Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying

The aim of this qualification is to deliver learners with Postgraduate-Level knowledge, skills and competency appropriate to a professional career as a Quantity Surveyor in the construction and property industries.

Rationale

The qualification aims to educate and train learners that have a theoretical and practical experience in Quantity Surveying. These learners can apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to practical building sciences profession. They are equipped with the required skills and expertise to contribute to the expansion of the building sector in the broad, responding to the needs of the society, developing the public infrastructure, and understanding the dynamics of trade unions. The successful quantity surveying learners who meet the academic requirements for professional registration may apply for accreditation to the construction industry in South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment policy. This will relate to both access to the qualification as well as for Credit recognition or exemption towards achieving the qualification. The institution will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and subsequent to RPL assessment, are in place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science in or relevant qualification on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 132 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 16 Credits (Choose ONE)

• Construction Finance IV, 16 Credits.
• Property Facilities Management, 16 Credits.
• Property Valuation Practice, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 116 Credits

• Integrated Project IV, 12 Credits.
• Building Economics IV, 16 Credits.
• Construction Science II, 12 Credits.
• Descriptive Quantification IV, 16 Credits.
• Management of Information and Communication Systems IV, 32 Credits.
• Professional Practice, 8 Credits.
• Property Development Economics IV, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Project Management IV, 12 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge of mathematics and quantitative methods, technology, management, economics, finance and law from first principles to solve built environment problems.
2. Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural analysis of built environment problems, systems, products or processes.
3. Undertake investigations and data analysis by using appropriate problem solving methods, skills and tools, which include the use of computer packages, for computation, analysis, modelling, simulation, and information handling
4. Manage and prepare tender and contractual documents for construction projects - these activities would include interpreting value, cost and scope of a structure or building in respect of predicted outcomes regarding viability, structure, budget, procurement, and design.
5. Undertake the contractual management of construction projects; prepare estimates of cost and undertake the financial management of construction projects. Activities related to this outcome include predicting life cycle performance of structures and buildings in respect of cost and quality.
6. Evaluate economic issues concerning the construction and property sectors at both a micro and macro level including interpreting the scope and cost of a structure or building in terms of manageability, income, quality and time of completion.
7. Evaluate alternative property development investment options in relation to activities involving the principles of sound development theory by analysing the needs of a client.
8. Communicate with construction and property professionals concerning spatial concepts, economic, financial and contractual issues, and construction assembly problems including applying the principles of models and standards to advise on and perform various procurement methods by analysing a structure or building, and advice on payments and certification during construction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes

• Viability reports compiled, calculated and delivered to comply with set standards.
• Compile the quantitative contract documents d to set standards.
• Predict the development costs estimated to comply with set standards.
• Compile the cost reports to comply with set standards and construction certificate payments.
• Compile the final accounts to set standards.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment strategy provides for both Formative and Summative Assessment opportunities as well as continuous assessment. The Building modules utilise continuous assessment. This combination of assessment opportunities affords learners with the opportunity to monitor their progress on a regular basis and address problems as they occur. Learners will have to prepare case studies, orals, presentations, research projects, practical reports and write tests, assignments, and exams on certain topics.