SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
110333	Master of Accountancy in Financial Accounting
ORIGINATOR
University of KwaZulu-Natal
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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 qualification aims to produce entrants to the professional fields in the Financial, Commercial and Industrial sectors to meet the challenges presented by South Africa's growing economy. The qualification aims to equip the leaner with the academic knowledge necessary for working in the financial sector of the economy, then being able to apply this academic knowledge in practical situations.

Rationale:
There is currently a shortage of financial accounting experts in South Africa, and there is a need for a Master's qualification in financial accounting. There is also a particular lack of Research in the field of Accounting in South Africa and the program provides a vehicle to expand research activities in this field. In addition, the qualification provides entry into Doctoral studies.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

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

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Accountancy, Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 196 Credits:

Research Methodology, 16 Credits.

Reporting Financial Positions, 32 Credits.

Reporting Financial Performance, 32 Credits.

Presentation of Financial Statements, 16 Credits.

M Research Dissertation Financial Accounting, 96 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Critically evaluate the conceptual framework and the reporting requirements of the International Accounting Standards Board with particular reference to reporting the financial position of the enterprise.
2. Critically evaluate the conceptual framework and the reporting requirements of the International Accounting Standards Board with particular reference to reporting the financial performance of the enterprise.
3. Critically evaluate the reporting requirements of the International Accounting Standards Board with particular reference to the South African reporting environment.
4. Produce a dissertation consisting of at least 20 000 words on an aspect of Financial Accounting.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Present two papers for three of the modules and the fourth module comprises the research dissertation.

Independently carry out research aiming at fostering a research ethos in the student.

Apply knowledge from other related topics, and provide a recommended solution to the problem.

Integrated Assessment:
The papers and examination questions simulate real-world problems. The case studies focus on a particular topic, but require application of knowledge from other related topics, in order to provide a recommended solution to the problem. All modules within this qualification are linked, and students must draw on their specific knowledge from other integral modules and or topics in order to successfully complete the prescribed case studies or assignments.

The qualification uses a problem-based approach, integrating theory and practice. Leaners are guided through a series of graded case study questions that simulate real world financial problems. This approach is considered appropriate for two reasons: firstly, this approach fosters critical independent thinking by the students, and secondly (as noted above), these questions simulate practical situations. Leaners are required to present two papers for three of the modules and the fourth module comprises the research dissertation. These papers and the research dissertation require the student to independently carry out research and thus foster a research ethos in the leaners. The papers and examination questions simulate real-world problems. The cases focus on a particular topic, but require application of knowledge from other related topics, in order to provide a recommended solution to the problem.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is comparable with similar qualifications offered in various higher education institutions internationally.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Accountancy, Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Accountancy, Level 10.

Doctor of Commerce in Accounting, Level 10.

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.

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