SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
124752	Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0434/25	2025-08-21	2028-08-21
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-08-21		2032-08-21

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management is to provide learners with the necessary advanced knowledge to undertake highly skilled professional work within the discipline of financial management. The qualification comprises a broad-based curriculum to prepare the postgraduate learners for a wide range of finance-related specialities.

The qualification emphasises application, analysis and evaluation within each topic area as well as the application of integrity and ethics in a professional environment. The qualifications will provide learners with the skills to synthesise complex financial, managerial, ethical, risk and research principles to drive and add value to the entities that employ them.

Successful learners will gain an overall financial and business perspective, which will provide them with a competitive advantage for employment. The demands of the fourth industrial revolution require a different type of financial manager. Traditional financial management processes are becoming increasingly irrelevant as most financial management activity is transferring towards an online environment. Therefore, the purpose of this qualification is to re-equip learners with relevant financial management skills in the fields of finance, economics, ethics, risk management and other aspects of the financial management field.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Demonstrate a critical understanding of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in the specialised areas of financial management.

Utilise financial management skills to develop creative responses to problems through critical revision of financial management processes.

Analyse and evaluate conceptual (theoretical) and contextual (applied) financial management approaches to manage business performance.
Apply knowledge based on principles from economic and management sciences, including market functions and structures, as well as efficiency in manpower and resource management, to real-life financial management issues.

Rationale:
Financial Management has become progressively complex due to globalisation, advancements in technology, and varying shareholder expectations. Organisations
now operate in a highly interconnected and interdependent global financial market. Managing these complex finance functions requires specialised knowledge and
skills.
As businesses recognise the critical role that financial management plays in their success, there is a growing demand for professionals with expertise in this field. Companies need financial managers who can optimise profitability, reduce costs, enhance customer service, mitigate risks and drive overall organisational efficiency and performance.
The field of financial management is constantly evolving new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Internet of Things (IoT), are reshaping financial management functions and creating new opportunities and challenges.

The qualification will ensure that learners are up to date with the latest trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in the industry, enabling them to make informed finance decisions and drive innovation. Learners will develop skills and knowledge in the fields of finance, ethics, economics, management accounting and risk management. Learners will be able to apply theory to real-world scenarios in business situations, case studies, group projects and role-playing exercises.

Financial management is increasingly important to government organisations and companies in a competitive market across a variety of sectors. The qualification aims to attract learners who are qualified supply chain employees or those aspiring to become supply chain specialists. This qualification aims to keep the South African industry at the cutting edge of new development through access to both local and international knowledge.

For an organisation to gain a competitive advantage and to succeed in contemporary economies, effective financial management is required. The responsibility of financial managers is to ensure that the various finance functions and processes of the organisation operate in an efficient and effective manner. To do this, financial managers need to be able to understand and assess the effectiveness of the various financial areas of an organisation.

This qualification will assist financial managers to understand the aspects that comprise the organisation and the various decisions made by managers at all management levels. This will assist financial managers in making the correct decisions when required to do so, particularly in times of crisis. Being able to make correct decisions and having a thorough understanding of the organisation and the interrelatedness of the financial areas will ensure that the business is not negatively affected by external changes.

In a constantly evolving economy and rapidly changing environments, financial managers require a range of skills to successfully manage finance. Without these skills, financial managers will be unable to succeed and cope with competitors and external challenges. Financial managers also require various managerial skills to deal with their employees and ensure that employees utilise their abilities in the most positive way for their organisation. Thus, the skills provided by furthering studies in financial management allow financial managers to improve their competitive advantage. Organisations themselves require financial managers who have a range of skills and understanding at an advanced level across all the financial areas of an organisation.

The encompassing of the various aspects of financial management, such as managerial finance, economics, operations, business ethics and corporate governance, will provide learners with a wide variety of skills and knowledge to succeed in contemporary organisations. The qualification will also provide opportunities for learners to move forward in their careers and between the various sectors of the economy, and to contribute to enhancing productivity and efficiency within their organisations. It is also suitable for continuing professional development, and for learners to upgrade their skills and knowledge base.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): RPL for access:
The institution recognises the importance of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in ensuring that applicants who possess skills acquired through life or work experience and non-formal education are catered for. The RPL assessment will focus on ways of evaluating a person's lifelong experiences (formal and informal) against a set of predetermined criteria.
Recognition of prior learning takes account of:

Formal study.

Age.

Work experience.

Studies that were undertaken for personal gain or interest, company-based training, industry-based training, working with experts in the field, internships, and life experience. Exemption is granted for RPL when, in the assessment of the institution's selection committee, the learner's knowledge and skills correspond to the learning outcomes of the course or specific module for which credit is applied. It is important to remember that the selection committee will focus on quality and not the quantity of prior learning and/or experience. Some of the criteria that are used in evaluating non-standard applicants include:

The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.

The job description, covering the relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, and possibly supplying references.

The nature and level of life work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.

Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, and standards achieved.

The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.

