The Information Systems discipline investigates how computers and communication technologies can be used to address the information needs of modern organisations. The curriculum deals not only with the information technologies but also gives students the skills to analyse user requirements and develop information systems.

This specialisation maintains a balance between the technical (hardware and software) aspects of information systems and the human side of the discipline. There is a demand for qualified Information Systems professionals.

Through the Faculty of Commerce the following BCom degrees can be taken:

A BCom is a three-year degree at NQF level 7.

The following school of IT courses form part of the Information Systems specialisation:

First year:

  • Information Systems I OR Computer Science 1015

Second year:

  • Commercial Programming
  • Applying Database Principles
  • Business Intelligence and Analytics
  • Systems Analysis
  • IT Architecture
  • Systems Design & Development

Third year:

  • Electronic Commerce
  • Systems Development Project I  OR IT Project Management
  • BPM & Enterprise Systems

Students can also apply to do the Honours degree after graduating with a BCom degree.

Download the Faculty handbook for more information on the degree and individual courses.

The handbook also has contact information for this year's student advisors, who can help you make your course decisions.

Things to remember

You must take Mathematics at school to apply for undergraduate studies in Commerce at UCT. Mathematical Literacy is NOT sufficient. If you are studying Mathematical Literacy you may want to apply to Humanities where Mathematics is not necessarily required for every programme.

You do not need to have Accounting or Economics as subjects at school to study in Commerce. You do not need to have IT or CAT as subjects at school to major in Information Systems.

National Benchmark Tests (NBTs): To be considered for Commerce, you only need to write the Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) test. Write the test as early as possible, as this will allow you time to re-write if you don’t achieve the required marks.

While in the early stages of your undergraduate studies, you may choose to move from one specialisation to another. Many students also change degrees from BCom to BBusSc or from BBusSc to BCom.