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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111290  Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
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  2019-08-23  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 Quantity Surveying will provide learners with more advanced knowledge in the Quantity Surveying discipline and the ability to apply that knowledge, skills and values to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources.

Qualifying learners will be able to continue their professional development through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in the quantity surveying area of specialisation by independently integrate quantity surveying related principles, apply them in appropriate ways and analyse and solve more broadly defined open ended tactical problems. As a building surveyor employed by a contracting firm diplomats will be looking after the financial interest of the contractor.

Rationale:
This qualification will provide access to learners who have completed a first Diploma to further their studies in a NQF Level 7 Quantity Surveying discipline. At this level, qualifying learners can be employed as assistant quantity surveyors.

Consultation were made with various stakeholders who welcomed the proposed changes and gave approval with the new proposed routes of, Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying, and Advanced Diploma in Construction Management.

This qualification will provide access to learners who have completed a Diploma to further their studies in a NQF level 7 Quantity Surveying discipline and the ability to apply that knowledge, skills and values to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources. Qualifying learners can be employed as assistant quantity surveyors.

This qualification will replace the old BTech degree that will be phased out as it no longer will be offered as part of the new HEQSF structure. This results in a level gap (NQF level 7) towards postgraduate studies (NQF level 8), thus the need for the Advanced Diploma.

A letter from SACQSP dated 3 October 2016 supported the development of the Advanced Diploma. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access:
Learners who do not meet the admission requirements are required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have suitable experiential- or work-based learning, which has taken the learner to a level of the entry level of the qualification specified. Such learners may be considered for admission through RPL after assessment via a portfolio of evidence of the prior learning been done.

Assessment of the learner's application will involve the following steps:
  • The learner must submit a portfolio containing evidence of all of the above.
  • The internal assessor, will assess the learner's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation will be submitted to the HOD.

    RPL for credits:
    For learners who have already qualified with a cognate qualification and have done modules in their qualification that are similar to modules within this Advanced Diploma may apply for the module/s to be credited. The learner will complete a Request for Module Credits form and must supply the curriculum/a of the module/s within their completed qualification. This will then be considered by the Head of Department. The outcome will be communicated to the learner.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Quantity Surveying, 20 Credits.
  • Property Economics, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Application in Quantity Surveyor (QS), 10 Credits.
  • Construction Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits.
  • Contract Law and Procedures, 20 Credits.
  • Market Valuations, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manually measure and use relevant computer software applications to quantify the material and labour content from drawings, schedules and specifications prepared by architects and engineers.
    2. Implement various forms of building and civil engineering contracts, related business management principles, the aspect of professional ethics and conduct in developing and interpreting quantity surveying project documents.
    3. Interpret contract and architectural documentation and drawings to work out costing estimates and final accounts.
    4. Apply the factors regulating the property industry in formalising property developments and implementation thereof in exercising quantity surveying tasks.
    5. Carry out feasibility and financial analysis of new and existing buildings on vacant land relative to domestic, industrial and commercial buildings with the emphasis on quantity surveying as a basis using equity and borrowed capital.
    6. Apply entrepreneurial skills that are relative to the quantity surveying profession. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Manual measurements in accordance to the guidelines of the current 'standard system of measuring building work' were done to validate information provided in drawings, schedules and specifications provided by architects and engineers
  • Computer software application knowledge and skills were demonstrated in loading of data and the quantifying of material and labour content provided in drawings, schedules and specifications via computer software applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Knowledge and skills about a variety building and civil engineering contracts were used to develop and interpret quantity surveying documents.
  • Sound business management and professional ethics and conduct principles were adhered to.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Contract and architectural documentation and drawings were interpreted correctly taking the principles of construction law and dispute resolution into consideration.
  • Calculation skills were applied in the preparation of payment certificates, escalations, variations and final accounts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Concepts of immovable property and supply and demand of property as factors that regulate the property industry were critically applied in the implementation and formalising property development.
  • Knowledge of agreements of purchase and sale, expropriation and servitudes were incorporated in formalising the property development.
  • Methods of valuation were used in the preparing of valuation reports.
  • Skills relative to the implications of time value of money were implemented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The principles of property economics, the real estate development process and feasibility concepts were considered to determine the feasibility of life cycle costing of the simulated project by means of computer related applications.
  • The following components were considered in compiling an implementable feasibility and financial analysis by means of computer related applications: factors regulating the property industry, concepts of immovable property, agreements of purchase and sale, expropriation, servitudes, methods of valuation and reports.
  • Property development skills for redevelopment of existing and new buildings on vacant land were applied and integrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • A feasible business idea was identified
  • Business management, entrepreneurial and financial principles were applied in developing a business plan.
  • Computer applications were integrated in the development of the business plan.
  • A viable business plan was presented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for the learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across the qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of the learning qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance.

    Formative and Summative Assessments will include the following:
    Formative:
  • Construction Management simulations and tests as a basis on which to provide formative feedback on knowledge gaps, skills application and possible ways of improvement.
  • Research assignments to provide formative feedback on different aspects of the learner's learning.

    Summative:
  • Individual projects and assignments.
  • Group projects and assignments.
  • Case study analyses and presentations.
  • Examinations.
  • Closed book.
    The above summative opportunities will be used to determine and grade a learner's ability to demonstrate the learning outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with the following international qualifications.

    An Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying is offered at Trent Global College for Technology and Management, Singapore. The main objective of the qualification is to develop competent Quantity Surveyors who will have the skills to effectively manage projects in the construction market. The similarities are the same level and length of study but curriculum slightly differs.

    An Advanced Diploma of Surveying is offered at RMIT University, Australia. In this Australian qualification, learners will gain the educational and practical training they need to extend their career in the surveying, mapping, and geographical information systems (GIS) industries. Surveying is an integral part of local, state and national land management programmes, building and construction projects, environmental studies, navigational systems and monitoring of emergency situations. Learners will use technologies and software and take part in land development exercises. They will also learn cadastral surveying. Throughout qualification, learners will develop the capacity to conduct an advanced global navigation satellite system, control and monitor complex engineering surveying structures. Learners will design a spatial project plan, and learn how to apply quality control measures to the spatial information services industry.

    An Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying is offered at the College of Contract management, United Kingdom. The Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying qualification is an accessible step onto a rewarding career path or higher education. Quantity Surveyors are responsible for calculating the budget and costs of a building project. The role combines managerial work with technical work into one highly skilled position. It's a highly responsible job and the salary reflects that, but employers are struggling to fill the demand. Despite being a centuries-old practice, Quantity Surveying is a relatively new discipline in academia in contrast to something like Civil Engineering. As a result, employers are facing a skills shortage as the number of graduates is not meeting the number of Quantity Surveyors needed. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Quantity Surveying, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, 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.