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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97815  Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
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  420  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification is primarily industry oriented. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in a Civil Engineering discipline and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to Civil Engineering professional contexts, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Programmes leading to this qualification tend to have a strong professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a civil engineering profession in the labour market.

Specifically the purpose of the Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering is designed to meet this qualification and to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing professional engineering technologist. This qualification provides:
  • Preparation for careers in Civil Engineering and areas that potentially benefit from civil engineering skills, for achieving technical proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
  • The educational base required for registration as a Candidate and/or a Professional Engineering Technologist with ECSA (Refer to qualification rules).

    Rationale:
    In Engineering disciplines, the continuous and rapid development of complex technology necessitates higher levels of conceptual understanding required by the broadly defined problem solving skills needed. Adaptability to new technologies furthermore relies heavily on the understanding and the ability to apply fundamental conceptual knowledge to address modern Engineering challenges and to ensure sustainable development.

    The need for engineering programmes in South Africa has been documented by various sources. According to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), South Africa has an engineer to population ratio of 1:3100 compared to Germany (1:200) and Japan, Great Britain and United States of America (1:310). This implies that the engineering team requirement for South Africa needs to multiply 10 fold to compete with international economies. Like other engineering fields, the civil engineering profession contributes to the technological, socio-economic, built environment and environmental infrastructure of the country.

    Professional Civil Engineering Technologists are characterised by the ability to apply proven, commonly understood techniques, procedures, practices and codes to solve well-defined Civil Engineering problems. They manage and supervise Civil Engineering operations, construction and activities. They work independently and responsibly within an allocated area or under guidance.

    Professional Civil Engineering Technologists must therefore have a working understanding of engineering sciences underlying the techniques used, together with financial, commercial, legal, socio-economic, health, safety and environmental methodologies, procedures and best practices.

    The process of professional development of a Professional Civil Engineering Technologist starts with the attainment of a qualification that meets this standard. This Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering is such a qualification. After graduation a programme of training and experience is completed to attain the competencies for registration in the category Professional Engineering Technologist. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission for the qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits of the programme and must not include credits at the exit level.

    A functional system for RPL is in place at the institution and is contained in the Student Assessment Manual. This qualification will comply with the institutional RPL policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    Admission requirements for the qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4, allowing entry to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 420 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5, 140 Credits:
  • Digital Literacy I, 14 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy and Communication Studies I, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Mathematics I, 14 Credits.
  • Physics I, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Drawings I, 14 Credits.
  • Geomatics I, 14 Credits.
  • Construction Engineering I, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Mathematics II, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Mechanics, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Drawings II, 14 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6, 140 Credits:
  • Engineering Mathematics III, 14 Credits.
  • Urban planning and design, 14 Credits.
  • Structural Analysis I, 14 Credits.
  • Geomatics II, 14 Credits.
  • Construction Engineering II, 14 Credits.
  • Geotechnical Engineering I, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Hydrology, 14 Credits.
  • Transportation Planning and Traffic Engineering, 14 Credits.
  • Structural Analysis II, 14 Credits.
  • Engineering Project Management, 14 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, 140 Credits:
  • Engineering Hydraulics, 14 Credits.
  • Road and Transportation Engineering, 14 Credits.
  • Design of Structures I, 14.
  • Geotechnical Engineering II, 14 Credits.
  • Water Resources Systems Analysis, 14 Credits.
  • Road Design, 14 Credits.
  • Water Supply and Sanitation Engineering, 14 Credits.
  • Design of Structures II, 14 Credits.
  • Projects, 28 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply civil engineering principles, knowledge of Mathematics, Natural Science and Engineering Sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve well-defined engineering problems.
    2. Conduct investigation and perform procedural design of components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    3. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools including Information Technology for the solution of well-defined Civil Engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within Civil Engineering context.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of Civil engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Civil Engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
    7. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
    8. Commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of Civil Engineering technical practice.
    9. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve civil engineering problems consistent with academic learning achieved. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Civil Engineering elements are analysed.
  • Civil Engineering elements are designed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Civil Engineering elements to perform procedural design are analysed.
  • Civil Engineering elements that meet desired needs and applicable standards are designed.
  • Civil Engineering investigations through codes, catalogue, standard tests and experiments are conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Civil Engineering structures by use of computer aided analysis and design methods and software are analysed and designed.
  • Hydraulically and hydraulic problems by application of computer software are solved.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Design and investigation reports are compiled.
  • Investigation and design reports are presented and defended.
  • Consulting and professional reports are prepared.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Feasibility reports are prepared.
  • Civil Engineering and innovative solutions are presented and demonstrated.
  • Knowledge for innovative solutions for the socioeconomic development is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The ability to work as a team member is demonstrated.
  • The potential to manage a team is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Research article is written.
  • Technical reports on innovative and appropriate civil solutions are written.
  • The application of current and advanced construction tools and techniques is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Professional ethics, responsibilities and norms are embraced.
  • A chart for the inculcation of professional ethics is developed.
  • Norms and standards to adhere to professional ethics and responsibilities are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Safety rules and regulations are developed.
  • Work place safety rules and practices are observed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    For the Bachelor Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering an integrated assessment approach will be implemented through the two assessment models being formative and summative. Formative assessment will be conducted using tutorials, assignments, seminars, tests, practical performance.

    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to test, analyse, design, develop and implement software solutions. These will include; final examination mark, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    South Africa, through the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), is a signatory to the following three accords: Dublin, Washington and Sydney Accords. International comparability of engineering education qualifications is ensured through the Washington, Sydney and Dublin Accords, all being members of the International Engineering Alliance (IEA). International comparability of this Civil Engineering technician education qualification is ensured through the Dublin Accord.

    The exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria which ultimately explain the competencies that the engineering technician should possess in this qualification are aligned with the attributes of a Dublin Accord technician learner in the International Engineering Alliance's Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies (See www.ieagreements.org).

    An agreement was signed at the IEAM 2015 for International Engineering Technicians - which essentially recognises that a practising technician's skills have equivalence with other qualifications. The new agreement will facilitate the recognition of equivalence at the practising technician's level, that is, it is individual people, not qualifications that are seen to meet the benchmark standard. The concept of this agreement is that a person recognised in one county as reaching the agreed international standard of competence should only be minimally assessed (primarily for local knowledge) prior to obtaining registration in another country that is party to the agreement.

    In conclusion best practice was used as comparison for the Bachelor Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering with that from member countries within the IEAM community. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification may articulate horizontally and vertically as follows:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Technology Engineering in Civil Environmental Engineering, at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation
  • Honours Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering, at NQF 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.
     
    1. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.