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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112603  Postgraduate Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-10-30  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 Postgraduate Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting offer learners the opportunity to gain scientific knowledge, analytical skills, theoretical insight and practical experience. The qualification prepares competent learners to perform complex challenges, procedures and processes in a Cost and Management Accounting environment. The successful learner in this qualification will function and contribute to a higher cognitive level within the Cost and Management Accounting sector. The qualification will assist learners in the planning and development functions (budgeting, strategic planning, resource planning) in cost and management accounting to ensure the effective utilisation of resources. The focus of this qualification is also to develop employable Cost and Management Accountants that will address the critical shortage in the industry and the socio-economic needs of South Africa with the above mentioned in mind. The institution conducted benchmarking with other institutions and professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the South African Institute of Business Accountants (SAIBA). Knowledge production must increase for South Africa to achieve its national development goals. The qualification focuses on trades and occupations contemplated in the skills development act of 1998 (Act 97 of 1998) overseen by the quality council for trades and professions. Also, taking into consideration the academic approach of Vygotsky's social constructivism model preparing learners for critical thinking in real-world situations. The curriculum is aligned with that of CIMA to ensure professional accreditation.

Rationale:
This qualification prepares learners to gain in-depth knowledge into the role of the cost and management accountant, in ensuring the organisation survives in a competitive business environment. The qualification assists learners in the planning function to ensure the effective utilisation of resources. The teaching, learning, assessment, and research approach in this qualification addresses industry, social, economic and community needs of South Africa. The qualification is designed to give specialised knowledge in a disciplined field of study which needs specific skills and applied competencies that provide opportunities for continued intellectual growth. The qualification will open opportunities for learners for further investigation while also focusing on the development of employable Cost and Management Accountants and Financial Accountants. Also, to address the critical shortage in the industry and to align with the national development plan of South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
According to policies governing higher education, RPL is possible for learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses. These learners need to demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

An RPL process can credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of the workplace and work-integrated learning.

Learners submitting for RPL will be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and may be required to submit a portfolio of evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place:
  • The learner applies for RPL against the module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-HOD).
  • The completion of an exemption form for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
  • Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
  • Only then may the prospective learner continue with full registration.

    The institution will use the principles of RPL to assess two broad kinds of prior learning for credit:
  • Recognition of prior accredited learning. (Formal RPL).
  • The current qualification is attainable through recognition of unit standards, modules or qualifications obtained at accredited institutions.
  • Recognition of prior experiential learning. (Work experience, Informal, Non-formal).

    Recognition of prior experiential learning (work experience) focuses on the principle of matching previous learning with the learning outcomes of a target qualification. RPL is a means of 'translating' the prior learning into the "levels and credits' of the qualification framework in the formal system. RPL refers to learning acquired in an 'uncredentialled' context, such as through work experience or life experience. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 144 Credits:
  • Research Project in Cost and Management Accounting, 30 Credits.
  • Cost and Management Accounting Module 1, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting, Module 1, 15 Credits.
  • Strategic Financial Management Module 1, 15 Credits.
  • Business Strategy, 12 Credits.
  • Cost and Management Accounting Module 2, 15 Credits.
  • Financial Reporting, Module 2, 15 Credits.
  • Strategic Financial Management Module 1, 15 Credits.
  • Business Strategy, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding and be able to apply the dynamics of cost and management accounting methodologies within the discipline.
    2. Contribute towards the growth and strategic development of an organisation through effective planning and control of resources.
    3. Perform individually and within a team in a management accounting function.
    4. Work independently (project and research) to demonstrate a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
    5. Accept/undertake a supervisory role within an organisation.
    6. Demonstrate a sound understanding of the research process and the application of different research methodologies in writing a research proposal which could be submitted to support further studies, for example, Master's studies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills.
  • Identify and analyse a research problem.
  • Apply and construct arguments as part of the research proposal's content.
  • Utilise logical thinking skills to identify a research problem.
  • Apply research processes to address a research problem.
  • Perform report writing skills by writing a research proposal.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is per the assessment policy of the institution. Summative, formal and informal assessment strategies are used to develop the learners' competence in this qualification. Informal assessments typically include discussions, quizzes, feedback sessions, and peer assessments, among others. Formal assessments include class and semester tests, presentations and assignments. Summative assessments will typically include but are not limited to, semester tests, examinations, portfolios or a proposal with regards to the research project. Following the institution's assessment policy, learners are allowed a second examination opportunity, regardless of their results in the main examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The institution compared the qualification with Trinity College Dublin (Ireland) which offers similar Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting. The qualification contains the following modules, namely, Financial Accounting, Financial \Management Accounting, Taxation Audit Company Law Financial Reporting Advanced Financial Management Performance Measurement Advanced Taxation Forensic Accounting.

    Heriot-Watt University's (Scotland) Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Management uses a range of assessment types at all stages of the study. Formative assessment is used in many courses to provide learners and staff with feedback on performance and the achievement of learning outcomes. This feedback is both to inform programme development, but also to enable the adaptation of learning opportunities to meet the needs of individual learners and the cohort of learners. Summative assessment for most courses involves a combination of coursework and examinations, with higher weight typically given to unseen study rather than coursework. Its appropriateness determines the format of all assessment for measuring the learning outcomes of courses. The Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Management do not specialise in cost and management accounting, but only provide cost and management as a subject in one of the years of study.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Finance and Management comprises the following:
  • Corporate Governance: Develops an understanding of issues relating to corporate governance and the financial research methods used to approach them including principal-agent theory, ownership structure and control, the board of directors, CEO turnover, mergers and acquisitions and state versus private ownership.
  • Financial Analysis: This module examines how to analyse the financial performance of an organisation through the use of published financial information.
  • Competitive Strategy: Examines how companies compete by developing and understanding the interactions and relationships between theoretical concepts; examining the individual components of strategic management models and considering how companies may achieve and sustain competitive advantage.
  • Capital Markets: Examines the way financial markets and institutions function in practice, with particular emphasis on equities and bonds.
  • Corporate Finance: This module introduces contemporary topics in corporate finance and looks at the major decisions facing a firm in this area.
  • Emerging Financial Markets: Supplements understanding of mainstream finance during the year, and applies it to the specific circumstances of emerging financial markets. This exposure assists learners in identifying possible dissertation topics and data sources.
  • Project Management: Examines monitoring and controlling projects. Develops competence in the use of quantitative and qualitative project planning and control tools and techniques.
  • Research Methods: The module focuses on both qualitative and quantitative techniques. This module will equip learners with the means to develop and carry out their research projects and to evaluate the contributions of others.
  • Comparative Financial Reporting: Provides an international perspective to the study of accounting by looking at the reasons for national differences, the tendencies towards harmonisation, the problems of multinational companies, as well as analysis and evaluation of financial reports prepared in other countries.
  • Project Finance, Accounting & Control: Explores developments in the economic analysis of management accounting including strategic management accounting, capital budgeting, project appraisal, budgeting and control within an organisational context. Alternative modes of analysis that demonstrate the social impact of management accounting techniques are also considered.
  • Research in Finance: Covers quantitative methods used in research in the area of finance and financial markets. It will extend knowledge from the main Research Methods course by equipping students with modern methodology applied for the time series analysis. The first part of the course is focused on the theory and the second one on practical applications in the computer lab.

    Learners will build models of stock and currency prices, evaluate them using different criteria and use them for the forecasts and formulation of trading strategies. They should perform their work using real data from financial markets. Learners need to apply modern econometric methods. They will prepare themselves for their dissertation as well as for further research, either in academia or in the non-academic world. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Accounting Science, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Management Accounting, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.