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UCT Economics and Statistics Requirements

The requirements for undertaking the University of Cape Town (UCT) Economics and Statistics.

The Bachelor of Commerce specialising in Economics and Statistics [CB001ECO04] degree is built around a core set of economics courses. The programme is oriented towards quantitative economics and statistical methods, thus allowing students to analyse and interpret economic and financial data.

Why take a programme with a strong economics component?

Economics is the study of economic life. It asks what, how and why goods are produced and who benefits. Economics covers ‘micro’ subjects like the firm’s economics (profit maximisation etc.) and ‘macro’ issues like unemployment, inflation and economic growth. Both programmes require that you do core micro and macro courses in the first, second and third year; other economics courses (some optional, some compulsory depending on the programme) include international trade, political economy, public sector economics, game theory, etc.

The more economics you do, the more you will understand economic policy dilemmas, the complexities of economic growth crises, etc. You will, in other words, be able to talk much more sensibly about economic issues than you would if you just took core economics subjects. This skill will enrich your business life (and certainly make you appear more intelligent in an interview!). It will also improve your attractiveness to many employers. Graduates who can think clearly and logically about the broader economic environment have a lot to offer potential employers, especially asset management, stock-broking, merchant banking, investment guidance, and management consulting. Most jobs in business require further training, and a background in economics is usually a good signal to employers that you are capable of analytical thinking and are worth training further.

What are the entrance requirements?

Entry to this programme requires at least a Higher Grade D symbol pass in mathematics and a total of 50 points based on UCT’s rating system, and where the points earned in Mathematics and English are doubled in calculating the total.

Possibilities for postgraduate study?

Graduates will be eligible to apply for Honours-level study in Economics at UCT. This could lead to Master’s and Doctoral studies in Economics or Business at UCT or elsewhere in South Africa or abroad. In addition to the opportunities listed above, graduates will be eligible to apply for any Masters of Business Administration (MBA) programme available in South Africa or abroad.

For more information on the courses, please refer to the Commerce Undergraduate Handbook.

Your next move

UCT offers many programmes. If you do not meet up to the requirements of this programme you can consider another programme on the list. Go to >> University of Cape Town Faculties/Programmes.

However, if you meet the requirements and wish to apply to study this course. You can simply check the application processes.

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