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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 Chartered Accountancy 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97681  Postgraduate Diploma in Chartered Accountancy 
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 this qualification is to provide learners with accounting knowledge and skills and train them as Chartered Accountants. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply an advanced and integrated level of knowledge of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), strategic financial and costing data in the management of decision-making process and the Income Tax Act (include both personal and corporate taxes), the Value Added Tax and the Estate Duty Act.
  • Enhance the reliability of information, integrate knowledge and communicate effectively within a business environment.

    Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Chartered Accountancy is designed to provide learners with accounting knowledge and skills. This qualification provides training accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). This qualification prepares learners to participate meaningfully in a digital world as Chartered Accountants involved in electronic commerce, performance measurement and risk assessment. In line with the National Development Plan, the New Growth Path and other national priorities, this qualification prepares a learner for better opportunities of decent employment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible. The qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Each learner will be considered according to the institution's RPL policy and guidelines. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and the appropriate support/guidance will be provided. The process will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the relevant learning areas/outcomes and will not prevent him/her from taking up the RPL option towards attempting to gain a qualification.

    If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to him/her. RPL will be achieved by means of an appropriate integrated assessment method as mentioned above.

    This RPL may allow a successful learner:
  • To be to access further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
  • Obtaining of this qualification in part or in whole.

    Entry Requirements
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An appropriate Bachelor's Degree at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Advanced Financial Accounting, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Auditing, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Management Accounting, 32 Credits.
  • Advanced Taxation, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply an advanced and integrated level of knowledge of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), strategic financial and costing data in the management of decision-making process and the Income Tax Act (include both personal and corporate taxes), the Value Added Tax and the Estate Duty Act.
    2. Enhance the reliability of information, integrate knowledge and communicate effectively within a business environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Prepare financial statements using IFRSs (separate, consolidated and equity accounted).
  • Apply measurement and recognition requirements of elements of the financial statements.
  • Present items, transactions and events in the financial statements.
  • Analyse and evaluate management of financial assets, treasury, and assess the value of an entity.
  • Identify and develop information needs.
  • Use decision-making tools in achieving the entity's strategies.
  • Apply tax legislation in different contexts.
  • Calculate personal and corporate income tax, Value-Added Tax and Estate and other duties are calculated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply and reflect on different types of engagements in an audit firm.
  • Design and discuss the necessary audit work under different scenarios by applying the International Accounting Standards (IAS).
  • Evaluate internal controls of accounting information systems, and make recommendations where needed.
  • Apply principles of the Companies Act, Close Corporations Act, Audit Profession Act and Corporate Governance Act (King 3).
  • Apply principles of verbal and/or non-verbal communication skills in different contexts relevant to the accountancy and/or business environment.
  • Integrate knowledge within the field of Chartered Accountancy through the successful completion of integrated case studies.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment strategy provides for both formative and summative assessment in each of the four modules with a strong emphasis on formative feedback to encourage active engagement and retention.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment takes place in the format of an examination at the end of the academic year for each module.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment opportunities afford learners the opportunity to monitor their progress on a regular basis and address problems as they occur, and to inform teaching practices. This allows for applied competence to be assessed. Formative assessment opportunities include different types of assessment, such as tests, online quizzes, presentations, assignments and/or projects.

    Assessment would usually consist of six tests for each core module, supplemented with a varying number of additional activities relevant per module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Chartered Institute of Management Accountants:
    The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a global institute responsible for professionalisation of accounting practice and it is the most influential body of professional accountants. CIMA is committed to upholding the highest ethical and professional standards, and maintaining public confidence in management accounting. Members and learners are required to comply with the CIMA code of ethics and to adopt the fundamental principles to their working lives. The Principles help the public and private sectors make better decisions, respond appropriately to the risks they face and protect the value they generate. The CIMA curriculum includes the following, Financial Reporting and Taxation, Advanced Management Accounting, Organisational Management, Advanced Financial Reporting, Financial Strategy, Strategic Management, and Risk Management.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is in line with objectives of CIMA. The focus of this qualification is on providing accredited training for accountants in order to meet the goals of the nation as outlined in a number of policy documents. This is therefore in line with the principles of CIMA which are aimed at helping the public and private sectors to make better decisions. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for systemic articulation possibilities at other institutions provided the learner meets the minimum admission requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Accounting Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Science in Accounting in Research, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Accounting, 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.