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: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Planning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88872  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Planning 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours 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  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 
Purpose:
  • The aim of the qualification is to develop applied competence and deepen the learner's expertise in the analysis, interpretation and application of financial planning principles and research capacity in the economic environment at an advanced level.
  • Learners are also prepared for a career in the practice of financial planning and further learning in researched based postgraduate study in this field by developing research and reporting skills.
  • The learners should be able to reflect on their decisions and applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of financial planning as practice at an advanced level.

    Rationale for the qualification:
  • There is a need for qualified Financial Planners in South Africa. Academic institutions currently train learners in the fields of Investment Management, Economics, and Financial Management, but do not include the essential financial planning skills to integrate the various disciplines. Product suppliers within the Financial Industry have expressed a need for graduates that understand the principles of financial planning and have the knowledge to apply it within the economic environment. Learners that complete the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Planning degree will possess the necessary skill demanded by the market.
  • Private individuals also need access to qualified financial planners, as they are dependent on these people to create and build their future wealth to enable them to live and retire independently, without being a burden on society. This course therefore aims to deliver immediate benefits to business and the community. In Gauteng, the financial beacon of South Africa, there is a need in the immediate community for trained financial planners. This qualification will equip the learner to cope within the financial planning environment to meet above-mentioned objectives. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • A well-rounded knowledge base in, and critical understanding of Financial Planning on undergraduate level and the ability to deal with abstract problems.
  • The ability to identify and address own learning needs and to interact in a learning group.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    Recognition of prior learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

    Access to the qualification:
  • A Bachelor's degree or related qualification with Financial Planning and Investment Management as major subjects on NQF level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Minimum required credits at a specific level:

    Core:
  • 120 (Includes 60 credits for research) , Total: 120.
  • NQF Level 7.

    No elective or fundamental modules included in the programme as this is a specialisation degree. Learners select a specialisation field before entering the BCom Hons. Fundamentals is done on undergraduate level.

    Module/subject:

    Employee Benefits:
  • Core and research: 10 credits at NQF level 7 each.
  • Total: 20 credits at NQF level 7.

    Estate Planning:
  • Core and research: 10 credits at NQF level 7 each.
  • Total: 20 credits at NQF level 7.

    Financial Planning Process & Insurance:
  • Core and research: 10 credits at NQF level 7 each.
  • Total: 20 credits at NQF level 7.

    Income Tax Planning:
  • Core and research: 10 credits at NQF level 7 each.
  • Total: 20 credits at NQF level 7.

    Investment Planning:
  • Core and research: 10 credits at NQF level 7 each.
  • Total: 20 credits at NQF level 7.

    Retirement Planning:
  • Core and research: 10 credits at NQF level 7 each.
  • Total: 20 credits at NQF level 7.

    Total credits:
  • Core: 60 credits at NQF level 7.
  • Research: 60 credits at NQF level 7. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Learners should be able to demonstrate their competence at applying theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of Financial Planning correctly and reflect on the application made on the process of problem solving. (problem solving skills)

    2. Learners should be able to plan and execute research in Financial Planning, by gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpreting the relevant information correctly and reflect on the research undertaken (research skills)

    3. Learners should be able to demonstrate effective communication competence with the different role players in the Financial Planning field and applying the theoretical principles of communication (oral/written) and reflect on the application made. (communication skills)

    4. Learners should develop a theoretical and practical macro vision of Financial Planning nationally and globally in terms of socio-cultural, economic, institutional, technological and political macro factors reflecting on the differences among countries, even countries within the same region. (develop a macro-vision)

    5. Learners should be able to organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Financial Planning by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application.(self responsibility skills)

    6. Learners should be able to practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationships with others and work effectively in self-directed teams.(teamship)

    7. Learners should be able to utilise appropriate Financial Planning information systems effectively in the environment as a basis for sound decision-making. (technological and environmental literacy)

    8. Learners should be able to explore different effective learning strategies to acquire the different competencies of a financial planner. (explore learning strategies)

    9. Learners should be able to promote responsible local and global citizenship through their approach towards the holistic application of financial planning capabilities. (promoting citizenship)

    10. Learners should be able to practice acceptable social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of the Financial Planning communities and the community at large by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made within the context of cultural diversity. (cultural and aesthetic sensitivity)

    11. Learners should acquire acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the Financial Planning industry, utilising the theoretical principles and reflect on the application thereof. (employment seeking skills) 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1. Learners are able to demonstrate comprehensive and systematic theoretical knowledge in Financial Planning by:
  • Applying principles and theories.
  • The critique of current research.
  • Analysing complex real world problems using evidence-based solutions and theory driven arguments.

