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: 

Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111384  Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Manufacturing and Assembly 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2033-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
72257  National Diploma: Pulp and Paper Technology  Level 6  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L6  363  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is primarily directed at the pulp and paper industry. The pulp and paper industry is a specialised field of Chemical Engineering. There are many processes and technologies which are very specific to the industry, which are not covered in standard chemical engineering course offerings. The curriculum of the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology provides very industry-specific knowledge, methods and techniques. The qualification emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in pulp and paper technology and the relevant disciplines of science and chemical engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive advanced learning. This qualification has a strong professional and career focus and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a specific niche in the pulp, paper and allied industries.

Rationale:
The Department of Chemical Engineering currently offers a National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology and a Bachelor of Technology in Pulp and Paper Technology. The National Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology will be replaced by a 3-year, 360-credit Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology.

The South African Forest Products industry employs over 165000 people and contributed 6.2% to manufacturing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012. The South African pulp and paper industry operates in a very competitive global market, and needs to maintain its competitive position by having competent operational staff to operate modern plant and equipment, and who can adapt to future advances in technology. The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has historically supported pulp and paper qualifications at the University by seconding appropriate lecturing staff. This support will continue into the future, although the exact form of support might evolve over time.

The National Development Plan has as an objective of re-industrialisation of the South Africa's economy. This implies that the manufacturing activity, inter alia the pulp and paper industry will be encouraged and stimulated. The industry would thus need specialised scarce skills at technician and technologist levels.

It is anticipated that the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology will continue to supply the anticipated annual need for between 10 and 20 process controllers and technologists in the South African pulp, paper and paper processing industry. According to the industry's Sector Skills Plans, about 10 process technologists, 10 production managers, 10 process controllers and 30 plant operators are required per year.

This qualification is primarily directed at the pulp and paper industry. The pulp and paper industry is a specialised field of Chemical Engineering. There are many processes and technologies which are very specific to the industry, which are not covered in standard chemical engineering qualifications. The curriculum of the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology provides industry-specific knowledge, methods and techniques. The qualification emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer.

The Diploma in Pulp and Paper technology will provide opportunities for vocational careers in the pulp, paper and paper processing industry for Grade 12 learners with the appropriate subjects and levels of achievement.

Graduates with a 360-credit Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology will be able to progress to the Advanced Diploma in Pulp and Paper and will also be able to articulate into a cognate Bachelor of Engineering Degree.

