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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96459  Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
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  Generic Management 
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 Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning is to develop expert legal practitioners or financial planning experts, specifically around Estate Planning in various contexts. The qualification aims to enhance appropriate knowledge and competencies through participative learning, enabling learners to make informed decisions, addressing challenges and issues and enables learners to provide sound advice based on legal and professional principles.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning intends to deliver learners who can act ethically and professionally, think analytically, communicate with relevant role players in the industry, interact effectively with the public and evaluate and apply relevant information from legislation, literature and secondary date sources to specific practical scenarios. On achieving this qualification the learner will be able to:
  • Explain and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Estate Planning industry.
  • Understand and apply all the legislative and industry specific requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Estate Planning industry.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts and core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Estate Planning industry.
  • Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical administration processes.

    Rationale:
    The purpose of this qualification is to provide individuals with an academic qualification and the necessary skills to become experts in the field of Estate Planning. Such learners will be able to provide leadership and expert advice within a multitude of financial and legal contexts e.g. providing advice to the Board of Trustees and to employees about legislative issues surrounding the Estate Planning industry. This qualification will also open doors to further study opportunities for individuals working in this specific environment, but who has not obtained a qualification.

    Based upon its long-standing and respected expertise in tertiary education and training, its academic capacity, capability and infrastructure, the Centre for Financial Planning Law (CFPL) at the institution will be administering this qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning is unique to the institution as it is not being offered by any other tertiary institution in South Africa thus enabling the institution to fill a gap that has been identified in the education and training arena. Furthermore, the CFPL is uniquely positioned to be able to provide such a qualification due to its position in the market, its current involvement with the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa and the experience and skill that is available. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The assessment of prior learning are governed by the regulations of the institution and supported by the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Centre, in collaboration with heads of departments and programme directors of the institution. Assessment of prior learning concerns the recognition of formal learning successfully attained at other institutions learning that has already been assessed and accredited, as well as the recognition of prior learning acquired in other contexts (by means of work experience or other formal training). The qualification can therefore be achieved in part or in whole by means of the RPL process.

    Entry Requirements:
    Minimum entry requirements are on the basis of the following:
  • A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in a cognate field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises of compulsory modules and an elective module at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.
    Compulsory Module, 60 Credits:
  • Estate Planning, 60 Credits.

    Electives Modules, 60 Credits:
    Learner must choose either one:
  • Personal risk management, 60 Credits.
  • Asset types and investment planning, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explain and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Estate Planning industry.
    2. Apply an understanding of the legislative and industry specific requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Estate Planning industry.
    3. Demonstrate advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts, core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Estate Planning industry.
    4. Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical administration processes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A risk-based approach to distinguish between different levels of risks is applied.
  • Principles and methodology of personal risk management are applied.
  • Creation and preservation of wealth is distinguished.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate methodology in identifying, evaluating and selecting appropriate risk handling methods to mitigate risks is utilised.
  • The legal and regulatory environment pertaining to risk management is understood.
  • Financial markets and investment instruments relevant in the current economic climates are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Legal and tax solutions in the areas of accumulation, conservation and distribution planning are applied.
  • Objectives of estate planning and the estate planning process are explained and understood.
  • Components of estate planning are considered and addressed to produce an effective and practical estate plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 4:
  • The working of the stock market is understood.
  • Different investment instruments available are compared and identified.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The objective of integrated assessment in the Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning qualification is to assess whether the learners have acquired the necessary general financial planning skills and knowledge to effectively advice and provide leadership in the estate planning environment. Assessment in the qualification intends to improve the curriculum, inform teaching, guide learning (formative), monitor learner progress, and for grading purposes (summative).

    Summative assessment will include one assignment for each module and the examination sessions, internal moderation and external moderation are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures. Suitably qualified external moderators/examiners are appointed in terms of clear criteria and administrative procedures and conduct their responsibilities in terms of clear guidelines. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparison for the Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning NQF Level 8 was conducted against international qualifications from the institutions known to have world renowned reputations for the provision of estate planning/management qualifications such as: UNSW Business School in Australia and the George Brown College in Canada.

    Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning - UNSW Business School - Australia:
    The aim of the qualification is to meet the growing industry demand for specialist skills in financial planning and to develop learner`s investment, financial planning and taxation knowledge in a short timeframe. Furthermore the qualification will assist industry practitioners who want to develop their knowledge and skills in financial markets, financial planning, investment, and taxation law and strategies and risk management. Professionals wishing to undertake study in investment, financial planning and taxation to build a career in personal financial advisory will also be catered for by studying this qualification.

    Qualification Structure:
    The Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning consists of 8 modules, 6 compulsory core modules and 2 elective modules.

    Financial Planning Qualification (Postgraduate) - George Brown College - Canada:
    The George Brown College Financial Planning qualification provides learners with the knowledge and skills to work in the field of financial services. The qualification is also offered on a part time basis. The qualification meets the system-wide standards set by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities (MTCU). The scope in terms of areas to be covered by learners during their study includes the following:
  • Financial investment decisions and the principles of financial planning.
  • Determining the funds needed upon retirement, and the use of powers of attorney in estate planning.
  • Personal income tax liability and the rules associated with net income, taxable income, stock options, capital property and income splitting.
  • Insurance types and the appropriate insurance strategies in the context of risk management.

    Employment Opportunities:
    Some of the employment opportunities upon completion of the qualification include the following:
  • Financial Advisor/Planner.
  • Financial Services Representative.
  • Personal Banking Officer.
  • Investment Advisor.

    Conclusion:
    In conclusion it is clear from the comparison conducted that there are countries which offer estate planning, but it is mostly called estate management. However, it is also evident that this qualification is not done as a standalone but as part of financial management qualification. The comparison done also revealed that there are similarities with regard to the purpose of the qualifications since all the qualifications seek to equip learners with the skill and knowledge to work effectively to work in the financial services environment. This will include investment, and taxation law and strategies and risk management. In addition, modular similarities such as estate planning, risk management and investment in these qualifications were found. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification enables learners to articulate both vertically and horizontally.
    Horizontal articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Estate Planning and Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Financial Planning, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Master of Administration, 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. University of the Free State 


    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.