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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Construction 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118433  Master of Construction 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
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  2021-11-18  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 primary purpose of the Master of Construction is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Learners must be able to reflect critically on theory and its application in general.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise research, make sound judgements using both primary and secondary data at their disposal.
  • Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving complex construction-related problems while acting autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.
  • Develop advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to their field of work or learning, including mastery of theoretical knowledge needed for criticality and reflectivity. Graduates will also develop technical application skills regarding the ability to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that contributes to knowledge and professional practice
  • Demonstrate high-level personal independence, accountability, creativity and initiative in new situations and for further learning by planning and executing a substantial piece of research on their own.
  • Develop high-level skills in research processes.
  • Solve complex problems and provide advanced, strategic and research-based advice in a variety of construction contexts
  • Analyse and synthesise knowledge related to specifically built environment disciplines.

    The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualifying learners who can contribute to the economy through applied research. Through individual research, and will contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific field through the proper articulation of the knowledge from recent developments in more than one discipline.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is unique in the central region of South Africa where a similar qualification does not currently exist to address construction-specific inquiry. The qualification will open up a new path for applicants involved in built environment studies that are interwoven with architecture and engineering disciplines. The new qualification is a step towards aligning all the technology-based construction qualifications with the new requirements of the knowledge economy.

    The process of professional development towards qualifying as a professional in the built environment sector starts with the attainment of an advanced qualification that focuses on practice and applied research. The qualification prepares learners for employment in research-based senior leadership and management positions in the construction industry. The qualification evolves through a stakeholder consultation process, which led to positive support of the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP). The curriculum design aligns with the learning outcomes recommended by the SACPCMP for research-based master's qualification.

    The qualification is designed for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and extend their skills through individually supervised research in a specialist focus area, which is not limited to:
  • Building and construction.
  • Construction education.
  • Health, safety, and well-being.
  • Infrastructure planning and development.
  • Project management.
  • Property studies.
  • Sustainability and the built environment.
  • Urban development.

    The qualification will produce learners who can contribute to the economy through applied research. Learners will contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific field through the proper articulation of the knowledge from recent developments in more than one discipline. Qualifying learners will also develop technical application skills regarding the ability to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that contributes to knowledge and professional practice. The learners will be able to demonstrate high-level personal independence, accountability, creativity and initiative in new situations and for further learning by planning and executing a substantial piece of research on their own. The envisaged minimum learner intake in 2021 will be 10 learners. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The main objective of the institution's RPL policy is to recognise prior learning to provide access to qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications, and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for Faculty-specific RPL practices.

    RPL for access:
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification.
  • RPL can facilitate access of learners who do not meet the regular entry requirements of the qualification, by recognising the disciplinary knowledge the prospective learner has gained.
  • Advanced standing may be granted.

    RPL for credits:
  • 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.
    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • A four-year qualification in a relevant built environment field, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 and 9 totalling 204 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 24 Credits:
  • Construction Research Methods 1, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Built Environment Dissertation 1, 90 Credits.
  • Built Environment Dissertation 2, 90 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate specialist-built environment knowledge and its application that include research and practices in relevant disciplinary areas.
    2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the built environment or engineering field of work or learning.
    3. Reflect critically on theory, concepts, and principles and applications in specific contexts.
    4. Design and critically appraise research, make sound judgements using data and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
    5. Act autonomously regarding ethical decisions in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continuing to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.
    6. Exhibit cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research methods.
    7. Disseminate and communicate coherent research results, including report writing and presentations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate specialist knowledge regarding research and practice of:
    > Construction management.
    > Urban development.
    > Quantity surveying.
    > Health and safety management.
  • Demonstrate cognitive skills related to the mastery of theoretical knowledge.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Undertake the applicable research in built environment disciplines, which include:
    > Theory-based research.
    > Methods-based research.
    > Problem-based research

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use appropriate theories, concepts and principles to inform research:
    > Philosophies
    > Strategies
    > Approaches
    > Techniques

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Compile research proposals.
  • Apply ethics in the research process.
  • Undertake data collection.
  • Undertake data analysis.
  • Compile final research reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex problems, concepts and theories and apply them to different bodies of built environment knowledge or practice.
  • Engage in self-directed learning.
  • Conceptualise the solutions to problems.
  • Evaluate proposed solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply mental, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex built environment ideas and concepts at an abstract level.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Compile technical reports to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The proposed qualification has been compared to two international institutions:

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Massey University, Auckland
    Qualification Title: Master of Construction (Construction Project Management)
    Type and duration: Masters by Research, 1 year full-time
    Entry Requirements: An approved four-year qualification, a three-year qualification and a postgraduate diploma, or a three-year qualification and two years relevant work experience.
    This 120 credits master of construction is the only one offered in New Zealand.
    Key Areas of Study: Majors or endorsements
  • Master of Construction (Building Technology)
  • Master of Construction (Construction Law)
  • Master of Construction (Construction Project Management)
  • Master of Construction ( Facilities Management)
  • Master of Construction (Quantity Surveying)

    Outcomes:
  • Preparing learners to be competent for research and development in specific areas of the built environment.
  • Development of learners' intellectual ability through research and successful application of advanced tools and techniques that will support their professional development.
  • Flexibility of research projects and delivery.

    Similarities between the two qualifications:>Duration: One-year full time.
  • Entry requirements: Four-year qualification or three-year qualification and a Postgraduate Diploma.
  • Outcomes: Develop high-level skills in research processes.
    Content: Research-based only.
  • Synopsis: Both the qualifications elicit research in the Construction Management domain.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of New South Wales
    Qualification Title: Master of Applied Science in Built Environment
    Type and duration: Masters by Research
    Entry Requirements:
  • Four years of full-time study in a relevant discipline awarded with Honours.
  • The qualification includes a research component comprised of a thesis, other research projects or research methodology courses that constitute at least 2% of a full-time academic year (or part-time equivalent).
  • The applicant must have achieved at least a credit average in the final year.
  • This qualification involves a minimum of two years' full-time study and part-time is also available.
  • Learners undertake supervised research leading to the production of the thesis.
    Purpose:
    Upon completion of this qualification, the learner will develop the:
  • High-level skills in research processes,
  • Ability to solve complex problems and provide high-level, strategic and research-based advice in a variety of settings,
  • Ability to analyse and synthesise knowledge related to specific disciplines, and
  • High-level communication skills.
  • Ability to apply an advanced body of knowledge in a range of stimulating, real-life contexts.

    A Master of Applied Science degree will provide the learner with a foundation for further studies into Doctoral Studies and employment in senior leadership and management research-based positions in a variety of government, non-government, and corporate environments.
    Key Areas of Study:
    Individually supervised research qualifications are available in the following areas of research focus:
  • Building and construction.
  • Education.
  • Engineering.
  • Information technology.
  • Occupational health & safety/well-being.
  • Project management.
  • Property valuation.
  • Sustainability and the built environment.
    Outcomes:
    Qualifying learners will demonstrate the application of the knowledge and skills:
  • Creativity and initiative to new situations and/or for further learning.
  • High level of personal autonomy and accountability.
  • Plan and execute a substantial piece of research.

    Conclusion:
    The comparison analysis showed that this qualification is comparable with similar international qualifications in terms of the type of qualification (research), purpose and outcome of qualification, and areas of research focus. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Urban and Regional Planning in Development, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Construction Management, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Quantity Surveying, 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.
     
    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.