targets are met.
  • The following persons will be considered for admission: Candidates who are in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission to bachelor’s degree studies; candidates who are graduates from other tertiary institutions or have been granted the status of graduates of such institutions; and candidates who are graduates of another faculty at the University of Pretoria.
  • Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

Transferring students

Candidates previously registered for the BCom — Extended programme

The Admissions Committee of the faculty considers applications of candidates who were previously registered for the BCom — Extended programme according to specific guidelines as stipulated in the Transfer Guide of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences as published on the EMS Faculty website.

Candidates previously registered at UP or at another university

The Admissions Committee of the faculty considers applications of candidates who have already completed the final NSC or equivalent qualification and/or were previously registered at UP or at another university according to specific guidelines as stipulated in the Transfer Guide of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences as published on the EMS Faculty website. A complete academic record, as well as the final school leaving results, are required for such applications.

NB: Candidates who are still registered at another university must submit an academic record of their studies to the faculty as soon as possible after their final examinations. The closing date for these applications is 30 September.

Qualifications from countries other than South Africa

  • Citizens from countries other than South Africa and South African citizens with foreign qualifications must comply with all the other admission requirements and the prerequisites for subjects/modules.
  • In addition to meeting the admission requirements, it may be expected from candidates to write the SAT, if required.
  • Candidates must have completed the National Senior Certificate with admission to degree studies or a certificate of conditional exemption on the basis of a candidate’s foreign qualifications, the so-called “Immigrant” or “Foreign Conditional Exemption”. The only condition for the “Foreign Conditional Exemption” that is accepted is: ‘completion of the degree course’. The exemption certificate is obtainable from Universities South Africa (USAf). Detailed information is available on the website at click here

University of Pretoria website: click here

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

APS

NSC/IEB

AS Level

NSC/IEB

AS Level

5

C

5

C

32

* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D and International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.

Note: Accountancy is not a subject requirement for any of the BCom or BAdmin programmes.


Duration of study

3 years, full-time.


Faculty Notes

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences aspires to be at the cutting edge of economic, financial and management education, as well as research and community engagement within the national, African and global context. Our mission is to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.


Enquiries about the programme

Click Here
How to apply

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