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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Mechanical Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101152  Diploma in Mechanical 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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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
72729  National Diploma: Engineering: Mechanical  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The intended purpose of this qualification is to give the successful learner a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Mechanical Engineering.

Rationale:
Leaners 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 industry. 

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 392 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 196 Credits:
  • Information and Communications Technology(ICT) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1, 8 Credits.
  • Social Intelligence 1, 3 Credits.
  • Mathematics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Physics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Chemistry 1, 10 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Skills 1, 5 Credits.
  • Engineering Chemistry 2, 10 Credits.
  • Physics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Safety Principles and Law 1, 5 Credits.
  • Engineering Drawing 1, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Computing Applications 2, 7 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics 2 (Mechanics), 10 Credits.
  • Manufacturing Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
  • Electrical Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
  • Thermodynamics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Mechanical Engineering Design 2, 10 Credits.
  • Strength of Materials 2, 10 Credits.
  • Project 1 (WIL Mechanical), 7 Credits.
  • Mechanics 1, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 159 Credits:
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
  • Project 2 (WIL Mechanical), 8 Credits.
  • Mathematics 3, 10 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning 1 (Mechanical), 30 Credits.
  • Thermodynamics 3, 10 Credits.
  • Theory of Machines 3, 10 Credits.
  • Hydraulic Machines 3, 10 Credits.
  • Steam Plant 3, 10 Credits.
  • Strength of Materials 3, 10 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics 3, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Strength of Materials 3, 10 Credits.
  • Mechanics of Machines 3, 10 Credits.
  • Project 3 (WIL Mechanical), 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 70 Credits:
  • Modelling and Engineering Computation 2, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Aided Draughting 1, 10 Credits.
  • Maintenance Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
  • Machine Design 3, 10 Credits.
  • Mechanical Engineering Design 3, 10 Credits.
  • Manufacturing Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
  • Maintenance Engineering 2, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply mechanical engineering principles to diagnose and solve engineering problems.
    2. Demonstrate mechanical engineering knowledge and skills in one or more specialised areas.
    3. Engage in mechanical engineering design work individually and as part of a team.
    4. Communicate effectively in a technological environment.
    5. Apply management principles in an engineering environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • An open ended problem or issue is correctly identified and described in the workplace.
  • The process is appropriately managed in the workplace.
  • Appropriate categories for organising information are selected.
  • Information is logically organised into a comprehensible form for managers/co-workers in the workplace.
  • Appropriate investigative and experimental techniques are chosen and applied to open-ended problems in the workplace.
  • Data is interpreted/analysed in relation to the problem, and relevant information brought forward to the decision making forum in the workplace.
  • The mechanical engineering investigation is appropriately managed in the workplace.
  • Particular recommendations are chosen for the workplace supervisor/co-workers and choices made are justified against selected criteria.
  • The effectiveness of recommendations made is evaluated in the light of workplace feedback.

    Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Mechanical engineering components are made according to selected criteria.
  • Components are tested and measured in the workplace and properties and specifications recorded.
  • Concepts and principles are applied correctly to explain open-ended engineering events in the workplace.
  • Reasoned solutions to open ended individual or community needs using the appropriate engineering concepts and principles are put forward.
  • The correct approach to solving the problem is chosen and justified using criteria which are selected.
  • The operation of machinery and its components is described and explained, both practically and theoretically in the workplace.
  • Appropriate machinery is successfully and independently operated against selected criteria.
  • Minor modifications to machines are selected, planned and performed in line with appropriate engineering strategies in the workplace.
  • Significant contributions to team efforts in planning and implementing processes are made in the workplace.
  • A problem in a workplace process is identified and possible improvements suggested.
  • The product is successfully marketed.
  • The marketing is evaluated against selected criteria and changes implemented where necessary.
  • Business plans are acceptable to financial institution AC.
  • A product is successfully developed for a need.
  • A prototype is successfully built.
  • The environmental and/or social effects of the prototype are assessed.
  • Criteria for a successful entrepreneur in a specialised field are selected.
  • Approaches to environmental management are identified and synthesised.
  • The potential impact of engineering activity in open ended situations is discussed in depth.
  • Criteria are selected for the critical assessment of environmental management techniques and technologies.
  • An environmental assessment of an aspect of the workplace is carried out.
  • Current environmental issues are described.
  • Information is collected, processed and analysed.
  • Machinery and/or processes are controlled and monitored.
  • Components, processes and systems are modelled.
  • Criteria for successful use of computers are selected and usage is evaluated.

    Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Information relevant to the need is chosen, and choices made are justified according to self-selected criteria.
  • Information is appropriately organised into self-selected categories and the process is effectively and independently managed.
  • Designs following logically from mostly independent research in the workplace are identified and described visually and textually.
  • Particular designs are chosen and the feasibility of choice/s made is justified against selected criteria.
  • The design is evaluated and judged in terms of selected criteria and changes made where necessary.
  • Progress is satisfactorily reported to the workplace audience.

    Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The appropriate type of workplace document for the purpose is chosen and justified against selected criteria.
  • The text is coherently organised at both language and structural levels, and can be self-assessed against selected criteria.
  • Conclusions can be drawn from technical data without supervision.
  • Criteria can be selected to categorise relevant information.
  • Ethical issues are included in technological knowledge transfer.
  • Decisions are negotiated between individuals and individuals and groups.
  • Procedures are applied to resolve conflict and reach consensus.
  • Contributions from experts in a group can be understood and synthesised.

    Associated Assessment for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A workplace system is described in terms of its functions.
  • The system is evaluated against selected criteria and reasoned suggestions for improvements given.
  • 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 successfully 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:
    Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the programme and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the programme are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the programme. 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's 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 programme. 
    		•

    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 qualification allows horizontal and vertical articulation:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Industrial Engineering, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Metallurgy Engineering, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering in Mechatronics, Level 7. 
    		•

    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.