SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119827  Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
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
Registered  EXCO 1011/22  2022-10-04  2025-10-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-10-04   2029-10-04  

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is a specialised qualification designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study into industry competencies and skills. The qualification consolidates and deepens the qualifying learner's expertise in Quantity Surveying and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. The purpose of this qualification is to further the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for becoming a competent practicing Quantity Surveyor on completion of this qualification.

This qualification will:
  • Prepare learners for professional specialisation in the building and construction environment i.e., specialising in Quantity Surveying.
  • Prepare learners for postgraduate studies by deepening their knowledge base and understanding of Quantity Surveying and the built environment relating to research.
  • Develop abilities to solve advanced theoretical and practice-related problems in Quantity Surveying.

    The curriculum is designed in such a way that it provides continuity from the 120 NQF Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying providing entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying NQF Level 8, comprising seven core modules in the Postgraduate Diploma as follows:
  • Construction Dispute Resolution which provides greater insight into ways of resolving construction disputes building up on the advanced diploma module Construction Contracts and Administration module.
  • Project Cost Management is another module that requires the underpinning knowledge from Construction Economics. In the Postgraduate Diploma emphasis is placed on project costs.
  • Facilities Management gives the construction manager insight into the realm of managing and maintaining facilities. This is achieved after the learners have gained the construction knowledge at the Advanced Diploma level.
  • Research report introduces the learners into the research environment as this would be a prerequisite should the learners want to pursue the master's on completion of the Postgraduate Diploma. The qualification has a full research report like that of any Honour's qualification.
  • Construction Project Management is another module that requires some insight from the module Business Development and Management at Advanced Diploma Level.
  • Advanced Construction Economics is another module that requires the underpinning knowledge from Construction Economics. In the Advanced Diploma emphasis is placed on financial feasibility studies. This is core to the function and role of Quantity Surveying.
  • Construction Quantity Professional practice is a standalone module to provide aspiring Quantity Surveyors with insights into professional ethics in practice.

    On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply construction management and quantity surveying principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined construction management and quantity surveying problems.
  • Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and construction management and quantity surveying sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve broadly defined built environment problems.
  • Manage a project to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation, and apply scientific and technological knowledge in the built environment.
  • Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern built environment tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined built environment problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions, and constraints.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with construction management and quantity surveying sector audiences and the affected parties.
  • Examine commercial, entrepreneurial and project management principles and applications in the built environment.
  • Assess the impact of construction activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.

    Rationale:
    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. In terms of 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 Quantity Surveying occupations. More recently, on the DHET's List of Occupations in High Demand, published in Government Gazette no 39604 on 19 January 2016, building-related occupations are mentioned.

    This qualification contributes to fulfilling the institution's mission to foster a scholarship of teaching and learning as well as to provide an articulation pathway for Diploma qualifying learners towards the Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying and ultimately to the Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying.

    The qualification was approved by the institution's Advisory committee board and was endorsed by the South African Council for Quantity Surveying Professions (SACQSP) and the South African Council for the Project Construction Management Profession (SACPCMP). The structure and design are guided by the SACQSP standards and thus are envisaged to meet national requirements, as well as those of the learners and other stakeholders. This qualification is therefore aligned to the requirements of the SACQSP. Both the SACPCMP and the SACQSP prescribe the knowledge areas for qualifications.

    This qualification will:
  • Prepare learners for a career in Quantity Surveying and areas that potentially benefit from Quantity Surveying skills, for achieving professional proficiency and contributing to the economy and its national development.
  • Provide the educational base required for registration as a Professional Quantity Surveyor in practice.
  • Entry to NQF Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying and the ability to proceed to a master's and then onto a Doctoral qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is a specialised NQF Level 8 qualification that will lead to competency and professionalism in the field of Quantity Surveying.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying would provide learners with the opportunity to progress to a higher or advanced level with the object of achieving professional status with the SACQSP on completion of further studies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's policy on recognition of prior learning (RPL) applies and may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme. The institution follows a strict RPL Policy In terms of the policy a learner may be admitted to a qualification via RPL.

