SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Construction

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100779	Master of Construction
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Civil Engineering Construction
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
78743	Master of Technology: Construction Management	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The overall aim of this Master of Construction is to equip learners with the required disciplinary knowledge, practice-based skills and research capacity to produce a research project and dissertation with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability meeting acceptable academic and professional standards. The institution aims to graduate higher degree research learners who are distinguished by their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the field of study and/or academic discipline, including, where appropriate, relevant expertise outside the area of study and/or academic discipline, as well as a critical awareness of current problems and/or new insights at the forefront of the field of study and/or area of professional practice.

The overall purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with in-depth knowledge and understanding of the discipline informed by current scholarship and research, including critical awareness of current issues and developments in this field of study. In addition, Master's Degree learners will be required to conduct a research project through independent research culminating in the production and successful completion of a dissertation, which implies that learners must have a high level of personal autonomy and accountability in planning, managing and executing a substantial research project, while demonstrating the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in this field of study. In completing the research project and dissertation, learners must demonstrate the ability to address complex and challenging problems and show an understanding of the ethical issues and consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

The purpose of this Master of Construction Degree is to educate and train qualifying learners who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level such that they are prepared for advanced and specialised employment in the field of Construction. The area of Construction encompasses the complete life cycle of a construction industry project from conception, design, construction, distribution, operation and maintenance. Therefore, the research areas to be engaged in will fall within any of these diverse phases in the construction industry. Qualifying learners achieving this qualification will be competent to conduct research under minimal guidance, contribute to knowledge production in the built environment with success. The qualifying learners will be able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively; design and critically appraise analytical writing; make sound judgements using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences; demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems; act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks; and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to the fields of construction management and quantity surveying, and reflect critically on theory and its application. The qualification will give learners an opportunity to develop their research specialisation further and make a new and innovative contribution to the chosen knowledge area. This qualification will provide access to a Doctoral Degree in Construction. This qualification will also prepare qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge, expertise, advanced skills, theoretical and practical competencies to occupy managerial positions within construction industries; local, provincial, and national government parastatals/departments/authorities.

This qualification is primarily industry oriented. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to specific career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Programmes leading to this qualification tend to have a strong professional or career focus and holders of this qualification usually are prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market.

Specifically, the purpose of this qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practising professional in the field of construction.

This qualification forms the basis of advanced knowledge and technology transfer to qualifying learners. The qualifying learners can effectively extend knowledge in the discipline as Researchers, Academics (at institutions of higher learning) and as decision-makers in industry. Also, it is an integral stepping stone to further professional training of the individual. The significant reasons offering this qualification are summarised as follows:

To enable continuity in qualification delivery since both the current and new qualification is by comprehensive research.

To enhance the departmental experience and expertise in delivering the undergraduate qualifications

To improve the depth and level of study of the graduate.

The dissertation route is flexible, giving more opportunity to the industry to participate effectively and thereby increasing the viability of the programme.

This qualification aims to meet learners' academic and career needs in the following ways:

Preparation for specialised jobs in construction and the built environment and other areas that potentially benefit from construction engineering skills, by acquiring advanced knowledge and skills to make a contribution to the profession as well as the economic development of the country.

Provision of the educational base required for registration with appropriate construction professional bodies as a Learner or a Professional.

Rationale:
The nature, purpose and academic explanation of the Master of Construction are aligned to requirements of The Council for the Built Environment (CBE), a statutory body established under the Council for the Built Environment Act (No. 43 of 2000). CBE is an overarching body that coordinates six Professional Councils, (Architecture, Engineering, Landscape Architects, Project and Construction Management, Property Valuation, and Quantity Surveying).

