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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119080  Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 the Postgraduate Diploma in the Management of Construction is to provide postgraduate education and skills development opportunities to construction practitioners, particularly those without the necessary qualifications to articulate easily into a Master's Degree through the creation of specialisation pathways. The qualification aims to address the critical areas of professional practice in the modern construction industry where capacity and specialised skills are needed for the government's infrastructure plan and the national infrastructure development needs.

The qualification is intended for learners who work in roles in the construction industry but do not have the necessary qualification to meet the requirements of the professional body. Learners will be able to use this qualification as an onramp for professional registration. Relevant scientific theories, real-life examples and research insights will be used side-by-side to provide learners with a world-class education in the management of construction. This qualification will prepare learners to lead and resolve complex situations in the construction industry and the management of construction projects creatively and competently.

In the national context, the construction industry is at a critical crossroads and facing a situation where the government has an ambitious infrastructure plan to meet the needs of the South African public, yet there is a critical skills gap that needs to be addressed urgently to help deliver the government's infrastructure plan. This qualification will help to develop critical human resources in the following specialisation areas:
  • Construction project management.
  • Construction management.
  • Construction health and safety management.
  • Infrastructure procurement and delivery management.
  • Construction law and contract management.

    The key purpose of the qualification is to offer the qualifying learner opportunities to enhance their career prospects and an opportunity to study further at a master's level. Other opportunities are opened through increased status as an authority or consultant within the built environment professions and the recognition of the qualification in wider society. The qualification provides an opportunity for construction practitioners to specialise in specific career pathways, some of which do not currently exist in any South African institution such as the two streams in Infrastructure procurement and delivery management, and Construction law and contract management. The curriculum streams contain fundamental and core courses that provide an opportunity for learners to gain education and competence in the management of construction projects. Learners can then opt for an appropriate combination of optional courses which will enable them to specialise in one of five areas. The curriculum, therefore, aligns to provide an intermediate opportunity for construction practitioners to acquire general competence in the management of construction and specialisation in the different areas of professional practice reflected in the optional elective courses which learners can elect to study.

    The qualifying learner is expected to be competent in their area of specialisation and able to apply specialised knowledge, tools, and techniques in the analysis of complex projects and situations in their chosen area of specialisation. The qualifying learner is also expected to be competent in the use of academic and professional skills in professional communication and behaviour.

    Rationale:
    The construction industry is undergoing a period of rapid change due to several factors. New areas of professional practice are emerging that need to be considered in the higher education curricula. Developing this qualification in construction will open a new path for learners involved in construction. The new qualification is a step towards aligning all the technology-based construction programmes offered by the department with the new requirements of the professional bodies.

    South Africa is currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for infrastructure and skilled human resources. Part of this is contributed by the skills shortage, particularly in the scarce categories like engineering and related professions. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) list of scarce skills, published in Government Gazette Vol: 578, no 36721 on 2 August 2013, there is a skills shortage in the construction management and construction project management occupations. The building-related occupations are included in the list of the DHET's List of Occupations in High Demand, published in Government Gazette no 39604 on 19 January 2016.

    Therefore, the qualification has been designed to address the skills shortage in the construction sector, contributing ultimately to the National Development Plan, benefiting not only the learner but society at large. The qualification will provide higher education access to those currently being turned away as well as a significant opportunity for skills development for many practitioners in the construction sector. The qualification meets the specific needs of the sector by meeting and providing for the growing demand for registered Construction Managers.

    A stakeholder workshop for this qualification conducted with representatives from relevant professional councils in the built environment field confirmed a significant need and market demand for this qualification and its areas of specialisation. South Africa has a growing need for critical infrastructure, yet the construction sector is losing critical skills to other countries. There is an increasing national need to develop human resources to deliver the government's infrastructure plan aimed to achieve better service delivery to the South African public. Therefore, in terms of benefits to the South African society and economy, the qualification will provide a local opportunity for postgraduate education and academic development in all the specialisation areas of the qualification. The qualification will contribute critical additional manpower to help meet the growing national infrastructure needs.

