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:

Master of Engineering

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
112503	Master of Engineering
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Engineering and Related Design
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	2019-10-30	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 Master of Engineering is a Postgraduate qualification, preparing learners for research and doctoral studies. This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's knowledge in a particular discipline and research projects. Also, to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. This qualification is a two-year qualification at Level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework.

The qualification reflects the need and demand within the Engineering environment for Research and Development capabilities to raise the overall Engineering capabilities in the country. Learners will thus be able to function within a complex environment after acquiring the knowledge, skills and the ability to solve new problems that do not have pre-existing solutions. This qualification will provide professional engineers and technologists with the knowledge and competencies to perform research and create new knowledge or methodologies.

Rationale:
The production of Postgraduate learners is crucial as, there is a shortage of highly skilled people in most professions, particularly engineering. Skills at NQF Levels 9 and 10 are especially of concern, as elaborated in a publication by the Council of Higher Education (Postgraduate Studies in South Africa, 2009). Therefore, there are endeavours to contribute by providing professionals with competent skills and capabilities to ensure sustainable development and enhancement of the engineering field. The School of Engineering plans to address the current shortage of Engineering skills, particularly, specialised skills and research skills in the country, with this qualification. The qualification will provide learners with a pathway towards further Postgraduate studies, i.e. a PhD. This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's qualification or Engineering Technology Honours qualification or a relevant NQF Level 8 qualification.

The institution has a thorough understanding of the socio-economic condition in South Africa, and the Postgraduate qualifications were designed to help the learners coming from a disadvantaged background to overcome their constraints.

The qualification would assist the already qualified engineering technologist or Engineer in continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contribution to society. The qualified or qualifying Engineer will be able to function in various fields of Engineering to further their studies toward obtaining a Doctoral qualification. Engineers who complete this qualification will be better equipped to apply their skills and knowledge in their respective professions. This qualification further opens up access for historically disadvantaged learners as well as other learners in the Engineering environment.

The qualification will allow access to the Doctor of Philosophy in the various disciplines of Engineering related to the topic of the dissertation. It will facilitate admission to learners with diverse backgrounds and thereby widening the profile of beneficiaries.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning may be used by learners to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. Granting of recognition is possible for non-formal prior experiential learning. The RPL process will be conducted according to the institution's RPL policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations, and interviews with assessment panels. Certified copies of documents confirming the number of years and nature of work experience will have to be submitted as well as certified copies of any qualifications obtained where applicable.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Engineering, NQF Level 8.
Or

Bachelor of Engineering Honours, NQF Level 8.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits:

Research Proposal for Master of Engineering, 0 Credits.

Research Dissertation for Master of Engineering, 180 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply specialist knowledge of mathematics, basic science and engineering sciences to solve complex engineering problems.
2. Use appropriate engineering research methods, techniques and tools.
3. Plan, organise and conduct engineering investigations and critically evaluate and reflect on the findings of such an investigation.
4. Communicate the technical findings.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate evidence of sound applicable knowledge of specialist engineering area.

Select and apply the most appropriate specialised techniques to engineering problems.

Formulate and use mathematical, statistical and scientific models to conceptualise and solve engineering problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Compile a literature survey and exposition of the research, which reflects familiarity with and critiques relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.

Use tools, techniques and procedures to assess and solve engineering problems (these include computer packages, laboratory methods, etc.).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Compile a research proposal in which the research problem identifiable, definable and in detail, and the research process is well-managed.

Provide evidence of valid inferences, interpretations and conclusions from data measurements and statistical analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Compile a research dissertation which clearly and effectively communicates technical information.

Correctly use language and style in the dissertation.

Provide evidence of effective oral communication of findings via symposiums, conferences etc.

Integrated Assessment:
Learners will be required to complete a research proposal before working on the project. In the qualification, there will be a variety of formative and summative assessments will be used during the qualification, including written activity assignments, practical tasks (laboratory work, etc.). Learners will work under the supervision of qualified academics. Submit the dissertation as a summative assessment, which will be evaluated by external examiners.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

All undergraduate ECSA accredited South African qualifications are internationally comparable with qualifications from the countries signatory of the Dublin, Sidney and Washington accord respectively.

South Africa is the only African country part of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA) and signatory of Washington accord, for mutual recognition of engineering qualifications.

The Washington Accord rules and regulations oversee the Masters of Engineering. Therefore this Master of Engineering is comparable with New Zealand and Australian qualifications. Both countries have comparable engineering education systems as South Africa.
Below are few examples of comparable Masters of Engineering from Australia and New Zeeland:

The University of Auckland New Zealand offers a Master of Engineering. The qualification allows learners to choose from a variety of specialisations and contribute to their preferred field, allowing the potential to apply their in-depth expertise to study further. The thesis is to under the guidance of a supervisor appointed by Senate or its representative.

The University of Canterbury New Zealand offers a Master of Engineering which comprises either research, a coursework or a combination of both. Research advances the learner's knowledge in the area of their previous studies and enables them to conduct a significant piece of independent research (with supervision). The coursework provides a structured programme of taught modules. In some cases, learners undertake study in a different professional area. As well as the course component, many offers applied learning opportunities, such as an independent project or industry placement.

The University of Wollongong in Australia offers a Master of Engineering. The qualification delivers expert skills and applied competencies required for the professional Engineer. The qualification is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, apart from the Management specialisation. Learners will be able to:
> Research and synthesise key information and apply expert judgement in engineering design and project planning.
> Interpret information and communication knowledge, ideas and procedures to both expert and non-expert audiences.
> Employ independent learning strategies to update own knowledge in the field and keep pace with innovations in engineering techniques, industry trends and standards.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

Doctor of Philosophy, NQF 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.

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