Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences
(CTA level 1) DEGREE CODE – 98231 and
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting
Sciences (CTA level 2) DEGREE CODE - 98255
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Students who have already proved their abilities within their accounting degree and
wish to continue on their career path to qualify as a Chartered Accountant will be
challenged by these diplomas. They will open many doors for you in the field of
business and you will be handsomely rewarded for your efforts.
Who are these diplomas aimed at?
The Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences and Postgraduate Diploma in
Applied Accounting Sciences are for students wishing to complete a postgraduate
qualification to enable them to write the Initial Test of Competence (ITC) set by the
South African Institute of Chartered Accountants.
What entry requirements will I need to study these diplomas?

Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (CTA level 1): BComm/BCompt
(Accounting) degree with a SAICA approved curriculum completed within the last 3
years.
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Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences (CTA level 2): Post-graduate
diploma in Accounting Sciences (CTA level 1). Repeat candidates from residential
universities may also register for CTA level 2.
Please note, requirements for entry to this qualification may change at short notice and
the entry requirements above, apply to 2015 only. Should you be interested in studying
towards a qualification offered by an external partner institution, please check with that
institution at the time of registration to ensure that you meet the entry requirements.
What additional requirements are needed for foreign students?
If you are a foreign student, you must ensure that you have a valid study permit
issued in the name of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE) that covers
the duration of the qualification.
What further requirements are there for UNISA students?
During your final year of studies for you undergraduate degree, you will need to
apply with UNISA for CTA level 1 and during your CTA level 1, you will need to apply
for CTA level 2 with UNISA.
What further requirements are there for non-UNISA students?
As a new student you need to apply to UNISA within specified application dates.
UNISA is open for application in March / April and then again in September / October
(exact dates can be confirmed on the UNISA website). You also need to register with
UNISA within specified registration dates. Application and registration can be done
on-line through the UNISA website. UNISA does not allow late applications or
registrations. Application and registration fees at UNISA are payable by you the
student. The UNISA website address is follows - http://www.unisa.ac.za.
UNISA will supply you with tutorial letters for all modules.
In order to register at UNISA, students who completed an approved Bachelors
Degree at any other university must supply UNISA with the following information:
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A complete academic record
Proof that a degree has been completed
Syllabuses of Accounting 1, 2 and 3
A letter of good conduct
Confirmation that CTA has been attempted at that university (CTA level 2 student only)
How are these diplomas offered at Varsity College?
Lectures are either offered on a full-time or part-time basis. Please ask the Varsity College
student advisor for further details of how they are offered on the campus where you wish to
study.
What will I study in these diplomas?
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (CTA level 1)
FAC4861 Advanced Financial Accounting I
FAC4862 Advanced Financial Accounting II
MAC4861 Advanced Management Accounting
AUE4861 Advanced Auditing
TAX4861 Advanced Taxation
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences (CTA level 2)
FAC4863 Applied Financial Accounting I
FAC4864 Applied Financial Accounting II
MAC4862 Applied Management Accounting
AUE4862 Applied Auditing
TAX4862 Applied Taxation
ASSESSMENTS
Tests
There are four tests set by UNISA during the course of the year. These are written
on a Saturday at a UNISA centre. The average mark of the best three tests
constitutes the students year mark which contributes 20% towards the final mark.
Each test contains a separate question for each subject.
Exams
Exams are written during September and October. There is one five-hour exam for
each subject. The exam mark contributes 80% towards the final mark. A minimum
of 45% must be obtained in the exam.
Final Mark
The pass mark is 50% for each subject.
What must I pass in order to graduate with each of these diplomas?
Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting Sciences (CTA level 1)
All 5 subjects must be passed at the same exam sitting to progress to CTA level 2.
Credits are retained for subjects passed if you do not wish to continue with CTA
level 2. These credits may be presented for an alternative postgraduate
qualification.
Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Accounting Sciences (CTA level 2)
To obtain the diploma, all 5 subjects must be passed in the same academic year.
What steps do you need to follow to become a UNISA and Varsity College student?
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Make an appointment with a Student Advisor at Varsity College
Apply at Varsity College
Apply at UNISA (Varsity College can assist you with this)
Register at Varsity College (December/January)
Register at UNISA (December/January - you will require you final schooling results to do
this)
6. Join myUNISA (an electronic system allowing you to access your data at UNISA on-line)
7. Start class/lectures (late January/early February)
Varsity College staff are available for career advice. Contact your nearest campus to
discuss your career options with one of our Student Advisors.
CTA FS 2015 V1 2014.10.24