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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119494  Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is primarily industry oriented. Completion of this qualification will provide learners with the knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical skills. The qualification aims to attract mid-level managers within the engineering industry that have a need to improve their skills at an academic and applied level.

Qualifying learners will gain excellent background knowledge and some specific expert knowledge and should find themselves well-positioned to secure employment or gain admission to further studies in the mechanical engineering field.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced problem solving by identifying, assessing, formulating, and solving complex mechanical engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
  • Apply the skill to solve complex mechanical engineering problems, by applying knowledge of mathematics, basic science, and engineering sciences.
  • Perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, mechanical engineering works, products, or processes of a complex nature.
  • Display a competency to do investigations, in experiments and data analysis, that involves performing research, conducting investigations, interpreting, and deriving conclusions.
  • Conduct investigations of complex mechanical engineering problems including information technology and application of modern engineering tools for the solution of complex problems related to the broad mechanical engineering field.
  • Communicate the results and findings convincingly in written, visual, electronic, and verbal forms, including the use of software systems and processes appropriate to the mechanical engineering fields.
  • Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact of mechanical engineering activities on society and the environment.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the need to bring personal, social, and cultural values into engineering analysis and design considerations.
  • Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical functions.
  • Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
  • Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of mechanical engineering practice.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and skills of management in mechanical engineering projects.

    This qualification serves to provide learners with a high level of knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, as well as practical and research skills. It also includes a supervised research project that adheres to high ethical and professional standards. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • 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 formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from 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 credit:
  • 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 formal, 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:
  • Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 140 Credits:
  • Engineering Project, 30 Credits.
  • Numerical Modelling, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Mathematics, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Engineering Projects Management,14 Credits.
  • Solid Mechanics, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate advanced problem solving by identifying, assessing, formulating, and solving complex mechanical engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
    2. Apply the skill to solve complex mechanical engineering problems, by applying knowledge of mathematics, basic science, and engineering sciences.
    3. Perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, mechanical engineering works, products, or processes of a complex nature.
    4. Display a competency to do investigations, in experiments and data analysis, that involves performing research, conducting investigations, interpreting, and deriving conclusions.
    5. Conduct investigations of complex mechanical engineering problems including information technology and application of modern engineering tools for the solution of complex problems related to the broad mechanical engineering field.
    6. Communicate the results and findings convincingly in written, visual, electronic and verbal forms, including the use of software systems and processes appropriate to the mechanical engineering fields.
    7. Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact of mechanical engineering activities on society and the environment and demonstrated awareness of the need to bring personal, social, and cultural values into engineering analysis and design considerations.
    8. Demonstrate the competency to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments showing leadership and performing critical functions.
    9. Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities, and norms of mechanical engineering practice.
    10. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the principles and skills of management in mechanical engineering projects. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply computational techniques in solid mechanics, simulation of fluid flow and heat transfer, engineering computational, hydraulics, and modelling of mechanical systems and components.
  • Show reasoning on principles of mechanical engineering design of specific mechanical engineering components, mechanisms, and systems, such as heat exchangers, boilers, energy systems, complex machines, and geometric design.
  • Analyse the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Use an appropriate mix of engineering theories, principles, and laws.
  • Perform mathematical and numerical analysis and statistical knowledge and methods
  • Apply physical laws and knowledge of the physical world as a foundation for the solution of problems related to heat transfer, fluid flow, mechanical design, solid mechanics, and computational engineering.
  • Perform formal analysis and modelling on engineering materials, mechanical components and systems or processes.
  • Handle uncertainty and risk and perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

