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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93909  Postgraduate Diploma in Investment 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  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 Postgraduate diploma in Investment Planning is to develop expert legal practitioners or financial planning experts, specifically around Investment 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 account for learners to provide sound advice based on legal and professional principles. The Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning intends to deliver graduates 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 a graduate will be able to:
  • Explain and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Investment Planning industry.
  • To understand and apply all the legislative and industry specific requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Investment Planning industry.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts and core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Investment Planning industry.
  • Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical administration processes.

    Rationale:
    The South African public is always being encouraged to plan for the future in the form of investments. Different kinds of investments exist but it is up to the individual to make the right decision on the types of investments relevant to their purpose. The rationale of this qualification is to provide individuals with the necessary academic qualification and skills to become experts in the field of Investment Planning, who 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 and legislative issues surrounding the Investment Planning industry. This qualification will also open doors to further study opportunities for individuals working in this specific environment, but who have not obtained a legal Degree. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The assessment of prior learning is governed by the regulations of the Institution and supported by the RPL Centre, in collaboration with heads of departments and programme directors. Assessment of prior learning concerns the recognition of formal and informal learning successfully attained at other institutions or in other Institution's qualifications (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.

    Access to the qualification:
    All admission is reserved for learners with:
  • At least a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in a cognate field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consist of two modules at NQF Level 8 worth 60 Credits each totalling 120 Credits.
  • Asset Types and Investment Planning, 60 Credits.
  • Principles of portfolio planning and management, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Discuss and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Investment Planning industry.
    2. Evaluate and apply all the legislative and industry specific requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Investment Planning industry.
    3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts and core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Investment Planning industry.
    4. Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical investment processes.
    5. Analyse and interpret information by using all applicable calculations and applying relevant legislation to address investment planning problems and to produce evidence-based solutions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    These are applicable across the whole range of Exit Level Outcomes in any combination in an integrated way.
  • Hypothetical case studies and proposals in investment planning are presented and analysed.
  • All facts and applicable knowledge are evaluated and used to design investment planning solutions.
  • Assessments of client needs with suggested strategies to address those needs are written.
  • Investment and other financial plans with due regard to financial risks, applicable regulatory and legislative requirements, investment options and the influence of changing economic conditions and markets are drafted.
  • Proposals for implementation and monitoring of such plans are written.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A variety of assessment case studies which includes proposals, advice and financial plans and summative assessments will be integrated into learning. Assessments are conducted in strict compliance with the Assessment Policy of the Institution. This qualification follows the Financial and Economic Sciences Faculty's assessment policy. Learning and assessment are integrated. The essence of the assessment approach will be that of formative and summative assessments, which will incorporate written assignments (case study) and class tests. Written assignments are directly linked to theory and will incorporate the theory and skills related to the exit level outcomes. Continuous formative assessment gives feedback to learners on their progress in the achievement of specific learning outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Kaplan Online Higher Education Institution offers a Graduate Diploma of Financial Planning. The qualification provides the learner with in-depth technical knowledge and client relationship skills required to launch or advance your career in financial planning.
    Massey University in New Zealand offers a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies. The Graduate Diploma in Business Studies endorsed Personal Financial Planning provides a university-level education in Financial Planning, satisfying the education requirements for becoming a Certified Financial Planner Professional.

    Charles Sturt University in Australia offers a Graduate Certificate in Financial Planning. 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 University of New England in Australia offers a Graduate Diploma in Financial Services. The qualification is designed to provide a comprehensive study and analysis of the knowledge and skills applicable to a career in the financial services industry, in particular, the focus is on financial planning.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification is designed to equip learners with the latest concepts, techniques and skills used by financial advisers in today's leading financial institutions. It also provides learners with a global perspective of financial and economic considerations. The modules and duration may differ but the outcomes of the qualification compares favourably with the selected qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning provides for vertical and horizontal articulation within the higher education qualifications framework. Successful graduates may progress into cognate Postgraduate Diplomas or equivalent NQF Level 8 qualifications for deepening of knowledge and competencies. In terms of vertical articulation, learners may progress to Master's Degree or equivalent studies at NQF Level 9 in a cognate field of Financial Planning Law. 

    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 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 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.