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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: |
| Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 122516 | Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Academic Institute of Excellence (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 | Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology | Engineering and Related Design | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0525/24 | 2024-07-11 | 2027-07-11 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-07-11 | 2033-07-11 | |||
| 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 Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering is to prepare learners for a career in the mechanical engineering field. The qualification will enable learners to competently apply an integration of theory, principles, techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to broadly-defined problems in the field of engineering while operating within the relevant standards and codes. Learners will demonstrate a comprehensive general engineering knowledge, as well as systematic knowledge, of the main terms, procedures and principles of the engineering discipline; gather evidence from the relevant sources using advanced retrieval skills, organize and synthesize and present the information professionally in a more appropriate to the audience; and demonstrate the capacity to understand engineering business management and entrepreneurship within an engineering technical context. The qualification is designed to meet the skills shortage of Engineers in South Africa. The qualification will build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practising mechanical engineer. The qualification is in line with the exit-level outcomes of the qualification which focus on the skills required from a future professional technologist. Obtaining this qualification will enable a graduate to acquire the knowledge, skills and values to: The qualification's focus is on technology and software skills as a tool and will lay a foundation in the broad principles and practices of mechanical engineering. Learners will be introduced to creative and visual thinking, design thinking and the design process, analysis, and visual communication approaches in engineering design to prepare them for professional practice. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative / design thinking are fostered throughout the various projects. The qualification will equip learners with an integrated set of conceptual and applied abilities that prepare them to think in a flexible, problem-solving manner outside of the confines of a single field of engineering. Upon completion of this qualification, the learner could either enter the industry as a qualified engineering technologist (potential professional technologist) or continue with tertiary education at NQF level 8. The focus is two-fold, to provide the learner with an introduction to theoretical modules while honing their technical skills and knowledge. These theoretical modules and technical skills and knowledge bring efficiency to the qualification delivery and encourage learners to register for further studies. Rationale: The qualification design reflects the new standard for engineering practitioners as required by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), based on the Higher Education Sub-Framework (HEQSF) aligned ECSA document E - 02 - PT, September 2020. This qualification was endorsed by constituents from the industry via intensive consultations and advisory committee meetings. The minimum 420 credit Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering, as per the ECSA qualification standard, is part of a group of new qualifications in engineering that will increase the institutional reputation and will attract more local and international learners, leading to an improved international scholarly output. The graduates will apply established and newly developed engineering technology to solve broadly - defined problems and develop components, systems, services, and processes. An emphasis of the developed qualification is to instil the ability to question and critically evaluate answers obtained from theoretical and computer analysis work, which seems to be lacking in most graduates. The qualification is beneficial to the economy and society as it addresses the training needs indicated in the Higher Education and Training Framework for the National Skills Development Strategy III (NSDS III). Skilled engineering practitioners are required to meet the developmental needs of the country in all engineering fields. The qualification is expected to be viable as the enrolment for the current qualifications showed a significant increase in the number of learners, with an average of 100 enrolments per year for the last two years. Learner enrolment is projected to increase by about 10%. This qualification plans to address the current engineering skill shortage allowing workers in the field to upgrade their qualifications via contact or distance studies. Great emphasis is put on self-study as the learners are expected to take responsibility for their studies. Considering that both academic and work-based learning are essential components of the engineering education of technicians, technologists, and engineers, ECSA adopts a two-stage model for the development of engineering practitioners eligible for professional registration. The formal qualification is stage 1, while the industry training is stage 2. Stage 1 takes place at the academic institution and results in an academic qualification, confirming that a learner has achieved the required academic learning outcomes. Stage 2 occurs at the workplace, with support from an experienced mentor, and ensures that the candidate has attained the required professional competency. In many higher education qualifications, the face-to-face campus environment is now accompanied by Hybrid Learning. It is essential that these are not regarded as separate modes of provisioning, but rather as an all-encompassing learning environment to promote access to those that otherwise would not be able to continue their higher education studies. Distance provisioning facilitates an approach to education that accommodates geographically dispersed learners by providing resources, materials, support, and services using various tools to support learning at a distance. This allows for broadening educational access and the creation of flexible learning opportunities. The educational method accommodates geographically scattered learners by providing resources, materials, support, and services via a variety of tools to facilitate remote learning. This opens educational opportunities for more people and allows for more flexibility in learning. |
