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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109015  Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
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 purpose of this qualification is to broaden the student's knowledge and understanding of current methodologies and theories in Water Science and Technology as well as their technical skills required to identify and solve water quality related problems, within the whole of the water cycle. The scope of practice will include managing water treatment plants, performing a wide range of chemical and microbial analysis on water and preventing the pollution of our countries water resources. The programme is designed to impart an appropriate balance of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills, as well as to develop written and verbal communication skills.

This will broaden the graduate's employment opportunities and improve their professional development. Graduates that satisfy the requirements for this qualification will be able to register as either a Class V process controller (in the case of students with no work experience) or as a Class VI process controller (students with four years' work experience), in terms of the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act No. 108 of 1997, Regulation 17). This registration is compulsory for all process control staff employed at water and wastewater treatment plants in South Africa. A Class VI process controller is the highest level that can be achieved and the completion of this Advanced Diploma opens the door to management positions.

Graduates will also be able to register as Candidate Certified Natural Scientists - Aquatic Science at the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP). The water sector highly values professional staff and more employers nowadays require that staff be registered at SACNASP before they are employed. This qualification fulfils a vital role in this regard because it contributes to the professionalisation of the water sector.

On successful completion of this qualification the qualifying student will be able to:
  • Optimise the operation of advanced water and wastewater treatment plants with regards to cost and quality of the product water.
  • Apply scientific knowledge to improve advanced unit processes in a water and wastewater treatment plant.
  • Conduct the Blue and Green Drop Certification process.
  • Manage water and wastewater treatment plants and water laboratories.
  • Conduct advanced water analysis.
  • Interpreting analytical results and writes reports.
  • Investigating sites for signs of pollution and possible contamination of groundwater or surface water or outfalls to sewers with contain unacceptable high concentrations of pollutants.
  • Lead a team who liaise with customers and representatives from regulatory authorities.
  • Investigate reasons for lapses in water quality and suggest changes or solutions to these problems.
  • Providing advice on avoiding problems, for example, to businesses discharging industrial effluents.
  • Conduct projects concerning water quality improvement.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is a water scarce country where two thirds of the country's water resources are from semi-arid regions with an average rainfall of 420 mm. This is less than half of the global average of 860 mm per annum. Furthermore, the country is also experiencing periodic droughts and floods in some regions and climate change is predicted to exacerbate risks associated with water scarcity and quality. Overall it is expected that the western parts of the country will receive less precipitation, whereas the central and eastern areas will receive more variable rainfall with more intense rainfall events. The continuing trend in industrialisation and urbanisation of the population is expected to place further pressure on the country's sources of water supply. It is predicted based on current usage trends, that the water demand will exceed availability of economically usable fresh water resources by 2025.

    Apart from water scarcity the quality of water in our natural resources is also under pressure. Contributing factors include: inadequate investment in municipal infrastructure and maintenance, which has resulted in poor quality effluents being discharged back into water resources; poor quality of industrial effluents; salinity from irrigation return flows; acid mine drainage; and inadequate sanitation facilities mostly in informal settlements. Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) report a general decrease in water quality in the country which is evident from the increased total dissolved salt concentrations in the natural water resources and increased eutrophic status of dams. This has furthermore resulted in South Africans experiencing serious water borne diseases such as cholera, from time to time.

    The water sector is currently experiencing a critical shortage of scarce skills labour (Trevor Balzer, 2014) and one of the contributing factors is the high retirement figure which resulted in loss of institutional capacity in the Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) and other large water boards and utilities. Evidently, South Africa needs highly skilled manpower to address all these challenges. There is also a need for greater levels of enforcement to ensure compliance with water quality standards. Capacity building in water utilities will ensure high quality drinking water, quality effluents from wastewater treatment plants and proper control of water pollution.

    This qualification was developed by staff in this institution over a six-year period after extensive consultations with the water sector. The Water Care section was engaged in a NUFFIC project sponsored by the Dutch government from 2010 - 2015. The main partner of the project was UNESCO-IHE in Delft, Netherlands, and to a lesser Degree the Technical University of Delft (TU Delft), both leading experts in the water field. The main aim of this project was to assist the institution in the development of new qualifications to address the needs of the water sector in South Africa and to comply with the requirements of the HEQF. This has enabled the institution to involve and consult extensively with the major role players in the water sector. A number of two and three day workshops were held during the six years to determine the current needs of the water sector. The institution was also invited by the Water Institute of South Africa (WISA) to host a one-day workshop during the 2012 and 2014 WISA conferences to involve more role players and to inform the water sector about the latest developments regarding the curriculation process.

