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Master of Accounting in Financial Accounting

Master’s degree
ID:
0311_102_E104

The Master of Accounting in Financial Accounting trains qualified professional accountants as specialists in Financial Accounting.

The programmes consist of a research project according to the requirements set by the School of Accountancy, consisting of a thesis as well as a related article publishable in an accredited journal.

Students must attend a writing skills workshop about writing a research proposal, presented by the Language Centre.​

Contact information
Ms Fayrouz Khan
Programme administrator
+27 21 808 3400

Programme overview

Duration
Two years
Campus
Stellenbosch
Type
Full thesis

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum admission requirements

Admission requirements
• A BAccHons degree or Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (after you obtained a recognised bachelor’s degree),
or
An equivalent qualification from another university;
• At least 60% for Financial Accounting, as subject area and in general, during previous postgraduate studies;
• Any additional preparatory work approved by Senate for this purpose.

Further requirements
• Registration as Chartered Accountant (South Africa).
• You must have knowledge of research methodology to be admitted to the master’s programme, including, where applicable, quantitative empirical research methods. The programme leader may require you to complete appropriate methodology modules before you start the programme.

Selection
There is no limit on the number of students that is admitted to the programme, but additional selection criteria apply. The prospective student must submit an initial mini-research proposal to the programme leader and Deputy Director: Research of the School of Accountancy. The programme leader and Deputy Director: Research will then evaluate whether the proposed topic falls within the School’s discipline domain and also whether staff with the required expertise and experience will be available to supervise the student.

If the programme leader and Deputy Director: Research are of the opinion that the topic falls within the School’s discipline domain, a willing and able supervisor is available, the planned study is feasible and could possibly represent a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge of the field of study, a provisional supervisor is appointed and the student is requested to start working with the supervisor on an official research proposal.

Finally, the candidate presents the proposal to an admissions committee of the School of Accountancy. Should the proposal be approved by the committee, the committee assigns a supervisor, and the supervisor sends the completed master’s admission form to the faculty administrator for a recommendation to the Faculty Board that the student be admitted to the master’s programme. The prospective student may also be requested to complete additional modules (e.g., a research methodology or econometrics modules).

Supporting application documents

Curriculum vitae (CV)
A document that outlines your educational level, employment history, description of work experience, especially that is relevant to your application to study and contact details of three referees.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Curriculum vitae (CV)

Letter of motivation
One-page document explaining what factors are motivating you to apply for the specific programme(s) and describing what makes you a suitable candidate.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Motivational letter / Essay

Proof of professional registration with an entity​
A recognised professional body grants professional registration on the grounds of attainment of a recognised standard of competence and education that permits practice of a profession.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Proof of professional or accredited registration

Statement of research interest
This is a brief summary of the master’s research proposal (1-3 pages in length) which outlines your area of research, aims of the research project and the research methodology you plan to use.

Document placeholder name on application portal:
Research project / Outline / Proposal

Programme structure

Programme structure
You must complete a research project according to the requirements set by the School of Accountancy. This project consists of a thesis and a related article publishable in an accredited journal.

You must also attend a writing skills workshop about the writing of research proposals, presented by the Language Centre.

Programme content
You must earn a total of at least 180 credits for this programme.
This module is compulsory.
66567 Thesis: Financial Accounting 828 (180)

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Mar 2027

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Mar 2027