Accounting & Financial Services

Diploma in Financial Planning

Study the Diploma in Financial Planning with Boston City Campus. This FPI-recognised Diploma prepares students to guide individuals and businesses in making informed financial decisions.

Learn how taxation, regulation and financial products influence financial decisions. You learn how to interpret financial information with accuracy and apply it to real financial planning scenarios.

When you study with Boston, you develop the habits needed for advisory and compliance environments. You prepare client records, check financial details and follow regulated processes with care.

This Diploma prepares you for roles in financial planning support, advisory operations and retirement fund administration. It also provides a pathway to further study through a Boston Degree or Advanced Diploma.”

Diploma in Financial Planning

Time to Complete

3 Years (min) - 9 Years (max)

Study Options

Full-time or Part-time

Credits

377

NQF Level

6

SAQA ID

123448

Entry Requirements

Minimum Entry Requirements:

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with English passed and endorsement for Diploma studies;
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)) with English passed and endorsement for Diploma studies;
  • Senior Certificate (prior to 2009) with English as a subject passed.

Alternative Pathways: Applicants holding NQF Level 5 or 6 qualifications (Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, or Diploma) may qualify for credit transfer or advanced placement via Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT).


Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available for experienced professionals in financial or related fields, assessed individually by Boston’s Academic Committee.


International Applicants: Must provide SAQA equivalence and proof of English proficiency (IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL 550).

This programme is offered by Boston City Campus in the distance mode of education with support provided at Learner Support Centres. Apply to register at any Boston City Campus Learner Support Centre nationwide.

All modules are compulsory and must be passed.

Career Opportunities in Financial Planning

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Self-employed Financial Advisors or Brokers.
  • Tied Agents.
  • Intermediaries working within various roles in the financial services environment.
  • Para-planners.
  • Administrators in financial planning practices
  • Administrators in insurance/retirement companies and banks
  • Registered Financial Services Advisor (FSA)
Some roles may require additional professional registration, supervised experience, or regulatory exams.

Did you know that Boston does not work on a points system

Although your subjects may be considered, Boston does not use a point system for entry.
Your endorsement says it all.

Semester A

  • Academic Literacy
  • Computer Literacy
  • Introduction to Financial Services Environment
  • Economics for Financial Advisors

Semester B

  • Computer Literacy Advanced
  • English Foundations
  • Fundamentals of Accounting
  • Introduction to Law for Financial Advisors
  • Will and Administration of Deceased Estates

Semester A

  • Health Care Planning
  • Retirement Planning
  • Principles of Insurance
  • Retirement Fund Management and Administration
  • Ethics and Professional Standards for Financial Advisors

Semester B

  • Investments and Investment Risks
  • Principles of Business Financial Planning
  • Marketing for Financial Advisors
  • Introduction to Taxation for Financial Advisors

Semester A

  • Short-Term Insurance: Personal Lines
  • Short-Term Insurance: Commercial Lines
  • Financial Management for Financial Advisors
  • Trust Law for Financial Advisors
  • Business Management

Semester B

  • Employee Benefits
  • Digital Transformation in Financial Services
  • Management & Leadership
  • Integrated Case Study

Various How You’ll Be Assessed (ASC, ASW, AS1 to AS5) are used throughout the modules in the programme. For example, AS3 is predominately applied in this programme and consists of a

Formative Assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as assignments or tests, which count forty percent (40%) – twenty percent (20%) each – towards the overall mark.

Summative Assessments in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), count fifty percent (50%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) count ten percent (10%) towards the overall mark.

No supplementary assessment is provided for FA1 or FA2. A maximum of one (1) additional supplementary assessment opportunity is provided for SA1 and SA2 respectively, which will be charged for.

Please consult the Fact Sheet and Student Rulebook for additional, detailed programme information.

  • Compile and present professional financial proposals aligned to client goals
  • Apply legislation, taxation, compliance, and ethical principles in financial planning
  • Analyse client financial data and recommend suitable financial solutions
  • Demonstrate understanding of ICT and digital transformation in the financial sector
  • Manage and administer retirement funds effectively
  • Operate ethically and responsibly as a professional financial advisor
  • Apply business management and entrepreneurship principles to run a financial planning practice

BOSTON HIGHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME

On successful completion the Learner will be issued a Diploma in Financial Planning SAQA ID 123448, NQF 6, minimum 377 credits from Boston City Campus.