    The qualification benefits society by allowing learners to enhance their knowledge of construction and their chosen area of specialisation. The qualification further benefits society by providing an opportunity for people with non-cognate qualifications to achieve an on-ramp onto professional qualification. The process of professional development toward qualifying as a Professional Construction Manager, Professional Construction Project Manager, or Construction Health and Safety Officer starts with the attainment of an advanced qualification that focuses on the practice of the applicable discipline. After graduation, further study and knowledge development with relevant work experience can be followed to attain the competencies for registration as a full Professional Construction Manager, Professional Construction Project Manager, or Construction Health and Safety Officer. Professional registration is not mandatory, though, for industry participation, the graduate learner can advance to the highest levels in the industry by practicing in their area of specialisation after gaining the necessary work experience. The qualification will provide a significant opportunity for learners operating in such occupations and jobs to fill in gaps in their knowledge; and will also provide them with a non-cognate graduate onramp towards professional registration which will be ideal for public sector clients especially.

    The qualification is endorsed by the Council for the Built Environment (CBE) and the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), which will allow learners to progress from candidacy to full registration as Professional Construction Managers upon completion of the qualification. Learners would be able to register and practice as Professional Consultant Construction Managers and may find employment within the construction contracting fraternity. Construction Managers are also employed in the mining and Petrochemical sectors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Construction in Construction Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Construction, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Construction Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits. This qualification comprises five specialisations in which learners must select ONE specialisation.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits:
  • Professional and academic skills, 20 Credits.
  • Construction industry analysis,10 Credits.
  • Procurement and contracts, 10 Credits.
  • Health and safety management, 10 Credits
  • Leadership and management of projects, 10 Credits.

    Specialisation One: Construction Project Management:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits.
  • Project management, 20 Credits.
  • Construction planning and control, 20 Credits.
  • Construction economics and accounting, 20 Credits.
    OR
    Specialisation Two: Construction Management:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits.
  • Construction management, 20 Credits.
  • Production and operations management, 20 Credits.
  • Project resource management, 20 Credits.
    OR
    Specialisation Three: Health and Safety Management:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits.
  • Construction health and safety management, 20 Credits.
  • Environmental management, 20 Credits.
  • Risk management, 20 Credits.
    OR
    Specialisation Four: Infrastructure Procurement and Delivery Management:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits.
  • Infrastructure planning and budgeting, 20 Credits.
  • Infrastructure procurement and delivery management, 20 Credits.
  • Infrastructure asset management, 20 credits.
    OR
    Specialisation Five: Construction Law and Contract Management:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 60 Credits.
  • Construction law, 20 Credits.
  • Contract management, 20 Credits.
  • Dispute management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to use a range of specialised professional and academic skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to a field, discipline, or practice.
    2. Demonstrate the knowledge of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a specialised field, discipline or practice for effective management of construction projects.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production. The qualifying learner is competent to bring specialist knowledge to bear on technical analysis and decisions about construction projects.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying, or transferring an appropriate systematic and professional approach to problem-solving in their area of specialisation and unfamiliar problems in a specialised field, discipline, or practice.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within a system, or manage a system based on an understanding of how the construction industry functions, describe key role players in construction supply chains and their functions and key factors driving demand and supply in the industry roles and relationships between elements within the system.
    6. Take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate regarding the key infrastructure required to deliver a construction project safely in the context of its environment.
    7. Critically analyse the appropriate application of procurement methods and contracts for works, professional services, and supply of goods in the construction industry.
    8. Apply appropriate information technology applications and software to analyse and communicate professional issues. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply professional academic skills to deal with the reading, critical evaluation, review of academic material like books and research papers.
  • Apply interpersonal and employability skills to develop and maintain good relationships in the professional work environment.
  • Present analysis and thoughts clearly and coherently with the support of relevant ICT tools.
  • Evaluate cases and reach a logical conclusion through the application of specialised scientific techniques.
  • Apply a wide range of knowledge to develop appropriate solutions to problems, recognising or considering wide-ranging factors that may also impact the solution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and apply appropriate leadership, management and governance theories, systems and interventions required for successful procurement, delivery management and unblocking of obstacles to progress in infrastructure delivery to achieve value for money and intended outcomes.
  • Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems for construction management projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in specialised contexts to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
  • Apply specialised knowledge to deal with technical analysis of infrastructure delivery management issues and complex professional issues.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Evaluate and apply knowledge of key theories and current developments in their specialised field
  • Select, apply, evaluate and/or apply the most appropriate specialised approach and solutions to problems
    apply specialised knowledge to create or formulate initiatives and options.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Discuss and interpret key activities, business models and developments in the construction industry using economic theories such as demand and supply.
  • Examine the role of the client and other actors in construction supply chains in the successful delivery and outcomes of infrastructure projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Design a safe environment for infrastructure delivery.
  • Manage construction operations safely to avoid and manage health and safety issues appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply procurement and infrastructure delivery management frameworks in the public sector.
  • Analyse the impact of different procurement and contract strategies on project outcomes.
  • Select an appropriate procurement method and form of contract.
  • Design an appropriate construction procurement strategy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Present and communicate academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the construction management projects.
  • Apply relevant digital technologies and information and communication technology tools in analysing cases and creating solutions to problems.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated Assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Assessment within each qualification will follow the principles of integrated assessment. Both formative and summative assessment methods will be used in the qualification. Assessment concentrates significantly on the demonstration of competence to apply specialist knowledge. In those components of the programme focusing on professional competencies, assessment is performed by individual and group project work, within or simulating a professional practice environment.

