The Bachelor of Commerce in International Accounting is a professionally-oriented and highly relevant online programme that will provide you with an international perspective on global principles of finance and accounting. Potential students are individuals who want to pursue a career as professionals in the broad fields of finance and accounting but who, owing to financial and geographical barriers, are unable to access contact education, or who would prefer the flexibility that is available through distance learning.

This online programme will develop your intellectual, practical and critical-thinking skills so that you can apply subject-related knowledge and solve problems, which is expected of an entry-level accountant in any international practice.

Furthermore, the programme provides you with a comprehensive and fundamental knowledge base of the underlying core international principles of accounting, governance, risk management and control, auditing, financial management, and management accounting. In line with the international focus of the programme, it will not offer a module on national tax, as tax laws differ from country to country. Important global tax principles will be incorporated into the other modules, specifically accounting and financial management.

Qualifying students should be ready to enter the job market as entry-level accountants who can apply the knowledge they have gained and make decisions to solve problems in a holistic business context. Additionally, the programme will help you to become a self-directed, lifelong learner who can work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments. The programme emphasises competence, integrity, and application of ethics in a professional business environment, and will enable you to act professionally and ethically. Finally, this programme will prepare you for further studies in international accounting, governance, risk management and control, auditing, financial management, and management accounting as a science.

Admission requirements

The admission requirements for this programme will adhere to the University of Johannesburg’s Admission and Selection Policy which is current at the time of the registration for this programme.

A Senior Certificate or a National Senior Certificate that meets the specific admission criteria noted below.

For non-South African students a school leaving certificate that meets the specific admission criteria noted below.

A minimum Admissions Point Score (APS) of 28 is required for admission into this degree, with the following specifications:

• English with an APS of 4
• Maths with an APS of 4
• Mathematical Literacy is not accepted.

How to calculate an Admission Point Score (APS): Click here

Required documentation:

• A certified academic record and a certified copy of highest qualification obtained.

The international equivalence of qualifications will be specified in the Prospectus.

Have a question? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or phone 0800 980 364 (toll-free)

Technical requirements 

We recommend the following in order to successfully complete your 100% online degree:

Basic computer skills:

• Be able to operate your computer and perform basic tasks.
• Email and file management (access, create, edit, save, upload and download documents).
• Be able to use a word processing programme to create and edit documents.
• Basic web-browsing skills.

Computer requirements:

• Laptop or PC
• A high-speed internet connection (3G, 4G, LTE, ADSL or Fibre)
• E-book storage and reading
• Study notes storage and reading (PDF, MS Office)
• Video storage and playback
• Video recording
• Audio storage and playback
• Audio recording
• Web browsing
• Document creation
• Access to social networking

Module interruption and scheduled maintenance:

In the event of unexpected module interruption on the due date for an activity, the online facilitator will notify students of a new due date.

Modules & credits

The programme is split over four years. Modules are undertaken over a seven-week period.

Compulsory modules – 360 Credits

Accounting 11 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to understand and account for basic transactions and events in a sole proprietor and the financial reporting thereof in a contemporary environment through focused learning of the Conceptual Framework, investing and financing activities, debtors and creditors cycle, cash and cash equivalents and VAT.

Economics 11 (15 Credits)

The purpose of the module is to introduce the student to economics by providing a broad perspective on the fundamental principles of economics and the influences on an economy.

Financial Management 11 (15 Credits)

This module will cover advanced computer skills required by professional people in the financial world. The aim is to ensure that all candidates are proficient and efficient in the practical application of certain key software applications. The module will also provide the student with a basic yet applicable knowledge of fundamental concepts of finance, and where each of these concepts fit into the financial management function.

Financial Management 12 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to provide basic computer skills required by professional people in the financial world. The aim of this module is to ensure that all candidates are computer literate as well as proficient in the practical application of certain key software applications. In addition, the purpose of this module is to provide the student with a basic yet applicable knowledge of fundamental concepts of cost accounting, and where each of these concepts fit into the financial management function. Furthermore, the purpose of this module is to give students a proper foundation in important mathematical skills needed to pursue studies in Accounting, Business, Finance and Economics. Students are taught various topics in fundamental Algebra, Graphs, Financial Mathematics, Statistics and Calculus with direct applications in the relevant fields.

Principles of Business 11 (15 Credits)

This module provides the student with basic computer skills required by professional people in the financial world. The aim of this module is to ensure that all candidates are computer literate as well as proficient in the practical application of certain key software applications. In addition, the purpose of this module is to provide the student with a basic, yet applicable knowledge of fundamental concepts of cost accounting, and where each of these concepts fit into the financial management function. Furthermore, the purpose of this module is to give students a proper foundation in important Mathematical skills needed to pursue studies in Accounting, Business, Finance and Economics. Students are taught various topics in fundamental Algebra, Graphs, Financial Mathematics, Statistics and Calculus with direct applications in the relevant fields.

Accounting 12 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to understand and account for basic transactions and events in a company and the financial reporting thereof in a contemporary environment, through focused learning of Property, Plant and Equipment, Inventories, Investment Properties, Cash Flows and Revenue.

