Completing your undergraduate degree is a significant milestone — but if you want to stand out in today’s competitive job market, a BCom Honours could be your next big move.
This advanced qualification doesn’t just deepen your knowledge. It also positions you as a specialist with the skills and insight to lead, innovate, and make strategic decisions in business.
This is where REGENT’s BCom Honours degrees come in. These degrees are perfect for professionals looking to advance their careers.
In this article, we will have a look at why a BCom Honours NQF level 8 South Africa is a great choice and also provide you with some great options you can consider — even if you’re working full-time.
Honours degree vs bachelor’s degree South Africa — which is more valuable?
A BCom Honours degree is generally more valuable than a standard BCom. This is because it builds on your undergraduate foundation with advanced coursework, research, and practical applications.
While a BCom equips you with core business knowledge, the Honours level (NQF 8) sharpens your analytical, leadership, and problem-solving abilities.
It also enhances your employability, opens doors to managerial positions, and serves as a pathway to master’s studies, such as an MBA.
On top of this, employers increasingly look for workers who have postgraduate qualifications and are often willing to pay them more than their undergraduate counterparts.
What are the advantages of BCom Honours?
There are many benefits of NQF level 8 qualifications. A BCom Honours degree specifically offers several key advantages that go beyond just having a higher education qualification.
It opens doors to more career opportunities and advancements, provides the chance to network, and much more.
1. In-depth knowledge and expertise
Honours programmes take you beyond theory. They focus on applying strategic thinking and analytical skills to real-world business situations. You’ll explore advanced topics such as:
- Financial management
- Strategic leadership
- Business ethics
- Organisational development
All of which helps you understand how businesses operate at a higher level.
2. Career advancement
Graduates with Honours are often considered for senior and management-level positions sooner than their peers. Employers recognise the degree as evidence of commitment, discipline, and advanced capability.
Whether you’re aiming for corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, or consultancy, an Honours degree sets you apart.
3. Research and analytical skill development
The inclusion of a research component gives you the tools to evaluate business problems critically and find data-driven solutions. These are valuable not just in academia, but in strategic roles where evidence-based decision-making is key.
4. Pathway to further study
Because it’s an NQF level 8 qualification, a BCom Honours is a pathway to a master’s degree in South Africa. If you plan to pursue an MBA, the Honours degree provides the academic grounding and research capability required for success at the postgraduate level.
5. Networking and professional growth
Studying at this level connects you with ambitious peers, lecturers, and industry experts. These networks often become valuable professional connections later in your career.
In short, a BCom Honours gives you both the credibility and the competence to compete in a rapidly changing business world — locally and globally.
Which type of BCom Honours is best?
While you may just want a straight answer to this question, it’s not quite that simple. That’s because the best BCom Honours for you depends on your career goals and interests.
- BCom Honours in Accounting is ideal if you’re pursuing a career as a chartered accountant or financial analyst.
- BCom Honours in Human Resource Management suits those interested in talent management and organisational development.
- BCom Honours (General) is ideal if you want a broad business qualification that strengthens your skills in management, strategy, finance, and leadership — perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs or those pursuing senior business roles.
- BCom Honours in Supply Chain or Logistics Management is perfect for students wanting to specialise in operations and global trade.
There are also many other Honours Degrees available in various industries, including marketing, education, retail, and more. It ultimately depends on you.
How to choose which course is best for you
When it comes to choosing which qualification is best for your unique skills, experience, and career goals, there are a couple of things to consider:
- Start with your strengths. For example, if you enjoy analysing numbers, managing projects, or solving strategic problems, the BCom Honours (General) gives you broad business knowledge that applies across industries.
- Follow your passion. If you’re drawn to people, leadership, and workplace culture, the BCom Honours in Human Resource Management is a strong fit.
- Think long-term. Consider where you want to be in five years — whether that’s in management, entrepreneurship, consulting, or postgraduate study like an MBA.
- Review the modules. Read through the course outlines to see which subjects excite you most.
- Ask for guidance. REGENT’s academic advisors can help match your interests and career ambitions to the right qualification.
- Consider your time availability. Schools like REGENT offer flexible learning through distance learning and rich distance learning. This allows you to keep working full-time while you study.
FAQ
What are the entry requirements for the BCom Honours programme at REGENT Business School?
Applicants must hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree or equivalent qualification at NQF level 7 from a recognised institution. Admission may also depend on academic performance in relevant undergraduate modules.
What is the typical duration of a BCom Honours programme?
The Honours degree typically takes one year of full-time study or two years part-time, offering flexibility for working professionals.
How does the BCom Honours differ from a Postgraduate Diploma (both NQF 8)?
While both are level 8 qualifications, the BCom Honours has a stronger academic and research focus, preparing students for master’s study.
A Postgraduate Diploma is more practice-oriented, aimed at professionals wanting to enhance applied skills rather than pursue research or further academic study.
Does the BCom Honours require a full thesis or a shorter research report?
The BCom Honours includes a shorter research project or report, not a full thesis. This component allows students to apply research methods to a specific business issue — developing critical thinking and analytical skills without the extensive length of a master’s dissertation.
Study a BCom Honours at REGENT
An Honours Degree opens the door to more job opportunities and ultimately makes you more employable. It’s a great option for those looking to study while working.
Take the next step in your academic and professional journey with REGENT Business School Honours programmes. Designed for future business leaders, these programmes offer flexible study options, expert faculty, and a curriculum that bridges theory with practice.
