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: 

Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109011  Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
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
Advanced Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-02-13  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The main purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying is to educate and train students to the highest standards set by the South African Council for Quantity Surveying Professionals (SACQSP), developing knowledge of the economic, legal, technical, and management aspects of quantity surveying. The following specific objectives will be met:
  • To provide an opportunity for specialisation in Quantity Surveying and in improving technical proficiency that will address the shortage of critical and scarce skills in the country.
  • To provide the educational base in Quantity Surveying for registration with the SACQSP.
  • To produce competent Professional Quantity Surveying Technologists that are academically and technically equipped to meet the challenges in Consultancy and Construction.
  • To prepare graduates for Postgraduate study for entry to Postgraduate Diploma in construction and proceed to Master's Degree in Construction.

    The purpose of this qualification is designed to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing professional technologist. Specifically, the qualification provides:
  • Preparation for a career in Quantity Surveying and achieving technological proficiency in order to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development.
  • The education that will serve as a base for registration as a professional Quantity Surveying with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP).
  • For graduates with an appropriate level of achievement, the ability to enter Level 8 qualifications and then proceed to Master's Degrees.
  • A qualification designed for individuals mainly employed in the construction industry to achieve advanced proficiency in Quantity Surveying.

    The aim of graduate education is to provide students with the environment to develop knowledge and skills to make contributions to their disciplines and to the rapidly changing world.

    This qualification is designed to prepare learners for Postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices, as well as through the application of advanced problem solving to health and safety related problems, advice on the design of appropriate safety systems and programmes in big enterprises and the management of occupational health, safety and environmental programmes in such enterprises.

    Rationale:
    According the Government Gazette of 23 May 2015, Quantity Surveyors have been identified as fourth on the National Scarce Skills List of 100 scarce jobs in South Africa. Consequently, quantity surveyors are in high demand and graduates from this course are highly sought after by employers. The Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying Graduates will be trained to work in a wide range of organisations in both the public and private sectors. These include, construction companies, quantity surveying consultancies, property developers, local authorities, and government departments.

    Quantity surveyors are responsible for the cost of any building project - from initial estimates, right through to the final acquisition of materials. Surveying jobs and their associated roles are varied but focus on providing clients value for money while adhering to the strict regulations which govern every aspect of the construction industry.

    The day-to-day responsibilities of quantity surveyors include roles within the office; on the construction site; and in meetings with clients and with other project personnel. While the very nature of construction work ensures no two projects are ever the same, a typical work day might involve:
  • Preparation of contracts, including details regarding quantities of required materials.
  • On-going cost analysis of maintenance and repair work.
  • Feasibility studies of client requests.
  • Analysing completed work and arranging payment to contractors.
  • Allocating upcoming work to contractors.
  • Site visits assessments and projections for future work.

    Quantity surveyors may choose to specialise in a specific area of the construction industry and focus on areas like property taxation, costing advice, maintenance of existing buildings, or application to funding sources. Learning areas include computing resources to financially manage the development, construction, and long-term operation of buildings. As quantity surveyors often act as project managers, they will learn how to select, manage and coordinate the resources needed for the completion of a construction project.

    Quantity surveyors manage and control financial aspects of the construction process. They also specialise in construction contract law and procurement. They work on behalf of contracting organisations or representatives of the client, aiming to ensure that the project is completed within budget.

    Becoming a surveyor is about more than having the relevant academic experience. Employers will expect applicants to be excellent communicators and possess impressive numeracy skills to handle the financial and mathematical demands of the role. Given the demands of the construction industry, and its frequent challenges, you should demonstrate innovative approaches to problem-solving and an ability to negotiate across the various levels of any construction environment.

    Learning areas include computing resources to financially manage the development, construction, and long-term operation of buildings. As quantity surveyors often act as project managers, they will learn how to select, manage and coordinate the resources needed for the completion of a construction project.

    Quantity surveyors manage and control financial aspects of the construction process. They also specialise in construction contract law and procurement. They work on behalf of contracting organisations or representatives of the client, aiming to ensure that the project is completed within budget.

    As well as cost management, quantity surveyors now provide an expanding range of services including:
  • Advice on development feasibility.
  • Procurement routes.
  • Cost planning and control.
  • Financial accounting.
  • Contractual management.

    The following are the stakeholders that where contact on a face to face interview sessions during the consultation for the proposed advance Diplomas:
  • The Construction Industry Advisory Board for the department of Construction Management and Quantity Surveying which includes employers and consultants.
  • Construction Site based Quantity Surveyors working for contractors.
  • Registered Professional Quantity Surveyors.

    Among other issues the above stakeholders agreed and mentioned is that there is currently a shortage of suitably qualified quantity surveyors with practical and current construction industry knowledge. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying knowledge and skills of a candidate against a qualification or part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skill obtained through informal, non-formal and/or formal training. At the institution, RPL can only be done against qualifications offered by the institution, which includes two possible routes: access or advanced standing.

