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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118321  Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-10-05  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

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:
This Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering provides the academic foundation for civil engineering learners to build on and develop into professional engineers who can serve the developmental and infrastructural needs of Southern Africa, Africa and the wider global community. This qualification addresses the need for the training and development of civil engineering learners who are technically equipped to serve the engineering needs of the communities in which they practise and are sensitive to the role and impact of their engineering in society.

The purpose of the qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing engineer.
The qualification provides qualifying learners with:
  • Preparation for careers in engineering and related areas, for achieving technical leadership and contributing to the economy and national development.
  • A thorough grounding in mathematics, natural sciences, engineering sciences, engineering modelling, engineering design and the abilities to enable applications in fields of emerging knowledge together with an appreciation for the world and society in which engineering is practised.

    Rationale:
    According to the Department of Labour (2018), Civil Engineering is listed on the scarce skill list as an occupation in high demand. As stated by top universities (www.topuniversities.com) civil engineering is rated as the third highest In-Demand engineering job of the future. As populations continue to grow, so will our infrastructure needs. Critical areas in this sector will include the maintenance and construction of new roadways, the management of water supply, waste filtration and residential real estate development in urban spaces. One of the key benefits of civil engineering is that it is 'recession-proof'. In a healthy economy, civil engineers build new infrastructure; in a recessed economy, civil engineers maintain, repair and enhance existing infrastructure.

    The qualification provides qualifying learners with the educational requirement towards registration as a professional engineer with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as well as allow the qualifying learners to make careers in engineering and related fields.
    This qualification is designed to develop a new generation of civil engineers who are well trained and equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes to make significant contributions in the local, regional and global communities that they serve. The qualifying learners will be characterised by technically competent and confident engineers, who will not only be able to excel in the technical challenges faced by a world under increasing human and resource constraints, but also provide holistic and sustainable solutions that are sensitive to the impact and consequences of their actions.

    Qualifying learners will have progressed through a curriculum that first develops the mathematical and natural sciences needed to underpin the study and application of engineering sciences to civil engineering subjects including structures, water, and infrastructure engineering. The qualification integrates the theory with practice in parallel modules and focuses on developing design skills and the necessary personal, academic and professional skills to succeed as a learner and a professional engineer. The academic development of the learner is targeted at inculcating a strong culture of critical thinking and questioning, choices of relevant and appropriate technology, responsible engineering and global citizenship. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes informal, formal learning and work experience. The institution's Recognition of Prior Learning and Qualification Completion Policy (IIE010) distinguish between RPL for access, which provides an alternative access route into a qualification, and RPL for credit, which provides for the awarding of credits for, or towards a qualification or part qualification registered on the NQF.

    RPL for access:
    RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to the qualification.