    Formative assessment:
    Formative assessment refers to a range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment procedures used to focus teaching and learning activities to improve learner attainment. Formative integrated assessment will take place during which learners are expected to participate in an assessment by members of the academic staff. Thus, there is an integration of various competence areas in the assessment plan. Further formative assessment methods include, not limited to:
  • Class tests.
  • Seminar presentations.
  • Discussions.
  • Practical work.
  • Work-based projects.
  • Case studies.
  • Self-assessment.
  • Peer assessment.

    Summative assessment:
    The summative component of the assessment allows Learners to demonstrate their ability to analyse situations and apply specialist knowledge to develop solutions. Learners will be required to consider and evaluate relevant cases and professional issues at a level expected from an expert in the specific area of their academic plan. The assessment will thus integrate practical, theoretical, and reflective competence. Summative assessment includes, but is not limited to:
  • Tests.
  • Assignments.
  • Research projects.
  • Presentations.
  • Creative production.
  • Examinations.
  • Oral presentations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Three similar international qualifications relating to the management of construction were identified and reviewed to verify the closeness or similarity of those qualifications with the South African qualification to assess and comment on its international comparability. The international comparability is based on the title of the qualifications, duration, qualification design, entry requirements, purpose/rationale and credit value.

    The South African qualification compares favourably with the similar qualifications offered in the following international countries:

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Massey University
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Construction
    NQF Level: New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 8
    Total credits: 120 credits (at least 60 credits compulsory specialisation courses)
    Duration: One year full-time and three years part-time

    Similarities:
    The Massey University (MU) compares equally with the South African (SA) qualification in the following aspects.

    NQF Level and Credits:
    Both the MU and SA qualifications are registered at NQF Level 8 and have 120 credits. Furthermore, a learner must complete at least 60 credits in their area of specialisation which is similar to the SA qualification. The SA qualification also requires learners to complete at least 60 credits of specialisation courses so there is equal comparability in terms of total credit value and the weighting of specialisation courses towards the total credits of the qualification.

    Duration:
    Both the MU and SA qualifications are offered for one year full time.

