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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101006  Diploma in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 240)  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  289  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2032-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Persons achieving this qualification will be able to, independently as well as under supervision, integrate analytical and practical engineering techniques and engineering knowledge to solve well-defined and open-ended engineering problems. They will also be able to select criteria to judge processes and outcomes. This qualification is intended for engineering practitioners in the industry.

Rationale:
The Diploma in Mechanical Engineering prepares the learners for the use of appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools. Including information technology for application of Scientific and Engineering Knowledge. To meet desired needs usually within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
There are similar international qualifications, but individual institutions have unique offerings which may/may not articulate with this qualification entirely. There is undoubtedly synergy in courses with variations ranging from slight to extreme synergy-depending on the institution.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement is:
  • National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 and 6 totalling to 311 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 157 Credits:
  • Communications Studies, 9 Credits.
  • Electrotechnology, 10 Credits.
  • Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering,12 Credits.
  • Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • Mechanical Engineering Drawing, 12 Credits.
  • Computer and Programming Skills, 9 Credits.
  • Mechanics, 12 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics, 10 Credits.
  • Computer-Aided Draughting, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Studies, 9 Credits.
  • Thermodynamics, 10 Credits.
  • Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Strength of Materials, 8 Credits.
  • Mechanics of Machines, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 130 Credits:
  • Strength of Materials, 12 Credits.
  • Thermodynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Mechanics of Machines, 12 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics, 12 Credits.
  • Electrotechnology, 12 Credits.
  • Mechanical Engineering Design, 12 Credits.
  • Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Steam Plant, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Strength of Materials, 12 Credits.
  • Theory of Machines, 12 Credits.
  • Hydraulic Machines 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 24 Credits (Choose One module):
  • Electrotechnology, 12 Credits.
  • Management Skills, 12 Credits.
  • Mechanical Engineering Design, 12 Credits.
  • Mechanical Manufacturing Engineering, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply engineering principles to diagnosed and solve well-defined engineering problems systematically.
    2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve well-defined engineering problems.
    3. Perform procedural design of components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs usually within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    4. Conduct investigations of well-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools including information technology for the solution of well-defined engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an engineering context.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
    9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
    10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of technical engineering practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Apply mechanical engineering principles to diagnose and solve engineering problems:
  • Identify and solve problems in which responses show that responsible decisions, using critical and creative thinking, have been made.
  • Identify a mechanical engineering problem and gather information about it and other, related issues.
  • Analyse and synthesise information to do with mechanical engineering problems.
  • Carry out practical investigations into the mechanical engineering problem.
  • Recommend solutions to assist in decision making.

    Demonstrate mechanical engineering knowledge and skills in one or more specialised areas:
  • Apply knowledge of the concepts and principles of management to describe and evaluate the management of engineering systems.
  • Apply knowledge of the concepts and principles of management to describe and evaluate the management of engineering processes.
  • Analyse and make components in an engineering environment.
  • Solve practical engineering problems by using engineering concepts and principles.
  • Describe and perform the operation and modification of machines.
  • Plan, implement and improve mechanical engineering processes.
  • Function as an entrepreneur.
  • Relate engineering activity to environmental issues.
  • Use computers to process, control and model engineering information.

    Engage in mechanical engineering design work individually and as part of a team:
  • Gather and interpret information about a technical need.
  • Formulate and select appropriate designs which satisfy the mechanical engineering need.
  • Design and report successfully on the product.

    Communicate effectively in a technological environment:
  • Produce documents in a technological environment.
  • Use interpersonal skills to facilitate co-operative decision making.

    Apply management principles in an engineering environment:
  • Apply knowledge of the concepts and principles of management to describe and evaluate the management of engineering systems (5 - 10 Credits: Elective).
  • Apply knowledge of the concepts and principles of management to describe and evaluate the management of engineering processes (5 - 10 Credits: Elective).
  • Manage and complete projects (12 - 32 Credits: Core).
  • A workplace process is examined and described in terms of a set of criteria (quality, safety, profitability) for successful management.
  • The process is evaluated against selected criteria and reasoned suggestions for managerial improvements given.
  • A workplace project is completed against a set of criteria including specifications, time frames and budgets.
  • The project is successfully and appropriately presented to a professional audience.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and include a summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. In order for all the assessment purposes to be achieved, class tests, assignments, project work, tutorials will be utilised. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) (Practical experiential learning, simulated learning, laboratory work, practical excluding workplace-based learning) forms part of the assessments methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has responsibility for the professional accreditation of engineering qualification and is also a signatory of the Sydney Accord. The signatories are committed to development and recognition of good practice in engineering education. The Sydney Accord is focused on academic qualifications dealing with engineering technology. The Accord acknowledges that accreditation of these academic qualifications is a crucial foundation for the practice of engineering technology in each of the countries or territories covered by the Accord. It recognises the importance of the roles engineering technologists as part of a wider engineering team. Even though the term engineering technologist is used, it is mindful that these are often termed differently within the specific jurisdictions. It also includes roles such as; certified or applied science technologists, which may also be called associate or incorporated engineers. Currently the signatories that make up the Sydney Accord include Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, Malaysia, Korea and South Africa. The Exit Level Outcomes and level descriptors defined in the institution's qualification are aligned with the International Engineering Alliance's Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies, and thus provide for transfer and employment within those countries party to the agreement. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advance Diploma in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering, Level 7.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Engineering Technology in Extraction Metallurgy, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering, Level 6. 
    		•

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.