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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111252  Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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  2019-08-19  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 Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering is primarily industry oriented. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in Metallurgical Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills in the area of Metallurgical Engineering, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. This qualification has a strong professional and career focus and holders of this qualification are prepared to enter the metallurgical industry, both in the physical metallurgy and extractive metallurgy disciplines.

Specifically, this qualification will build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing engineering technologist. This qualification provides:
  • Preparation for careers in metallurgical engineering, for achieving technical proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
  • The educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
  • Entry to NQF Level 8 qualifications such as Honours, Post Graduate Diplomas and then to proceed to Masters Qualifications.

    Rationale:
    This qualification prepares learners to become Professional Engineering Technologists and to register as such with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Professional Engineering Technologists are characterised by the ability to apply established and newly developed engineering technology to solve broadly- defined problems, develop components, systems, services and processes. They provide leadership in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering and commercially effective operations and have well-developed interpersonal skills. They work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks. Professional Engineering Technologists have a specialised understanding of engineering sciences underlying a deep knowledge of specific technologies together with financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters.

    Benchmarking has been carried out at a global level. This qualification compares favourably with international universities. Inputs were received from the advisory committee/board and other stakeholders in the discipline, therefore meeting the needs of industry. Learners meet the needs of the surrounding community with many enterprises that can employ qualifying learners. 
    		•

    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 courses provided they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

    An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should 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 current qualification can be successfully completed through recognition of, modules or qualifications obtained at accredited institutions and recognition of prior experiential learning is based on the principle of matching previous learning with the learning outcomes of a target qualification and by this means, 'translating' the prior learning into the 'levels and credits' of the qualification framework in the formal system. This refers to learning acquired in an 'uncredentialled' context, such as through work experience or through life experience.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering, NQF Level 6, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 6 and 7 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 20 Credits:
  • Quality Control, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Mathematics, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Physical Metallurgy, 20 Credits.
  • Manufacturing Metallurgy, 20 Credits.
  • Mineral Processing, 20 Credits.
  • Pyro-Metallurgy, 20 Credits.
  • Hydro-Metallurgy, 20 Credits.
  • Metallurgical Research Methods and Project, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply metallurgical engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems.
    2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied metallurgical engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems.
    3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes in metallurgical engineering to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    4. Define and conduct investigations and experiments of broadly-defined problems in metallurgical engineering.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of metallurgical engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation and the need to act professionally within own limits of competency.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member or leader in a diverse team and to manage projects.
    9. 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 within own limits of competence. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.
  • Apply relevant metallurgical engineering principles, information, knowledge and skills to identify, analyse, systematically diagnose and formulate workable solutions to acceptably solve metallurgical engineering problems.
  • Integrate and apply knowledge of mathematics to engineering analysis and modelling; fundamental knowledge of natural science and applied metallurgical engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to innovatively solve broadly-defined metallurgical engineering problems.
  • Conduct a procedural and non-procedural design project which is impacting on society (e.g. socially, economically, legally, health, safety, and environmentally) and involves selecting of equipment, components, systems, works, products or processes in metallurgical engineering to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  • Conduct scientific research (e.g. literature review, investigating, experimenting and drawing conclusions from analysing all relevant evidence of problems in metallurgical engineering, and being recorded in a technical report) within the metallurgical engineering field of study.
  • Utilise appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling to critically test and assess produced results with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints to achieve solution required for solving metallurgical engineering problems.
  • Create, select and use computer applications as required by the discipline.
  • Apply accepted and appropriate methods and material (e.g. engineering graphics, drawing and technical tools) to effectively enhance the meaning of oral and written information/reports being professionally communicated with other individuals or team members involved in the engineering activity, as well as with an engineering audiences and relevant stakeholders.
  • Integrate and demonstrate an understanding of advanced knowledge to analyse and evaluate the need to act professionally and ethically regarding the impact of metallurgical engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and taking into consideration personal, social, economic, cultural values and requirements of those who are affected by the physical engineering activity.
  • Exhibit knowledge integration and understanding of engineering management principles (e.g. planning, organising, leading and controlling) applicable to human and projects management, including the ability to apply these principles as contributing factors to individual and team activities that support effective and on time output.
  • Develop and implement acquired appropriate learning skills to engage in independent and life-long learning autonomously and ethically.
  • Display competence in describing complexity of ethical dilemmas, ethical reasoning and in decision making during problem solving and design as applied to evaluate metallurgical engineering solutions and accepting responsibility for consequences stemming from actions taken.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In this qualification, the institution uses assessments for learners to demonstrate practical and reflective competencies. A combination of formative and summative assessment is used. Formative assessment includes written tests, practical tests, assignments and oral presentations. The summative assessments include written examinations, practical examinations and the submission of technical reports and a research project report, which are moderated externally. Outcomes and assessment criteria are communicated to learners in writing in their learner guides. One-on-one consultation sessions are also available for learners. There is no WIL component to this qualification.

    Assessment methods:
  • Practical tests.
  • Written tests.
  • Combined theory and practical written examination.
  • Written theory examination.
  • Practical experiments.
  • Class presentation.
  • Portfolio of evidence.
  • Class quizzes.
  • Assignment quizzes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) is a signatory of the Sydney Accord, which is an international agreement between bodies responsible for accrediting engineering technology academic qualifications, via the International Engineering Technologists Agreement (IETA), which the allows for the mutual recognition of the substantial equivalency of standards establishing the competency for practicing engineering technologists. Therefore, the alignment of the proposed Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering with the ECSA requirements indicates that it is comparable with equivalent international programmes.

    The Advanced Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering was compared to the two universities' qualifications as follows:
  • India, Aarupadai Veedu Institute of Technology, Advanced Diploma in Metallurgy and Materials Science.
    It is similar to this qualification in terms of level and duration, but it focuses on the Physical Metallurgy aspect of the field, whereas this qualification covers the complete field including Physical and Extractive Metallurgy.
  • Australia, Curtin University of Technology, Graduate Diploma of Metallurgical Engineering.
    The Graduate Diploma of Metallurgical Engineering differs from this qualification in that it is geared for Engineering and Science learners who want to convert to the field of Metallurgical Engineering, whereas this qualification builds up on existing metallurgical knowledge gains from a metallurgical-based diploma. Also, the Curtin University qualification focusses on extractive metallurgy whereas this qualification covers both extractive and physical metallurgy. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Metallurgical Engineering Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Metallurgical Engineering Level 8.
  • Honours Degree in Metallurgical Engineering 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.
     
    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.