I’m taking PEM/F and want to pursue a business degree

BBA and Bcom degree programmes have a lot in common and share various course units. Under both programmes, you have an option to specialise before you get into the third year of your study.

Dear Jamesa,

I would like to take a combination of Physics, Economics, Mathematics and French (PEM/F) at A’ level. Would such a combination enable me to pursue Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) or Bachelor of Commerce (Bcom) on government sponsorship? Alex

DEAR Alex,
BBA and Bcom degree programmes have a lot in common and share various course units. Under both programmes, you have an option to specialise before you get into the third year of your study.

The following are some of the areas in which you could specialise:
Accounting
Financial management
Marketing
Supplies and procurement management
Human resource management (In Bachelor of Business Administration)

Skills
Fundamentals of accounting (I and II)
Economic theory & Managerial Economics Information
Technology Cost accounting & Financial analysis
Financial accounting
Human Resource Management Company Law & Legal Framework of Organisations

TRAINING:
Makerere University Business School offers three-year Bcom and BBA degree programmes.

Requirements
The essential subjects considered for both Bcom and BBA are Mathematics and Economics, while Physics is a desirable subject.

Based on this, therefore, your subject combination qualifies you to pursue either of the degree programmes at university. The fee is sh775,000 per semester (subject to revision)

Career Opportunities Graduates in this field are on high demand by Ugandan and foreign firms.

Graduates have found jobs as marketing executives, research analysts, accounts officers, industry equity analysts, international finance specialists, customer service personnel and numerous other management positions in Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda etc.

There are jobs in:
BAT
The Banking industry
Inter-freight companies and non-governmental organisations Telecommunications sector
Umeme

The starting monthly salary range is sh1m and above, depending on the company or organisation.

Using entrepreneurship skills acquired from their study, some graduates of these programmes venture into self-employment by opening private businesses or companies.

Government Sponsorship Although a larger percentage of government sponsorship goes to science-based programmes, arts programmes still receive sponsorship.
There are limited numbers of scholarships set aside for arts programmes and the competition is very stiff. You need to work hard and score grade ‘A’ in all the essential subjects if you are to compete for government sponsorship.
The sponsorship is strictly merit -based and you have to work for it.

Send your questions to Education Vision P.O. BOX 9815 Kampala or jwagwau@newvision.co.ug