Higher Certificate in Financial Planning

• Retirement Planning
• Wills and Administration of Deceased Estates
• Healthcare Planning
• Investments and Investment Risks
• Introduction to Taxation for Financial Advisors

Assessment Strategy C (ASC) Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as quizzes, will count fifty percent (50%) – twenty five percent (25%) each – towards the overall mark. A summative assessment in the form of a final exam (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%) towards the overall mark.

Due Performance (DP) This module is not weighted nor credit-bearing. However, the minimum hours required in continuous professional and career development must be completed before progressing to the next year of study or certification. It is vital that students in degree programmes develop greater breadth of understanding of interrelated disciplines and practices as mimicked in the world of work, and therefore participation in opportunities provided in this module is compulsory. A summative assessment in the form of reflective essay is required.

Assessment Strategy 1 (AS1) The formative assessment 1 (FA1), formative assessment 2 (FA2), formative assessment 3 (FA3) and summative assessment 1 (SA1), all in the form of practical assessments, will each count twenty five percent (25%) towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 2 (AS2) The formative assessment (FA1), also known as an assignment or test, will count fifty percent (50%) towards the overall mark. The summative assessment in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%).

Assessment Strategy 3 (AS3) The formative assessment (FA1), also known as an assignment or test, will count forty percent (40%) towards the overall mark. Summative assessments in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count fifty percent (50%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count ten percent (10%) towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 4 (AS4) Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as assignments or tests, will 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), will count fifty percent (50%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count ten percent (10%) towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 5 (AS5) Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as assignments or tests, will count thirty percent (30%) – fifteen percent (15%) each – towards the overall mark. Summative assessments in the form of a final exam or capstone project (SA1), will count sixty percent (60%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count ten percent (10%) towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy 6 (AS6) Formative Assessments (FA1 & FA2), which may take the form of assignments, research essays or tests will count forty percent (40%) – twenty percent (20%) each – towards the overall mark. Summative Assessments (SA1 & SA2), which may take the form of capstone projects, tasks, presentations, written or oral exams, or a research proposal will count sixty percent (60%) – thirty percent (30%) each – towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy IS (ASIS) An integrated summative assessment 1 (SA1) in the form of a final examination will count 100% towards the overall mark.

Assessment Strategy W (ASW) Formative assessments (FA1 and FA2), also known as assignments, will count forty percent (40%) – twenty percent (20%) each – towards the overall mark. Summative assessments in the form of a practicum, will count forty percent (40%), and a research or reflective essay (SA2) will count twenty percent (20%) towards the overall mark.

Based on the credits and notional hours of this qualification, the minimum duration is two (2) semesters over a period of one (1) year, and the maximum duration is three (3) years.

On completion of the programme, graduates will have the necessary knowledge and practical skills required to:

• Operate effectively in the workplace using a number of Windows-based end-user applications;
• Compile and write a professional proposal for clients relating to financial decision-making recommendations that suit the needs of clients;
• Identify and discuss the latest in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and digital transformation trends within the financial services environment;
• Understand the financial services environment in an integrative and contextualised way including the impact that macro-and microeconomic systems have on the environment;
• Apply knowledge of legislation and regulations governing the financial planning environment and the implications of these on the financial planning environment, services, and products;
• Advise clients on potential financial solutions based on the collection of information, identification of client needs and analyses of information; and
• Understand insurance and the financial planning environment and the ethical and professional standards that financial advisors are required to adhere to when operating as professionals within the environment.

A minimum requirement for admission into the higher certificate is a:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), with English as one of the subjects passed and with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate studies; or
• National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), with English as one of the subjects passed and with endorsement for admission to Higher Certificate studies; or
• Prior to 2009, Senior Certificate with English as one of the subjects passed.

BOSTON UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME

Upon successful completion of the qualification, students will receive a Higher Certificate in Financial Planning (SAQA ID 120380), NQF (HEQSF) Level 5, minimum Credits 130, from Boston.