Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting: Professional Accountancy

Through a deep understanding of accounting, taxation and governance, the programme aims to develop in students the required competencies and innovative thinking skills to ensure that they are capable of adding sustainable value through founding, managing and leading a business within its context

On successful completion of the qualification, the student will receive a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting degree, NQF Level 7.

Programme Structure

BCom in Accounting Specialisation Streams

Management Accountancy

Professional Accountancy

Chartered Accountancy

Modules

Compulsory modules are offered across five delivery themes throughout the three-year period. These are:

  • Analysis and decision-making (within the business context)
  • Financial reporting and compliance (within the business context)
  • Risk and governance (within the business context)
  • Strategy and leadership (within the business context)
  • Assurance and other engagements (outside the business context)

Year One

Semester One:

  • Digital Skills for Financial Analysis
  • Economics and Foresight for Business Strategy
  • Financial Reporting Principles
  • Introduction to Law for Business
  • Introduction to Professional Accounting Studies
  • Mathematical Principles for Financial Analysis

Semester Two:

  • Advanced Digital Skills for Financial Analysis
  • Financial Reporting and Compliance 1B
  • Mercantile Law
  • Principles of Micro and Macroeconomics
  • Statistical Principles for Financial Analysis

Students opting for a half-load can enrol for Semester one modules by choosing one of the following options:

Option One:

  • Digital Skills for Financial Analysis
  • Financial Reporting Principles
  • Introduction to Professional Accounting Studies
  • Mathematical Principles for Financial Analysis

Option Two:

  • Economics and Foresight for Business Strategy
  • Introduction to Law for Business
  • Introduction to Professional Accounting Studies

The progression to Semester Two modules is dependable on the specific prerequisite module conditions.

Year Two

Semester One:

  • Management Accounting
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting 2A
  • Business Taxation and Compliance
  • Introduction to Risk and Governance
  • Strategy and Leadership in Value Creation

Semester Two:

  • Performance Management
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting 2B
  • Applied Business Information Systems
  • Risk and Governance for Complex Information Systems
  • Strategy and Leadership for Growth

Year Three

Semester One:

  • Financial Management
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting 3A
  • Legislative Framework for Risk and Governance
  • Strategy and Leadership for Stakeholder Engagement
  • Tax Law and Compliance

Semester Two:

  • Advanced Principles of Risk and Governance
  • Applied Financial Management
  • Auditing
  • Financial Accounting and Reporting 3B
  • Responsible Professional Accounting in Practice

Available learning modes

How Does the Online BCom Accounting Work?

  • A flexible three-year degree that can be done on a full- or half-load option, allowing you to complete the programme over three or six years, with a maximum of nine years.
  • There are two intakes each year (February and July).

Full- or Half-load

Students can complete the programme in a minimum of three or six years, and a maximum of nine years.

To complete the programme in three years, students need to dedicate about 40 hours a week to studies, just like at a contact university. We call this the full-load programme.

If students can’t dedicate 40 hours per week for the full-load, there is the option to complete the programme over a minimum of six years on a half-load.

Immersive Online Learning

IO Learning is a guided, flexible digital experience designed to foster deeper learning and meaningful connection. Through scheduled sessions, interactive content, and collaborative activities, students engage in a human-centred environment that blends structure with flexibility. Advanced online tools, small-group collaboration, and personalised feedback create a rich, engaging, and connected learning journey.

Minimum Admission Requirements

Candidates who matriculated in 2008 or later with a National Senior Certificate require:

  • a minimum of 50% in four NSC 20-credit subjects,* including English (at Home Language level) as the language of instruction at Milpark Education, as certified by Umalusi.
  • A minimum mark of 60% for English at First Additional Language level will be expected where candidates did not complete English at Home Language level. *Life Orientation is not a 20 credit bearing subject.
  • A minimum mark of 50% for Mathematics or 70% for Mathematics Literacy.
  • Candidates who do not meet the Mathematics requirement but who have achieved a minimum mark of 50% or higher in any two of the following subjects may be offered admission on condition that they successfully complete the bridging programme: Economics, Business Economics, Accounting, Physical Science or Physics/Chemistry, Natural Science or Biology.

