This PDFiCJ provides working professionals (not necessarily accountants or lawyers) with the knowledge and skills necessary to specialise in the field of forensic investigative auditing — a specialised branch of forensic investigation, which uses intelligence gathering techniques, together with accou nting, legal and communication skills, to investigate and provide evidence of crimes of a financial or commercial nature.
The FICJ programme is offered part-time (only) over two years and consists of seven (7) modules at NQF level 8 (six 16-credit single semester modules in the first year and one year-long 32-credit module in the second year).
The programme consists of 128 credits in total, at NQF level 8, taught on a part-time basis (only) over a two-year period. The programme is structured as follows:
| Module | Semester / Year |
|---|---|
| Substantive Criminal Law (16 credits) | First semester (Year 1) |
| Criminal Procedure & Evidence (16 credits) | First semester (Year 1) |
| Financial Accounting & Auditing (16 credits) | First semester (Year 1) |
| Civil Remedies for Economic Crime (16 credits) | Second semester (Year 1) |
| Forensic Investigation Techniques (16 credits) | Forensic Investigation Techniques (16 credits) |
| Forensic Investigative Accounting (16 credits) | Second semester (Year 1) |
| Forensic Reporting (32 cp) | Full Year (Year 2) |
The Programme will be delivered primarily by means of online teaching, making use of the University’s online learning platform and applications such as Zoom. This will require students to have access to a stable internet connection and a suitable computer (desktop or laptop – not just a smartphone) and sufficient data, provided at their own cost. Students will also need to be fully computer literate. Assessments during the semester will take place primarily by means of online assessments (tests and/or assignments) however the final examinations for the first-year modules must be written on campus. Students will therefore need to travel to the Howard College campus, Durban, for examination purposes.
The minimum requirements are an appropriate Bachelor’s degree, or a one-year Advanced Diploma or CFE qualification (NQF level 7), plus relevant working experience. Please note that places in the programme are limited, and meeting the minimum admission criteria does not guarantee admission. Selection will be based primarily on academic merit, taking all previous qualifications into account, but relevant working experience may also be considered where appropriate. In the event of oversubscription, preference may also be given to applicants within KwaZulu-Natal.
Kindly note that applications submitted with incomplete information/documentation and/or without payment of the correct application fee cannot be considered and may be summarily declined. Please ensure that you have all documents to hand before you start the application process.
The module fees for 2025 have not yet been determined. The fee for 2024 was R4900 for a 16-credit module. Please expect a 5% to 10% increase in fees for 2025.
For more information on the PDFICJ Programme email any queries or requests for assistance to the Programme Administrator, Mrs Helga Stiglingh, at PDFlCJ@ukzn.ac.za.
Please Note: The PDFICJ is a self-funded programme and, as such, students are not eligible for NSFAS funding, university residence, or any financial concessions or arrangements. Students will be required to obtain financial clearance each year before registration. This will require the settlement IN FULL and IN CASH of any outstanding fees (an AOD or sponsor’s letter will not suffice).
