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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma: Internal Auditing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
84146  Postgraduate Diploma: Internal Auditing 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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  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 qualification is designed to equip graduates with the essential knowledge and specific skills in order to be competent in performing internal audit engagements (manual and computerised) and to act as internal audit managers or internal audit consultants. It is designed to enhance the employability of learners by preparing them for the internal audit profession or for further learning in this field.

A person accredited with this qualification will be able to demonstrate:
  • A coherent and critical understanding of the International Professional Practice Framework (IPPF) of the Institute of Internal Auditors.
  • Expertise in advanced internal auditing.
  • Expertise in assessment of risk, internal control and corporate governance matters.
  • Expertise in information systems auditing.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is a vocationally orientated Postgraduate programme designed primarily to enhance the employability of learners who have completed the Bachelor of Accounting (or similar equivalent qualification). The qualification will also prepare the learners for the four parts of the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) professional (international) qualification of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).

    The qualification seeks to:
  • Equip students with knowledge of advanced socio-economic and economic aspects of internal auditing.
  • Provide a sufficient number of professionals with additional skills in internal auditing and related fields.
  • Meet the national need for qualified internal auditors (private and public sector).
  • Respond to the need for qualified individuals who can act as internal audit managers.
  • Respond to the need for qualified individuals who can act as internal audit consultants. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this qualification are assumed to have:
  • Knowledge regarding financial accounting principles including Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP).
  • Basic knowledge regarding the auditing process, auditing standards and codes of professional conduct of one or more professional bodies such as the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
  • Capacity to do self study and complete written assignments.
  • Capacity in applying computer software in preparing reports, assignments and spreadsheets.
  • Ability to communicate in English (read, write, speak) and critically analyse, interpret or assimilate information.
  • Ability to manage own time.
  • The background knowledge contained in relevant three year Bachelor's Degrees or Advanced Diplomas in the accountancy related fields.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    A relevant Bachelor's Degree or Advanced Diploma would be the usual route to admission. However, in particular cases learners without such qualification but with proven expertise and competency will be allowed to apply for provisional status for acceptance onto the programme in line with the NMMU Recognition of Prior Learning policy. In addition, candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of relevant prior programme(s) of study. In all cases, recognition will be considered under the conditions of SAQA and NMMU policies and approval by faculty structures.

    Access to the Qualification:

    A relevant NQF Level 7 Bachelors Degree or Advanced Diploma with Auditing and Management Accounting as majors and an average final mark of 55% in the final year modules.

    Or

    A relevant Degree or Advanced Diploma approved by Senate, coupled with prior learning, which should comprise at least three years experience in the field of Internal Auditing. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Diploma consists of nine compulsory core modules, totalling 120 credits:
  • Internal Auditing 4 Module 1, 20 credits.
  • Internal Auditing 4 Module 2, 20 credits.
  • Risk Based Auditing, 15 credits.
  • Information Systems Auditing, 15 credits.
  • Financial Risk Management, 10 credits.
  • Forensic Auditing, 10 credits.
  • Managerial Accounting and Finance, 10 credits.
  • Public Sector Accountability, 10 credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour and Management Skills, 10 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate competency and critical understanding of the International Professional Practice Framework (IPPF).

    2. Demonstrate competency in advanced management of internal auditing.

    3. Demonstrate competency in performing various audit engagements.
  • Range: Includes operational, contract, environmental, public sector, fraud and forensic, total quality management, corporate governance, business re-engineering and benchmarking.

    4. Demonstrate competency in the application of advanced management accounting concepts.
  • Range: Includes standard costing, relevant costing, activity based costing, portfolio management, cost of capital, capital structure and Strategic management accounting.

    5.Demonstrate competency in the application of organisational behaviour aspects.
  • Range: Includes motivation, communication, performance and structure.

    6. Demonstrate competency in the application of relevant legislation in the planning and performing of internal audit engagements.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Advanced knowledge of the Internal Audit profession is demonstrated.
  • The context within which the International Professional Practice Framework (IPPF) is applied, is appraised.
  • Problems and issues in the internal auditing field are identified and solved by applying the relevant theoretical concepts and principles.
  • An awareness and understanding of ethical conduct in situations that may be encountered in the performance of internal audit engagements is demonstrated.
  • The inter-relatedness of the relevant business disciplines is understood in order to develop a theoretical and practical macro vision of the internal audit profession internationally, nationally, regionally and locally.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Insight into the advanced management of internal auditing is demonstrated.
  • Resources and opportunities in the professional internal auditing field are effectively and responsibly organised and coordinated.
  • Acceptable social sensitivity is demonstrated in relationships with other role players to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team or organisation by implementing the relevant theory.
  • The ability to effectively manage internal auditing of human resources through effective communication, motivation and performance appraisals is demonstrated.
  • Insight into the organising and management of the internal audit activity is demonstrated in respect of behavioural aspects such as group dynamics, team building, leadership skills and time management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Various auditing techniques are applied in identifying risk and in controlling self assessment.
  • Advanced knowledge of the internal audit process is demonstrated.
  • Problems in internal auditing processes are identified and solved during various audit engagements.
  • Appropriate technology in the professional internal audit environment is appropriately used.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • In-depth knowledge and insight into advanced managerial accounting and finance is demonstrated.
  • Problems and issues regarding advanced managerial accounting and finance are identified and solved.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Advanced knowledge and insight into business communication is demonstrated.
  • The internal audit results are effectively communicated to all interested parties in oral and written form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The requirements of the various auditing, financial and corporate governance codes and legislation, in both the private and public sectors, are integrated and applied in the execution of all internal audit engagements.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Regular assessments of holistic skills of learners will be performed. The essence of the assessment approach will be that of formative and summative assessments, which will incorporate written assignments, presentations, class tests and, where appropriate, oral examinations. Written assignments are directly linked to theory and will incorporate the theory and skills related to the Exit Level Outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Institute of Internal Auditors (Inc) provides a facility according to which international endorsement of internal audit educational programmes are made. The curriculum of this qualification has been designed to comply with the criteria for international endorsement as an Internal Audit Educational Partner (IAEP) with the IIA (Inc.).

    This qualification compares well with the one offered by the Louisiana State University (LSU), and the curriculum is also based on the international IAEP programme criteria of the IIA (Inc.). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation:

    Articulation possibilities exist with similar qualifications at other endorsed IAEP universities in South Africa for example the Honours degree in Internal Auditing offered by University of Pretoria and UNISA, University of Johannesburg, and internationally, for example Louisiana State University (LSU) as the curriculum is based on the international IAEP programme criteria of the IIA (Inc.).

    Vertical articulation:

    Learners accredited with this qualification will be allowed to articulate into a Master's Degree. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation will be done by external experts with at least the same level of qualification and sufficient experience in the field. All modules will be internally examined and externally moderated. Feedback from external moderators informs teaching and learning interactions. 

    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. Nelson Mandela 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.