    Entry requirements:
    Both qualifications require learners to complete a Bachelor's degree in Construction or equivalent qualification.
    Or
    A relevant Bachelor's degree followed by a relevant Postgraduate Certificate or an equivalent qualification.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both the MU and SA qualifications offer a stepping stone to a research-based degree. Similar to the SA qualification, there is a shortage of qualified graduates with skills in this area. There is over $100 billion in construction work (covering both building and infrastructure work) to be done in New Zealand alone over the next 30 years. Demand in many countries beyond New Zealand is even bigger. There is massive work to be done and there is high demand at all levels of work in the construction industry, ranging from construction tradespeople to construction professionals. Both the MU and SA qualifications are thus designed to address the skills shortage in the construction management field. Both qualifications will help learners become construction professionals, with relevant knowledge and skills the industry needs.

    On completion of both qualifications, learners will be well equipped to aim for senior positions in the industry after gaining requisite experience. Alternatively, learners may be able to proceed to the Master of Construction.
    International trends are for employers to reward postgraduate study well, especially in larger enterprises. The skills learners learn are increasingly recognised as setting you apart from other potential employees.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    Both qualifications will develop learners in the following competencies.
  • Understanding of organizational and technological aspects of building construction and infrastructure engineering structure construction.
  • Design organization and technology of construction work performed during the construction preparation stage.
  • Identify and resolve organizational and technological problems during the construction process.
  • Organize the construction site and operate the construction of infrastructure engineering and building construction structures.
  • Planning, organizing and manage the production and business processes of lesser or medium complexity within the business systems.

    Qualification structure:
    Both MU and SA qualifications share the following similar compulsory modules.
  • Construction Law.
  • Construction Project Management.
  • Digital Built Environment.
  • Quantity Surveying.
  • Sustainable Built Environment.

    Specialisation One: Building Technology
    Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Design and Management of Healthy Buildings, 15 Credits.
  • Energy-Efficient Building Design, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Technology, 15 Credits.

    Specialisation Two: Construction Law
    Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Law, 15 Credits.
  • Construction Contracts and Administration 15 Credits.
  • Construction Adjudication, 15 Credits.

    Specialisation Three: Construction Project Management
    Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Planning and Scheduling, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Site Operations and Control, 15 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Law 15 Credits.

    Specialisation Four: Facilities Management
    Compulsory Modules, 75 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management and Workplace Relations, 30 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management,15 Credits.
  • Design and Management of Healthy Buildings, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Technology, 15 credits.

    Specialisation Five: Quantity Surveying
    Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 15 Credits
  • Construction Contracts and Administration, 15 Credits
  • Quantity Surveying Practice, 15 Credits
    >Construction Financial Administration, 15 Credits

    Elective Modules.
  • 22 different elective courses available.

    Comparability between qualifications:
    There is very close comparability of both the MU and SA qualifications in terms of curriculum design, credit value, duration, and specialisation content.

    Country: Sri Lanka
    Institution: University of Moratuwa
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management

    Similarities:
    Both the University of Moratuwa (UM) and the South African (SA qualification compare favourably in the following aspects.

    Entry Requirements:
    Both qualifications share the following similar entry requirements.
  • A degree of Bachelor of Science in engineering (specialised in civil engineering).
    Or
  • A degree from a recognised university with one year of relevant experience.
    Or
  • Associate membership of a recognised professional engineering institute in the relevant field and a minimum of two years of experience after obtaining such membership also could be considered.
    Or
  • The acceptability of the professional qualification of the candidate, the recognition of the institute and the relevance of the field shall be determined by the Faculty and approved by the Senate.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both the University of Moratuwa (UM) and the South African (SA) qualifications provide industries with the opportunity to develop their expertise in project management. The qualification is intended to assist the working professionals to gain further knowledge and qualifications. The main objective of both qualifications is to provide training in techniques that are essential for research and problem-solving in the industry.

