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: 

Advanced Diploma in Construction Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118399  Advanced Diploma in Construction Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
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
Registered  SAQA 116/21  2021-11-18  2026-11-18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-11-18   2030-11-18  

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 purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for postgraduate study and industry competencies and skills. The qualification is designed to consolidate and deepen the graduate's expertise in a specialised area of Construction Management and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of this discipline while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning.

The qualification is intended to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required towards becoming a competent practicing Construction Manager. The qualification is also designed to target recently qualified learners who would be interested in academic advancement through postgraduate studies.

The qualifying learners will demonstrate the following competencies and skills after completing the qualification:
  • Apply the principles and practice of Safety, Health and Environmental Management and Legislation in the built environment field relative to construction applications.
  • Evaluate the various roles and functions in the construction project management process.
  • Establish and implement appropriate procurement strategies and procedures, including the preparation of necessary documentation, for effective and timeous execution of the project.
  • Manage and administer the construction contracts and processes, including the preparation and co-ordination of the necessary documentation to facilitate effective execution of the works.
  • Conduct research projects in the construction industry.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for infrastructure and skilled human resources. Part of which is contributed by the skills shortage particularly in the scarce categories like the engineering and related professions. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) list of scarce skills, published in Government Gazette Vol: 578, no 36721 on 2 August 2013, there is a skills shortage in the construction management and construction project management occupations. The building-related occupations are included in the list of the DHET's List of Occupations in High Demand, published in Government Gazette no 39604 on 19 January 2016.

    Therefore, the qualification has been designed to address the skills shortage in the construction sector, contributing ultimately towards the National Development Plan, benefiting not only the learner but society at large. The qualification meets the specific needs of the sector by meeting and providing for the growing demand for registered Construction Managers.

    Construction management is planning, coordination and control of a project from inception to completion. It is about developing the urban growth of cities, the expanding need for residential and commercial properties and the renovation of anything in the built environment.

    This qualification will:
  • Prepare learners for professional specialisation in the building and construction environment, i.e specialise in construction management.
  • Prepare learners for postgraduate studies by deepening their knowledge base and understanding of construction management and the building environment relating to research.
  • Develop abilities to solve advanced theoretical and practice related problems in the construction management environment.

    The qualification adopts an advanced management approach to construction, rather than the narrower 'construction management' approach as in the Diploma qualification. It aims to develop the management knowledge, abilities and skills required for effective management and then seeks to apply these to the management of construction. The focus of the qualification is on the management of the productive resources used in construction and the analysis and management of construction as a process within a project environment. The public and private sectors of the construction industry are the main stakeholders of this qualification. These sectors require higher levels of advanced technical and analytical capabilities. This qualification has been carefully designed to develop specialists in the field.

    The qualification's endorsement by the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP), will enable learners to progress from candidacy to full registration as a Professional Construction Manager upon completion of the qualification. Learners would be able to register and practice as Professional Consultant Construction Managers and may find employment within the construction contracting fraternity. Construction Managers are also employed in the mining and Petrochemical sectors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. RPL will be applied according to the institution's RPL policy to grant access and credits to prospective candidates.

    RPL for access:
  • RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
  • Advanced standing may be granted.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification.
  • For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credits:
    It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the institution will therefore endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Building Technology, NQF level 6 with 360 Credits.
    or
  • Diploma in Building, NQF Level 6 with 360 Credits.
    or
  • National Diploma: Building, NQF Level 6 with 360 Credits.
    Or
  • Diploma in Construction Management, NQF Level 6 with 360 Credits.
    or
  • National Diploma in Construction Management, NQF Level 6 with 360 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,120 Credits:
  • Construction Economics, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Contracts and Administration, 24 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Real Estate Studies, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Construction Management, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Safety and Quality Management, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage the administration of the construction contracts and process, including the preparation and co-ordination of the necessary documentation to facilitate effective execution of the works.
    2. Manage the process of establishing and implementing procurement strategies and procedures, including the undertaking of financial management of construction projects and advice on payments and certification during construction.
    3. Use project management as an operational tool to complete a construction project and related infrastructure as per industry norms and standards.
    4. Manage the human resources of a construction project.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of construction principles and apply these as a member and/ or leader in a project team to manage projects effectively.
    6. Knowledge of legal and economic issues affecting the industry in South Africa.
    7. Knowledge of basic property investment decisions.
    8. Produce and communicate information and demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate ideas and opinions with construction professionals in well-formed arguments using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
    9. Conduct research and write research reports within a related Construction Studies discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Design procedures, methods and systems for quantifying and costing construction work and elements of structures and buildings.
  • Interpret and implement construction project contracts according to legal aspects and legislation, business management principles, professional ethics and code of conduct using an analytical report.
  • Interpret contract documentation to provide a scenario for dispute and conflict resolution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Measure, price and analyse development projects.
  • Draft cost plans and perform cost control and cost design.
  • Assist in formulating procurement strategies.
  • Compile tender documents according to industry norms.
  • Prepare schedules of quantities for engineering works.
  • Advise on payments and certification during construction

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Organise a construction site and manage the development process of buildings and construction projects.
  • Manage, coordinate, and supervise the construction processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Perform, manage, and administer the basic functions of the profession in the construction industry.
  • Establish human resource requirements, site labour requirements, and technology requirements.
  • Prepare the Construction Management Organogram and obtain a commitment from appropriate staff as required.
  • Draw resource plans and schedules for labour, material, and equipment.
  • Manage human resources, recruitment processes, run payroll.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for effective team management and to communicate effectively on project health and safety aspects with all project team members.
  • Work effectively within a team as a team member.
  • Analyse construction principles, components, procedures, and methods and assess their suitability to construction
    investigations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse legal issues and economic trends to address challenges related to the construction industry.
  • Apply contract conditions, legislation, and policies appropriately.
  • Manage the preparation and agreement of the Health and Safety Plan with the Client's Health and Safety Consultants and subcontractors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Forecast outcomes of development projects in respect of costs.
  • Predict the life cycle performance of buildings with respect to cost and quality.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply written communication skills in report writing and correspondence.
  • Apply oral communication skills in dealing with enquiries from clients, consultants and colleagues.
  • Apply graphic presentations skills to assist and inform clients, consultants and colleagues in construction-related matters.
  • Apply communicative skills in engaging with stakeholders and in retrieving and disseminating information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
  • Evaluate and apply knowledge of research theory and techniques to analyse and address problems arising in construction projects.
  • Apply knowledge and skills related to the research process.
  • Formulate a motivation for the need for a research project
  • Plan a research design.
  • Collect data and interpret the research design.
  • Produce and submit a research report. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is aligned with the requirements of the South African Council for the Project Construction Management Profession (SACPCMP). Both the SACPCMP and the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) prescribe the knowledge areas for qualifications. This qualification has been compared with the following international qualifications:

    Country: Singapore
    Institution: Trent Global College
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Construction Management
    Qualification structure:
    Similar to the South African qualification, the institution offers the following compulsory modules:
  • Construction Contracts
  • Procurement
  • Management in Built Environment
  • Construction Practice

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: College of Contract Management
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Construction Management
    Qualification structure:
    The qualification shares similar modules with the South African qualification, which include:
  • Contract Administration
  • Cost Management
  • Commercial Management
  • Health, Safety and Environment

    Comparison:
    The Advanced Diploma in Construction Management has been compared internationally with Trent Global College in Singapore (in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University and Herriot Watt University in the UK), who offers Advanced Diplomas in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying and Built Environment Studies with similar content and modules.

    Conclusion:
    Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and addresses the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Construction in Construction Management, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management, 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.