    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: focus on important issues, recognise and deals with constraints.
  • Acquire and evaluate the requisite knowledge, information, and resources.
  • Apply correct principles, evaluate, and use design tools.
  • Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling, and optimisation.
  • Evaluate alternatives and preferred solutions: exercise judgment, test implantability 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.
  • Select and uses appropriate equipment or software.
  • Analyse, interpret and derive information from data.
  • Draw conclusions based on evidence and communicate the purpose, process, and outcomes in a technical report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply skills, methods, and tools effectively to create computer applications and packages for computation, modelling, simulation, and information handling.
  • Select and assess the applicability and limitations of the method, skill, or tool.
  • Test and assess critically the end results produced by the selected method, skill, or tool.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use appropriate structure, style and language for purpose and audience.
  • Apply methods of providing information for use by others involved in an engineering activity and meet the requirements of the target audience.
  • Participate in scheduled discussions with supervisor/lecturer regarding the management and execution of assignments and the engineering project.
  • Execute effective visual and electronic communication.
  • Prepare professional presentations, technical reports, posters, and designed products/artefacts using relevant industry and academic tools.
  • Use an online learner management platform to facilitate group communication, and peer evaluation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Evaluate ethical reasoning and critical analysis in engineering solutions.
  • Explain mechanical engineering activities with regards to negative impacts on public health and safety.
  • Implement social and economic considerations in mechanical engineering projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate effective individual work by performing the following:
    >> Identify and focus on objectives.
    >> Work strategically.
    >> Execute tasks effectively.
  • Make an individual contribution to team activities and perform critical functions.
  • Enhance the work of fellow team members.
  • Communicates effectively with team members.
  • Acquire a working knowledge of co-workers' discipline.
  • Use a systems approach and communicate across disciplinary boundaries.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Maintain continued competence to keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.
  • Display understanding of the system of professional development.
  • Accept responsibility for own actions and display judgment in decision-making during problem-solving and design.
  • Limit decision-making to an area of current competence.
  • Reason about and make a judgment on ethical aspects in a case study context.
  • Discern boundaries of competence in problem-solving and design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Apply project management to the project.
  • Display judgement in decision-making based on economics and business principles.
  • Display judgement in decision-making related to multi-disciplinary aspects of the project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The comparison of the qualification was with the following similar qualifications, and a brief synopsis of each of these qualifications is as follows:

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Auckland University of Technology
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Engineering
    NQF Level: NZQF Level 08
    Credits: 120 credits
    Duration: One year

    Entry Requirement:
    Bachelor of Engineering Technology or Equivalent

    Purpose:
    This PGD is open to mechanical, electrical, or electronic learners and therefore has a large choice of subjects from all these engineering disciplines. Upon completion of the qualification qualifying learners can find employment in a variety of engineering organisations, including large multinationals and specialised smaller companies. Careers could also range from consulting to technical sales examples include:
  • Management of technology companies
  • Research career

    Qualification structure:
    Learners are required to complete 120 credits from a wide range of subjects in electrical, electronic, mechanical or production engineering. The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules in Mechanical Engineering Specialisation.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credit points.
  • Industrial Robotics: Mechanics and Planning, 15 points.
  • Fracture Mechanics and Failure Analysis, 15 points.
  • Advanced Mechanical Design, 15 points.
  • Biomedical Thermofluids Modelling, 15 points.
  • Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 15 points.
  • Advanced Operations Management, 15 points.
  • Internal Combustion Engines, 15 points.
  • Advanced CAD/CAM Applications, 30 points.

    Articulation:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering allows learners to progress to study a master's degree

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are at level 08, offered in one year.
  • Both qualifications carry a weighting of 120 credits.
  • Both qualifications articulate to a master's degree.

    Differences:
  • The Auckland University of Technology qualification only has six specialisations that are chosen from the list of engineering modules, while the South African qualification only has no specialisations but has only one field of study.

    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of Saskatchewan
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
    Duration: One year.

    Entry Requirements:
    Honours degree, or equivalent relevant to the proposed field of study. A cumulative weighted average of at least 70.0% (U of S grade system equivalent) in the last two years of the undergraduate program.

    Purpose:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering is a coursework-based qualification without an engineering project or research module.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification requires completion of a minimum of 30 credit units (e.g., ten 3-credit courses). The qualification is designed to cover six broad areas of mechanical engineering:
  • Advanced engineering design and manufacturing.
  • Applied mechanics and machine design.
  • Bioengineering.
  • Control systems, robotics, and fluid power.
  • Fluid dynamics, thermal sciences, and energy.
  • Materials science and metallurgy.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in one year.
  • Both qualifications offer six compulsory modules.

    Differences:
  • Admission requirements for the University of Saskatchewan is an honours degree while the South African qualification's entry requirement is a bachelor's degree.
  • The University of Saskatchewan qualification is only coursework.
  • The University of Saskatchewan qualification requires completion of a minimum of 30 credit units while the SA qualification carries a weighting of 120 credits. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Mechanical Engineering, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Chemical Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Electrical Engineering, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering in Industrial 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.
     
    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.