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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111161  Postgraduate Diploma in Civil 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
Postgraduate 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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-16  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 
The Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering prepares learners for industry and research. This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's Degree, Advanced Diploma or relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 qualifications and serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in the field of Civil Engineering, and develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of specialisation areas of that discipline.

Learners with this qualification will have the following characteristic profile:
  • Consolidates and deepens the graduate's expertise in the discipline of civil engineering and develops research capacity in the research methods, methodology and techniques applied in the civil engineering discipline.
  • Work independently and responsibly, applying original thought and judgment to technical and risk-based decisions in complex situations.
  • Have a broad, fundamentals-based appreciation of engineering sciences, with depth in specific areas, together with knowledge of financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters.

    Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in Engineering Council of South Africa's education standards document.

    Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering enhances the application of research and development as well as specialist and contextual knowledge to meet the minimum entry requirement for articulation to a Masters (NQF 9) qualification. The Master's Degree on NQF Level 9 qualification is usually in the area of specialisation aligned with the Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering.

    Learners will be able to articulate into the Masters in Civil Engineering at NQF Level 9 and thereafter a Doctorate in Civil Engineering at NQF Level 10.

    This qualification compares favourably with international universities. Inputs were received from the advisory committee/board and other stakeholders in the discipline. The qualification is focussed on addressing the needs of industry and society.

    Learners completing this qualification will have a knowledgeable advantage in the discipline of Civil Engineering, since the successful learner will have a more in-depth conceptualisation of the major disciplines underpinning Civil Engineering (water engineering; structural engineering; transportation engineering; project and construction management; geotechnical engineering; environmental engineering). The skills offered by this qualification are sought after in related and relevant disciplines.

    This qualification provides:
  • Preparation for a career in civil engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from civil engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
  • A pathway for registration as a Candidate Engineer. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The qualification may be granted, according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal qualifications provided they can demonstrate competence in the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification as required by the compulsory and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

    An RPL process may also be used to award credits to learners in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning. RPL may also be used by learners who are not in possession of a National Senior Certificate or a qualification to gain access to the qualification.

    Learners submitting for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment, and may be required to submit a portfolio or evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

    The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follow, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place:
  • Candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department Head of Department (HOD).
  • An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
  • Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
  • Only then may the prospective candidate continue with full registration.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level, 140 Credits:
  • Environmental Engineering, 10 Credits.
  • Geotechnical Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Project and Construction Management, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project in Civil Engineering (Module 1), 15 Credits.
  • Structural Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Transportation Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Water Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Research Project in Civil Engineering (Module 2), 25 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
    2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve complex engineering problems.
    3. Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes of a complex nature.
    4. Demonstrate competence to conduct investigations of complex civil engineering problems including engagement with the research literature and use of research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of complex engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of civil engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.
    9. Demonstrate competence to engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
    10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Solve complex engineering problems.
  • Apply scientific knowledge to solve complex engineering problems.
  • Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes of a complex nature.
  • Conduct investigations on complex engineering module specific problems and provide valid conclusions.
  • Apply module specific software programmes with the understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
  • Produce engineering drawings, designs, write technical reports and make oral presentations.
  • Understand the impact of civil engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
  • Work as an individual and as a team member.
  • Compile assignments and self-study.
  • Apply professional ethics and behaviour.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The year mark is made up of 3-4 semester tests, the final summative examination Year mark is 50:50 and there is a component of Continuous Assessment by means of a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering is a qualification that follows the Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering as stipulated by the Department of Higher Education.

    A number of foreign institutions offer the Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering. Although the name of the qualification differs, the level of offering and content are very similar compared to the Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering. The entry requirement for these qualifications is a four-year Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree in Civil Engineering and after completion of these qualifications learners can progress to a Master of Science (MSc) or Master of Engineering (MEng) qualification.

    Swinburne University of Technology, Australia:

    The Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil) (100 Credits).
    Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 = National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

    The Graduate Diploma of Engineering (Civil) has been designed for learners who wish to enhance their knowledge and undertake continuing professional development in the field of civil engineering. The qualification has an applied industry focus and presents a variety of units relevant to professional practice in the fields of civil and construction engineering.

    The core units of study within the qualification have a technical focus which can be complemented with a range of technical or management focused elective units to suit the needs of the individual student. Importantly, many of the technical units of study have a sustainability theme which is the great challenge for the delivery of infrastructure in the 21st century. The qualification aims to produce graduates who will be able to lead and apply technical and management skills to the design, procurement and maintenance of infrastructure projects. The qualification will also provide a pathway for graduating students to undertake Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) research in one of the specialist areas of civil engineering.

    London's Global University, England:
    Graduate Diploma in Civil Engineering (120) Credits - University College London (UCL) United Kingdom (UK) Qualification Level 7 is similar to the NQF Level 8.

    The Civil Engineering Graduate Diploma enables applicants with a Degree in a related subject (for example mathematics, physics or geology) to take a qualifying year before moving onto either the UCL Civil Engineering or UCL Earthquake Engineering with Disaster Management MSc qualifications. This qualification could also be used to gain entry into other Civil or Structural Engineering or MSc qualifications in the United Kingdom. The Graduate Diploma opens the path to a career in civil engineering as a chartered engineer. This qualification provides grounding in fluids, materials, soils and structures engineering; that are core to any career as a Civil Engineer.

    Professional Body:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering curriculum structure and contents are very similar to that of the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours. Since Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is designed to be substantially in line with the Sydney Accord Graduate Attributes. The Sydney Accord is an agreement for the mutual recognition of engineering qualifications that provide the educational foundation for professional engineering technologists. Comparability of the standard achieved in accredited qualifications is audited via a six-yearly Sydney Accord review of the Engineering Council of South Africa, the South African signatory to the accord. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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. 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.