Master of Commerce in Asset Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop the learner's knowledge of the discipline of asset management and to prepare the learner for a career in the asset management industry. Mastering of the research process will deliver learners who are prepared for the professional asset management industry. The qualification emphasises competence, integrity, and application of ethics in a professional environment.

Rationale

The Master of Commerce in Asset Management has been developed to provide much needed asset management skills to the market and it will create an additional learning opportunity for learners with investment related backgrounds. No similar qualification of this nature exists in the South African market and therefore this qualification meets the need for further study in the financial markets. The qualifying learner will gain a global and South African financial market perspective and an in-depth understanding of the marketplace, which will provide them with a competitive advantage for employment. The curriculum covered in this qualification will allow learners to pursue the Chartered Financial Analyst professional qualification, Financial Risk Manager professional qualification, Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst professional qualification as well as a number of professional examinations offered by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• A Bachelor Honours Degree in Investment Management.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prospective learners may apply for RPL as per the RPL policy of the institution.

The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to institution qualifications to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the institution's RPL policy is to recognise prior learning in order to provide for access into qualifications, grant advanced standing and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as basis for RPL practices.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Modules

• Equity Analysis and Valuation, 15 Credits.
• Financial Statement Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Investment Analysis and Management, 15 Credits.
• Financial Modelling of Assets, 15 Credits.
• Fund Management, 10 Credits.
• Financial Modelling of Funds, 15 Credits.
• Governance and Regulations in Financial Markets, 10 Credits.
• Risk Analysis and Management, 10 Credits.
• Research Principles: Investment Management, 15 Credits.
• Research Project: Asset and Fund Management A, 30 Credits.
• Research Project: Asset and Fund Management B, 30 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge to solve theoretical, applied, research based and real life asset management problems.
2. Integrate the key aspects of specified systems, situations, specified bodies of content and the effect in the asset management industry.
3. Self-organise and working in groups in the face of continual challenge from the environment.
4. Justify scientific paradigms and methods in scientific concepts and their changing nature.
5. Produce integrated research projects relevant to the asset management industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Evaluate multiple options of applying and integrating asset management problems.
• Integrate asset management knowledge to solve theoretical, applied or real life asset management problems in the asset management context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate key aspects of specified systems, situations, specified bodies of content in the asset management industry.
• Present and apply the implication of key aspects of the asset management industry on an advanced level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an advanced ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other people's thoughts and actions.
• Show a capability of self-organisation and working in groups in the face of continual challenge from the financial market environment.
• Exhibit an ability to reflect with self and others, critical of own and other people's thoughts and actions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Reflect on the importance of scientific paradigms in understanding scientific concepts and their changing nature.
• Discuss and reflect the importance of methods in understanding scientific concepts and their changing nature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Combine applicable knowledge to asset management so that the research problems can be correctly addressed.
• Compile integrated research projects relevant to the asset management industry according to the applicable research principles.

Integrated Assessment

All of the coursework modules for the Master of Commerce in Asset Management will be continuously assessed. Continuous assessment includes Formative and Summative Assessment made up of tests, assignments and a final examination.

Summative Assessment will be conducted for the Research project and formative assessment for the Progress report.