National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008)

Type specifications

NQF Exit Level: 8 (The NQF Level allocation will be as per the SAQA level descriptors)

Minimum total credits: 120

Type

Specialised Occupational Diploma

Descriptor

As per the requirements of the occupation. Examples: Specialised Occupational Diploma: Energy Management Advisor, NQF Level 8; Specialised Occupational Diploma: Internal Audit Manager, NQF Level 8; and Specialised Occupational Diploma: Tax Professional, NQF Level 8.

Abbreviations

Example: Spec. Occ. Dip.: Internal Audit Manager, Spec Occ. Dip.: Energy Management Advisor

Purpose and characteristics

This qualification has a number of different purposes, depending on a learner's circumstances and the nature of the qualification. It may provide entry-level professional preparation or specialisation for Bachelor Degree graduates or diplomates by offering an intensive, focused and applied specialisation that meets the requirements of a specific niche in the labour market. For example, a BCom Accounting graduate might register for a Specialised Diploma (Occupational): Tax Professional in order to enter the field of tax revenue and budgets; a BSc (Hon) graduate might register for a Specialised Diploma (Occupational): Energy Management Advisor in order to become an energy management advisor, or a BCom (Hons) graduate might register for a Specialised Diploma (Occupational): Internal Audit Manager in order to become an Auditor in the auditing industry.

Skills Development providers offering this qualification are therefore particularly suitable for continuing professional development through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and work experience learning in an area of specialisation. This qualification may also be designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, work experience and practices in specific occupational disciplines and fields as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical, practice-related problems and work experience tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

Minimum admission requirements

The minimum entry requirement is stipulated in each registered Specialised Occupational Diploma.

Progression

Completion of a Specialised Occupational Diploma may be presented for entry into a cognate qualification on the HEQSF.