    Qualification structure:
    Both the MU qualification and SA qualifications consist of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Project Management I.
  • Project Management II.
  • Construction and Industrial Law.
  • Procurement and Conditions of Contracts.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Construction Project Management Applications.

    Differences:
    The UM qualification takes one year and three months part-time.to complete whereas the SA qualification takes one full time of study.

    The UM qualification consists of a combination of compulsory core modules, elective modules, and a research project. The project is only available for studies towards Master of Science.

    Different Compulsory Modules:
  • Assets Management and Management Information Systems.
  • Financial Management.
  • Development Finance.
  • Quantitative Techniques and Research Methodology.

    Elective Modules:
  • Measurement of Building Works
  • Tall Building Construction
  • Advanced Methods in Road and Bridge Engineering
  • Building Services
  • Facilities Management
  • Real Estate Management

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: Heriot-Watt University (HWU)
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management
    Overall credits: 120 credits

    Similarities:
    Both the Both the Heriot-Watt University and the South African qualifications have the same120 credits and share the following similar aspects.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Both and the HWU and the South African qualifications are designed to equip learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical and technical skills to manage people and projects within the construction industry. Both qualifications provide practitioners with access to a theoretical base and allow them to appraise current and future strategies in construction project management. The construction industry is thriving and shows no sign of stopping. According to a Global Construction 2030 report, the volume of construction output is forecast to grow by 85% by 2030, with the UK being a stand-out growth market in Europe.

    Studying construction project management at Heriot-Watt gives learners the vital skills and versatility required by an increasingly dynamic industry. This qualification has a strong emphasis on construction technology with module options that give learners a background in valuation and procurement. Both the HWU and the South African qualifications aim to provide learners with the knowledge, leadership, and management skills necessary for the effective delivery of construction projects from inception to occupation. Upon the completion of both qualifications, learners will be able to find employment as Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction professionals, Managers, directors and senior officials.

    Qualification structure:
    Both qualifications share similar compulsory modules:

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Project Management: Theory and Practice
  • Value and Risk Management
  • Contracts and Procurement
  • Project Management: Strategic Issues
  • Construction Financial Management
  • Construction Practice and Information Technology
  • People and Organisational Management in the Built Environment

    Differences:
    The Heriot-Watt University qualification consists of the combination of compulsory and the following elective modules whereas the South African qualification consists of compulsory modules and a selection of one of the five compulsory modules.

    Elective Modules (Select one module from the following):
  • Sustainability in Civil Engineering.
  • Construction Technology.
  • Environmental Hydrology and Water Resources.
  • Real Estate Economics.
  • Spatial Planning.
  • Sustainable Design and Development.
  • Environmental Geotechnics.

    Country: Uganda
    Institution: Makerere University (MU)
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Project Management

    Similarities:
    Both the Both the Makerere University (MU) and the South African (SA) qualifications have the same120 credits and share the following similar aspects.

    Duration:
    Similar to the SA qualification, the minimum duration of the MU qualification is one year full time while the maximum shall be three part-time academic years.

    Purpose:
    The overall objective of both the MU and the SA qualifications is to produce highly skilled project management professionals in the construction industry with adequate knowledge to respond to the demands of the practical world.

    The specific objectives of the qualifications are as follows:
  • To enable graduate learners to upgrade and update their technical knowledge in a specialized field of Construction Project Management.
  • To promote the acquisition of advanced practical and demand-driven skills in construction.
  • To equip professionals with expertise in the use of applied construction project management skills.
  • To produce a Graduate who can be a manager of construction processes and projects.
  • To enable professionals to independently and effectively solve multi-faceted issues of the day-to-day activities in the construction field.
  • Produce graduates who can continue with Graduate studies and can advance to do a Master's degree.

    Proper management of construction is required in all government departments, Non-Government Organisations and the private sector. Both MU and the SA qualifications target people who need to do graduate-level training to become good managers in construction and those who wish to advance their knowledge in construction management. The list includes graduate civil engineers, architects, construction managers, quantity surveyors, land economists and physical Planners, defence (Armed) Forces-Engineers Brigade and Police and so on.

