Postgraduate Diploma in Taxation

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to promote a high level of critical thinking skills and builds competence in the field of Taxation. The qualification strengthens and deepens the learner's knowledge in the field of Taxation. The qualification enables learners to undertake advanced reflection and development using a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the field of Taxation.

The qualification will enable learners to undertake advanced reflection and development, practice and research methods in the field of Taxation and its related disciplines of Accounting. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of taxation and business-related contexts to undertake highly-skilled work.

Rationale

Research undertaken by Fasset in the Financial and Accounting Services Sector concluded that there was a need for the development of Tax specialists in South Africa. Fasset's scarce skill guide indicated that the annual average increase of graduates of 2.1% for NQF Level 6 and 7, and 1.8% for NQF Level 8 is inadequate to meet the increasing demand for accounting and finance skills in the country.

The development of Tax as a specialisation supported by research conducted by the South Africa Revenue Service (SARS) which indicated that only 17 000 Tax Practitioners in South Africa have formal qualifications. At this stage, sourced Taxation specialists are from accounting and legal discipline. There is also a shortage of specialised tax consultants to serve the South African economy in various ways:

• Tax specialists in private practice.
• Tax advisors in commerce and Industry.
• Tax auditors or investigators within SARS.

Tax Consultancy is a scarce skill in South Africa and offers various career opportunities for learners to further their education and training.

The Department of Labour's report for the 2014/15, indicates that there is an "increasing need and importance of high-level skills within the South African economy. The demand for highly skilled workers is an indication of the importance of having education, coupled with tertiary qualifications to be employed in top occupational categories".

The area of Taxation legislation is impacting the SA economy. This qualification is designed to equip its learners with an advanced level knowledge in Taxation, focussing on complex high-level issues in Taxation related to the public and private sectors. The qualification also places a specific focus on Taxation Law and Policy and provides learners with relevant market-related skills associated with practical interpretation in the area of Taxation legislation impacting the South African economy. The curriculum incorporates Information Technology (IT) component. The IT intends to build systems based implications and complexities associated with entities operating in today's information society. This qualification includes a research component. It aims to develop learner's skill set to ensure the practical application of knowledge inherent throughout the qualification. The qualification will utilise relevant projects and integrated assessments, together with academic research assessments. Curriculum prioritises the learners' ability to apply knowledge. 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.

Learners who complete the qualification can find employment in the private and public sectors as salaried employees in a Taxation or Finance department. An essential element of this job involves compiling opinions about tax disputes. Specialists in this role are also required to summarise their views on business models as well as investments. This qualification serves as natural learning partway for learners who have obtained a primary qualification or advanced qualification in accounting, taxation or any relevant field of study. It also further assists their learning pathway towards gaining entry into the Tax discipline at higher levels. Learners could also be self-employed and pursue a career in private practice. Tasks that are associated with this discipline at this level include Tax planning and business modelling to manage efficient cash flow planning. Specialists within these types of tax jobs are responsible for organising and handling tax returns. Reviewing tax returns is another essential part of this role. Their input on estate planning is also required. Finally, the curriculum is designed to facilitate expertise in the field of Taxation and to provide articulation into a Masters level qualification. It incorporates research, discipline-based and multidisciplinary modules.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (short courses and work experience). The learners are required to complete an RPL application document and certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting on extensive work learning. The learners will have to demonstrate competence at the applicable exit level outcomes. Successful learners will then be accepted. Moreover, in keeping with the institution's RPL policy, qualification may be achieved in part an admission of learners' cohort via the RPL route. Furthermore, RPL provides for admission or granting of credits.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Taxation, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology in Taxation, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits

• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• Information Technology 5A, 12 Credits.
• International Tax 5, 20 Credits.
• Tax Policy 5, 24 Credits.
• Research Project, 24 Credits.
• Information Technology 5B, 12 Credits.
• Tax Law 5, 12 Credits.
• Estate Planning 5, 12 Credits.

1. Evaluate disciplinary and interdisciplinary based knowledge to take an informed stand about the impact of Taxation legislation (both Local and International) on an Individual and Juristic person's Taxation position.
2. Critique ethics that are pertinent to ensuring Taxation Compliance.
3. Reflect on the theories and practices about the field of Taxation to draft effective strategies to minimise Taxation Liabilities and assist with Taxation Planning.
4. Construe the ramifications of economic policy on Taxation and Operating policies.
5. Produce a research report on a taxation aligned topic.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Evaluate disciplinary and interdisciplinary based knowledge.
• Analyse and comment on the impact of taxation legislation.
• Analyse individual and Juristic entity's Taxation position.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply ethical principles to taxation compliance for productive output.
• Implement ethical principles that have for taxation compliance are analysed and critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Reflect upon theories and practices used in the taxation field and comments provided.
• Integrated knowledge is applied to minimise taxation liabilities.
• The latest trends in taxation planning are identified and contextualised to current practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Construed ramifications of the economic policy of Taxation and opinions generated.
• Analyse theories implemented in the development of taxation policies.
• Various theories of the development of taxation policies and operating policies are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Analyse the existing body of knowledge associated with taxation concepts critically.
• Evaluate taxation topics for the improvement of research.
• Relevant knowledge is applied to develop a taxation research report.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessments combine the assessment of a variety of different skills. Also, assess several outcomes together and use a combination of assessment methods and instruments.

Assessment practices, both in the theoretical and practical aspects of taxation, will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever. The qualification incorporates an integrated approach to assessment. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the taxation qualification is integrated. Assessment of advanced knowledge of fundamentals of taxation will be integrated as far as possible with other aspects and will use practical contexts, wherever possible.