    The qualified Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology graduate will be able to address many of the needs expressed in the aforementioned paragraphs. As a water quality technologist, the graduate will be a member of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who is responsible for safeguarding all aspects of water quality through scientific analysis and the setting of targets and standards in response to specific legislation (SANS 241 for drinking water and the National Water Act, Section 21 for effluents discharged into public streams). The qualified technologist will find employment at the Department of Water Affairs, Water Boards, Water Services Authorities, and Municipalities, SASOL, ESKOM and other manufacturing industries.

    TUT is the only institution in the country that offers a specialised undergraduate programme in Water Treatment and the fact that the water sector is facing a huge shortage of skilled experts in the water field makes the speedy introduction of this new programme even more critical. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning will be provided in accordance with Tshwane University of Technology's RPL policy (TUT, 2012). Any credit bearing education relevant to the Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology at Level 7 will be considered. RPL candidates will be required to develop a comprehensive portfolio outlining their work and industrial experience within the water sector where they must provide sufficient evidence that they have attained and mastered necessary skills equivalent to those provided within programs offered at TUT, justifying its equivalence.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirements for admission into Advanced Diploma studies are:
  • Diploma in Water Science and Technology or the National Diploma: Water Care or an equivalent Level 6.
  • National Diploma (N Dip) in Water Care and the Dip in Water Science and Technology. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits. The elective modules will be a choice between either of the management (Water Resources Management II and Water Utility Management II) or analytical streams (Water Analysis III and Water Chemistry III) and the third option between Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection I or Laboratory Management II.

    Elective Modules Level 7, 24 Credits:
  • Water Resources Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Water Utility Management II, 12 Credits.
    OR
  • Water Analysis III, 12 Credits.
  • Water Chemistry III, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules Level 7, 12 Credits:
  • Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection I, 12 Credits.
    OR
  • Laboratory Management II, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 7, 84 Credits:
  • Advanced Water Treatment III, 15 Credits.
  • Decentralized Water and Sanitation, 9 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced Wastewater Treatment III, 15 Credits.
  • Integrated Urban/Rural Water and Sanitation Research Project, 21 Credits.
  • Geographic Information System Water I, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of water and wastewater treatment technology and analysis, and research methodologies including an understanding of and an ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of these fields and practices; and detailed knowledge of integrated water sciences and how that knowledge relates to other fields and practices.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge as contested and an ability to evaluate types of knowledge and explanations typical within the water sector.
    3. Facilitate and manage activities within a familiar or unfamiliar context, taking decisions and acting ethically, morally and professionally in the field of Water Science and Technology. The technologist will effectively justify those decisions and actions, taking full responsibility for their work and decision making, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported and supervised environment.
    4. Communicate their ideas using appropriate academic and occupational discourse by using a variety of technologies and methodologies relevant to the field of Water Science and Technology.
    5. Identify, evaluate and address his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes of peers within the water sector. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate integrated knowledge of treatment processes in water and wastewater treatment practice in ways which produce quality drinking water and wastewater effluents.
  • Apply integrated water quality parameters in water catchment contexts to ensure safe drinking water for consumers and effluents that will not harm the environment.
  • Analyse integrated knowledge of water and wastewater analysis.
  • Apply integrated knowledge of chemistry, physics and microbiology principles in order to operate and control water and wastewater treatment processes, to perform water analysis to provide good quality drinking water and effluents from wastewater treatment plants and prevent pollution of water resources.
  • Use integrated knowledge of effect of chemicals in the different unit processes.
  • Use advanced and applied knowledge of computer software packages to operate and control water and wastewater treatment plants efficiently to provide water and wastewater of a good quality.
  • Use integrated knowledge of communication strategies required for written and verbal communication in a water treatment organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand and apply the different mechanisms available to access electronic and physical printed literature in order to access information for the purpose of deepening knowledge in the water field.
  • Implement the procedures, methods and formats required in generating water related reports in the correct water sciences contexts and according to suitable standards.
  • Understand and apply policies and regulations governing Water Science and Technology reports as required by South African water act is in the water sector.
  • Critically analyse, appraise and discuss existing water related reports for the purpose of deepening knowledge in the water field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify, formulate and execute activities, decisions and actions regarding project and risk management, and water/wastewater quality standards by facilitating and managing the process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.
  • Defend, appraise and judge ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made, to assess the validity and appropriateness of the actions taken in the work environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Justify and adhere to appropriate academic and occupational discourse using an assortment of technologies and methodologies relevant to the field of Water Science and Technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify, tailor, evaluate and address continuous development of learning needs in a self-directed manner in order to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the technologist and his/her peers within the water sector.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment is a multidisciplinary approach to assessment of learning. It is based on combining, interpreting and communicating knowledge in this field of study. In this programme, Integrated Assessment is ensured by incorporating both formative and summative assessment strategies into the learning programme. Assessment strategies are underpinned by the Exit Level Outcomes (ELO) and assessment criteria, which are designed in articulation with the level descriptors and the scope of practice, as well as module outcomes, design aligned with the ELO's. As such, all elements are aligned with the purpose statement of the programme. Integrated assessment will take place within the context of an active learning environment, in adherence to:
  • Quality assurance policies, procedures and processes.
  • A guided and supported learning environment.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative Assessment will thus mainly involve integrated types of assessment, used to inform students about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to Formative Assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of student and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative Assessment will be used to support the student developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the programme, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved, which include (but not limited to):
  • Assignments.
  • Demonstrations.
  • Presentations.
  • Tests.