    RPL for credits:
  • Learners who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be through RPL granted credits towards the qualification.
  • Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved.
  • Learners must comply with all the requirements stated in the learning modules and qualification as well as the institutions RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor degree studies.
    Or
  • A National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor degree studies.
    Or
  • A Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4, with mathematics. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 7 and 8 totalling 576 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,142 Credits:
  • Engineering Mathematics 1A, 18 Credits.
  • Engineering Physics 1A, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Chemistry 1A, 14 Credits.
  • Society and Practice 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Design 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Mathematics 1B, 18 Credits.
  • Engineering Mechanics 1B, 14 Credits.
  • Earth Sciences 1B, 14 Credits.
  • Society and Practice 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Design 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Work Integrated Learn 1X, 2 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6,144 Credits:
  • Engineering Mathematics 2A, 18 Credits.
  • Engineering Mechanics 2A, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Materials 2A, 14 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Design 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Society and Practice 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Structural Engineering 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Geotechnical Engineering 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Water Engineering 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Rural and Urban Infrastructure 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Design 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Society and Practice 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Work Integrated learning 2X, 2 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,146 Credits:
  • Structural Engineering 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Geotechnical Engineering 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Water Engineering 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Rural and Urban Infrastructure 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Design 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Society and Practice 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Structural Engineering 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Geotechnical Engineering 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Water Engineering 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Rural and Urban Infrastructure 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Design 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Society and Practice 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Work Integrated Learning 3X, 2 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,144 Credits: % of credits at exit level?
  • Structural Engineering Design 4A, 18 Credits.
  • Water Engineering Design 4A, 18 Credits.
  • Infrastructure Design 4A, 18 Credits.
  • Professional Practice 4A, 18 Credits.
  • Design Protect 4B, 36 Credits.
  • Research Project 4B, 36 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify, assess, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
    2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and engineering sciences from first principles to solve engineering problems.
    3. Perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes.
    4. Design and conduct investigations and experiments.
    5. Use appropriate engineering methods, skills, and tools, including those based on information technology.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
    7. Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial, and physical environment.
    8. Work effectively as an individual, in teams and multidisciplinary environments.
    9. Engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills.
    10. Act professionally and ethically to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence.
    11. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and define the problem, identifies the criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify necessary information and applicable engineering and other knowledge and skills.
  • Generate and formulate possible approaches to the solution of a problem.
  • Model and analyse possible solution(s).
  • 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:
  • Evaluate and apply mathematical, numerical analysis and statistical knowledge and methods to resolve engineering problems by using an appropriate mix of:
  • Formal analysis and modelling of engineering components, systems or processes.
  • Communicating concepts, ideas and theories with the aid of mathematics.
  • Reasoning about and conceptualising engineering components, systems or processes using mathematical concepts.
  • Dealing with uncertainty and risk using probability and statistics.
  • Analyse and apply physical laws and knowledge of the physical world as a foundation for the engineering sciences and the solution of engineering problems by an appropriate mix of:
  • Formal analysis and modelling of engineering components, systems or processes using principles and knowledge of the basic sciences.
  • Reasoning about and conceptualising engineering problems, components, systems or processes using principles of the basic sciences.
  • Explore and apply the techniques, principles, and laws of engineering science at a fundamental level and in at least one specialist area to:
  • identify and solve open-ended engineering problems.
  • Identify and pursue engineering applications.
  • Work across engineering disciplinary boundaries through cross-disciplinary literacy and shared fundamental knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation
  • Plan and manage the design process focusses on important issues, recognises and deals with constraints.
  • Acquire and evaluate the requisite knowledge, information and resources applies correct principles, evaluates and uses design tools.
  • Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling, and optimisation.
  • Evaluate alternatives and preferred solutions: exercises judgment, tests implementation and performs techno-economic analyses.
  • Assess impacts and benefits of the design: social, legal, health, safety, and environmental.
  • Communicate the design logic and information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Plan and conduct investigations and experiments.
  • Conduct a literature search and critically evaluates material.
  • Perform necessary analyses.
  • Select and use appropriate equipment or software.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.
  • Draw conclusions based on evidence.
  • Communicate the purpose, process, and outcomes in a technical report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use method, skill, or tool effectively by:
  • Selecting and assessing the applicability and limitations of the method, skill, or tool.
  • Properly applying the method, skill, or tool.
  • Critically testing and assessing the results produced by the method skill or tool.
  • Creating computer applications as required by the discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Execute effective written communication as evidenced by:
  • Using appropriate structure, style and language for purpose and audience.
  • Using effective graphical support.
  • Applying methods of providing information for use by others involved in engineering activity.
  • Meeting the requirements of the target audience.
  • Execute effective oral communication as evidenced by:
  • Using appropriate structure, style and language.
  • Using appropriate visual materials.
  • Delivering fluently.
  • Meeting the requirements of the intended audience.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify and deal with an appropriate combination of issues in:
  • The impact of technology on society.
  • Occupational and public health and safety.
  • Impact on the physical environment.
  • The personal, social, cultural values and requirements of those affected by engineering activity.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate effective individual work by performing the following:
  • Identify and focuses on objectives.
  • Work strategically.
  • Execute tasks effectively.
  • Deliver completed work on time.
  • Demonstrate effective teamwork by the following:
  • Make individual contributions to team activity.
  • Perform critical functions.
  • Enhance work of fellow team members.
  • Benefit from the support of team members.
  • Communicate effectively with team members.
  • Deliver completed work on time.
  • Demonstrate multidisciplinary work by the following:
  • Acquire a working knowledge of co- workers' discipline.
  • Use a systems approach.
  • Communicate across disciplinary boundaries.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Show evidence of being an effective independent learner by the following:
  • Reflect on own learning and determines learning requirements and strategies.
  • Source and evaluates information.
  • Access, comprehend and apply the knowledge acquired outside formal instruction.
  • Critically challenge assumptions and embraces new thinking.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Exhibit professionalism by the following:
  • Being aware of requirements to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.
  • Display understanding of the system of professional development.
  • Accept responsibility for own actions.
  • Display judgment in decision making during problem-solving and design.
  • Limit decision making to the area of current competence.
  • Reason about and make a judgment on ethical aspects in the case study context.
  • Discern boundaries of competence in problem solving and design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Display personal and work process management abilities:
  • Manage self, people, work priorities, processes, and resources in complex engineering work.
  • Organising, leading, and controlling complex engineering activities evident.
  • Knowledge of conditions and operation of contractors and the ability to establish and maintain professional and business relationships evident.
  • Demonstrate effective communication by:
  • Writing clear, concise, effective technical, legal, and editorially correct reports shown.
  • Issuing clear instructions to stakeholders using appropriate language and communication skills evident.
  • Making oral presentations using structure, style, language, visual aids and supporting documents appropriate to the audience and purpose. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability of this qualification is ensured through the Washington Accord, an agreement for the mutual recognition of professionally oriented bachelor's degrees in engineering. The standards are comparable with the Washington Accord Graduate Attributes. Washington Accord signatories are: Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong China, India, Ireland, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Russia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States of America, Peru and Pakistan. Comparability is audited on a six-yearly cycle by a visiting Washington Accord team.

    The following qualifications are aligned to the Washington Accord and compare favourably to new the qualification:
    University of Limerick, Ireland - Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering
    University of Auckland, New Zealand - Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Civil Engineering
    McMaster University, Canada - Bachelor of Civil Engineering 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Engineering in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.