| 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 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 for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 434 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 140 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 154 Credits: Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 140 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate the ability to identify, formulate, analyse, and solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, engineering fundamentals and an engineering speciality to solve broadly-defined engineering problems. 3. Demonstrate the ability to perform creative, procedural, and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products, or processes. 4. Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments. 5. Demonstrate competence to use appropriate engineering methods, skills, and tools, including those based on information technology. 6. Demonstrate competence to 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. Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and multidisciplinary environments. 9. Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well-developed learning skills. 10. Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically 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:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The qualification aligns fully with the institutional assessment strategy in terms of types of assessments, moderation procedures, marking/symbol allocation, and grading of assessments. Integrated assessment has the following aims: Continuous assessments: Continuous assessment is an alternative to the traditional assessment model as it includes detailed feedback for improvement. The purpose of continuous assessment is to ensure that learners work consistently. Continuous assessments ensure that learners are regularly measured against the specific outcomes and assessment criteria of the qualification. In continuous assessment, there are still opportunities for learners to rework and resubmit a task, with the learner using feedback for improvement, and before the calculation of the final mark. The assessment methods are based on assessing the application of knowledge, skills, values and attitudes through appropriate assignments, projects, and portfolio reviews. The feedback maximises the learner's opportunity for development and ensures a fair and reliable assessment of their abilities. Assessments will include opportunities to give learners timeous, meaningful, and constructive feedback. In the assessment strategy, competence is demonstrated through a variety of options such as reports, problem-solving tasks, project-based learning, formative assessment, and summative assessments. Learners are offered the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge and skills through applied and reflexive exercises and a project-based approach to enhance competence. In addition, capstone project work is part of the qualification which provides an opportunity for learners to integrate knowledge gained in the qualification industry conditions and requirements, demonstrating applied competencies. Depending on the credits allocated for each module and the nature of the module there are different assessment approaches. Formative assessment: Formative assessment refers to the assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessment is often used as a diagnostic tool as it provides information to make real-time improvements in teaching methods, learning support materials and activities. Formative assessments are always completed before summative assessments. The formative assessments are added to the learner's portfolio of evidence to show progress throughout the year. Where this is the case a suitable approach to address these gaps will be developed Summative assessments. Summative assessments establish what a learner has achieved at the end of each project, module and qualification. Module marks and the aggregate are reassessed at portfolio assessments, then both internally and externally moderated to ensure that they are a true reflection of the learner's ability. Summative assessments are assessments "of learning" and may include a variety of assessment methods. The purpose is to evaluate the learner's achievement of the outcomes by establishing evidence of learning. There is one summative assessment opportunity per module, excluding supplementary and special assessment opportunities: Summative assessment is applied through: The summative assessment mark is calculated based on the examination mark, portfolio of work or project presentations. Therefore, formative assessment opportunities, with comprehensive feedback for improvement, can be used to assist learners in completing summative assessment tasks. Continuous assessment makes use of integrated assessments that require learners to demonstrate knowledge integration and application across a program. This kind of assessment mimics the real-world practice/industry and is therefore vital to future employability. Learning and assessment are integrated throughout the programme. Continuous feedback is integral to this process. The feedback from the Portfolio pre-assessment is intended to guide learners in terms of improving their work before final submission and does not constitute the summative assessment. After each formative or summative assessment, the learners are provided with feedback on the progress they are making. This feedback takes the form of marking schedules, verbal critiques of learner work or written feedback on essays, assignments, and projects. Many modules formative assessments, work as integrated projects that assess multiple modules. Project-based learning is used in project and assignment activities. Smaller formative activities or projects usually come before a summative activity or project. Learners participate in the design and development process under the guidance and supervision of lecturing faculty during the supervised project development time. Direct individual coaching and input, as well as group exposure and interaction via the Teams chat and Video conference tools, are all advantages of supervised laboratories. This encourages learners to pursue their passions and produce innovative solutions. The key teaching methods for the theoretical research component are synchronized online lectures, tutorials, and group discussions, as well as independent completion of summaries and essays. Lectures, tutorials, and other synchronous kinds of online teaching and learning. For the theoretical components, online lectures are the primary teaching technique. During online classes, learners are allowed to ask questions, and time is set aside at the end of each lecture for extra questions and discussion. For general discussion, tutorial sessions are organized as online class groups. These are then divided into smaller online groups to finish problem-solving, engage in interactive discussion, and ask questions. To monitor progress and answer queries, the lecturer/tutor walks from one online tutorial room to the next. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| South Africa is one of the founding members and signatories of all three (3) International Accords, regulating engineering education worldwide, namely the Dublin Accord for the Diploma type qualifications at NQF level 6, Sydney Accord for the Bachelor of Technology type qualifications at NQF level 7 and Bachelor of Science type qualifications at the NQF level 8.
