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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Civil Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101148  Diploma in Civil Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal 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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Civil Engineering Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
The intended purpose of this Qualification is to give the successful student a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Civil Engineering. The qualification will be treated according to the policies and procedures of the institution regarding assessment, moderation (including external moderation), monitoring of learner progress in the qualification, provision for learner disputes regarding assessment results and Recognition of Prior Learning.

Rationale:
A learner achieving this qualification will be competent to apply theoretical knowledge, practical experience and skills in Civil Engineering as a civil engineering technician, who is part of the engineering team, by applying proven techniques to engineering activity, within standards and codes under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

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 at 397 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 196 Credits:
  • Engineering Skills 1, 5 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Social Intelligence 1, 3 Credits.
  • Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
  • Computing Applications 2, 7 Credits.
  • Safety Principles and Law 1, 5 Credits.
  • Physics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Physics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Drawing 1, 10 Credits.
  • Mathematics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Mechanics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Chemistry 1, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Survey 1, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Drawing 2, 10 Credits.
  • Construction Materials 1, 5 Credits.
  • Engineering Geology 1, 10 Credits.
  • Soil Mechanics 1, 5 Credits.
  • Construction Methods 1, 10 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Management 1, 10 Credits.
  • Theory of Structures 2, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 201 Credits:
  • Water Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
  • Construction Materials 2, 5 Credits.
  • Engineering Survey 2, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
  • Elements of Structural Steel and Timber Design 2, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
  • Structural Analysis 3, 10 Credits.
  • Transportation Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning 1 (Civil), 60 Credits.
  • Documentation 1, 10 Credits.
  • Elements of Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Design 3, 10 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics 2 (Civil), 10 Credits.
  • Structural Analysis 4, 10 Credits.
  • Transportation Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Management 2, 10 Credits.
  • Soil Mechanics 2, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Plan Civil Engineering systems in accordance with the relevant codes of practice.
    2.Design Civil Engineering systems in accordance with the relevant codes of practice.
    3.Prepare and administer the documentation for Civil Engineering systems in accordance with the relevant codes of practice.
    4.Build and maintain Civil Engineering systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain principles, concepts, theories and models in civil engineering planning electronically, verbally, graphically, in writing, and through practical demonstration, using the appropriate and correct language terms.
  • Identify the scope of the problem, including the intended use of manpower, equipment, materials, finances, and construction methodology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Assess options regarding the correct utilization of resources and alternative solutions.
  • Select and justify a solution.
  • Assess and choose correct loads, structural materials and elements.
  • Interpret and assess relevant traffic volume, soils information, population and network analysis.
  • Perform engineering survey tasks and calculations by executing detailed surveys and translating the information onto engineering plans for the fixing of control points, setting out & checking of the works and the determination of Civil Engineering quantities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply principles of Geotechnical engineering by performing site investigations, assessing the stability and applying soil design principles to ensure long term stability and assessing any design impacts.
  • Design road and rail systems by determining traffic volume and characteristics, use traffic studies, select category, route, and design geometric, earthworks, drainage and pavements.
  • Engineer, design and maintain aspects of water, including water treatment and reclamation, open channels, supply and waste reticulation and storm-water systems by determining population demand, and analysis of pipe networks.
  • Describe, represent and document the detail of the design correctly.
  • Prepare a tender, extract quantities from a drawing, prepare and interpret specifications, and conduct basic feasibility and financial studies.
  • Communicate across cultural boundaries in an oral and written format.
  • Resolve informal disputes and conflicts, write and interpret reports, minutes and conduct (chair) meetings by liaison with other professions, contractors, public, and clients.
  • Prepare and present clear and concise instructions.
  • Use initiative, apply techniques involving lateral thinking and problem solving, exercise tact and discretion, and apply ethics of profession, confidentiality, honesty, commitment and loyalty.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Work in teams and build teams by applying discipline and maintaining a balance between business and personal lifestyle.
  • Prepare and submit a tender, take-off `Civil Engineering quantities from a drawing, interpret specifications, and conduct basic feasibility and financial studies.
  • Apply basic engineering computer systems, deal effectively with their limitations whilst having the ability to use relevant applications and show basic typing skills in the execution of tasks.
  • Establish a site, control quality, costs, production outputs and ensure profitability.
  • Manage safety, administer contracts, identify potential claims and manage labour within the parameters of the LRA Ability to manage the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Civil Engineering structures, roads and pavements.

    Integrated Assessment.
    Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification. The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading. Timely feedback to learner forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    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. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This allows qualification for the following articulation:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering, Level 7.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Construction Management, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Project Management, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Construction Science and Building Surveying, 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. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.