Postgraduate Diploma in Banking

Purpose

This qualification is designed to equip the learner with the skills necessary to function in a strategic management position in the banking sector. The qualification would be suitable for a Bachelor of Commerce or similar Bachelor Degree graduate.

This qualification allows learners to develop an understanding of generic banking issues at a strategic level, and also to specialise in certain technical areas or departmental areas of the bank. Learners who have achieved this qualification will demonstrate competence in a wide range of banking related aspects. The qualification will enable learners to establish themselves as credible participants in their field, and open doors to advance to even more senior positions within the banking sector.

The qualifying learner will be able to

• Analyse and apply knowledge of the concepts and the implementation of bank risk management.
• Conduct basic research using research methods in business and write and present a mini-thesis or an article.
• Apply global banking regulations and ethical behaviour in the financial services industry.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the key issues in international bank management and strategy.
• Apply the different concepts applicable to specialised areas in the bank.

Rationale

The qualification provides for specific competence in the banking sector at a Postgraduate level. Currently, many Bachelor of Commerce graduates enter into the banking sector with little knowledge of banking.

The typical learner identified to benefit from this qualification will be an individual who is either currently working or aspires to work in the banking sector. This qualification will add value to the sector by recognising the broad range of expertise required to be successful in this field, and will be of benefit to new potential employees in the banking industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Mature age applicants and applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications or previous tertiary education experience, may be considered for admission. However, Recognition of Prior Learning assessment will be considered only on condition that it is assessed as part of the institutional RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is an undergraduate Degree or an equivalent qualification.

This qualification consists of six modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules

• International Bank Management and Strategy, 20 Credits.
• Bank Risk Management, 20 Credits.
• Bank Regulation and Ethics, 20 Credits.
• Research in Banking, 20 Credits.

Total: 80 Credits.

Optional Modules

Modules from both Option A and Option B must be selected

Option A (choose one)

• Retail and Private Banking, 20 Credits.

Or

• Corporate and Business Banking, 20 Credits.

Option B (choose one)

• Credit Portfolio and Risk Management, 20 Credits.

Or

• Investment Management, 20 Credits.

Total: 40 Credits.

1. Analyse and apply knowledge of the concepts and the implementation of bank risk management.
2. Conduct basic research in banking business, and write and present a mini-dissertation or an article on the topic chosen.
3. Apply global banking regulations and ethical behaviour in the financial services industry.
4. Discuss the key issues in international bank management and strategy.
5. Apply the different concepts applicable to specialised areas in own bank environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Relevant concepts are identified and applied in the specific work context.
• Relevant strategies are implemented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Knowledge of the different issues is used in applying various research methods.
• Selected special topics of banking that relate to the work environment are researched, written up and presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Knowledge of the concepts and effects of global banking regulations is applied in the relevant work environment.
• Ethical debates in the financial services industry are discussed and of the appropriate behaviour related thereto is analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Various bank management and strategy topics and how they are applied globally are laid out and relevant solutions to specific problems are presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Knowledge of a specialised area in banking is applied on a strategic level to solve problems, find solutions and manage business segments.
• The role that the specialised area plays in the bigger context of the organisation is discussed.

Integrated Assessment

The quality of the assessment is vital in order to provide credible certification and recognition of achievement. The institution makes every effort to ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices. These procedures and practices are controlled by the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability. By implementing these principles, all parties concerned (including learners, employers and learning institutions) may be assured of the credibility of the assessment process. It is in this way that accurate information about the learner's performance against the assessment criteria may be provided.

Integrated Assessment is used extensively across the qualification, particularly in the case studies. Formative assessment takes place through case studies, assignments, including the writing of proposals and financial plans. Summative assessments are integrated into the learning in that they take place at the end of each of the constituent modules of the qualification.