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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Urban Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101978  Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Urban Development 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to show mastery in advanced urban development techniques and services. The qualification serves as foundation for learners who may opt to study further in related built environment fields.

Qualified learners will be able to contribute to the economy of South Africa as employable Urban Development Managers or Practitioners, be well-equipped with the required knowledge base demanded from industry. They will have acquired a thorough knowledge and skills base to adequately manage all social, economic, legal, administrative, financial, technological, production and operations aspects of urban development process, as well as individual property development projects within the urban structure. This qualification specifically introduces an a knowledge base of the various subject fields that influence the urban development process in an inter-disciplinary way in order to produce a graduate who can contribute fully to the urban development process and its current and future demands.

Rationale:
This Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Urban Development is unique in South Africa. The South African Universities of Technology do not offer such a qualification and 'traditional' universities offer a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Construction Management Degree. As such, developing this qualification will open up a new path for applicants involved in the development of projects in the built environment. This qualification is a step towards aligning all the technology-based construction qualifications offered by the institution with the new requirements of the professional bodies.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Urban Development is developed to provide learners with the knowledge base and competence to advance from the level of a Candidate Construction Project Manager to a registered Professional Construction Project Manager with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) after obtaining the required in-service practical experience, or alternatively to advance their knowledge base to the level required from a Professional Construction Manager.

The process of professional development towards a Professional Construction Manager starts with the attainment of a professionally directed qualification that exposes a learner to the practise of construction management. After the completion of this qualification, further study and knowledge development with relevant work experience can be followed to attain the competencies required for advancement to the highest levels in the construction industry without any limitations. The attainment of specific work-related knowledge leads to registration with the SACPCMP as a Professional Construction Project Manager (Pr. CPM). This qualification entails theoretical, practical and administrative elements appropriate to low-rise and high-rise construction work.

Current and future geographical human settlement patterns in general and urban settlement patterns in both developed and developing economies poses very pertinent challenges to meet the ever-growing demands in a sustainable way, with a renewed focus on the role, place and requirements of the urban centre of the future in global economic terms. Urban development faces enormous challenges in this regard with enormous demands on the built environment to find solutions to the technical, economic, social and financial challenges of the future, which demands an independent specialist within the built environment, with a focussed and specialised knowledge base in urban development. Within the urban environment, the property development process has become increasingly complex and demands expertise in not only technical construction procedures, but urban markets, urban structures, the urban economy and viability studies of new project proposals. This qualification will provide learners with the competencies to meet the prerequisites for such a career option.

Upon completion of this qualification, graduates can be employed by clients and developers in the industry. They can obtain job profile and titles that are not limited to Construction Director and Project Manager. The qualification aims to enhance the career prospects of the graduates by providing them with economic opportunities and a choice of career paths, any one of which can result in professional status and recognition in the community of practice. The aim of this qualification is to enhance the career prospects of the graduates by providing them with economic opportunities and a choice of career paths, any one of which can result in professional status and recognition in the community of practice.
The Postgraduate Diploma [PGDip (Construction) (Urban Development)] qualification provides:
  • Postgraduate studies for careers in urban development projects, and various related fields within the built environment that potentially benefit from a combination of urban development, and construction management skills, thus contributing to the economic and national development of the country in a substantial way.
  • Direct entry to further qualifications, such as an industry related Masters in Construction Management, Project Management and/or Urban Development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. RPL must comply with the institutional policy on RPL. Within the department, Recognition of Prior Learning is based on the following process:
  • Applicant indicates the reason for applying for recognition of previous learning (this could be entrance to a qualification, or exemption from certain modules in the programme).
  • The RPL committee determines the criteria for the RPL based on the request (could be admission requirements of the programme, assessment of Exit Level Outcomes of modules for which exemption is requested or approved guidelines required by the professional body/industry).
  • The applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence of learning (what the applicant knows).
  • The RPL committee assesses the evidence of previous learning supplied by the applicant against the criteria and makes a recommendation to the Faculty's quality committee in a full report describing the process followed.
  • The committee will make a recommendation to Faculty Board to ratify the decision.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. Credits achieved by RPL must comply with the institutional policy on RPL. In addition to the minimum admission requirements, prospective students could undergo a selection process, including personal interviews and testing. Selection will be on academic merit and on the industry exposure that an applicant may have.