Learners with cognate diplomas and other science or engineering qualifications may articulate into the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission or granting credits to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes.
  • The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this first stage engineering qualification.
  • Learners who already work in the pulp and paper or allied industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those outcomes.
  • Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal University's RPL process.
  • Learners submitting for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 5, 132 Credits:
  • Mathematics A, 12 Credits.
  • Chemistry A, 12 Credits.
  • Cornerstone 101 (general module), 12 Credits.
  • Physics A, 8 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Engineering Fundamentals A, 12 Credits.
  • Technical Literacy, 8 Credits.
  • Mathematics B, 12 Credits.
  • Physics B, 8 Credits.
  • Chemistry B, 12 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Science 1, 12 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Engineering Fundamentals B, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Applications, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 6, 212 Credits:
  • Chemistry C, 12 Credits.
  • Physics C, 8 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Technology A, 12 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Laboratory A, 8 Credits.
  • Unit Operations A, 12 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Technology B, 12 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Laboratory B, 8 Credits.
  • Transfer Processes, 12 Credits.
  • Process Instrumentation and Control, 12 Credits.
  • Unit Operations B, 12 Credits.
  • Thermodynamics, 12 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Technology C, 12 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Laboratory C, 8 Credits.
  • Pulp and Paper Manufacturing, 72 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules NQF Level 7, 16 Credits:
  • Principles of Management A, 8 Credits.
  • Project Management, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply scientific principles and engineering tools to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined process problems in a pulp and paper context.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of pulp, paper and paper product processing technology to solve well-defined process problems.
    3. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with technical audiences and affected parties.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of technical management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team and to manage projects.
    5. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
    6. Comprehend and apply ethical principles, responsibilities and norms of technology practice in a pulp and paper context.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve processing problems consistent with academic learning achieved. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and define the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify relevant information and engineering tools for solving the problem.
  • Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
  • Apply the method or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
  • Test and assess results produced by the method or tool against required results.
  • Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
  • Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering science and pulp and paper technology on the solution of well-defined technological problems.
  • Use theories, principles and laws.
  • Communicate concepts, ideas and theories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Ensure the structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the purpose of communication and the target audience.
  • Use graphics appropriately and effectively in enhancing the meaning of text.
  • Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
  • Use accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the technical activity, for example engineering drawings, as well as subject-specific methods.
  • Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
  • Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
  • Ensure contributions to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.
  • Demonstrate the capacity to function as a team leader.
  • Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and team work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically, individually and in learning groups.
  • Reflect on learning undertaken and determine own learning requirements and strategies to suit personal learning style and preferences.
  • Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
  • Comprehend and apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
  • Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.
  • Describe the ethical implications of decisions made.
  • Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
  • Maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.
  • Understand and embrace the system of continuing professional development as an on-going process.
  • Ensure responsibility is accepted for consequences arising from own actions.
  • Make judgements in decision making during problem solving and design.
  • Ensure decision making is limited to area of current competence.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate orientation to the working environment in terms of company structure and conventions, rules, policies, working hours, dress codes and reporting lines.
  • Discuss labour practices used in the workplace in accordance with relevant legislation.
  • Apply workplace safety rules to ensure compliance with relevant safety, health and environmental legislation. General administration procedures are applied in an authentic workplace context.
  • Conduct work activities in a manner suited to the work context. Range: Work activities include assisting, contributing, observing and applying.
  • Report knowledge and understanding gained from the work-integrated learning period in a prescribed format, using appropriate language and style.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The pulp and paper technology qualification will combine formative, summative and diagnostic assessment methodologies for theoretical knowledge and practical skills. There will be multiple assessment opportunities for the learner to develop and demonstrate the various Exit Level Outcomes associated with this qualification. There will be constructive alignment between the development of the Exit Level Outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities. Some of the assessment methodologies will include: tests, assignments, practicals, examinations, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations and tutorials. In terms of the institutional policy all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. In addition, all exit level modules will be subjected to external moderation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology is comparable to the Associate in Applied Science Degrees offered in various parts of the world, in particular in the United States of America (USA), Canada and Australia. In the United Kingdom (UK) they are known as Foundation Degrees.

    An Associate Degree is an undergraduate academic degree awarded by community colleges, junior colleges, technical colleges, Bachelor's Degree-granting colleges, and universities upon completion of a course of study usually lasting two years. In the United States, and some areas of Canada, an associate degree is often similar to the first two years of a four-year college or university Degree".

    With regards to the developing countries, the Indian Institute of Technology: Roorkee offers Bachelors and Postgraduate qualifications in pulp and paper technology, whilst in Brazil universities offer "university extension" and postgraduate qualifications and the National Educational Service (Senai) offers artisan level educational courses. None of these qualifications are at the technician level of the Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology.

    United State of America: Mid-State Technical College, Associate Degree:
    Content:
    The Paper and Chemical Technology programme prepares learners for entry level jobs as production employees in the paper and allied process industries. Many of the technical applications utilised by these industries such as safety, math, chemistry, physics, computer science, statistical process control, environmental science and paper specific courses are covered. These technical modules complement practical hands-on training in the areas of maintenance and manufacturing processes.

    Canada: British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), Diploma:
    Content:
    In the Pulp and Paper Diploma option, learners gain expertise in process engineering and process technology applicable to many industrial settings. This is achieved through detailed study of pulp, paper and other industrial processes and testing techniques. Air and water pollution control technology applicable throughout the process industries is also covered. The core second-year subjects for all options include several courses in advanced analytical techniques and applications, physical and organic chemistry, introductory chemical engineering and statistics that will prepare learners for employment in a broad range of industries and technical occupations.

    United State of America: Halifax Community College, Associate Degree:
    The Pulp and Paper Technology curriculum at Halifax Community College is designed to prepare individuals with a Certificate, Diploma or Associate Degree in science for careers in pulp and paper manufacturing and related industries. Instruction includes pulp and paper process, maintenance, and business fundamentals needed to operate, maintain and troubleshoot pulp and paper equipment and processes.

    The Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee offers a 4-year Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech). (Pulp and paper engineering) Degree, which consists of basic sciences, engineering subjects and a selection of pulp and paper technology subjects. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Chemical Engineering, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma: Quality Technology, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Pulp and Paper Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Technology, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.