Master of Taxation

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Taxation is to produce graduates with advanced knowledge and skills in taxation who will be independent thinkers and problem-solvers, who can interpret tax legislation and who can apply theory to practical real-life situations. The qualification will ensure that graduates have a sound conceptual understanding of the relevant theories and approaches, as well as the taxation legislative and policy frameworks. In addition, it aims to produce graduates who have strong research skills and who are capable of advancing knowledge in the field of taxation.

The qualification aims

• To enable learners to contribute to the strategic and business use of information in taxation in small and large organisations.
• To help learners develop the ability to make recommendations designed to manage taxation matters within organisations responsibly.
• To build a foundation in taxation and law that will enable learners to recognise matters that can be handled by chartered accountants and which matters should be referred to experts.
• To expose learners to relevant legislation case law, standards, and ethical considerations pertinent to the accounting profession.

Rationale

The field of taxation is a complex and constantly changing one. The Master of Taxation is designed to meet the needs of taxation practitioners for specialist knowledge of laws, policies and procedures relating to taxes levied in South Africa and elsewhere and for highly developed skills in interpreting and applying such tax legislation and policies.

The rationale behind a Master of Taxation is to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the tax system and tax laws both locally and internationally. Taxation is a complex and constantly evolving area of law that affects individuals, businesses, and government entities at every level.

The Master of Taxation provides learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complex tax landscape, whether in a corporate or public accounting firm, government or as a tax consultant. Learners in this programme learn about tax law and policy, tax planning and compliance, tax research and analysis, and some aspects of tax technology and systems.

The qualification also prepares learners to meet the growing demand for tax professionals with advanced expertise in areas such as international tax, estate planning, and tax litigation. The curriculum may include courses on business taxation, estate and gift taxation, tax research and planning, tax accounting and tax policy.

In addition to technical knowledge, the Master of Taxation may also provide learners with practical experience through internships or other experiential learning opportunities. This experience allows learners to apply their knowledge in real-world situations and develop professional skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution conducts RPL in terms of the policy and guidelines of the institution to recognise other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. In cases where learners do not comply with the formal admission requirements, the institution applies its RPL policy.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Taxation, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Accounting, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• Income Tax. 32 Credits.
• Income Tax and Estate Planning, 32 Credits.
• Research Methodology in Taxation, 16 Credits.
• Special Topics, 16 Credits.
• Research Dissertation in Taxation, 96 Credits.

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories and approaches to taxation and apply this knowledge to specific situations.
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of legislation and policy related to South African and international taxation and the ability to interpret such legislation and policy.
3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the most current issues and developments in the field of taxation and the ability to critique such issues/developments from theoretical and policy perspectives.
4. Demonstrate specialist knowledge of research approaches and methods relevant to taxation research and the ability to plan a research project by evaluating current processes of knowledge production and selecting an appropriate process of inquiry to address an identified research problem in taxation.
5. Demonstrate the ability to conduct independent research and report on this to reflect intellectual rigour and independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, ability to defend findings and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
6. Demonstrate the ability to identify ethical considerations related to taxation issues and to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production or complex organisational or professional issues in the field of taxation.
7. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively using a variety of forms (written, oral, graphic) with a range of audiences of different levels of knowledge or expertise.
8. Demonstrate the ability to manage his/her learning, to operate independently and to take full responsibility for his/her work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Select and apply appropriate legislation and case law that support advise, discussion or calculation.
• Illustrate a comprehensive understanding of a complex scenario in a case study through discussion of the issue, and providing the applicable current legislation, reference to supporting interpretation and practice notes and caselaw.
• Understand core tax theories and current practices in tax structure, administration and strategy and implement through discussion and complete the research proposal on this basis.
• Determine the impact of key performance measures on the control aspect of an enterprise.
• Identify and evaluate suitable tax administration processes and practices for use in organisations.
• Apply pedagogical skills of critical thinking, problem-solving and effective communication of tax case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Illustrate problem-solving by providing advice, presentation, and develop confidence in ability to apply appropriate legislation and caselaw.
• Illustrate a command of and ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods, techniques, processes or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems.
• Apply critical thinking to evaluate the relevance of new legislative amendments and their practical application in complex case studies is applied.
• Display a clear understanding of the application of international taxation laws and policies to the various taxpayers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Illustrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current research or practices in taxation.
• Illustrate an awareness of new legislation and the need for amendments to legislation to meet the objectives of the state.
• Problem-solve by providing advice, presentations, and developing confidence in the ability to apply appropriate legislation and communicate criticism where necessary.
• Develop learning strategies, which enable academic and professional development through peer discussion, consultations and completing group assignments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Show understanding of the characteristics of good taxation research and critically assess and review the research of others.
• Illustrate the existence of a research gap by articulating the background and thorough literature review.
• Undertake a research project, under the guidance of a supervisor and based on the proposed research, which demonstrates the application of the relevant research framework and research methodology.
• Use resources of academic and professional discourses to communicate, in writing, substantial ideas and to critique those ideas that are the products of own research.
• Prepare an academically sound and practically relevant research proposal, which includes the appropriate choice of a research topic and the clearly defined research questions; a detailed literature review; and a coherent research design including appropriate data sources, data collection methods, and data analysis methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Choose an appropriate research topic and compile research questions.
• Show understanding of the characteristics of good taxation research and critically assess and review the research of others.
• Illustrate an understanding of the various research processes and how they can be applied to taxation research.
• Undertake systematic reviews of research-based literature, and extract key and actionable findings and conclusions for use in taxation advice.
• Use resources of academic and professional discourses to communicate, in writing, substantial ideas and to critique those ideas that are the products of own research.
• Communicate own research and insights to other members of the class with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
• Prepare an academically sound and practically relevant research proposal, which includes the appropriate choice of a research topic and the clearly defined research questions; a detailed literature review; and a coherent research design including appropriate data sources, data collection methods, and data analysis methods.
• Undertake a research project, under the guidance of a supervisor and based on the proposed research, which demonstrates the application of the relevant research framework and research methodology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Illustrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production or complex organisational or professional issues.
• Critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in taxation through:
• Submitting completed assignments with references.
• Making independent critique of research or case studies.
• Collect, request and obtain ethical clearance before research data.
• Indicating in the ethical clearance application all ethical considerations made in line with the proposed study.
• Develop learning strategies, which enable academic and professional development through peer discussion, consultations and completing group assignments.
• Illustrate that the most appropriate course of action in relation to the particular context and resources available are identified and opted for.
• Understand and comply with the professional code of conduct.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Show that the use of resources of academic and occupational discourses to communicate is utilised.
• Carry out discussions, and presentations and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or developments in taxation; and use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the field to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise.
• Illustrate understanding of legislative application in written submissions ie. Assignments, synopses, written assessments and research proposals assessed by internal and external moderators.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Develop learning strategies, which enable academic and professional development through peer discussion, consultations and completing group assignments.
• Illustrate ability to manage own learning by submitting independently completed assignments with references.
• Illustrate ability to manage own learning by communicating with peers and relevant academics to enhance knowledge and strengthen an argument.