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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Structural Engineering and Materials 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110082  Master of Structural Engineering and Materials 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-07-25  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:
This qualification has a strong focus on practice-oriented coursework designed to assist Civil Engineers and technical professionals in the development of their careers and to provide them with advanced skills and expertise needed in rapidly changing business, government, and industrial environments. The main purpose is to produce qualifying learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to engage effectively and to address the challenge to manage future structural engineering projects on a national level.

The qualification will provide an intensive graduate education in Civil Engineering for individuals through a combination of appropriate courses and will suitably serve working professionals as it will include courses that develop skills related to industry needs.

Rationale:
This qualification will support a growing demand for learners interested in an advanced and specialised Degree in the field of Civil Engineering that includes an applied research component. The courses in structural engineering at undergraduate level do not include advanced structural design principles as well as advanced structural analysis methods such finite element modelling or plate and shell analysis. This professional master's Degree aims at filling this gap. There are a large number of professionals in industry who would thus benefit from advanced study in Structural Engineering and Materials.

The offering of a professional qualification in structural engineering and materials will accommodate professionals in industry who require immersion in advanced and specialised theory and practice but do not benefit from completing a large dissertation that is designed for the typical academic Master of Science in Engineering. Unlike the Master of Science (MSc) and Master of Engineering (MEng) Degrees, the Professional Masters will cover more course work and provide options for advanced training in various aspects of the field, and support more regular interaction between the institution and the local construction industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practices for this specific qualification are context-sensitive and framed to suit those differing contexts where RPL is deemed appropriate. RPL at institution is based on a developmental model, not a deficit model of adult learning; it builds on knowledge and skills that adults have already acquired.

RPL Process:
  • The final decision regarding the admission of the RPL candidate to a particular qualification of study will be made after assessment.
    The RPL assessment methodology includes but is not limited to portfolios of evidence, interviews, demonstrations and simulations, observations, written and oral exams, letters of recommendation and other forms of expert testimony, case studies, and documentation of successful past learning experiences; and assessment methods allow for judgements of past learning in relation to the outcomes of the qualification for admission.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • An appropriate Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours (Hons) Degree.
    Or
  • An approved three-year Degree and with work experience relevant to the field.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules: 125 Credits:
  • Structural Concrete Properties and Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Structural Concrete Engineering, 16 Credits.
  • Plates and Shells, 16 Credits.
  • Stability and Design of Steel Structures., 16 Credits.
  • Structural Dynamics with Applications, 16 Credits.
  • Research Project in Structures, 45 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 55 Credits (Choose a minimum of 55 Credits):
  • Bridge Analysis and Design, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Mechanics of Materials, 16 Credits.
  • Bridge Management and Maintenance, 20 Credits.
  • Durability and Condition Assessment of Concrete Structures, 20 Credits.
  • Safety of Special Structures, 20 Credits.
  • Structural Performance Assessment and Monitoring, 20 Credits.
  • Repair and Rehabilitation of Concrete Structures, 20 Credits.
  • Introduction to Finite Elements, 12 Credits.
  • Advanced understanding of Finite Element Analysis, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. An advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles of the discipline of structural engineering and their application to design and use of modern construction materials.
    2. The ability and command to combine analytical with computational analysis methods in structural engineering.
    3. The ability and command to select and apply ideas, concepts and data, from both science and engineering, in order to generate creative and innovative designs which provide optimal solutions.
    4. The ability to plan, organise, collaborate and prioritise work activities, and meet deadlines.
    5. The sophisticated ability to communicate by means of well prepared, clear and confident presentations and concise and grammatical written documents.
    6. Conceptual skills for successfully conducting Master's- level research (the scientific method, induction and deduction, inference, statistical thinking and ethics), as well as the technical skills (technical writing, searching and interpretation of scientific literature, proper use. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    Learners will be assessed on their specialist understanding of:
  • Demonstrate specialist understanding of concept and scope of structural engineering, constituent materials and the properties thereof.
  • Design steel connections.
  • Sow an ability to use plate and shell theories, and their application to various problems in structural engineering.
  • Apply structural dynamics and its applications in structural engineering.
  • Show understanding of fundamental engineering concepts, values and philosophies and practical design approaches to bridges.
  • Demonstrate understanding of governance and management of special structures.
  • Monitor the structural health in a construction environment.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the integration of computational modelling in Structural Health Mechanics.
  • Select and use relevant instrumentation to solve a research problem.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Construct logical and well-reasoned arguments with reference to appropriate authorities and sources.
  • Identify and apply appropriate technical skills, strategies and techniques.
  • Extrapolate key findings, justifiable conclusions, and, where applicable, make feasible recommendations.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Time management, prioritisation and initiative at a professional level.
  • Ability to define, motivate and tackle problems with initiative and in an independent manner and to exercise appropriate judgment.
  • Show professionalism in collaboration, group work and any outside bodies.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Communicate both orally and particularly in writing; clearly, accurately and succinctly, in language and a form of written communication appropriate to target audience.

    Assessment Associated Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify a problem for investigation.
  • Identify a comprehensive range of current literature.
  • Analyse the appropriate literature.
  • Plan and conduct the research investigation using appropriate techniques.
  • Present the results of such research critically and coherently describing arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations relevant to a professional problem.
  • Identify and use research methods (design, experimental, modelling, social) appropriately.
  • Comply with ethics and professionalism in science.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessments are used in a formative manner and most courses involve the completion of a summative assessment in the form of an exam. Some courses as indicated below, involve the completion of practically orientated assessments.
    Typical course assessments are as follows:
  • Research paper.
  • Oral presentation.
  • Assignment and projects.
  • Written examination. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with the Structural Mechanics and Design track of the Master of Engineering Degree offered by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Master of Professional Engineering (Structural) offered by the University of Sydney.

    Summary of comparison.

    Duration: The two institutions qualifications differs with this qualification in that the duration for MIT is one year fulltime while the University of Sydney offers it in 3 years fulltime. This qualification duration is two years fulltime.

    Credits: The Credits for the Masters in Information Technology (MIT) and this qualification is at 180 Credits.

    Professional orientation: MIT offers a professional-oriented graduate qualification that consists of high level, fast paced coursework and significant engagement with a real-world engineering projects, preparing our graduates for a professional Career path. The University of Sydney qualification is Career paths for structural engineering graduates include working in the design of major structures including bridges, high-rise buildings, industrial buildings, stadiums, and sporting and exhibition centres. Structural engineers need to show innovation and apply artistic, creative and technical skills to design. Many find employments in specialist consulting structural engineering firms.
    For this qualification, the learners will receive intensive education in Civil Engineering through a combination of appropriate courses and will suitably serve working professionals as it will include courses that develop skills related to structural engineering industry needs. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering or Master of Science in Engineering, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Engineering, Level 10. 
    		•

    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. University of Cape Town 


    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.