The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the programme, a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) will be obtained from the applicant.

In keeping with the national norms, the institution will not exceed 10% of the learner population of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management via the RPL route for any intake.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

An appropriate bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, NQF Level 7
Or

An appropriate Advanced Diploma or equivalent qualification, NQF Level 7 .
And

At least two (2) years of working experience.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:

Advanced Financial Management, 20 Credits.

Business Ethics and Corporate Governance, 20 Credits.

Managerial Economics, 20 Credits.

Management Accounting, 20 Credits.

Risk Management, 20 Credits.

Business Research, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of quantitative and qualitative methodologies in the specialised areas of financial management.
2. Utilise financial management skills to develop creative responses to problems through critical revision of financial management processes.
3. Analyse and evaluate conceptual (theoretical) and contextual (applied) financial management approaches to manage business performance.
4. Apply knowledge based on economic and management sciences principles, including market functions and structures, efficiency in manpower and resources management, to real-life financial management issues.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of financial risk as part of an entity's risk management policy by developing and evaluating risk management policies related to financial risk.
6. Apply professional standards, principles of ethics and governance processes to address ethical issues and enhance business sustainability.
7. Demonstrate advanced scholarship in the various financial specialisation areas by reviewing multiple sources of knowledge in the various areas of financial management.
8. Analyse and apply relevant research, including the application of research methods and techniques to critically evaluate financial processes and policy alternatives.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria is integrated:
The following Associated Assessment Criteria are integrated:

Independently conduct and demonstrate the analysis and interpretation of theoretical, quantitative and qualitative data and information coherent and critical insight by means of well-rounded, theory-driven driven and evidence-based arguments.

Identify and analyse the financial needs and specific gaps that need to be filled by financial intervention policies for faster growth and development.

Identify applicable methods and suitable strategies to collect, analyse and interpret financial information to overcome complex financial challenges.

Select, analyse and present Information relative to financial management using appropriate standards of reporting.

Apply awareness of the complexity of professional standards and the implications of decisions within the field of financial management.

Select and explain financial management procedures to address complex challenges professionally and autonomously.

Evaluate complex problems related to the areas of specialization by taking into consideration the economic, ethical and risk contexts.

Analyse viewpoints, insights, and ideas that reflect acceptable sensitivity to financial management and related work environments.

Utilise current research and multiple sources of scholarly or professional judgements, using well-researched arguments.

Select and apply methods and procedures in financial management to address complex or abstract and real-life problems in a professional manner within the field of business finance.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
The assessment of the modules in this qualification consists of formative continuous assessments and a summative examination. The final mark is computed as a weighted average of 40% of the formative assessments and 60% of the summative examination.

Formative assessments:
There are three (3) formative assessments:

A quiz.

Assignment.

Proctored test.

Learners are required to achieve a sub-minimum of 30% in the formative component. Summative Assessment:
Learners are required to achieve 40% in the summative component. The learner must obtain an overall mark of at least 50% to successfully complete a module.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification has been compared with qualifications from the following countries.
Country: Tanzania
Institution: Institute of Finance Management
Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management. Duration: One year full-time.

Entry requirements

First Degree /or an Advanced diploma from a recognised higher learning institution.

Qualification purpose/rationale.
The overall objective of the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Management is to provide education and training to financial analysts, planners and related cadres. The course prepares learners to participate effectively in expertise, especially now with emerging capital markets and transactions.
Qualification structure:
Modules
First semester

Quantitative Techniques for Business

Business Computing.

Managerial Economics.

Advanced Financial Management, compared with Advanced Financial Management.

Investment And Portfolio Management.

Management, Corporate Governance and Ethics.

Second semester

Advanced Taxation

Management Accounting, compared with Management Accounting.

Advanced Project Management

Strategic Management

Research Project, compared with Business Research.

E-Commerce.

Similarities:

The Tanzanian and South African (SA) qualifications are offered on a full-time, one-year basis.

The Tanzanian and South African share similar modules, including Research Project, Management Accounting, and Advanced Financial Management.
Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Sheffield Hallam University (SHU)
Qualification title: BA (Honours) Business Management and Finance. Credits: 120

Purpose/rationale
The purpose of the qualification is to develop knowledge and apply a variety of business management and finance theories and principles, forming a good understanding of what makes a successful business. You will develop skills as a team player and gain up-to-date knowledge of how managers work to achieve organisational objectives.

Qualification modules:

Contemporary Business Management.

Foundations of Business, comparable to Business Ethics and Corporate Governance.

Introduction to Finance, comparable to Advanced Financial Management.

Understanding People and Cultures.

Similarities:

Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) and South African (SA) share similar comparable modules such as Introduction to Finance and Foundations of Business.

SHU and SA qualifications have 120 credits.

Both qualifications will provide learners with an understanding of various business management and finance theories and principles, as well as the ability to apply them in practice.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Management, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.

Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Banking and Investment Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Economics, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Development Finance, NQF Level 9.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

1.	Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School