    The main objective of Institution's RPL Policy is to recognise prior learning, in order to provide access into qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is an appropriate Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree at Level 7, with sufficient exposure to construction management as principle study discipline. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 178 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 162 Credits:
  • Construction Treatise, 30 Credits.
  • Sustainable Development, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Professional Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Urban Planning and Development, 24 Credits.
  • Statutory Construction Law, 12 Credits.
  • Development Practice, 16 Credits.

    Electives Modules, 16 Credits (select one):
  • Lean Construction, 16 Credits.
  • Facility Management, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply urban development principles to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined urban planning, design and operational problems.
    2. Apply principles of mathematics and natural sciences with the use of relevant mapping and measurement systems and methods to urban layouts, facilities, procedures, processes, systems movements and methodologies to solve well-defined urban development problems involving numerical data and values.
    3. Analytically assess design of layout, structures, movements, markets and social influences to meet the desired requirements and needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation in order to make appropriate decisions about the urban development process.
    4. Conduct investigations of well-defined urban development problems through application of sound research methodology techniques for locating and reviewing the relevant statistical and economic data, statutory legislation, planning codes, technical standards, measurements and production methods.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources and modern urban planning systems, including Information Technology, for seeking solutions to well-defined urban design and project development challenges and problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing and with information technology aids within the urban planning and property project development context.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of urban project development activities on the society, economy and physical environment and address issues by defined procedures.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of urban development principles and apply these as a member and/or leader in a technical team to manage projects effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment across trade and professional boundaries through cross-disciplinary literacy and shared fundamental knowledge.
    9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through the application of well-developed learning skills.
    10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of urban development practice.
    11. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve urban and property development problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse urban planning and design processes from a technical, legal and financial perspective.
  • Design urban development projects, methods and systems for problem solving.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Design procedures, methods and systems for identifying, assessing, planning and implementing urban development projects.
  • Design procedures, methods and systems for implementing project feasibility, economic, market, technical, environmental, social and financial impact studies of urban development project proposals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse urban plans from an economic, social, market, legal, financial and perspective.
  • Design appropriate methods, procedures and systems for preparing urban development project plans and schedules, cost budgets, development implementation plans, technical and financial feasibility and project impact assessment reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse social, economic and property market patterns in urban areas.
  • Analyse the feasibility, cost, time, impact and development requirements of an urban development project.
  • Design methods, procedures and systems for obtaining and maintaining technical, legal, cost and development data pertaining to urban development projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse, assess and complete urban planning studies pertaining to layout and land use, services and infra-structure, movement and social pattern, economic, social and environmental impact studies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of urban development project planning guidelines, feasibility and impact assessment reports with appropriate methodologies, practice tools, procedures and application of computer software.
  • Apply and critically assess standard urban project development documents and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Compile macro urban development study reports, urban development project feasibility, impact, cost and financial reports for developments under consideration.
  • Compile a detailed project feasibility and impact studies on individual land parcels and project development proposals.
  • Interpret, assess and develop reporting techniques for assessing property valuations and valuation rolls.
  • Communicate, present and defend the technical project reports amongst inter-disciplinary development team members, consultants and clients.
  • Prepare professional feasibility, project impact study, financial and technical reports throughout all stages during the project implementation phase.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Prepare project impact reports.
  • Present and demonstrate innovative project development solutions.
  • Apply knowledge for seeking innovative, cost-effective appropriate and sustainable solutions to socio-economic development issues involving physical development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of urban development principles and apply these as a member and/or leader in a technical team to manage projects effectively.
  • Work within a team as a team member.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for effective team management.
  • Communicate effectively on technical planning, social, economic, market, cost, financial and project development aspects with all project team members.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the required project planning, technical, financial and legal information at the different development stages during urban project development implementation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Write technical reports on innovative and appropriate urban development solutions.
  • Demonstrate the application of current and advanced urban development tools and techniques.
  • Demonstrate an understanding for the need to improvise and develop existing techniques, systems and methods through systematic diagnostic analysis of changing external influencing conditions in the urban environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Adopt ethics, responsibilities and norms associated with professionalism.
  • Develop a chart for the inculcation of professional ethics.
  • Apply norms and standards to adhere to professional ethics and responsibilities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Develop effective urban planning and administrative systems.
  • Develop comprehensive project reporting systems.
  • Demonstrate workplace efficiency, procedures, safety rules and practices.
  • Demonstrate a strategic vision of the urban environment, social, economic and technical dynamics directing urban development practices internationally.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Description of the number and types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies.
  • Assessments take place in accordance with Institution's Assessment Policy and the Faculty specific assessment policy. The Institution uses Continuous Assessment (CA) as a means of evaluation.
  • Programme specific assessment regulations are determined by the Faculty Board and approved by Senate.
  • Programme specific assessment criteria, rules and regulations, must be communicated to learners in all learning guides.
  • The expansion and implementation of assessment methods is based on the University's principles.
  • Assessment activities are accompanied by a memorandum/assessment marking guide.
  • The number and range of assessment methods used in each subject are included in learning guides.
  • Every assessment opportunity carries a predetermined weight that takes the integration of the outcomes into account.
  • Each subject will have at least 3 formative assessment opportunities that will be used to establish a semester mark and give feedback to the student on their progress.
  • Subject lecturers must provide detailed, written and constructive feedback to learner work within fifteen working days after an assessment opportunity.
  • In continuous assessment subjects, semester mark will be used as a final mark for the subject or to provide access to a further assessment opportunity, where the semester mark carries a 60% weighting.
  • In non-continuous assessment subjects, the semester mark will usually count 40% and the final summative assessment 60% towards the final mark for the module.
  • Applications for supplementary final assessments shall be made to relevant Institution structure.
  • Pass performance is usually set at 50%.