Candidates who matriculated in 2007 or earlier with a Senior Certificate

  • Candidates who have a Senior Certificate but who do not meet the matriculation endorsement/exemption requirements stated above, may apply to Universities South Africa (USAf), for mature age exemption (https://mb.usaf.ac.za/).
  • A symbol of E or higher for Mathematics on HG, or a symbol of D or higher for Mathematics on SG. Candidates who do not meet the Mathematics requirement may be offered admission on condition that they successfully complete the BCom bridging programme, if they have achieved at least a symbol of E on HG or a C on SG in any two of the following subjects: Economics, Business Economics, Accounting, Physical Science or Physics/Chemistry, Natural Science or Biology

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

  • In certain cases, admission to the BCom in Accounting may be granted through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Before applying for RPL, please review the minimum requirements here.

Higher Certificate or Diploma

  • Candidates who have completed a relevant Higher Certificate (NQF 5) or Diploma (NQF 6) in the field of business or commerce with specialist modules in accounting, may also be admitted to the BCom degree.

Download Factsheet

Resources & Support

  • A series of bite-sized videos covering all key concepts.
  • Quizzes to test your knowledge.
  • Comprehensive and flexible academic and non-academic (psychosocial) support.
  • One-on-one live online consultations with lecturers.
  • Weekly live online group discussions for each subject.
  • Mentorship from lecturers and past students.
Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting: Professional Accountancy
Next start dates: 22 February 2027
Duration:
3 Years
NQF:
Level 7
Credits:
380
SAQA ID:
119198

Frequently Asked Questions

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Watch our short video clip here to learn how to check your PC’s RAM.

What resources can I expect from Milpark’s online learning?

The resource benefits of our online learning are as follows:

  • Enjoy a series of bite-sized video lectures covering every concept;
  • Test your knowledge with quizzes and practice questions;
  • Review past tests and exams with comprehensive feedback videos;
  • Participate in one-on-one live online discussions;
  • Join weekly live group sessions for each subject;
  • Benefit from mentorship from lecturers and past students; and
  • Limited spaces ensure we provide excellent support.
How does the online PGDA/CTA work?
  • A one-year programme (full workload), with the option to complete over two years (half workload).
  • If you can’t dedicate to a full workload, you have the option to complete the programme over two years on a half workload.
How does it work if I choose to do the PGDA/CTA over two years?

Year One (HWL1)

During HWL1, you register (and pay) for Management Accounting & Finance, and Corporate Governance & Auditing.  Upon successful completion of both of those modules, you progress to year two.

(If you do not pass both modules in year one, in the next year you either repeat HWL1 or may elect to register for the full workload.)

Year Two (HWL2)

During HWL2, you register for all four modules, but only pay for Financial Reporting and Taxation.  You will engage fully with Financial Reporting and Taxation during HWL2.

For Management Accounting & Finance and Corporate Governance & Auditing:

  • you’ll have access to material and support to stay up to date with them; and
  • it is recommended, but not required, that you write tests in these modules during the year.

At the end of the year, you’ll write final exams for all four modules, and you will need to pass all four modules in a single academic period to qualify for SAICA’s IAC.

Is the BCom Accounting right for me?

It’s ideal if you want to:

  • Qualify as a CA(SA) with SAICA;
  • Enter the accounting industry with professional accreditations like ACCA, CIMA or SAIPA; and
  • Start your own business with strong financial and business skills.

It prepares you for various business roles:

  • Operational
  • Strategic
  • Future executive

It’s perfect for those who:

  • Have a strong inclination for numbers;
  • Are interested in the accounting world; and
  • Want to be part of a supportive online community committed to your success.

Get in Contact

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