Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Audit

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification serves to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the field of Internal Auditing through a multidisciplinary approach in an integrated and practical manner. This qualification aims to undertake advanced reflection and development using a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the field of Internal Auditing and its related disciplines. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of internal audit and business-related contexts to undertake highly-skilled work.

Rationale

This qualification equips learners with specialised knowledge in Internal Auditing, focusing on high-level audit techniques related to the public and private sector. The qualification also places a specific focus on Forensic auditing, which will provide its learners with relevant market-related skills in the area of Forensic auditing. The curriculum extends its advantage by incorporating an Information Technology (IT) component. The ITis intended to build on the audit implications and complexities associated with entities operating in today's information society.

The qualification includes a research component to develop its learner's skillset further to ensure the practical application of specialised knowledge inherent throughout the qualification. Priority is on t learners' ability to apply specialised knowledge across the curriculum. The design of the qualification ensures that the knowledge base is current, relevant and applicable to its discipline and will equip its learners with industry and market-relevant skills for the near future.

In terms of geographical needs, the Department of Auditing and Taxation has consistently received large numbers of applicants on the Central Application Office (CAO) placement system for its Internal Auditing l qualifications. The number of applicants is always more than the number of learners the current l qualification can support. It indicates a keen learner interest in the l qualification. A 2010 study published by The Institute of Internal Auditors Research Foundation (IIARF) indicated that there is a future demand for skilled internal auditors from previously disadvantaged groups. Due to the dynamic and complex nature of business operations, there is an increased demand in internal auditors globally.

Based on the economic, societal, regional and national needs outlined above, the proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Audit seek to address skills shortages.

Learners who have completed this qualification could seek employment in the private and public sector as employees of various Internal Audit related.

Departments. Moreover, graduates should be able to provide much needed multidisciplinary skills to financial sectors such as, but not limited to: Advisory services within the sphere of Internal Audit;-Independent consultants in Internal Audit and -Internal auditors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

There is an alignment between the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process and the institution's RPL Policy. The policy l applies to all prospective learners for this qualification. The purpose of the policy is to:

• Provide a framework for the implementation of RPL procedures within the institution.
• Facilitate access and admission to qualifications within education and training and career paths.
• Accelerate the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
• Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
• Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the institution.

The structure of this qualification makes the RPL possible. The achievement of the qualification in part through the RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The appropriate credits would be assigned provided that the prospective learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the qualification. The RPL provides for admission or admission with credit.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Internal Audit, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Commerce in Internal Audit, NQF Level 7.
• A recognised equivalent qualification, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 128 Credits

• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• Internal Auditing 5 A, 24 Credits.
• Information Technology 5 A, 12 Credits.
• Forensic Auditing 5, 20 Credits.
• Research Project, 24 Credits.
• Internal Auditing 5 B, 24 Credits.
• Information Technology 5B, 12 Credits.

1. Critically interpret disciplinary and interdisciplinary based knowledge to take an informed stand about the impact of business and practices on the internal audit engagement.
2. Assess corporate governance practices, laws and regulations related to accounting, business, commerce and management in diverse business environments.
3. Acquire and engage with advanced integrated theories and practices about the fields of internal audit, financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation. Moreover, engages with advanced integrated theories and practices about the fields of internal audit, financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation.
4. Evaluate business risks as well as design and perform internal audit procedures in order to determine whether the identified risks are mitigated and after that, effectively communicate audit outcomes to the management of the business.
5. Utilise information technology in order to analyse data, gather evidence and make informed decisions.
6. Conduct applied research and produce a research report to the Internal Auditing and related fields.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Interpret disciplinary and interdisciplinary based knowledge critically.
• Take an informed position about the impact of business policies, as well as practices, on the internal audit engagement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Assess corporate governance principles and practices in diverse business environments.
• Analyse corporate governance practices within the integrated disciplines of business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Advanced integrated theories and practices in a multidiscipline context are acquired and utilised.
• Assess the relationship between the diverse fields of internal auditing, financial accounting, management accounting, and taxation and engaged through the use of advanced practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify and evaluate business risks through a weighting system.
• Develop audit procedures, and identify test controls in order to mitigate identified risks.
• Communication to the auditee and other management associates within the organisation is done so in an effective manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Data is gathered, refined, analysed and extracted, which is utilised for the benefit of the business while conducting audit engagements.
• Knowledge in order to make appropriate decisions with the data after proper investigations are applied and utilised in order to verify the data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Conduct relevant research in the fields of internal auditing.
• Produce a relevant and reliable research report.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessments will be used to support the learners developmentally and to feedback into the teaching and learning process. The process links the relationship between assessment, learning and teaching and ensures that assessment informs and strengthens both the teaching and learning process. Integrated assessments combines the assessment of a variety of different skills at the same time; assessing several outcomes together; assessing several assessment criteria together; using a combination of assessment methods and instruments. Summative Assessments will be used to make a judgement about achievement and provide "snapshot" information about a learner's level of competence at a given time. Assessment includes assessment marks that contribute to the final mark.