    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:
  • Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying, NQF level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science 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 144 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 144 Credits:
  • Construction Dispute Resolution, 24 Credits.
  • Research Report: Quantity Surveying, 24 Credits.
  • Project Cost Management, 12 Credits.
  • Facilities Management, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Economics, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 24 Credits.
  • Quantity Surveying Professional Practice, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply construction management and quantity surveying principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined construction management and quantity surveying problems.
    2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and construction management and quantity surveying sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve broadly defined built environment problems.
    3. Follow the procedural process to manage a project to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation, and apply scientific and technological knowledge in the built environment.
    4. Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern built environment tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined built environment problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions, and constraints.
    5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with construction management and quantity surveying sector audiences and the affected parties.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of the built environment activities on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of economic and legal principles and applications in the built environment.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of commercial, entrepreneurial and management principles and application in the built environment.
    9. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of technology principles used in the built environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and define the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify the relevant information, construction management and quantity surveying knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
  • Formulate and apply possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
  • Model and analyse possible solutions.
  • Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
  • Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply an appropriate mix of knowledge of Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics and Natural Science.
  • Apply construction management and quantity surveying at a fundamental level and in a specialist, area to solve broadly defined construction management and quantity surveying problems in the built environment.
  • Use theories, principles, and laws.
  • Conduct a formal analysis and modelling using construction management and quantity surveying materials, components, systems, or processes.
  • Perform reasoning about and conceptualisation of construction management and surveying material systems and processes.
  • Address uncertainty and risk.
  • Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Formulate the project problem to satisfy user needs, and adhere to applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  • Plan and manage the project to focus on important issues and recognise and deal with constraints.
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
  • Perform project tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling, and optimisation of the product, system, or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints, and restrictions.
  • Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgment.
  • Assess the selected project in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.
  • Communicate the project logic and relevant information in a technical report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
  • Apply the method, skill, or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
  • Test and assess results produced by the method, skill, or tool against required results.
  • Select and use computer applications as required by the discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use the structure, style, and language of written and oral communication appropriate for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
  • Apply graphics appropriately and effectively in enhancing the meaning of the text.
  • Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
  • Apply accepted methods for providing information to others involved in construction management and quantity surveying activity.
  • Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.
  • Communicate terminologies used in the construction industry appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Assess the impact of technology in terms of its benefits and limitations to society.
  • Analyse the impact of occupational and public health and safety on the built environment activities.
  • Assess the impact of the physical environment on the built environment activities.
  • Consider personal, social, economic, and cultural values and requirements for those who are affected by the built environment activities.
  • Evaluate economic issues concerning the construction and property sectors at both a micro and macro level including interpreting the scope and cost of a structure or building in terms of manageability, income, quality, and time of completion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply micro and macro-economic theories and principles in context.
  • Describe knowledge of contracts relevant to the built environment.
  • Apply dialectal knowledge in the built environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Describe commercial and management principles relevant to the built environment.
  • Apply commercial, entrepreneurial and management principles in the built environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Explain materials, tools and techniques used in the construction industry.
  • Apply technological knowledge to solve problems in the built environment.
  • Discuss and apply standards and specifications related to specific technology applications where appropriate.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Both formative and summative assessments will be applied in the Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying, through continuous assessment and examinations. The assessment methods applied will determine the learner's applied competence and successful completion of this qualification and can be described as follows:

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the course of the study. Self and peer assessments are used for formative assessment purposes. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of student and lecturer reflection, growth, and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Formative assessment will be conducted by means of theoretical and practical assessment with a group and individual assignments and projects. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level outcomes are achieved through the number and types of tests, assignments, projects, and case studies.

