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: 

Diploma in Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99026  Diploma in Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 240)  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  280  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2032-06-30  

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:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and understanding of civil engineering, and equip them with skills to practise as Engineering Technicians.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve defined Civil Engineering problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Apply knowledge of Mathematics, Natural Science and Engineering Sciences to defined and applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined Civil Engineering problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  • Conduct investigations of broadly-defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, data bases and literature, designing and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
  • Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including Information Technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of defined engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
  • Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties.

    Rationale:
    The Diploma in Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering is designed to provide learners with detailed knowledge and understanding, and equip them with necessary skills to practise as Engineering Technicians. This qualification provides the educational basis for registration as an Engineering Technician in Civil Engineering.

    This qualification will contribute to the development of scarce and high level technical skills in Civil Engineering. The training of Civil Engineering Technicians will serve national, provincial and local government imperatives. The government of the Republic of South Africa has announced plans for massive infra-structure development in roads, rail, ports, airports, water storage and distribution, electricity distribution, power generation, health services, education, industrial development and housing. The majority of these are either primarily Civil Engineering projects or have a major Civil Engineering component that will require the skills of suitably qualified and trained Civil Engineering Technicians. The expertise, skill and knowledge of Civil Engineering Technicians are required by municipalities, Transnet, Sanral, the various water boards, the Department of Water Affairs, Public Works Departments, the Department of Transport, the Airports Company of South Africa Limited (ACSA), engineering consultancies and construction companies. 
    		•

    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 to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes.
  • Learners who already work in the Civil Engineering industry and who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes listed in the qualification will be able to present them for assessment.
  • Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through the institution's formal RPL process.
  • Learners submitting evidence for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission to the Diploma in Engineering Technology in Electronically Engineering is:
  • Senior Certificate (SC) without endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4 granting access to diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 240 Credits.

    NQF Level 5, 148 Credits:
  • Mathematics A, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics B, 12 Credits.
  • Physics B, 8 Credits.
  • Physics A, 8 Credits.
  • Physics C, 8 Credits.
  • Cornerstone, 12 Credits.
  • Law for Life, 8 Credits.
  • Civil Engineering Methods B, 12 Credits.
  • Civil Mechanics A, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Applications, 8 Credits.
  • Drawing A (intro to Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD)), 12 Credits.
  • Drawing Applications, 12 Credits.
  • Intro to Construction Materials, 8 Credits.
  • Intro to Water Engineering A, 12 Credits.
  • Technical Literacy, 8 Credits.

    NQF Level 6, 132 Credits:
  • Mathematics C, 12 Credits.
  • Contract Administration, 8 Credits.
  • Contract Management B, 8 Credits.
  • Design Project, 8 Credits.
  • Intro to Structural Design, 8 Credits.
  • Soil Mechanics A, 8 Credits.
  • Soil Mechanics A, 8 Credits.
  • Structural Analysis B, 12 Credits.
  • Structural Detailing, 8 Credits.
  • Structural Mechanics B, 8 Credits.
  • Surveying A for Civil Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • Transport Technology A, 12 Credits.
  • Transport Technology B, 12 Credits.
  • Intro to Water Engineering B, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve-defined civil engineering problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
    2. Apply knowledge of Mathematics, Natural Science and Engineering Sciences to define and applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly-defined Civil Engineering problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
    3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    4. Conduct investigations of broadly-defined problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, data bases and literature, designing and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of defined engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the affected parties. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The problem is analysed and defined and the criteria are identified for an acceptable solution.
  • Relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills are identified for solving the problem.
  • Possible approaches are generated and formulated that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
  • Possible solutions are modelled and analysed.
  • Possible solutions are evaluated and the best solution is selected.
  • The solution is formulated and presented in an appropriate form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • An appropriate mix of knowledge of Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics, Natural Science and Engineering Science at a fundamental level and in a specialist area is brought to bear on the solution of defined engineering problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
  • Theories, principles and laws are used.
  • Formal analysis and modelling is performed on engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Concepts, ideas and theories are communicated.
  • Reasoning about and conceptualising engineering materials, components, systems or processes is performed.
  • Uncertainty and risk are handled.
  • Work is performed within the boundaries of the practice area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The design problem is formulated to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  • The design process is planned and managed to focus on important issues and recognises and deals with constraints.
  • Knowledge, information and resources are acquired and evaluated in order to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
  • Design tasks are performed including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation of the product, system or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints and restrictions.
  • Alternatives are evaluated for implementation and a preferred solution is selected based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
  • The selected design is assessed in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.
  • The design logic and relevant information are communicated in a technical report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Investigations and experiments relevant to Civil Engineering are planned.
  • Available literature is searched and material is critically evaluated for suitability to the investigation.
  • Analysis is performed as necessary to the investigation.
  • Equipment or software is selected and used as appropriate in the investigations.
  • Information is analysed, interpreted and derived from available data.
  • Conclusions are drawn from an analysis of all available evidence.
  • The purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation are recorded in a technical report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The method, skill or tool is assessed for applicability and limitations against the required result.
  • The method, skill or tool is applied correctly to achieve the required result.
  • Results produced by the method, skill or tool are tested and assessed against required results.
  • Computer applications are created, selected and used as required by the discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
  • Graphics used are appropriate and effective in enhancing the meaning of text.
  • Visual materials used enhance oral communications.
  • Accepted methods are used for providing information to others involved in the engineering activity, for example engineering drawings, as well as subject-specific methods.
  • Oral communication is delivered fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Civil Engineering qualification will combine formative, summative and diagnostic assessment methodologies. There will be multiple assessment opportunities for the learner to develop and demonstrate the various Exit Level Outcomes associated with this qualification. There will be constructive alignment between the development of the intended Exit Level Outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities. Some of the assessment methodologies will include: tests, assignments, practicals, examinations, projects, etc., and a capstone project which will ensure that multiple outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International Engineering Alliance:
    The International Engineering Alliance is established to advance comparability and mobility in the engineering profession. It is structured in three (3) Accords, the Washington, the Sydney and the Dublin. These are three multi-lateral agreements between groups of jurisdictional agencies responsible for accreditation or recognition of tertiary-level engineering qualifications within their jurisdictions who have chosen to work collectively to assist the mobility of Engineering Practitioners (i.e. Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists and Engineering Technicians) holding suitable qualifications. The signatories are committed to development and recognition of good practice in engineering education and intend to assist growing globalisation of mutual recognition of engineering qualifications. The standard of this qualification is ensured through the Sydney Accord.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is in line with international standards set in the International Engineering Alliance agreements. It is ensured that a learner is assessed and will be able to compete as a professional Engineering Technician and to obtain registration with a respective professional body. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific horizontal articulation into the National Diploma: Building, Level 6 (ID 72214) offered by the Durban University of Technology.

    This qualification allows for systemic horizontal and vertical articulation with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the admission requirements. They are;

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Construction Technology in Civil Engineering, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Civil Engineering, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Science, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering, Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.