    Entry Requirements:
    The following minimum admission requirements will apply to this qualification:
  • 360 Credits Diploma in Construction. Applicants should obtain a minimum of 60% pass in the exit level subjects of the 360 Credits Diploma.
    Or
  • 240 Credits Diploma in Construction or its equivalent together with the 120 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Credits.

    Applicants should obtain a minimum of 60% in the second year of 240 Diploma in Construction together with 60% for the 120 WIL Credits.

    Applicants who do not obtain the 60% average, and with at least 1-year relevant industrial experience may be considered on merit. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Building Descriptive Quantification, 10 Credits.
  • Civil Descriptive Quantification, 10 Credits.
  • Construction Economics, 20 Credits.
  • Contract Planning and Cost Control Management, 10 Credits.
  • Property Economics and Valuations, 20 Credits.
  • Construction Law and Procedures, 20 Credits.
  • Sustainability and Environmental Management, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Technology, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Supervise the construction processes (methods and procedures), that are used in construction projects with appropriate techniques, resources, and modern construction tools. These processes include information technology for the solution of well-defined construction problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints within construction.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of construction activities on society, the economy and physical environment, and address these issues through defined procedures.
    3. Critically interpret the design of structures, systems, works, products or processes to meet the desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, within a construction context utilising computer literacy skills to enhance communication.
    5. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills and training programmes.
    6. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of construction practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Plan and manage project and construction processes while focusing on important issues of price, cost, time, value and quality.
  • Recognise and deal with constraints with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints within construction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate competence in identification of problems and understanding of the impact of construction activities on society, economy and physical environment, and address these issues through defined procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically interpret the design of structures, systems, works, products or processes to meet the desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate competence in communication-effectively, both orally and in writing-with individuals and audiences allied to the construction industry and the community at large, using appropriate media.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate competence in techniques of engaging in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills and training programmes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate competence in establishment of reasons for/evidence of the bases of claims or statements and ability to understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of construction practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All modules for this qualification will be evaluated in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution as approved by the senate of the institution. A students' competence will be evaluated using formative and summative assessments and could be hand written or computer based.

    The types of assessment to prove competency are linked to the exit level outcomes of the department and will include the following:
    Tests are used to evaluate a learner's understanding of theoretical concepts and fundamental principles.

    Laboratory/Practical Work takes place in a practical environment and are used to reinforce the theoretical concepts and fundamental principles handled in a class environment.

    Projects/Assignments are used to encourage self-study and research topics that are not necessarily covered in detail in class so that students gain the knowledge needed as a qualified professional. These will normally be submitted in the form of a report to evaluate if learners are able to communicate effectively in writing using the appropriate report structure, language structure, style and also graphical support.

    Presentations: Some assignments and projects will be in the form of individual learner and/or group presentations in order to evaluate if learners are able to orally communicate effectively using the correct computer technology, appropriate presentation structure, language structure, style and also graphical support.

    Tutorials are used to prepare and also to check a learners' preparedness for assessments such as tests; to evaluate the application of theoretical concepts and fundamental principles; and to encourage student interaction such as group work and group discussions.

    Industrial visits are used to expose students to the working environment and to demonstrate practically some of the theoretical concepts and fundamental principles handled in class.

    Final Integrated Summative Assessments (FISA) are normally in the form of a three-hour examination at the end of first semester (for 1st the semester subjects) and 2nd semester (for the 2nd semesters and 2 semesters subjects). It normally covers most of the syllabus that was handled during the course of the semester and is used to evaluate a learner's competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally the following universities were benchmarked:
    1. Massey University Auckland Campus, Auckland, Albany, New Zealand School of Engineering and Advanced Technology offers:
  • New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying).
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying, structure).
  • Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (Massey University).

    2. Sheffield Hallam University offers:
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) (Honours) Quantity Surveying.

    3. Birmingham City University, School of Engineering and the Built Environment, Department of Quantity Surveying offers:
  • Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)/Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) /Master of Science (MSc) in Quantity Surveying.

    4. Heriot-Watt University offers:
  • Construction Project Management and Quantity Surveying.
  • Commercial Management and Quantity Surveying.
  • MSc, Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip.

    5. London South Bank University offers:
  • Construction, Property and Surveying:
  • Master of Science (MSc) Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip Quantity Surveying.
  • MSc Postgraduate Diploma - PgDip.

    6. University of West England, Bristol offers:
  • Graduate Diploma and MSc in Quantity Surveying, Taught course.

    7. University of Salford offers:
  • Quantity Surveying (Mechanical and Electrical) MSc/PgDip.

    8. Birmingham City University offers:
  • Quantity Surveying - PgCert/PgDip/MSc.

    Several institutions have a different level of programmes and several ways of delivery modes of their Quantity Surveying programmes with specialised fields being addressed. Our qualification is Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying.

    The Advanced Diploma in QS qualification is designed to meet standards of quality comparable with international benchmarks established for professional accredited degrees in the built environment professions, as required and assured by processes of accreditation conducted by professional bodies and the Quantity Surveying Councils such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, RICS and the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor in Construction, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction, Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Cape Peninsula 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.