UNISA Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (90017)

UNISA Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (90017) might be the perfect qualification to take your professional journey to new heights. In this article, we break down everything you need to know about this valuable qualification, crafted especially for South African learners who are determined to excel in the competitive field of Accounting Sciences.

The Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences is a specialised qualification offered by the University of South Africa (UNISA). It is designed for individuals who aim to build a solid foundation in accounting principles, financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and management accounting. This programme not only strengthens practical accounting skills but also sets the stage for further academic progression towards diplomas or bachelor’s degrees.

• Qualification Code: 90017
• NQF Level: 6
• Total Credits: 120
• SAQA ID: 94703
• APS/AS Score Requirement: 50 points

The certificate is recognised for its robust curriculum that caters to both aspiring accountants and working professionals seeking formal credentials.

Before registering, it’s important to understand the specific rules attached to the UNISA Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (90017).

• No Prior Accounting Qualification: If you don’t already have an accounting qualification or haven’t completed Financial Accounting FAC1502 or a similar first-year module, you must register for FAC1502 for non-degree purposes simultaneously with other modules.
• Planning Ahead: If you intend to proceed to an Advanced Diploma in Accounting Sciences later, ensure that you select your electives accordingly.
• Bachelor’s Degree Ambition: For those eyeing a future Bachelor’s Degree, the elective selection must align with your intended degree’s admission requirements.
• Further Study Caution: Completing this certificate does not guarantee admission to the Advanced Diploma in Accounting Science (98230-CT1) unless you hold a recognised bachelor’s degree.

The entire qualification is delivered through online and distance learning modes, meaning students must have reliable internet access and a computer with a webcam. UNISA emphasises the need for self-discipline and time management to succeed in this environment.

The Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences serves several essential purposes:

• Equipping learners with skills to perform accounting functions such as general bookkeeping, costing, auditing, and tax calculations.
• Developing an understanding of basic management and business concepts.
• Preparing learners to use computers effectively for business purposes.
• Creating pathways to further studies such as Diplomas or, under certain conditions, Bachelor’s degrees.

Registration is strictly controlled to ensure that only eligible candidates are admitted:

• New Applicants: Only those who have received an official placement offer from UNISA can register after accepting their offer online.
• Re-Registering Students: Returning students can register for the 2025 academic year once registration opens.
• Changing Qualifications: If you wish to start a new qualification, you must apply online during the official application period.

The Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences is structured carefully, with rules about how many credits you may register for:

• Maximum of 60 credits per semester or 120 credits per academic year.
• Modules you take for non-degree purposes also count towards your credit limit.
• Module types:
  • Co-requisite: You must register for Module A and Module B together.
  • Pre-requisite: You must pass Module A before registering for Module B.

Time Management Tip: For semester modules, you should dedicate 6 to 8 hours per week per module. For year-long modules, allocate 4 to 6 hours per week.

Here’s an overview of the module structure for the UNISA Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (90017):

Group A: Compulsory Modules

• FAC1601: Financial Accounting and Reporting (Pre-requisite: FAC1502)
• FAC2601: Financial Accounting for Companies (Pre-requisite: FAC1601, CAS1501, CBC1501)
• FAC2602: Selected Accounting Standards and Simple Group Structures (Pre-requisite: FAC1601, CAS1501, CBC1501)
• MAC2601: Principles of Management Accounting (Pre-requisite: FAC1601, Maths modules, CAS1501, CBC1501)
• MAC2602: Principles of Strategy, Risk & Financial Management Techniques (Pre-requisite: Same as MAC2601)
• TAX2601: Principles of Taxation (Pre-requisite: FAC1601, CAS1501, CBC1501, CLA1503)

Group B: Elective Modules (Select Any 4)

• AIN2601: Practical Accounting Data Processing (Pre-requisite: FAC1601 and AIN1501/INF1505)
• AUE1601: Legal Aspects in Accountancy (Recommended: CLA1501 or CLA1503)
• AUE2601: Auditing Theory and Practice (Pre-requisite: FAC1601, CAS1501, CBC1501, CLA1503)
• AUE2602: Corporate Governance in Accountancy (Pre-requisite: Same as AUE2601)
• AUI2601: Internal Auditing: Theory and Principles (Pre-requisite: FAC1502)
• DSC1630: Introductory Financial Mathematics
• IOP1501: Psychological Processes in Work Context
• MNG2601: General Management

Important Note: You may not choose both AUE2601 and AUI2601 together as electives.

The UNISA Advanced Certificate in Accounting Sciences (90017) offers a valuable opportunity to enter the field of accounting or build a stepping stone toward a higher qualification. Whether you are just starting out or looking to formalise your skills, this programme offers flexibility, professional relevance, and a strong academic foundation for your career growth.