    2. Learners show their ability to engage in research in the field of Financial Planning by:
  • Independent gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpreting of information.
  • Applying relevant research principles using quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Reflecting on research by making sound theoretical judgements.

    3. Learners are able to communicate effectively when:
  • Presenting academic professional work using different genres in appropriate context.
  • Completing written research-based assignments in the field of Financial Planning.

    4. Learners show the capacity to operate effectively in complex, ill-defined contexts when:
  • Dealing with complex financial planning problems in real-world context.
  • Using evidence-based solutions and theory driven arguments.

    5. Learners show their ability to organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities in the field of Financial Planning by:
  • Managing research assignments autonomously, professionally and ethically.
  • Solving case studies>accepting personal responsibility for their own activities.

    6. Learners show their ability to practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationship with others by:
  • Working in a self-directed team when completing groupwork assignments.

    7. Learners show their ability to utilise appropriate technology in the Financial Planning environment by:
  • Using information retrieval and processing skills in assignments.
  • Analysing quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Using technology in class presentations.

    8. Learners show their ability to explore different learning strategies by:
  • Managing a variety of learning tasks autonomously.

    9. Learners are able to promote responsible global citizenship, through their approach/attitude towards the holistic application of financial planning capabilities in the environment.

    10. Learners are able to practice social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity towards the people of the different communities and the role players in the Financial Planning industry when:
  • Applying theoretical principles within the context of cultural diversity.

    11. Learners demonstrate employment seeking skills for entry into the different sectors of the Financial Planning industry by:
  • Being able to demonstrate their applied knowledge of financial planning in real-world circumstances.

    Integrated assessment:

    Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the qualification. Both formative and summative assessment processes are accounted for to monitor progress during the programme and to determine competence at the end of the programme.
  • Formative (continuous) assessment practices that will be implemented:

    > Learners are continuously assessed via discussion groups and class assignments, informal class tests, and formal modular tests in a written mode. They also do research in the form of independent assignments for each module.
  • Summative (final) assessment practices:

    > Integrated assessment will be done by means of a written examination for each module towards the end of the semester.
  • Pass requirements that will be implemented:

    > Learners have to obtain at least 40% in the formative assessment practices in order to gain entrance to the summative assessment. Learners pass a module if they attain at least 40% in the final summative assessment and a final mark of at least 50%. The final mark is calculated by combining the formative and summative marks in a 50:50 ratio. Research forms an integral part of the formative assessment for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The degree prepares learners for the qualifying exams of the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) to qualify as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). The CFP is an internationally recognized designation and the FPI ensures it stays relevant in the international context. As University, we have a good working relationship with the FPI, ensuring that our course content is in line with CFP requirements. (Refer to attached letter from the Financial Planning Institute.) 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Access to qualifications on the same level (horizontal):
  • Learners who are (or have been) registered for this or related qualification at another higher education or accredited training institution will be allowed, to enter or exit on the same level, given the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will, therefore, retain credit for relevant modules that have been passed, at the previous institution. The recognition of modules is subject to the approval of the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

    Access to qualifications on a higher level (vertical):
  • Having obtained this qualification, the following opportunities for further study in higher education programmes exists: Master's degree in Financial Planning at NQF level 8 or related learning areas at any higher education institution. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Recommendation of a moderating body or bodies (internal and external):
  • Internal University requirements govern how and by whom moderation and assessment is performed to ensure that assessors and moderators have the competence required to assess and moderate a qualification of this nature.
  • Moderation seeks to ensure that graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. The following measures will be used to ensure the quality of assessment procedures: use of a variety of assessment modalities; continuous evaluation results; memoranda; internal and external examiners and peer moderation.
  • Both internal and external examiners will be appointed by the Dean upon recommendation by the Department at this institution. At least one internal and external examiner will be appointed.
  • External examiners with at least a degree on NQF 8 will be selected from within the different higher education institutions or other educational institutions in South Africa or abroad. The external examiner will moderate a 10% sample of the scripts from the summative assessments. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors must have a minimum qualification on NQF level 8 in the area of specialization for the academic assessment of the study. 

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

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces qualification ID 50148, which is the Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Financial Planning, Level 7, 120 credits. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.