    Integrated Formative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a module. This type of assessment will be used for promotional purposes and will take the form of theoretical examinations, practical examinations, and projects to integrate learning. This qualification is designed to enable learners to apply their skills in the world of work therefore applied competence is assessed accordingly. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is comparable to similar international qualifications in New Zealand and the United Kingdom (UK).

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Massey University
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diplomas in Construction Project Management, Quantity Surveying and Built Environment Studies
    Credits: 120 credits
    Duration: One-year full time

    Entry Requirements:
    To enter the Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) applicants will have been awarded or qualified for:
  • Bachelor of Construction degree, or equivalent.
    Or
  • Relevant bachelor's degree followed by a relevant Postgraduate Certificate or an equivalent qualification.

    Purpose:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction is a steppingstone to a research-based degree. It is a one-year qualification with 120 credits (full-time) or 60 credits per semester. A qualified learner becomes a construction professional, with the relevant knowledge and skills the industry needs.

    The qualification will provide learners with the advanced skills and knowledge required of senior quantity surveyors and commercial managers and it is a pathway to in-depth research at a master's level.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Research Methods in Built Environment, 15 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Construction Contracts and Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Quantity Surveying Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Construction Financial Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Construction Law, 15 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • The Massey University (MU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full-time study.
  • Both the MU and SA qualifications require applicants who completed the Bachelor's degree in quantity surveying or relevant qualification for entry requirements.
  • Both qualifications carry a weighting of 120 credits and articulate vertically to master's degree studies.
  • The MU and SA qualifications consist of the following similar compulsory modules.
  • Construction Project Management.
  • Construction Contracts and Administration.
  • Construction Financial Administration.
  • Quantity Surveying Practice.
  • Research Project.

    Differences:
  • The Research Project for the MU qualification has 30 credits whereas the SA qualification research project has 24 credits.
  • The MU has a module in construction law while the SA qualification consists of Construction dispute and resolution and no law in the construction module.
  • The SA qualification consists of advanced construction economics modules which are not included in the MU qualification.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: The Herriot Watt
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying
    Duration: One-year full time

    Entry Requirements:
    Applicants must have an ordinary degree in a related subject area and relevant post-qualification industry experience.

    Purpose:
    The qualification s designed to meet the needs of the financial management and quantity surveying sectors. The degree offers a solid theoretical base, combined with a strong focus on industrial relevance. This means that learners will quickly be able to make a positive contribution to the success of their working environment and the development of their own professional careers. Graduates also develop careers across different sectors of industry and commerce.

    The qualification is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for the purpose of graduate membership.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Value and Risk Management.
  • Advanced Construction Technology.
  • Strategic Commercial and Contracts Management.
  • Construction Financial Management.
  • People and Organisation Management in the Built Environment.
  • Quantity Surveying Financial Management.
  • Construction Practice and Information Technology.
  • Research Dissertation.

    Elective Modules; (Select one module from a range of optional courses, including):
  • Sustainable Design and Development.
  • Real Estate Economics.
  • Sustainability in Civil Engineering.
  • Spatial Planning.

    Similarities:
  • The Herriot Watt (HW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one-year full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed a Bachelor's degree in the field of study.
  • Both qualifications lead to professional registration.
  • The HU and SA qualifications consist of the following similar compulsory modules.
  • Contracts and Procurement.
  • Construction Financial Management.
  • Quantity Surveying Practice.
  • Quantity Surveying Financial Management.
  • Research Dissertation.
  • Each qualification leads to a Master of Science in the cognate field on completion of the research dissertation component.

    Differences:
  • The HU qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.
  • The HU offers the following different modules from the SA qualification.
  • Value and Risk Management.
  • Strategic Commercial and Contracts Management.
  • People and Organisation Management in the Built Environment.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification compares favourably with the above international qualifications in terms of entry requirements, duration, credits, modules, and content. In addition, the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Professions is affiliated with the qualification, which is a highly accredited South African professional council, well-resourced and affiliated with various relevant international professional bodies within the construction industry. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Quantity Surveying, 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.