    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    Learner progress shall be checked by means of Continuous Assessment (CA) and their performance will be assessed at various formative points in the qualification. In CA, rules are in place regarding eligibility for supplementary assessments should students not pass one of the summative assessments. For summative assessments, especially where more than one assessor is involved, internal moderation checks are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures.

    Formative assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessment:
  • Supports the teaching and learning process.
  • Provides progress feedbacks to learners.
  • Diagnoses learner's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Assists in the planning of future learning.

    Summative assessments are conducted for the purpose of making a judgment about the level of competence of learners in relation to the outcomes of a module and/or qualification. The results of such formal assessment (e.g. tests, assignments, projects, presentations, creative production or traditional examinations) are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or a fail. The minimum number of summative opportunities required is specified in the Academic Regulations.

    The department uses various integrated assessment strategies, depending on the focus of the subject. Apart from class tests and the traditional examination where appropriate, learners are continuously assessed through assignments, research projects, practical work, work-based projects, case studies etc. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following qualification:

    Australia, Queensland University of Technology offers Bachelor's Degree (Honours) in Construction Management, and in Urban Development.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the qualification offered in Australia in terms of scope, content, duration, and qualification levels. The Exit Level Outcomes of this qualification compares favourably. Furthermore, Urban Development is currently very much a concern under the international spotlight due to the enormous demands and constraints within this discipline internationally. Various Professional Councils and bodies in both South Africa and internationally relate directly and indirectly to this discipline, such as Town and Regional Planning, Urban Architecture, Urban, Political and Economic Geography Associations, various Environmental and Development Professional bodies such as the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Professionals, South African Council for Construction and Project Management Professionals, Royal Institute of Charted Surveyors, Charted Institute of Building, International Institutions such as the World Bank, United Nations, etc. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates with the following qualifications:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Honours Degree in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma qualifications in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Urban Development), Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management, Level 8.
  • Honour's Bachelor Degree in Construction Project Management, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master's Degree in Construction (Urban Development), Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Construction Project Management, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.