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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109862  Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  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   2034-06-30  

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 aim of the qualification is to develop an engineering intellectual who can identify, assess and formulate the engineering needs of the society at large and research and solve the identified engineering problems creatively and innovatively, by applying scientific, mathematical, engineering, economic and other relevant principles and methods. The qualification prepares learners for an engineering science, design and project based Career through the fundamental understanding, use and appropriate application of engineering methods, skills, tools and information technology. The qualification also provides a platform for lifelong learning.

Rationale:
The qualification prepares learners for an engineering science, design and project based Career through the fundamental understanding, use and appropriate application of engineering methods, skills, tools and information technology. The qualification also provides a platform for lifelong learning. After an accreditation visit was carried out by Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), the qualification was updated to accommodate all industry concerns that were raised. The qualification was then approved and implemented. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL):
A Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) procedure will also be in place covering the following essentials:
  • Candidates supply at own cost all relevant information and documentation.
  • Candidates will pay a fee determined by the institution and be assessed via Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL).
  • Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) can be done at individual module or on an accumulative level.
  • All Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) applications are handled at a predetermined time in the academic year.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) applications are referred by the Dean/Deans committee to the relevant departmental chairperson for evaluation and recommendation.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) candidates may be required to be assessed orally or in written format on module or combined level for access to Degrees and higher Degrees.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) assessment is typically done by a faculty committee constituted for that purpose.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) in the faculty of engineering is done within the Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL) framework policy of the institution.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling at 628 Credits.
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 80 Credits:
  • Graphical Communication 1 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry 1 A10, 15 Credits.
  • Physics 1 A01, 15 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1 A01 15 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics 1 A10, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Engineering Design 1 A11, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 235 Credits:
  • Mathematics 1 B01, 15 Credits.
  • Physics 1 B01, 15 Credits.
  • Electrotechnics 1 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Graphical Communication 1 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Engineering Design 1B 8 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics 1 B10, 15 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics 2 B10, 15 Credits.
  • Mathematics 2 A10, 8 credits.
  • Design (Mechanical) 2 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics 2 A20, 8 Credits.
  • Design (Mechanical) 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Strength of Materials 2 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics 2 B20, 8 Credits.
  • Science of Materials 2 B21, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Mathematics 2 A10, 15 Credits.
  • Mathematics 2 B10, 8 Credits.
  • Thermodynamics 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Modelling 2 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Fluid Mechanics 2A, 14 Credits.
  • Electrotechnics 2 A11, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 158 Credits:
  • Engineering Practice 3 B21, 8 Credits.
  • Complementary Studies 3 A02, 8 Credits.
  • Complementary Studies 3 A01, 8 Credits.
  • Design (Mechanical) 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Theory of Machines 3 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Manufacturing Methods 3 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Statistics for Engineers, 8 Credits.
  • Communication 3B, 14 Credits.
  • Design (Mechanical) 12 3 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, 16 Credits.
  • Strength of Materials 3 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Fluid Dynamics 3 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Thermofluids 3 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Science of Materials 3 A11, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 155 Credits:
  • Advanced Manufacturing Systems 4 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Thermomachines 4 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Thermal Systems 4 B21, 12 Credits.
  • Heat Transfer 4 A11, 12 Credits.
  • Management Principles and Practice 3 B21, 8 Credits.
  • Project Investigation (Mechanical) 4000, 32 Credits.
  • Legal Applications in Engineering Practice 4 B21, 7 Credits.
  • Control Systems (Mechanical) 4 B21, 16 Credits.
  • Design and Engineering Practice 4000, 32 Credits.
  • Strength of Materials 4 A11, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex mechanical engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
    2.Application of scientific and engineering knowledge Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and mechanical engineering to solve complex engineering problems.
    3.Engineering Design Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes.
    4.Investigations, experiments and data analysis Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.
    5.Engineering methods, skills and tools, including Information Technology Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools, including those based on information technology.
    6.Professional and technical communication Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
    7.Impact of Engineering Activity Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment.
    8.Individual, Team and Multidisciplinary Working Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
    9.Independent Learning Ability Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills.
    10.Engineering Professionalism Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Engineering problems are identified, assessed, formulated, interpreted, analysed and solved effectively, creatively and innovatively by applying knowledge of Mathematics, basic science and engineering sciences from first principles.
  • Small engineering projects are planned and managed so that an underlying knowledge, understanding and insight into the principles, methodologies and concepts that constitute socially responsible (to local and other communities) engineering practice are demonstrated.
  • Participation as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community or in multidisciplinary projects results in leadership and the performance of critical functions.
  • Activities are organised and managed responsibly, effectively, professionally and ethically; responsibility is taken within his/her own limits of competence and judgment is exercised in commensuration with knowledge and expertise.
  • Investigations, research and/or experiments are effectively planned and conducted by applying appropriate theories and methodologies and suitable data analysis and interpretation are performed.
  • Communication is effectively carried out, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large, using appropriate structure, style and graphical support.
  • Appropriate engineering methods, skills, tools, technology and information technology are effectively and critically used and assessed in engineering practice and an understanding and a willingness to accept responsibility for the impact that engineering activities have on society and the environment are shown.
  • Procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, works, products of processes are performed as a set of related systems and their social, legal, health, safety and environmental impacts and benefits are assessed.
  • Various learning strategies and skills are employed to master module outcomes required in fundamental Mathematics, engineering sciences, engineering design research and aspects of management in preparation to engage in lifelong learning to keep abreast of knowledge and skills required in the engineering field.
  • Responsible citizenship is practiced in terms of the local, national and global communities by acting professionally and ethically.
  • Cultural and aesthetic sensitivity are shown across a range of social context in the execution of engineering activities.
  • Education and career opportunities are explored.
  • Entrepreneurial opportunities are organised and developed through engineering problem solving, design, technical research and managerial skills.

    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 includes 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, Tutorials, lab practical, practical assignments, case studies, group projects, chapter summaries, portfolios, presentations, semester tests, final examinations will be utilised. in addition to that, investigative projects/assignments, problem solutions, group and individual design assignments and projects, multi-disciplinary projects, case studies, report writing, planning, oral presentations, poster presentations, semester tests, final examinations forms part of assessment methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with the Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) offered at Massey University in New Zealand. The qualification offered at Massey University is similar to the qualification offered by the University of Johannesburg in terms of the outcomes, entrance criteria and duration of study. The qualification differs in relation to summative assessment opportunities, practical work and the weighting of research.

    The University of Auckland in New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Engineering (with Honours) qualification which is similar in relation to the purpose of the qualification, entrance criteria, duration of study and credit weighting.

    It must be noted that the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) has responsibility for the professional accreditation of Engineering qualifications and is also a signatory of the Washington Accord. The signatories are committed to development and recognition of good practice in engineering education. The Washington Accord is specifically focused on academic qualifications which deal with the practice of engineering at the professional level.

    The Accord acknowledges that accreditation of engineering academic qualifications is a key foundation for the practice of engineering at the professional level in each of the countries or territories covered by the Accord. The Accord outlines the mutual recognition, between the participating professional bodies, of accredited engineering Degree qualifications. It also establishes and benchmarks the standard for professional engineering education across those bodies. Currently there are twenty signatories that make up the Washington Accord including Australia, New Zealand, the United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom. (International Engineering Alliance: www.ieagreements.org). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering Level 9.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Electro-Mechanical Engineering, Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.