Although the name and duration of the qualification offered in different countries may differ, the common denominator is the competencies defined by Graduate Attributes and knowledge fields, according to ECSA generic document E-02-PT; revision 4; 01 September 2020. Membership in the international accords guarantees the equivalency of the qualifications at the same complexity level, as all these programmes are overseen and approved by the country's professional body. A common trend of the Sydney Accord qualifications outside South Africa is a core group of modules grounded in mathematics and science and very flexible module choices to land the learner in a particular engineering field that he/she desires. The qualifications listed below are from countries that are signatories of the Sydney Accord (Bachelor of Technology level qualifications) and designed to be substantially equivalent to the Sydney Accord Graduate Attributes. Country: New Zealand Institute: Auckland University of Technology Qualification Title: Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering NQF Level: NZQF Level 7 Credits: 360 Points Duration: 3 years full-time Minimum entry requirements University Entrance or equivalent including: National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Or NCEA And CIE IB Purpose: Mechanical engineers use physics and materials science to design, analyse, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems; constantly innovating to enhance performance, efficiency and safety in anything from home appliances to transportation. The Mechanical Engineering major in the Bachelor of Engineering Technology prepares you for careers as an engineering technologist in mechanical engineering, and production or manufacturing engineering. It meets the Sydney Accord and prepares you for Technical Membership of Engineering New Zealand. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Elective Modules (Choose three from the following): Similarities: Differences: Country: Canada Institution St. Clair College Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology - Automotive Product Design Duration: 3 Years Full time Level: Bachelors Diploma Program Admission Requirements: Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) with most courses at the College, University, University/College or Open level plus: Grade 12 Math (C) or (U) Senior Level Physics (C) or (U) Purpose: This qualification provides learners with the knowledge to conduct the analysis, design, manufacturing, and maintenance of mechanical systems. Learners will develop a solid understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy and their applications to automotive processes. Mechanical Engineering Technologists use the core principles as well as specialized knowledge in the field to design and analyse motor vehicles, aircraft, heating and cooling systems, watercraft, manufacturing plants, industrial machinery, and automation. Learners in this qualification fair exceptionally well at Provincial and National Skills Competitions in Mechanical CAD. Graduates find excellent opportunities in product development, testing and analysis, computer-aided design and drafting, material selection and estimating machine and system component design, technical sales and junior management positions in the energy, manufacturing, controls, and alternative energy industries. Learning Outcomes: On completion of the qualification, successful learners will be able to: Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory Modules: Choose two Elective Modules: Similarities: Difference: Country: Australia Institution: University of Queensland Qualification Title: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) NQF Level: AQF Level 8 Duration: 4 Years Full time Entry Requirements: Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent) General English subject (Units 3 and 4, C); Mathematical Methods (Units 3 and 4, C); and one of Chemistry or Physics (Units 3 and 4, C). Purpose: Mechanical Engineering is the study of the principles of physics to harness energy for human consumption. Learners will develop a solid understanding of core concepts including mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and energy and their applications to automotive processes. Mechanical Engineering Technologists use the core principles as well as specialized knowledge in the field to design and analyse motor vehicles, aircraft, heating and cooling systems, watercraft, manufacturing plants, industrial machinery, and automation. The qualification will develop expertise in creating precision machinery and apply the fundamentals of physics, chemistry, biology, and technology to leverage the latest advances in cutting-edge nanotechnology. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of 36 units comprising: Compulsory Modules: Similarities: Differences: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
| 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. | Academic Institute of Excellence (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. |