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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Postgraduate Diploma: Professional Accounting

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
71824	Postgraduate Diploma: Professional Accounting
ORIGINATOR
Monash South Africa
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
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered"		SAQA 2663/05	2009-07-07	2010-03-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2011-03-30		2014-03-30

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
88609	Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting	Level 7	NQF Level 08	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The Qualification seeks to provide learners with advanced specialist knowledge, relevant competencies and skills in the areas of accounting, auditing, financial management and taxation principles in order to meet the challenges of rapidly changing regional, national and global business environments and their impact on professional and commercial responsibilities and practices. The postgraduate qualification is designed to enhance the employability of learners by preparing them for careers in the accounting profession, business and commerce or for further learning in this field. A person accredited with this qualification will be able to:

Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Demonstrate expertise in the Advanced Management of Accounting.

Demonstrate expertise in the Advanced Application of Income Tax Provision and VAT.

Display mastery in Audit Processes.

Demonstrate expertise in the compilation and interpretation of Group Statements and Business Combinations.

Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of Advanced Financial Management.

Demonstrate expertise in Applied Tax and Tax Planning.

Rationale:

This Qualification is a vocationally oriented postgraduate programme designed primarily to enhance the employability of learners who have completed the Bachelor of Business and Commerce, or equivalent qualification. The qualification is also designed to prepare learners to write Part 1 of the Qualifying Examination of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) in order for the learners to progress to Chartered Accountant membership status with the Institute.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to read, analyse and reflect on study material and relevant literature on a graduate level (NQF Level 6). Learners should be able to communicate effectively using English in written and oral form. Learners must be able to manage their own study programmed and time effectively. Learners must have acquired applied competence in accounting and business context and be able to take managerial decisions in the context of the accounting profession.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

A learner may receive recognition of prior work experience where this was obtained in the relevant field.

The learner is required to submit details of such experience to the institution, and each application is handled on a case-by-case basis where the application will be evaluated against the background of programme requirements.

Access to the Qualification:

Learners must have successfully completed the Bachelor of Business and Commerce with a major in accounting, at Monash South Africa or an equivalent qualification from another accredited tertiary institution with programme specific minimum level of competencies of NQF Level 6 modules. Learner access will be provided to those who have completed a Baccalaureate degree that is accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and who will be eligible to write Part 1 of the Qualifying Examination after successfully completing the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting.

English is the language of instruction and assessment at Monash South Africa.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting is a 120 credit qualification at NQF Level 7.

The programme comprise of 8 modules of equal value. Each module is equal to 15 NQF credits (or 150 notional hours). All modules are compulsory.

Level at which qualification is fixed; Total Credits:

NQF Level 7; 120 credits.

Credits required for:

Fundamental Learning:

Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (15 Credits).

Core learning:

Advanced Management Accounting (15 Credits).

Advanced Application of Income Tax Provision and VAT(15 Credits).

Audit Process (15 Credits).

Group Statements and Business Combinations (15 Credits).

Advanced Financial Management (15 Credits).

Applied Tax and Tax Planning (15 Credits).

Audit Applications (15 Credits).

Learning Components; Number of credits allocated; NQF Level:

Fundamental; 15; 7.

Core; 105; 7.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

2. Demonstrate expertise in the Advanced Management of Accounting.

3. Demonstrate expertise in the Advanced Application of Income Tax Provision and VAT.

4. Display mastery in Audit Processes.

5. Demonstrate expertise in the compilation and interpretation of Group Statements and Business Combinations.

6. Demonstrate a coherent and critical understanding of Advanced Financial Management.

7. Demonstrate expertise in Applied Tax and Tax Planning.

Critical Cross Field outcomes:

Identifying and solving problems within the context of the work environment in which responses indicate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.

Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others in terms of the accounting profession.

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation realising the impact of accounting in the world as a set of systems.

Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making individuals aware of the importance of:
> Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
> Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
> Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
> Exploring education and career opportunities, and developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Advanced knowledge of the accounting discipline is demonstrated.

The context, in which Generally Accepted Accounting Practices are applied, is appraised.

The legal implications of accounting practices are evaluated, justified and appraised.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the professional accounting field by applying the relevant theoretical concepts and principles and reflecting on such applications made, is demonstrated.

The ability to explore different learning strategies to acquire the multidisciplinary capabilities of a professional accountant is demonstrated.

An awareness and understanding of ethical conduct in situations that may be encountered in the performance of professional duties is demonstrated.

Insight into the interrelatedness of the relevant accounting and related business disciplines in order to develop a theoretical and practical macro vision of the accounting profession internationally, nationally, regionally and locally, is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Insight into the advanced management of accounting is demonstrated.

The ability to effectively and responsibly organize and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the professional accounting field by applying the relevant concepts and principles as well as the ability to accept responsibility for their own activities in the accounting profession, is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the professional accounting field is demonstrated.

Acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others and work effectively in a multidisciplinary team or organization by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation made, is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Advanced knowledge and expertise of Income Tax Provision and VAT is demonstrated.

The legal implications of Income Tax Provision and VAT are evaluated, justified and appraised.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues regarding Tax Provision and VAT by applying the relevant legislative measures and principles, is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research regarding Income Tax Provision and VAT is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Advanced knowledge of audit processes is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the mastery of the audit process by applying the relevant theoretical concepts and principles and reflecting on such applications made, is demonstrated.

The ability to utilize appropriate technology effectively in the professional accounting environment is demonstrated.

The ability to identify and propose solutions related to the audit process is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Advanced knowledge and insight into the compilation and interpretation of Group Statements and Business Combinations, is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues related to the compilation and interpretation of Group Statements and Business Combinations is demonstrated.

The ability to utilize appropriate technology effectively in the compilation and interpretation of Group Statements and Business Combinations is demonstrated.

The ability to identify and propose solutions to evolving professional, business, economic and social problems relating to the compilation and interpretation of Group Statements and Business Combinations, is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Advanced knowledge and insight into Advanced Financial Management is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the professional accounting field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on accounting and related issues by utilizing the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken, is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues regarding Advanced Financial Management is demonstrated.

The ability to explore different learning strategies to acquire the multidisciplinary capabilities of a professional accountant, is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Advanced knowledge and expertise in Applied Tax and Tax Planning is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate regarding Applied Tax and Tax Planning is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues regarding Applied Tax and Tax Planning is demonstrated.

The ability to utilize appropriate technology Applied Tax and Tax Planning is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment:

Assessment is based on a mixture of examinations, assignments, practical assignments, class tests and project work.

In general the exit-level outcomes outlined will be assessed as follows:

Knowledge outcomes will be assessed principally through examinations and class tests, which require learners to demonstrate knowledge of fundamental concepts, their use and application.

Understanding outcomes will be assessed principally through assignments which require learners to discuss, evaluate or extrapolate concepts and techniques, and through project work which will require the learners to show their understanding of particular aspects of theory by discussing or demonstrating its application to the solution of a practical problem.

Skills outcomes will be assessed through practical assignments and group work, which require learners to use the tools and techniques that they have been taught to create appropriate solutions to specified problems.

Attitudes outcomes will be assessed through learner participation in project work and group assignments, which will require them to plan and work collaboratively.

The syllabus contains information on the specific educational outcomes of each unit and the manner in which learners will be assessed, summatively as well as formatively, in each section to evaluate whether they have achieved the specified outcomes.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Although this course is designed primarily for South African business and commercial conditions and to meet the requirements of the South African institute of Chartered Accountants, most of modules have international applicability. Monash South Africa is a subsidiary of the international Monash University based in Australia with several campuses in Australia as well as subsidiaries in Malaysia and then in South Africa. Portability of the qualification is supported by international institutes in Accountancy (see www.uk.accaglobal.com and www.cipfa.org.uk). Similar programmes such as a Master Diploma of Business Accounting and Postgraduate Diplomas in Business Commerce are presented in most of the European Countries as well as the United States for example the University of Phoenix (USA) and the University of Oxford (UK). The nature and value of the programme promote international portability as the programme meets the requirements of the SAICA.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Monash has committed itself to fostering lifelong learning opportunities and developing more flexible programme award structures and articulation options.

Vertical Articulation:

Pathways to Postgraduate Degrees:

A learner will have successfully completed the Bachelor of Business and Commerce with a major in accounting or an equivalent SAICA accredited NQF Level 6 qualification.

Pathways from Monash Higher Degrees:

Successful completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting will prepare learners to write Part 1 of the Qualifying Examination of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and after completing the appropriate work experience and specialist study requirements allow learners to write Part 2 of the Qualifying Examination in order to attain Chartered Accountant membership status with SAICA.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Accounting is a continuation of the Bachelor of Business and Commerce or equivalent qualification and provides a pathway to either coursework or research masters degrees such as the MCom, or PhD provided they fulfil the relevant entry requirements. Applicants may be required to undertake additional modules in order to satisfy the entry requirements of specific postgraduate courses.

Horizontal Articulation:

This qualification serves as an entry/exit point to the related qualification(s):

Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Postgraduate Diploma in Auditing, NQF Level 7.

Hons B Accountancy in Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.

Hons Accountancy in Auditing, NQF Level 7.

M.Accountancy, NQF Level 8.

The minimum syllabus and level knowledge, applicable and integration are determined by the educational committee of the Public Accountants' and Auditors' Board and/or the South African Institution of Chartered Accountants. All universities should be completely articulate in this respect. Other articulation possibilities, either generic or specific.

MODERATION OPTIONS

See Monash Moderation Policy.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

See the criteria as regulated by the international policy of Monash University and Monash South Africa.

NOTES

This qualification has been replaced by Qualification ID 88609, Postgraduate Diploma: Accounting, Level 7, 120 credits.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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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