Are you considering undergraduate studies in accounting but need help figuring out where to start? We have compiled this list of frequently asked questions to help you find out more.
If I want to be an accountant, why should I choose UCT?The College of Accounting offers well-designed accounting programmes created for a career in accounting. Our programmes are accredited by several professional accounting bodies. UCT accounting graduates are highly regarded locally and internationally, given the quality of our qualifications and their performance in the professional accounting examinations.
What are the entrance criteria for a BCom in Accounting?Please refer to UCT’s Undergraduate Prospectus for the admission requirements to the Commerce Faculty.
Can I get in if I have done Mathematical Literacy at school?You must take Mathematics at school to apply for undergraduate studies in Commerce. Mathematical Literacy is NOT sufficient.
If you are studying Mathematical Literacy, you may want to apply to Humanities or Law, where Mathematics is not necessarily required for every degree.
No! We will teach you all the accounting you need to know.
What is the difference between a BCom in Accounting and a BBusSc Finance with Accounting? Why should I choose one or the other?
A BCom degree is three years, and a BBusSc degree is four years. If you aim to be a CA (SA) or other form of certified accountant and to complete your studies in the minimum amount of time, then the BCom option is a good choice.
If you are interested in Finance with Accounting, the BBusSc degree programme offers a 2nd major in finance with several other business courses. This is a 4-year degree, adding an extra year to your studies. The BBusSc Finance with Accounting degree is offered by the Department of Finance and Tax.
When you apply to UCT, you’ll apply for a Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Business Science degree. You will have an opportunity to choose during orientation, during which you will receive more information to help you decide. The only difference between the two degrees in 1st year is that the BBusSc degree has an extra maths course in the 2nd semester. So, there is still a chance to choose later during 1st year or even at the start of your 2nd year.
What is the difference between the BCom Chartered Accountant and the BCom General Accounting degrees?
The degrees are identical until your 3rd year, so you don’t need to choose between them until that stage. During 3rd year, you do a different financial reporting course (Financial Reporting III or Financial Reporting & Analysis). The Chartered Accountant programme has an additional course (Business Analysis & Governance).
Both degrees are accredited by the same accounting professional bodies, while SAICA specifically accredits the Chartered Accountant degree. All other professional accounting bodies recognise the General Accounting degree.
You can continue your postgraduate studies in accounting (such as taxation, finance, and more), or you can continue your journey to be a professional accountant locally through SAIPA or SAIBA or globally through ACCA or CIMA.
What is the process at UCT towards the CA(SA) designation?UCT offers two programmes that allow you to continue the CA (SA) journey – the BCom Chartered Accountant degree and the BBusSc Finance with Accounting degree.
After completing either of these undergraduate degrees, you must complete a 1-year Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, a 3-year training contract and two qualifying exams (including an exam preparation course). Depending on your undergraduate degree, the journey will take at least 7 or 8 years.
What does it mean to be a professional/chartered accountant (CA(SA))?A professional accountant is a member of a professional accounting body, which requires the completion of an accredited undergraduate and postgraduate accounting programme and, in some cases, writing the qualifying examinations of the respective professional accounting body. In addition to university studies, they have completed at least three years of monitored work experience.
The College offers programmes that allow you to become a professional accountant affiliated with SAICA (CA(SA)), SAIPA, SAIBA, ACCA and CIMA.
You can work as an accountant and auditor at firms or in the public sector, non-profit organisations, and large corporate businesses. People who qualify as accountants may also later choose careers in senior management.