    Qualification structure:
    Comparability between qualifications: Close comparability with the content of the construction project management specialisation
  • Advanced Mathematics.
  • Computer Applications in Engineering.
  • Environmental Studies.
  • Project Management and Control.
  • Construction Economics.
  • Research methodology and Scientific Writing.
  • Advanced Construction Technology.
  • Contracts Law and Management.
  • Construction Business Management.
  • Site Management and Practice.
  • Post Graduate Diploma Project Report.

    Comparison:
    The international comparability study with the above international countries revealed that the design of the South African (SA) qualification compares very closely with the design of the qualification offered by Massey University in New Zealand in that both qualifications have five specialisation options namely:
  • Building Technology,
  • Construction Law.
  • Construction Project Management.
  • Construction Facilities Management.
  • Construction Quantity Surveying.

    There is close comparability between the SA qualification and most other qualifications offered in the Commonwealth countries in terms of specialisation content. The universities in Europe, Australia, Singapore/US (Emeritus Institute of Management (Singapore) and Columbia University Engineering Executive Education (United States of America) and Makerere University in Uganda are all designed to cover only one area of specialisation such as construction project management, or construction management, or construction law. However, the content is close in terms of specialisation content.

    Careful attention was given to the formulation of an appropriate title for the qualification due to the context of the built environment disciplines and professions in South Africa. It is worth noting that most of the qualifications offered in the universities in Europe and Australia in the Commonwealth are titled Construction Management rather than Management of Construction. Construction is generally regarded as the process of constructing a building or infrastructure. The construction process entails the planning, design, financing, and physical execution of the project until it is ready for use. Management comprises the strategic and coordination activities performed to successfully achieve the goals of a project. Construction Management would ordinarily be an appropriate umbrella name for the qualification - at least within the Commonwealth if not in the United States. Internationally, most people in the field refer to construction management to encompass the various activities involved in the management of construction work, and that would ordinarily include construction project management.

    However, the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professionals (SACPCMP), which is the statutory Council responsible for professional practice, makes a distinction when it comes to the definition and practice of construction management (CM) and construction projects management (CPM). The SACPCMP defines construction management (CM) as the management of the physical construction process within the built environment and includes the co-ordination, administration, and management of resources. The Construction Manager is the one point of responsibility in the process. The SACPCMP then differentiates the definition of construction project management (CPM) as the management of the physical construction process within the built environment from conception to completion, including management of related professional services. The Construction Project Manager is the one point of responsibility in the process.

    The scope of the South African qualification would cover both construction management and construction project management as defined by the SACPMP, hence there is a need to have an all-encompassing name such as Management of Construction. This will allow for the specificity of the field of study of the qualification whilst offering the required flexibility for Construction Economics and Management. Furthermore, the world is constantly changing, and it is important to have an inclusive name that does not have the potential to become embroiled in the CM /CPM arguments and generally appeals to the wider community in the CM and CPM space. Therefore, describing the focus of the qualification as Management of Construction rather than Construction Management is more appropriate, inclusive, and responsive, particularly in the South African context. This should broaden the qualification's appeal, give a competitive advantage, and help attract a wider pool of applicants.

    In terms of comparability, using the Management of Construction could have a similar meaning to Construction Management in the international context. However, using the term Construction Management in the South African context may evoke unnecessary connotations of the term that would not be in the interest of the qualification. Therefore, it is beneficial to go with the name Management of Construction which covers the fuller range of the strategic and coordination activities performed to successfully achieve the intended goals of a construction project. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Health and Safety Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Project Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Development in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Urban and Regional Planning, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Urban Development, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Development in Quantity Surveying
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management, NQF Level 8
  • Postgraduate Diploma in the Built Environment, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Land and Property Development Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Construction, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Construction Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Project Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science in the Built Environment, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Science: Quantity Surveying in Project Management, NQF 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.