    and/or any other applicable methods required within a specific teaching and learning experience.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a student's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or programme. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):
  • Examinations (theoretical).
  • Portfolios.
  • Presentations.
  • Tests. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology is comparable to other national and international tertiary institutions. The majority of these national and international qualifications are aimed at the preparation of a student to work as a specialist in the field of Water Science and Technology (including related fields through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge). The Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology is offered at a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7, according to the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework, (HEQSF) Framework to continue development through imprinting deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology, in the field of Water Science and Technology. Some of the institutions (nationally and internationally) surveyed, accept different qualifications to programmes similar to the proposed Advanced Diploma in Water Science and Technology. Therefore, it should be possible for our students to study at other institutions locally as well as globally. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) offer a Diploma in Water Science and Technology, which serves as entry level to the Advanced Diploma. Table 2 summaries a selected few programmes offer nationally and internationally that are comparable/equivalent to the Advanced Diploma in Science and Technology.

    BSc in Water Sciences, Trent University, Canada (Ontario).
    Admission Requirements.
    High School Diploma.
    Proof of English proficiency (or conditional admission through Trent-ESL).
    Minimum grades as outlined in country-specific admissions requirements.

    For South African Students:
    Senior Certificate with Matriculation Endorsement. A minimum of grade C is required on 5 subjects including English.

    The programme is a 4-year full time bachelor's Degree.
    The Water Sciences curriculum is designed to ensure that students gain a broad foundation in the scientific disciplines and related policy fields that are relevant to water and the aquatic environment.

    The interdisciplinary program provides a broad, yet in-depth understanding of:
    the basic mechanics of water movement within the environment; the factors affecting its chemical and physical quality; its feedbacks within the climate system; the biological and ecological importance and functions of water; its suitability as biological habitat or for human use and policies relating to the governance and management of freshwater resources.

    Bachelor of Science Degree in Water Science: Chemistry, Microbiology, Analytics, University Duisburg-Essen, Germany.
    Admission Requirements.
    Equivalence of National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor exemption or an admission examination Fluency in German.

    The programme is a 4-year full time Degree.
    The module is designed to provide the student with tools for a deeper understanding of water chemistry, water analytics and ultimately the biology behind microbial water quality and biological water treatment.

    B-Tech Environmental Engineering, India Institute of Engineering, New Delhi, India.
    Admission Requirements.
    National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Bachelor exemption.

    The programme is a 4-year full time undergraduate course.
    The course deals with the subjects on environment relevant matters like Pollution control, Hazardous waste management, Toxic materials control, Water supply related problems and other main areas in this field. Course helps to reduce the effects of ozone depletion, global warming, automobile emissions and acid rain. atmospheric dispersion of pollutants, air pollution monitoring and control, drinking water supply, heavy metal pollution, industrial waste treatment, biological processes, bio-sorption, virology, environmental systems modelling, and related software development have been completed.

    Bachelors in Water Management (Program in Aquatic Ecotechnology, Hogeschool Zeeland (HZ) University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands.
    Admission Requirements.
    To qualify for general university admission: A diploma equivalent to the Dutch Secondary Education Diploma (HAVO/VWO).
    Language-A score of 6.0 for IELTS (International English Language Testing System).
    Good knowledge of one or more of the following subjects: biology, chemistry, mathematics or economics.

    The programme is a 4-year full time bachelor's Degree.
    In year 1, the different layers of a delta area are covered: the basic layer, the network layer and the occupation layer.
    A definitive specialisation is chosen after one year (either Aquatic Ecotechnology or Delta Management).

    The next three years focus on environmental chemistry, how people adjust to changes in the environment, building with nature, water technology and river basin management. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Community Water Services and Sanitation, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Water Science and Technology (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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    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.