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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94571  Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
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
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 purpose 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 research based Postgraduate study in the field by developing research and reporting skills. The learner should be able to reflect on their decisions and applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of financial planning as a practice at an advanced level.

Rationale:
There is a dire need to improve financial planning for business and individual in the country to stimulate growth of the economy. It becomes obvious that financial understanding has been attained when measurable financial goals are set, the effect of each financial decision is understood, the financial situation is periodically evaluated, financial planning is done as soon as possible with realistic expectations and ultimately when one realises that only he or she is fully in charge of it. This will be possible with the advice from an expert in the field. The Financial Planner with competencies in analysing, interpreting and applying financial planning principles will capable of providing professional financial advice. The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning also provides a basis for further professional studies and will prepare learners to write the professional membership examinations to be registered as a Certified Financial Planner by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. In the RPL process learners have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course (PDC) to support the learner's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest Financial Planning as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree.
    Or
  • An Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling at 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Tax and Estate Planning, 30 Credits.
  • Research and Communication in Finance, 15 Credits.
  • Insurance Long Term, 15 Credits.
  • Investment Management, 15 Credits.
  • Insurance Short term, 15 Credits.
  • Retirement Planning, 15 Credits.
  • Contemporary Management Topics, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply their knowledge of and insight into the theory and practice of financial management to complex and/or real-life problems.
    2. Implement and advise on financial strategies in a local and international context to ensure wealth creation.
    3. Compile, evaluate and use financial information to support strategic decision making and strategic control.
    4. Present an understanding of the complex relationships an organisation has with its stakeholders, industry, and the local and global environments.
    5. Provide holistic employee benefits advice with regards to registered and approved retirement funds. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Theoretical principles of problem identification and solution in the finance field are accurately applied and reflect on the application thereof.
  • Financial, economic and business sciences are integrated to develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the international, national and regional business and financial environment.
  • Work effectively in teams applying relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation thereof.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An understanding of how the stork markets locally and internationally works is demonstrated.
  • Different investment instruments of the stock market are identified and compare.
  • Risk handling methods to mitigate risks are appropriately identified, evaluated and selected.
  • Proficiency is applied in the principles and methodology of personal risk management and to differentiate between the creation and preservation of wealth.
  • Risk-based approach to distinguish between different levels of risk is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Different strategies to acquire multidisciplinary capabilities in the financial planning field explored and applied.
  • Resources and opportunities in the financial planning field are effectively and responsibly organised.
  • Different strategies to acquire multidisciplinary capabilities in the financial planning field explored and applied.
  • The regulations within the financial environment in which financial planners operate are understood and observed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Different role players are communicated with orally or in writing by applying professional communication principles.
  • Appropriate technology (computer software) is used to solve problems in the financial planning environment.
  • Acceptable social and cultural sensitivity is practised towards people of different social, cultural and economic backgrounds.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • All concepts relating to registered retirement fund vehicles are applied and evaluated.
  • Financial markets and investment instruments relevant in the current economic climate are identified.
  • Responsible citizenship is practiced through utilising a holistic approach to the application of professional ethics and values in the financial planning field.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment takes place according to strict assessment criteria as outlined in the prescribed module descriptor. Lecturers set assignments, class tests and the final assessment papers in terms of module outcomes viz. Adequate level of relevant text comprehension to be demonstrated, adequate range of relevant sources to have been accessed and relevant problems to have been grasped, and appropriate theoretical and practical assignments and case studies as well as solutions to problems to have been presented This ensures that assessments maintain a certain standard in accordance with the standards as set out in the syllabus. An external moderator moderate's assessment papers set. The same principle applies to the final marking of the assessments. This ensures that skills and concepts are mastered, thereby maintaining a standard of assessment relevant to this offering. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International academic institutions such as Jadavpur University in India offer a similar qualification in the same field. The qualification equips candidates with the ability to manage the funds and portfolios of various customers under various capacities while working with top industry professionals in the insurance, banking, mutual funds, stock broking and financial planning and investment groups in India and abroad. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Finance also prepares the learners for internationally recognised certifications such as Associate Financial Planner (AFP) and Certified Financial Planner CM (CFPCM) which are authorized by FPSB, India and various other industries recognised certifications like AMFI Mutual Fund Module, Debt and Securities Market Module etc.

    Charles Stuart University in Australia offer Postgraduate Diplomas in Financial Planning which train graduates for a career in financial services. The qualification provides learners with the opportunities to obtain the educational and competency skills necessary to operate as leading financial planning professionals for the 21st Century. The qualification develops financial planners who will provide advice on investments, insurance retirement and life planning.

    Conclusion:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning will enable successful learners to write the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) board exam (CFP) which is an international standard. It compares favourably with other qualifications interminably in terms of modules and outcomes. This qualification also allows learners to become member of professional body which the other qualifications internationally also provide for that function. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Finance Banking and Investment Management.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Public Finance Management.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Science: Financial Management.
  • Master of Commerce in Banking and Financial Risk Management. 
    		•

    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 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. University of the Western Cape 


    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.