Diploma

Type specifications
NQF Exit Level: 6
Minimum total credits: 240
Minimum credits at level 6: 120
or
NQF Exit Level: 6
Minimum total credits: 360
Minimum credits at level 6: 120

Designators
Not applicable

Qualifiers
Specific, maximum two
Example: Diploma in Management in Finance

Abbreviations
Dip (Management), Dip (Management) (Finance)

Purpose and characteristics
This qualification primarily has a vocational orientation, which includes professional, vocational, or industry specific knowledge that provides a sound understanding of general theoretical principles as well as a combination of general and specific procedures and their application. The purpose of the Diploma is to develop graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in a particular field. Typically they will have gained experience in applying such knowledge and skills in a workplace context. A depth and specialisation of knowledge, together with practical skills and experience in the workplace, enables successful learners to enter a number of career paths and to apply their learning to particular employment contexts from the outset. Diploma programmes typically include an appropriate work-integrated learning (WIL) component. There are two key distinctions between the 240- and 360-credit Diploma variants. The latter may provide for up to 120 credits of workplace-based learning, while the 240-credit variant does not, and the 240-credit variant may only be offered where it leads to a professional designation or occupational role as determined by a professional body.

Minimum admission requirements
The minimum entry requirement is the National Senior Certificate with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement, as defined in the Minister's policy, Minimum Admission Requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor's Degree Programmes Requiring a National Senior Certificate, Government Gazette, Vol 751, No 32131 of 11 July 2008, and Minimum Admission Requirements for Higher Certificate, Diploma and Bachelor's Degree Programmes requiring a National Certificate (Vocational), published in the Government Gazette, Vol. 533, No. 32743, November 2009. Alternatively a Higher Certificate or Advanced Certificate in a cognate field will satisfy the minimum requirement.

Progression
Completion of a 240- or 360-credit Diploma meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to a Bachelor's degree. Accumulated credits may also be presented for admission into a cognate Bachelor's Degree programme. Completion of a 360-credit Diploma also meets the minimum entry requirement for admission to an Advanced Diploma. Candidates who complete the 240-credit Diploma may enter an Advanced Diploma upon successful completion of a work- integrated learning component or a combination of work-integrated
learning and coursework equivalent to 120 credits that is approved and accredited by an education provider and/or a professional body and a QC. A qualification may not be awarded for early exit from a Diploma programme.