About the programme
If you are aspiring to be a Chief Financial Officer, Audit Partner, Board Member, Regulator or Academic, the MCom specialising in Financial Reporting, Analysis and Governance (FRAG) [CM031ACC13] will equip you with the skills that will both help prepare you for those roles and set you apart from others. This qualification focuses on real-world applications and enhances the skills required to achieve leadership in accounting, corporate financial analysis, and corporate governance decision making.
All course content also explores different approaches to research with a view to helping you understand the logic and rationale of different research perspectives. This enables you to undertake demanding investigations, collect, organise and analyse data, and effectively progress in the writing of your research dissertation. These are value-adding skills in all areas of business.
Entrance requirements
An NQF level 8 qualification in Accounting/Finance or relevant work experience in Accounting/Finance or a CA(SA). Applicants may be required to present themselves for an interview. Apply online.
Applications close on 30 September for the new intake.
The programme is part-time through coursework and a minor dissertation. There are four compulsory coursework modules that are presented at different times throughout the year. Each block is no longer than one week. Students are required to be in Cape Town for each of these blocks.
For an overview of the programme, view the interactive brochure below or download the PDF version.
The aim of this course is to equip students with a range of skills to prepare them for writing their dissertations. During the course, students will write their research proposal, under the guidance of a supervisor, and present it to a panel of academics and students. In doing so, they will develop the skills to conceive a research idea and acknowledge earlier research in the field. The course will offer guidance for students to undertake intricate investigation, and enable the ability to collect, organise and analyse data.
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Students will be enabled to analyse a company effectively within its respective industry, market and macroeconomic environment. Key insights into monetary policy, financial analysis and both technical and fundamental analysis will be employed. Concurrently, an evaluation of the role of manager and investor sentiment on perceived company performance and financial statement presentation will be discussed.
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Understanding how external reporting meets the needs of the public interest and contributes towards the reporting entity’s value creation process is the aim of this course. Students will be exposed to different types of reports and will be required to develop an understanding of the basis on which they are prepared, including critical analysis of their content.
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This course equips students to identify and exploit opportunities while reducing risks (strategic, operational, financial, marketing, legal, environmental, etc.) in pursuit of an entity’s overall objectives. Students will analyse the leadership process of the board or other governing body, analyse the role of the audit committee and review the role of the internal audit function.
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Duration
Students will register for and complete all compulsory coursework in year 1. The preferred option is to register concurrently for and complete the research dissertation in year 1. As an exception, students may elect to register for the dissertation in year 2.
Prescribed curriculum structure
The minimum number of credits required is 180.
| Course code and name | NQF Credits | NQF Level |
|---|---|---|
| ACC5022Z Research Methods: FRAG | 30 | 9 |
| ACC5020Z Corporate Financial Analysis | 20 | 9 |
| ACC5023Z Financial and External Reporting | 20 | 9 |
| ACC5025Z Corporate Governance and Risk Management | 20 | 9 |
| ACC5050W Minor dissertation Accounting | 90 | 9 |
Assessment
Assessment will include individual and group work assignments (submissions and presentations). There are no separate written examinations.
Fees and funding
The approximate tuition fee for all compulsory courses and the dissertation component is R86 000. You can find the latest fee information (including fees for international students) in the UCT Student Fees Handbook. For funding information, you can contact the postgraduate centre and funding office: by emailing pgfunding@uct.ac.za.
How do I know if I qualify to apply for the programme?
Please see the programme entrance requirements.
Is this programme offered part-time?
This programme is a full-time programme structured to cater for working professionals with coursework delivered in block format. There are 4 blocks of 1 week each.
Is this programme offered remotely? Can I attend the blocks online?
Blocks are delivered face-to-face and require physical attendance in Cape Town.
I am not from Cape Town, am I expected to be in Cape Town to attend?
Yes, you are expected to be in Cape Town to attend classes. It is advisable to take leave to fully engage with the academic activities.
I am currently a student completing an NQF level 8. Can I apply for the programme?
Applicants who fully meet the entry requirements or are currently pursuing an NQF Level 8 qualification are encouraged to submit their applications.
I did not manage to meet the application deadline; can I submit a late application?
The application deadline is strictly 30 September. No late applications are accepted. Please apply again next year.
I missed applications for a first Semester intake. Can I apply to be considered for the second Semester intake?
No. The programme only has one intake per year. If you miss the application deadline, you will need to apply during the next application cycle for the following year's intake.
I received a Firm Offer, but I cannot continue with the programme. Can I defer this offer and start the programme in the next academic year?
Unfortunately, you cannot defer an offer, but you can defer an application. Contact the UCT Admissions Office if you wish to defer your application. Please note that if you defer your application, it does not mean automatic acceptance the following year.
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Contact us
Please email acc.mcom.phd@uct.ac.za if you have any queries.
For more information on the courses, please refer to Commerce Postgraduate Handbook.