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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in Quantity Surveying 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111187  Master of Science in Quantity Surveying 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
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  2019-08-16  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 purpose of the Master of Science in Quantity Surveying, Level 9 is to develop a knowledgeable professional with advanced abilities in applying construction economics (quantity surveying, design and synthesis) and related inter-disciplinary principles independently to specific management systems problems of society. One of the main objectives of this process is to develop a person with advanced capability to conduct construction cost engineering research of an exploratory nature. The qualification will also promote lifelong learning as well as an aptitude for training other students in similar fields.

Rationale:
This qualification has been designed to articulate from the Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, Level 8 and the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Level 8. The qualification has the support of relevant Professional Bodies such as the South Africa Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), and the Association of South Africa Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

Quantity Surveyors are major players in the construction industry as they play a significant part in the management of the construction business. The increasing complexity of the construction process requires high levels of engineering and management skills. The planning, designing, costing, managing, building, and maintenance of facilities today requires a higher level of sophistication and expertise than ever before. Many high level managerial appointments in the construction industry are not being filed because of a lack of management education and experience by existing professionals in the field. It is for this reason that the Master of Science in Quantity Surveying, Level 9 is being offered.

Quantity Surveyors control the 'money' for their clients in construction projects. They are experts in dealing with all financial matters related to a building project, from start to finish. They are mainly responsible for estimating the cost of a new building, calculating the materials and labour used in a building, preparing tender and other legal documents, estimating the value of work done at various stages of the contract, i.e. controlling all costs while a building is being built. They are often involved in other aspects of construction and in other industries such as insurance, banking, law, property development, etc. (Quantity Surveying is not the same as Land Surveying). Furthermore, they are the financial consultants on building contracts where they are responsible for advising on property development schemes; estimating the cost of projects; advising on the feasibility of projects; preparing tender documents; negotiating with building contractors; evaluating work in progress on building sites and determining the final costs of projects.

Quantity surveying is a vital field of study in the Construction Industry. This qualification will increase the number of postgraduate learners, as a diverse range of professionals with a built environment background will be attracted into the qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL will be applied in line with the institution policies and guidelines. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty will therefore endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

i. Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.
ii. RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements:
  • Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
  • Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level.
    Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying (Construction) Economics, Level 8.
    Or
  • Any built environment qualification at Level 8. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of a compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 9:
  • Research Project and Dissertation; 180 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse problems in the Quantity Surveying environment by researching problems creatively and innovatively.
    2. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly, effectively and ethically, taking responsibility within own limits of competence and exercise judgement based on knowledge and expertise, pertaining to the field of research.
    3. Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, research and/or experimentation by applying appropriate theories and methodologies and perform appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
    4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specifically research audiences and the community at large, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
    5. Demonstrate, where applicable, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social and environmental contexts in the execution of quantity surveying research/development activities. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Correctly assess and identify a research problem.
  • Demonstrate the effective application and integration of knowledge within the study.
  • Cohesively link findings to applicable theoretical underpinnings.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Complete the dissertation timeously, ethically and responsibly.
  • Show judgement, and be cognisant of the time and cost implications of the research study.
  • Work with minimal supervision.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate the appropriate methodologies for the study.
  • Offer relevant theoretical underpinnings for own arguments.
  • Accurately interpret and analyse the data gathered.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Coherently articulate the findings of the study.
  • Confidently communicate with various stakeholders during all phases of the study.
  • Logically integrate theoretical underpinnings with the data gathered, in a cohesive manner.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the social impact of own research, if relevant.
  • Obtain the required ethical clearance.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of the environmental impact of own research, if relevant.
  • Comply with Health and Safety legislation during research activities.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment has application where a need exists to assure overall applied competence, to prevent disjointed learning experience and/or as a time effective assessment method. It has reference to formative, traditional summative and continuous assessment. General assessment principles and practices apply."
    Formative Assessment is conducted by utilising supervisor report and progress reports. The Summative Assessment is based on the completed dissertation. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: Leeds Beckett University.
    Qualification title: MSc in Quantity Surveying.

    Similarities:
  • Research-based or Coursework offered.
  • Both the South African and Leeds Beckett University qualifications elicit research in the Construction Management domain.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: University of Portsmouth.
    Qualification title: MSc in Quantity Surveying.


    Similarities:
  • Research-based or Coursework offered.
  • Both the South African and Leeds Beckett qualifications elicit research in the Construction Management domain.

    Country: New Zealand.
    Institution: University of New Zealand.
    Qualification title: Master of Construction Management (Quantity Surveying).

    Similarities:
  • Research Based and Coursework based.
  • Both the South African and University of New Zealand qualifications elicit research in the Construction Management domain.
  • The qualification is 1-year fulltime. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Civil Engineering, Level 9.
  • Master of Town and Regional Planning, Level 9.
  • Master of Sustainable Urban Planning and Design, Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering Management, Level 9.
  • Master of Development Studies, Level 9.
  • Master of Operations Management, Level 9.
  • Master of Leadership, Level 9.
  • Master of Environment Management, Level 9.
  • Master of Energy Studies, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Quantity Surveying, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Civil Engineering, Town and Regional Planning, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Development Studies, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Management, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Environment Management, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership in Performance and Change, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Energy Studies and Engineering Education, 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.
     
    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.