Postgraduate Diploma in Finance, Banking and Investment Management

Purpose

This qualification introduces leaners to the fundamental principles of Business Finance. The qualification seeks to familiarise leaners with the function of Finance within the economy, including an understanding of the most significant financial markets. It aims to equip leaners with the fundamental mathematical principles employed in financial decision making. Leaners are taught in a manner which assists them to engage with and integrate theory and practice so that ultimately this will impact positively on all spheres in the leaners work performance and lives.

Rationale

An opportunity is provided for leaners to obtain detailed knowledge that will assist them to perform effectively in turbulent and complex environments, and to constructively respond to various challenges, for example around continuous change and systemic effects. Relevant and practical methodologies are emphasised, particularly for use in the African context, thus enabling leaners to enter the work context to effect positive change. Leaners are further equipped with analytical and reflective skills, and are placed in a position to develop competencies and skills that facilitate life-long learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.
• Bachelor of Social Science, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Arts, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Administration, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Science, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 96 Credits

• Finance: Financial Management B, 16 Credits.
• Business Strategy and Management, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Bank Management A, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Risk and Portfolio Management, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Investments, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Financial Management A, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 32 Credits (Choose two)

• Supply Chain Management B, 16 Credits.
• Elements of Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
• Special Topics in Management, 16 Credits.
• Marketing Management C, 16 Credits.
• Marketing Management B, 16 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Marketing Management, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Business Law, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Business Statistics, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Taxation, 16 Credits.
• Finance: Research Paper 1, 16 Credits.
• Research Paper Subsequence Semester, ,16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate financial decision making in practical contexts.
2. Evaluate how financial markets facilitate investment.
3. Explain the function of currency, money and capital markets and its relevance in the South African economy.
4. Understand the internal aspects of bank management as well as the function of banks within the economy and how they operate.
5. Demonstrate the basic principles governing the calculation of individual and corporate tax. Evaluate risk factors relevant to modern corporations and understand techniques for measuring such risk and provide strategies for managing risks.
6. Prepare and analyse the financial data contained in a company's financial statements.
7. Apply the principle of the time value of Money to financial problems.
8. Apply a variety of Capital Budgeting techniques to basic financial problems.
9. Comprehend complex situations relevant to risks within a financial context.
10. Networking skills - the ability to network as well as gain allies and gather support.
11. Technical skills - the ability to understand and apply specialised knowledge or expertise in the area of risk management, investments and portfolio management.
12. Interpersonal skills - the ability to work with people, as well as assessing financial needs of clients and providing financial advice.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate critical thinking as applied to business situations, and can make connections across disciplines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Finance Banking and Investment Management practice and the inter-connectedness across disciplines by preparing case studies and participating in business simulations.
• Develop relevant plans and conduct relevant research by producing written reports, and deliver verbal presentations.
• Learners will be required to prepare a research report on a relevant Finance, Banking or Investment Management topic or problem.

Integrated Assessment

Each module will be assessed through an individual written assessment, in addition to a range of oral and written, group and individual class assignments in order to give leaners the opportunities to demonstrate a variety of competencies. The elective research project assesses the ability of students to integrate theoretical concepts with practical financial challenges facing organisations. Individual written assessment, in addition to a range of oral and written, group and individual class assignments in order to give students the opportunities to demonstrate a variety of competencies. A research paper in the last two semesters of the programmes provides the learner with an opportunity to develop research skills and integrate the theoretical and applied fields covered in the coursework of the Diploma.