Finance is a demanding field which offers high earning potential for qualified students. When high school students are exploring university programmes, they can sometimes be unsure about the options available.
A BCom and a BCom Honours in Finance are two such programmes. Since both are Bachelor of Commerce degrees, students might not know which they should apply for. However, there are differences in their scope, duration, and job outcomes.
In this article, we will compare BCom Honours in Finance vs BCom in Finance and help students understand the right degree for their needs.
Table of Contents
What is BCom in Finance?
A Bachelor of Commerce in Finance is an NQF Level 7 degree that provides a foundational understanding of various financial concepts. This includes financial and investment management, financial planning, and basic accounting.
This is the first degree that students interested in finance can enrol for after completing their Matric exams. A BCom in Finance is typically a 3-year degree in South Africa, and prepares students to work across industries.
While most choose to work in the banking and financial services sector, opportunities are also available in consulting, accounting firms, and asset management.
Who Should Consider This Degree?
This undergraduate degree is aimed at students with a Bachelorā€™s Pass in their matric exams. These students typically have a strong Mathematics background and have an understanding of finance and accounting concepts.
Some students who can apply for this degree are:
- Students with a Matric Bachelorā€™s PassĀ
- Students with an interest in numbers and finance
- Individuals with an NQF Level 4 equivalent qualification
- Students seeking a broad finance degree before specialising
What is BCom Honours in Finance?
A Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance is a specialised NQF Level 8 degree. It provides a deeper understanding of financial concepts, preparing graduates for senior roles. This is a CHE-accredited programme at NQF Level 7 that takes 1-year to complete.
The programme is aimed at individuals with an NQF Level 7 qualification and relevant work experience. These are the differences when comparing BCom Honours in Finance vs BCom in Finance.
Who Should Enrol for This Degree?
This advanced NQF Level 8 can help professionals seek roles with greater responsibility. It can also be considered by professionals in technical fields who wish to transition into finance.
This degree can be considered by:
- Professionals with an undergraduate degree
- Individuals with an NQF Level 7 equivalent qualification
- Technology professionals who wish to transition into finance
- Professionals seeking senior positions in finance
- Individuals who wish to pursue a Masterā€™s degree
Duration and Curriculum
When we compare BCom Honours in Finance vs BCom in Finance, we note that the programmes have different durations. This is because the scope and depth of the programmes are different. Additionally, they are also aimed at individuals with different education levels.
The BCom Honours in Finance is a 1-year specialised degree, while the BCom in Finance is a 3-year foundational degree.
BCom Honours in Finance Curriculum
At Regenesys, the curriculum includes core and elective modules. They cover advanced risk, investment, and financial management concepts. When these are combined with relevant work experience, graduates develop the confidence to support strategic planning and financial governance across sectors.
Some core modules included in the Regenesys Bachelor of Commerce in Finance are:
- Advanced Financial Management
- Econometrics for Finance
- Advanced Financial Risk Management
- Investment Management
BCom in Finance Curriculum
The BCom in Finance curriculum provides a foundational understanding of key financial concepts. It helps build a broader knowledge base for understanding how financial systems operate.
Some core modules that are covered in the curriculum include:
- Business Functions
- Accounting
- Macroeconomics
- Taxation
- Investment Management
- Labour Economics
Comparing Career and Salary
When we compare BCom Honours in Finance vs BCom in Finance careers, they differ in the responsibilities. Graduates from both programmes can explore jobs in the public and private sectors. However, BCom Honours in Finance graduates will secure senior roles with higher earning potential.
The differences in job roles and salaries are due to the conceptual depth of the degrees.
A BCom in Finance offers an average annual salary of R398,000, according to Payscale. BCom Honours in Finance roles, on the other hand, offer much higher salaries. The difference is due to the advanced degree and previous experience.
The table below lists the average salary for some BCom Honours in Finance roles. These roles have been gathered from various sources and are updated as of February 2026.
| Job Roles | Average Annual Salary |
| Fintech Business Analyst | R542,167 |
| Financial Analyst | R686,183 |
| Financial Risk Manager | R1,179,162 |
| Forensic Accountant | R701,653 |
Comparing BCom Honours in Finance vs BCom in Finance
Choosing between these two Bachelor of Commerce degrees requires an understanding of your current academic standing and career goals. While both are commerce degrees, they differ in depth, duration, and entry criteria.
The table below helps to provide a clear comparison of BCom Honours in Finance vs BCom in Finance:
| Factor | BCom Honours in Finance | BCom in Finance |
| NQF Level | NQF Level 8 | NQF Level 7 |
| Duration | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Depth | Advanced | Foundational |
| Entry Requirement | NQF Level 7 and work experience | Matric with Bachelorā€™s Pass and APS Score |
| Career Stafe | Middle to senior management | Entry-level |
Which is Better: BCom or BCom Honours?
There is no correct answer to which is the better degree between these two. The answer depends on where you are in your academic life. A BCom in Finance is an undergraduate degree that builds core financial knowledge and prepares graduates for entry-level positions.
A BCom Honours in Finance is a postgraduate qualification that develops advanced analytical and research skills. This is better suited for experienced professionals seeking to transition to senior roles.
Overall, the BCom in Finance establishes your entry into the finance profession, while the BCom Honours in Finance helps you progress in your career.
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Conclusion
When comparing BCom Honours in Finance vs BCom in Finance, the differences lie in academic depth and outcome. A BCom in Finance is the starting point for students interested in foundational financial and business knowledge.
A BCom Honours in Finance, however, is a specialised degree designed for graduates and working professionals. The right choice depends on your current qualification and professional goals.
If you are a finance professional looking to explore senior roles, visit the Regenesys Education website. Explore our Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Finance programme.
FAQs
Can I apply for BCom Honours in Finance directly after Matric?
To apply for this degree, applicants need an NQF Level 7 qualification and relevant work experience.
How long does a BCom in Finance take to complete in South Africa?
A BCom in Finance is an NQF Level 7 degree that takes 3 years to complete with full-time study.
Does BCom Honours in Finance increase salary potential?
Yes, an advanced degree, combined with prior work experience, enables graduates to pursue senior positions with higher earning potential.
What careers can I pursue with a BCom Honours in Finance?
Graduates can explore roles such as Financial Analyst, Risk Manager, Fintech Business Analyst, or Forensic Accountant.
Which is more beneficial, BCom or BCom Honours?
The BCom provides foundational access to the industry, while the BCom Honours supports advancement into specialised roles.