Ethical Foundations to Commerce 11 (15 Credits)

This module will equip students with the skills needed to effectively manage ethical or moral dilemmas encountered in the workplace and the business environment. This module also integrates communication, presentation and business acumen skills needed by a student to excel in the corporate environment.

Principles of Business 12 (15 Credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce the role and function of the finance function, marketing and communication and the legal environment that businesses operate in. Firstly, this module will provide students with an overview of the purpose and role of the finance function in an organisation. The module also introduces students to the activities associated with the finance function and the role of financial information in a business. Secondly, this module provides students with an overview of the principles of marketing and insight into the marketing function. The module also introduces students to the marketing mix and different approaches to marketing.

Accounting Studies 21 (15 Credits)

This module will provide the student with an understanding of the underlying theories of accounting research, the development of the accounting profession and the impact of the ethical, environmental and social responsibility dimensions of accountancy on corporate financial reporting.

Governance, Risk, Management and Control 21 (15 Credits)

This module will provide the student with a strong and academically sound understanding of governance and control of organisations. The student should, after completing the module, be competent in understanding the relevant governance and control principles and apply them to given practical scenarios.

Accounting 21 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to obtain integrated knowledge of intermediate transactions and events and to obtain basic knowledge of advanced transactions and events in a profit-oriented entity and the financial reporting thereof in a contemporary environment.

Accounting 22 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to obtain integrated knowledge of intermediate transactions and events and to obtain basic knowledge of advanced transactions and events in a profit-oriented entity and the financial reporting thereof in a contemporary environment.

Furthermore, the purpose of this module is to understand and apply basic to intermediate consolidation procedures for the accounting for subsidiaries.

Financial Management 21 (15 Credits)

This module provides the student with an intermediate knowledge of fundamental concepts of finance, and where each of these concepts fit into the financial management function.

Financial Management 22 (15 Credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce basic costing techniques and methods. In this module students will identify and analyse cost and management accounting techniques and prepare information for decision-making purposes. 

Accounting Software Applications 21 (15 Credits)

The purpose of Accounting Software Application is to introduce information systems in a business environment. This will include the introduction of an accounting software package as well as data interrogation tools.

Governance, Risk, Management and Control 22 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to provide the students with a strong and academically sound understanding of governance and control of organisations. The student should, after completing the module, be competent in understanding the relevant governance and control principles and apply them to given practical scenarios.

Auditing 31 (15 Credits)

The module aims to introduce students to business activities and controls in the business cycles and addresses the method for auditing in these business cycles. A detailed focus will be placed on risks, internal controls and audit procedures that are applicable to the cycles of a business. The cycles that are addressed are: revenue and receipt cycle, purchase and payment cycle, payroll cycle, production and inventory cycle, bank and cash cycle, and the investment and finance cycle.

Furthermore, the purpose of this module is to introduce students to the computer environment with a focus on computer-assisted audit techniques. The module will also focus on general and application controls. 

Auditing 32 (15 Credits)

This module is to introduce students to the basic principles of auditing and risk management as well as ethical aspects governing the work performed by an auditor.

Accounting 31 (15 Credits)

This module will provide students with the knowledge and ability to account for advanced transactions and events in broader entities and to be able to prepare the financial reports thereof. Students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles underlying integrated reporting practices by applying these principles to practical scenarios. Furthermore, the purpose of this module is to teach students the IFRS external reporting requirements, specifically with regards to the preparation of financial statements.

Accounting 32 (15 Credits)

This module will provide students with the knowledge and ability to account for advanced transactions and events in broader entities and to be able to prepare the financial reports thereof. Students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the principles underlying integrated reporting practices by applying these principles to practical scenarios. Furthermore, the purpose of this module is to understand and apply consolidation procedures in integrated scenarios and also those involving basic changes in ownership.

Financial Management 31 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to provide the student with advanced knowledge of fundamental concepts of finance, and where each of these concepts fit into the financial management function.

Financial Management 32 (15 Credits)

The purpose of this module is to introduce advanced costing techniques and methods. In this module students will identify and analyse cost and management accounting techniques and prepare information for decision-making purposes.

Case study 31 (15 Credits)

This module is to assess the combined knowledge and learning outcomes across all disciplines covered by the prerequisite modules in an integrated manner through simulated case studies. This module also enables students to demonstrate their familiarity with the context and interrelationships of outcomes covered in the prerequisite modules. Furthermore this module develops the skills required by students to identify, gather, integrate and disseminate information which can be used to solve cross-functional problems similar to those that will be experienced in the workplace.

Case study 32 (15 Credits)

This module is to assess the combined knowledge and learning outcomes across all disciplines covered by the prerequisite modules in an integrated manner through simulated case studies. This module also enables students to demonstrate their familiarity with the context and interrelationships of outcomes covered in the prerequisite modules. Furthermore this module develops the skills required by students to identify, gather, integrate and disseminate information which can be used to solve cross-functional problems similar to those that will be experienced in the workplace.

More regarding applications here: https://modernclassroom.co.za/courses/bachelor-of-commerce-in-international-accounting-uj-online-course/