The most relevant stakeholders are Quantity Surveying Consultants and Construction Companies; Government Departments and Agencies, non-statutory professional bodies (ASAQS and ASOCSA), Academic institutions, Institutions of higher learning and Universities of Technology offering qualifications in the Construction Management and Quantity Surveying fields. Some of these stakeholders are represented in the Advisory Committee and have been contributing to the design of the new qualification. This process of continual feedback is incorporated into the design of the programme. National and regional industry needs are communicated to the department through government representatives (national, provincial and local), other universities (national and international), industry representatives and research meetings (e.g. conferences, seminars).

This qualification relates to the broader field of the Built Environment aimed at developing qualifying learners who will be able to demonstrate a high level of research capability and make a significant and original academic contribution in a particular specialisation in construction management, property and other related fields. This qualification will establish qualifying learners as specialists in the field of construction.

Thirdly, this qualification is also in keeping with the institution's vision, mission and strategic objectives of enhancing and developing the quality and effectiveness of research and knowledge production and is aligned to the overall aims and research niche areas of the Research, Technology and Innovation blueprint of the institution. The Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying conforms to the institutional research plan as some of the research taken broadly falls within the following four areas:

Climate change and the environment.

Human and social dynamics, including issues related to service delivery.

Economic growth and international competitiveness.

Design for sustainability.

The academic department also focuses on research in aspects such as: Construction resources utilisation, Construction product delivery, Sustainable construction, Maintenance management, Facility management and Lean construction.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of the qualification or for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled following an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

Learners may obtain access to a postgraduate qualification through recognition of prior learning using a portfolio of evidence of relevant work experience and scholarship. The institution will evaluate the portfolio of evidence against the relevant SAQA Level Descriptors. Upon Faculty Board approval, the application should be considered at the institutional level by the Higher Degrees Committee and approved by Senate.
Entry Requirements:

Bachelor's Honours Degree, NQF Level 8.
Or

Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8 in the field of study or related field(s) of study
Or

A Professional Bachelor's Degree (480 SAQA Credits), NQF Level 8 in this field of research or related field(s) of study.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Full Dissertation, 180 Credits.
Or

Course work and Mini Dissertation, 180 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Gain an understanding of the research process.
2. Access, process and manage information applicable to the research project.
3. Plan and prepare a research proposal.
4. Compile and present the research proposal.
5. Show accountability and management of own learning.
6. Act ethically and professionally.
7. Plan and manage the research project with a high level of personal autonomy and accountability.
8. Conduct a literature review and use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.
9. Apply research methods for data collection, analysis and interpretation, including the use of appropriate computer software programmes.
10. Draw conclusions and present research results by compiling a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by the research results and findings in the research report.
11. Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project.
12. Demonstrate problem-solving abilities to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project with an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria applies across the Exit Level Outcomes:

Display adequate understanding the foundations, paradigms and nature of research relevant to the academic discipline, the field of study and professional practice.

Apply critical aspects of research design, such as exploration, description and explanation, and the research process to plan and execute a research project.

Locate, analyse, critically appraise and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources to compile the literature review of the research proposal and to make informed decisions regarding research design and methodology.

Select a research topic and evaluate the suitability of the research topic using criteria relevant to the field of study such as scope, relevance, significance, feasibility, ethics, objectivity, originality, etc. in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement and sub-problems using appropriate criteria and guidelines relevant to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Generate research question(s), aims and objectives of the research and hypotheses (if applicable) based on relevant criteria and guidelines pertinent to the field of study and in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Demonstrate understanding of the use of appropriate research methods and techniques relevant to the area of study including aspects such as qualitative, quantitative and mixed-methods research methods, sampling techniques, data generation and data analysis, including statistical purposes (if relevant to a field of study).

Compile a research proposal based on institutional and faculty criteria, procedures and guidelines pertinent to the area of research and in consultation with the supervisor(s).

Demonstrate the ability to use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the field of study, discipline and professional practice to present the research proposal in written and oral format to a range of audiences, including peers and examiners.

Demonstrate the ability to operate independently and to take full responsibility for his/her work while managing resources (e.g. time, budget, technology, equipment, etc.) in compiling the research proposal.

