Masters lectured options: MCom (Computer Auditing)
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Background and structure
Stellenbosch 肆客足球 offers the MCom (Computer Auditing) degree as a part-time two year programme. The programme consists of a lectured component in the first year of study as well as a dissertation and accredited article on an approved topic that has to be written in the second year of study. The programme runs in a two-year cycle (i.e. commences every second year) and the next programme commences in January/ February 2026, provided that a sufficient number of qualifying application are received. The programme is presented in English only.
The programme applies a synchronised model, relying on real-time face-to-face
or virtual lectures. The programme consists of several short sessions
throughout the year, as well as block lectures. Students from Stellenbosch and
surrounding areas can attend all the lectures in person in Stellenbosch, while
students from outside of Stellenbosch can participate using the online platform.
Attendance of lectures, virtual or otherwise will be compulsory. ?
Programme content
The programme has the following objectives/outcomes:
To provide students with concepts, theory and frameworks to deal with computer assurance in practice. This is covered in lectures.
To expose students to the technical details in modern information technology environments to enable them to apply computer assurance principles in practice.
To provide students with an opportunity to apply the above in practical environments with the use of case studies, which are done individually or in teams, depending on the topic, after each lecture.
To equip students with the conceptual skills to deal with future technologies and issues (i.e. life-long-learning).
The dynamic content of the programme reflects the recent changes in the business and technology environments. The content is currently as follows, but will be revised before the commencement
of the course to remain relevant:
Legislation and recommendations, from for example, King IV requires IT Governance to be considered as part of a business model of an organisation to ensure strategic alignment of business and information technology, value delivery and risk management.
Technology continues to evolve rapidly with the internet forming the foundation of this evolution.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning and other advance technologies are being incorporated in all applications. These new technologies need to be governed.
These changes give rise to increased complexity of computer assurance.
The programme is structured to cover the above issues at conceptual, technical and governance level. The emphasis is placed on addressing the information technology gap that arises between the expectation resulting from high-level policies and processes and the actual practice of implementing, configuring, maintaining and operating information technology components. This becomes essential to providing credible computer assurance and effective IT Governance.
The following diagram summarises the scope of the programme:?
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Presenters
Lectures are presented by:
- Prof Willie Boshoff CA(SA), PhD(Computer Science), MCom (Accounting and Auditing), HonsBCompt, HonsBSc(Computer Science). In the academic sphere, Prof Boshoff has become well known for his ability to transfer knowledge of an international standard to students. He is the Managing Director of ITBLUE Solutions (Pty) Ltd. in Stellenbosch.
- Prof Riaan Rudman CA(SA), BBusSc (Hons), PGDA, MBusSc (Finance), MAcc (Computer Auditing) cum laude. Riaan has been involved with the MCom (Computer Auditing) programme for the past ten years. He is a Professor at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 and lectures at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
The programme is led by Prof Riaan Rudman
Admission requirements
It is advisable that all prospective students ensure that they meet the minimum entrance requirements for a Masters-degree at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 before applying to the 肆客足球. This is particularly relevant to applications that studies at non-South African tertiary institutions.
The minimum entrance requirements to the programme are as follows:
? the degree BAccHons or equivalent and registration as a Chartered Accountant (SA);
or
? a relevant BComHons degree that includes the outcomes required for this programme and relevant work experience and/or registration with a relevant professional body.?
Academic results achieved in the applicant's post-graduate and undergraduate degrees are taken into account in the selection process.
A student’s eligibility to apply can only be evaluated once a student has applied and submitted all the necessary documents on the appropriate platform. Pre-evaluations of student’s applications before an application is submitted and finalised are not possible. Prospective students should benchmark their eligibility against the criteria above. Eligibility for selection is separate from the admission decision which is only made once all applications have been received. Late or incomplete ?applications can also not be considered.
Technical and other requirements
The programme is predominantly a residential course, but students have the option to make use of Stellenbosch 肆客足球's virtual platform, MS Teams to attend the sessions.
In order to make use of the virtual platform, students should have access to:
Stable high-speed internet access which is capable to carry video and voice;
Latest version of MS Teams; and
Webcam and microphone.
All students will be given free access to download selected Microsoft applications for the duration of their studies. All students will be required to have their webcam on for the duration of the lecturers.
Atten?dance ?requirements
Attendance of all sessions, virtual or otherwise, and submission of assignments are compulsory. The exact dates and times of the lectures will be communicated at the commencement of the course and will be confirmed after discussions and agreement with the class.
Students are required to attend block lectures twice a year during the first year of study, and twice again during the second year of study. Block lectures will be between two to three days and could be during the week or over the weekend. The first year of the programme concludes with assessment, which can be written in any location of the student’s choice but will require the student to arrange an independent invigilator for the duration of the assessment
It is also worth noting that should you register at Stellenbosch 肆客足球 for the first time, you will need to present recently certified copies of your qualification to the Registrar's office and your academic record must be approved by the Post-graduate office before you will be able to register.
Cost
The approximate cost of the programme is available upon request from the Student Fees Division of the 肆客足球 at studentegelde@sun.ac.za. A personalised budget/quotation can also be requested on the Student Fees website: http://www.sun.ac.za/english/maties/fees/study-fees?.?
In addition to the programme costs, students are also expected to attend a writing workshop, as well as an optional research methodology course in the second year of the programme. The approximate costs of these programmes are available on request from the programme administrator. These costs may be charged separately from your student account.
Should you travel, out-of-town students are responsible for covering their own travel costs, accommodation and related private costs for the lectures and assessments. Should you want to attend the course virtually, students are responsible for investing in the necessary hardware and infrastructure to take full benefit of all learning opportunities.
The programme does not have programme specific funding opportunities available. For information about scholarships and bursaries, refer to the Bursaries and Loans Department and Postgraduate Funding Office
Application process
The next programme begins in 2026. Applications close on 1 November 2025. Applications are web-based and are processed via the Post-graduate Office and the Stellenbosch 肆客足球 prospective student portal. ?
Students are also expected to complete an information sheet, which must be emailed to program co-ordinator before 1 November 2025 if it has not already been uploaded to the application portal.
Please note that only a limited number of students can be accepted into the programme. Applications will be considered in December 2025 in accordance with the selection policy of the School of Accountancy, after which applicants will be notified in writing either late December 2025 or early January 2026.
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Information for International Students (including fees information).
Additional requirements apply to international students. ?
Please follow this link ?
Further information
Interested parties can obtain further information about the programme from the Calendar Part 10 or contact the programme coordinator regarding other administrative queries at:?
Ms Fayrouz Khan
Tel: +27 21 808-3400
E-mail: Ms Fayrouz Khan??
For questions about the programme content, contact:
Prof Riaan Rudman:
Tel: +27 21 808-2701
E-mail: Prof. R.J. Rudman
Postal address: School of Accountancy, Stellenbosch 肆客足球, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602. ?
