Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate diploma in Investment Planning is to develop expert legal practitioners or financial planning experts, specifically around Investment Planning in various contexts. The qualification aims to enhance appropriate knowledge and competencies through participative learning, enabling learners to make informed decisions, addressing challenges and issues and account for learners to provide sound advice based on legal and professional principles. The Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Planning intends to deliver graduates who can act ethically and professionally, think analytically, communicate with relevant role players in the industry, interact effectively with the public and evaluate and apply relevant information from legislation, literature and secondary date sources to specific practical scenarios.

On achieving this qualification a graduate will be able to

• Explain and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Investment Planning industry.
• To understand and apply all the legislative and industry specific requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Investment Planning industry.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts and core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Investment Planning industry.
• Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical administration processes.

Rationale

The South African public is always being encouraged to plan for the future in the form of investments. Different kinds of investments exist but it is up to the individual to make the right decision on the types of investments relevant to their purpose. The rationale of this qualification is to provide individuals with the necessary academic qualification and skills to become experts in the field of Investment Planning, who will be able to provide leadership and expert advice within a multitude of financial and legal contexts e.g. providing advice to the Board of Trustees and to employees and legislative issues surrounding the Investment Planning industry. This qualification will also open doors to further study opportunities for individuals working in this specific environment, but who have not obtained a legal Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The assessment of prior learning is governed by the regulations of the Institution and supported by the RPL Centre, in collaboration with heads of departments and programme directors. Assessment of prior learning concerns the recognition of formal and informal learning successfully attained at other institutions or in other Institution's qualifications (learning that has already been assessed and accredited), as well as the Recognition of Prior Learning acquired in other contexts (by means of work experience or other formal training) The qualification can therefore be achieved in part or in whole by means of the RPL process.

Access to the qualification

All admission is reserved for learners with

• At least a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent NQF Level 7 qualification in a cognate field of study.

The qualification consist of two modules at NQF Level 8 worth 60 Credits each totalling 120 Credits.

• Asset Types and Investment Planning, 60 Credits.
• Principles of portfolio planning and management, 60 Credits.

1. Discuss and apply relevant legislation and the principle of ethics in the Investment Planning industry.
2. Evaluate and apply all the legislative and industry specific requirements to effectively draft all documentation relevant to the Investment Planning industry.
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theoretical framework, key concepts and core legal rules and principles of all areas of the Investment Planning industry.
4. Apply the theoretical legal knowledge and skills to practical investment processes.
5. Analyse and interpret information by using all applicable calculations and applying relevant legislation to address investment planning problems and to produce evidence-based solutions.

These are applicable across the whole range of Exit Level Outcomes in any combination in an integrated way.

• Hypothetical case studies and proposals in investment planning are presented and analysed.
• All facts and applicable knowledge are evaluated and used to design investment planning solutions.
• Assessments of client needs with suggested strategies to address those needs are written.
• Investment and other financial plans with due regard to financial risks, applicable regulatory and legislative requirements, investment options and the influence of changing economic conditions and markets are drafted.
• Proposals for implementation and monitoring of such plans are written.

Integrated Assessment

A variety of assessment case studies which includes proposals, advice and financial plans and summative assessments will be integrated into learning. Assessments are conducted in strict compliance with the Assessment Policy of the Institution. This qualification follows the Financial and Economic Sciences Faculty's assessment policy. Learning and assessment are integrated. The essence of the assessment approach will be that of formative and summative assessments, which will incorporate written assignments (case study) and class tests. Written assignments are directly linked to theory and will incorporate the theory and skills related to the exit level outcomes. Continuous formative assessment gives feedback to learners on their progress in the achievement of specific learning outcomes.