Demonstrate the ability to work within the ethical framework as defined in institutional criteria, procedures and guidelines in terms of plagiarism and copyright, confidentiality, ownership and professionalism and obtain permission and ethical clearance from relevant authorities to execute the research project.

With a high level of personal autonomy and accountability, plan, manage and execute a substantial research project using available resources assigned to the task (e.g. funding, infrastructure, academic, technical and administrative staff and or assistants, etc.) and within the timeframe allocated to the project.

Demonstrate the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise advanced knowledge and skills in executing the research project against acceptable academic requirements.

Consult with supervisor(s) and act on feedback received in a manner that shows improvement.

Demonstrate an ability to select relevant sources drawing on the work of leading scholars in the field of study or discipline and to produce a comprehensive literature review on different perspectives in the field of research or discipline that shows originality.

Use written communication and technical skills relevant to the discourse of the discipline and choose an appropriate genre to communicate effectively with specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Use the prescribed referencing technique of the institution correctly and accurately.

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a range of research methods and techniques, critically evaluate these and apply them appropriately to investigate the research problem.

Assimilate data using different data collection methods (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, experimental and simulation methods) to present a coherent representation of data analysis.

Analyse, interpret and synthesise data using the appropriate computer software programme(s), (if relevant to the chosen research problem).

Demonstrate the ability to compile a coherent and sustained argument that is supported by research results and conclusions in the research report.

Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and findings of the study to specialist audiences emphasising the contribution to knowledge production in the field of study, discipline and profession.

Demonstrate the ability to present in verbal, written or visual form, the research results and conclusions of the research project to non-specialist audiences emphasising the contribution the study makes to society/community in general.

Consider issues of confidentiality (if applicable) and adhere to institutional/professional requirements in this regard.

Identify a range of channels relevant to the field of study used in disseminating the research results and conclusions (e.g. conference poster, conference paper, journal article, etc.)

Prepare a report for publication in a nationally accredited journal or peer-reviewed conference paper in consultation with the supervisor(s) based on relevant criteria.

Adhere to institutional policies and requirements in terms of plagiarism.

Exercise informed judgement to ethical, cultural, research and professional issues pertinent to the chosen research problem.

Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions related to the research project which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational and professional issues.

Demonstrate an ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific context (where applicable in terms of the research project).

Demonstrate the use of the full range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems within the field of study and relevant to the research project and show an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specific context.

Integrated Assessment:
The integrated assessment aims to assess the learner holistically and contributes to the learner's personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. The execution of the research project and production and acceptance of the dissertation constitute the total of a combination of formative, summative and integrated assessment methods at this level of study.

In executing the research project and dissertation, learners will:

Compile a scientific research proposal through integration and application of knowledge and skills within the area of specialisation in the field of study.

Demonstrate in-depth learning with abstraction and understanding knowledge of the field/area of investigation using a well-structured literature review.

Develop critical research skills and attributes in planning and research in the field of horticulture by applying knowledge, research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.

Dealing with unpredictability in problem-solving, extracting, interpreting and analysing research results accurately.

Taking responsibility and autonomy in the research process in drawing conclusions and reporting research results in both scientific article and dissertation formats.

Display a professional attitude, ethical behaviour and values in presenting results to a scientific audience in reflecting on professional practice.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The international benchmarking was conducted to determine the extent of the qualification and subject structures compare with similar offerings at similar institutions. The international benchmarking exercise was undertaken in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education institutions internationally ; the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of programme design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

In terms of this qualification, the international benchmarking included the following higher education institutions: Queensland University of Technology, Australia; the Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands; Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, CEPT University, India; Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India.

This benchmarking exercise informs and affirms that the full thesis Master offering in the Department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying at this institution is aligned to the current practice of Master's Degree at other higher institutions of learning, internationally.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:

Horizontal Articulation:

Cognate Master's Degree, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Cognate Doctoral Degree, NQF Level 10.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.	Cape Peninsula University of Technology