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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
19448  Postgraduate Diploma in Accountancy 
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University 
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  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The Diploma intends as specialised training for people who intend qualifying as Chartered Accountants.

1. The purpose of the qualification is to produce high-quality learners who are capable of writing Part 1 of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants qualifying examination at the earliest opportunity, and who have the basic training to be able, with further practical training in an accounting firm, to succeed in attaining the position of Chartered Accountants.
2. The qualification also provides the basic techniques for independent research, analysis and articulation of ideas. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the institution's rules governing the Recognition of Prior Learning and experience.

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Accountancy, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Accountancy, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The learner will possess an adequate knowledge of Accounting and its related sub-disciplines to pursue further training as a Chartered Accountant, or to commence an appropriate similar career in a commercial environment.
    2. The learner will be competent to communicate in a professional manner.
    3. The learner will have an understanding of the nature of academic endeavour and appreciates the need for life-long learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    In order to meet this Exit Level Outcome, the learner will:
  • Have a broad understanding of the concepts and principles necessary for functioning in a business or industrial environment.
  • Have an awareness of the critical techniques necessary for the study and application of accounting principles and the ability to evaluate competing sources of information.
  • Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to accounting.
  • Have the ability to integrate the concepts and principles applying to the sub-disciplines of accounting, taxation, management accounting & finance, and auditing in solving complex business problems.
  • Be able to behave in an adaptable manner, with sound social skills in dealing with others.
  • Have the ability to perform tasks independently without supervision.
  • Be able to work effectively on projects as a member of the team.
  • Have the ability to think literally and innovatively in applying concepts and principles in a business environment.
  • Display judgement and objectivity in analysing information and performing tasks.
  • Have an appreciation of the need to respond ethically and to operate with integrity and moral courage in the business environment.

    2. In order to meet this Exit Level Outcome, the learner will:
  • Be able to communicate accounting ideas and principles in both the spoken and written word.
  • Be able to use appropriate technology to facilitate computation and communication.
  • Be aware of the multilingual nature of South African society, and are able to use language appropriately.

    3. In order to meet this Exit Level Outcome, the learner will:
  • Possess a framework against which new information and advances in accounting can be assessed and assimilated.
  • Be able to access new information from libraries, the Internet and other appropriate sources.
  • Understand that business and economic systems change continually requiring the acquisition and application of new information to address changing circumstances requiring the need for life-long learning.

    Integrated assessment is incorporated using a wide range of formative and summative assessment methods:
    Assessment entails three elements: Continual formal assessment, both formative and summative; continual informal assessment (formative) e.g. in tutorials; and, formal end-of-course assessment (summative) e.g. by way of examinations.

    The course work on which continuous assessment is based includes work done individually and in groups, and may consist of combinations of tests, essays, practical reports and seminars. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accountancy, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Accountancy, Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Accountancy, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. Rhodes University 


    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.