Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accountancy

Career Opportunities & Professional Pathways

This prestigious, internationally recognised qualification culminates in applied competence, serving as the academic foundation for becoming a professional accountant. Graduates are highly sought after by employers who value their proven ability to perform complex financial work. Furthermore, the qualification provides access to lifelong professional development through full membership with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). Career pathways include:

  • Commerce & Industry Accounting: Financial Accountants, Management Accountants, and Tax Specialists, utilising foundational knowledge from Financial Accounting, Cost and Financial Management, and Taxation to drive financial strategy, ensure regulatory compliance, and optimise corporate profitability.
  • Assurance, Auditing & Risk Advisory: Internal Auditors, External Auditors, and Risk Consultants, applying practical expertise in Auditing and Internal Control and Business Law to evaluate organisational governance, manage risk, and ensure financial integrity.
  • Public Sector & Government Finance: Government Accountants and Public Sector Financial Managers, leveraging competencies in Financial Accounting, Taxation, and Business Law to oversee public funds, ensure statutory compliance, and drive ethical financial management within government institutions.
  • Academia & Professional Practice: Accounting Lecturers, Academic Researchers, and Professional Accountants (SAIPA), integrating advanced skills from Research Methodology and Professional Skills Development to contribute to accounting scholarship, mentor future professionals, and maintain the highest standards of ethical practice.
Bachelor : Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accountancy

B_MSAC

Campus

Duration of Programme

SAQA Credits

NQF Level

Bloemfontein Campus, Welkom Campus

4 years (full-time)

517

8

Programme-Specific Requirements

Minimum Qualification

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with degree exemption, or a National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 in Finance, Economics and Accounting with a minimum pass mark of Level 5 (60%).

Required Subjects & Pass Levels

  • Accounting: Minimum 60% (Level 5) at Grade 12 level.
  • Mathematical Literacy: Minimum 60% (Level 5) OR Mathematics: Minimum 40% (Level 3).
  • English: Minimum 50% (Level 4) – proficiency in written and spoken English is required.
  • M-Score: Minimum 27.

Understanding Your Matric Pass Level

To help you understand your eligibility, here is a quick guide to the National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass levels. This programme requires a Bachelor’s Pass.

Bachelor’s Pass (Required)

Pass 6 of 7 subjects. Four subjects must be at least 50% (Level 4), including Home Language (40%). LOLT must be at least 30%. You may fail one subject. This allows application for a degree course.

Diploma Pass

Pass 6 of 7 subjects. Four subjects must be at least 40% (Level 3), including Home Language (40%). LOLT must be at least 30%. You may fail one subject. This allows enrolment for a diploma course at a university of technology.

Certificate Pass

Pass 6 of 7 subjects. Two subjects above 40%, four subjects above 30%, including Home Language (40%). You may fail one subject. This allows study for a higher certificate.


Selection Process & Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP)

Mainstream Selection Process

Admission is subject to meeting the minimum M-score of 27 and the subject-specific requirements listed above. Selection tests, which may include psychometric testing, may be required as part of the admission process.

NCV Applicants: A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 in Finance, Economics and Accounting with a minimum pass mark of Level 5 (60%) is required.

Duration: 4 years (full-time).

Additional Requirements: All students must be in possession of a laptop computer complying with Departmental specifications. Class attendance is compulsory.

Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) Option

If you are a First-Time Entering (FTE) student and narrowly miss the mainstream subject requirements, you may be considered for the ECP stream (offered over 5 years) if you meet the following:

  • An M-score of 27.
  • Accounting: Minimum 50% (Level 4) at Grade 12 level.
  • Mathematical Literacy: Minimum 50% (Level 4) OR Mathematics: Minimum 30% (Level 2).
  • English: Minimum 50% (NSC) or 60% (NCV).

Strict ECP Regulations:

  • Only First-Time Entering (FTE) students are eligible.
  • A student must pass all foundation modules (Basic Transaction Recording Practice, Preparation and Financial Reporting, and Mathematics for Accountancy) to continue with second-year offerings. Failure results in termination of studies.
  • A student may not change from the ECP to the regular programme.

Note for candidates who matriculated in 2007 or before: Please refer to the official CUT Student Calendar for the specific Senior Certificate (SC) scoring scale and admission requirements applicable to your qualification.


Need the Full Programme Details? Consult the Student Calendar

We know that choosing your future is a big step! While this page gives you the key highlights, the official CUT Student Calendar is your complete, authoritative guide. We highly recommend reviewing it to see full details on this programme, including admission criteria, complete module structures, assessment rules, and what to expect during your studies.

 View the Student Calendar →

Accreditation & Professional Registration

This programme is officially accredited and designed to meet the highest industry standards, ensuring your qualification is recognised by the leading professional body for accountants in South Africa:

  • SAIPA Membership Pathway: The qualification fulfils the academic requirements to apply for full membership with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA).
  • Professional Registration: Graduates are positioned to register as Professional Accountants (SA), subject to SAIPA's specific experiential and registration criteria, unlocking lifelong professional development and industry recognition.

Apply Now

Start your career today!
Click on the link below to apply.