Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Quantity Surveying

Purpose

The Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Quantity Surveying is a postgraduate specialisation qualification designed to prepare learners for further postgraduate study. This qualification is designed specifically to follow the Bachelors of the Built Environment in Quantity Surveying.

The qualification consolidates and deepens the learner's expertise in a specialised area of Quantity Surveying and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of this discipline while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Qualifications leading to this qualification allow learners to work independently and responsibly, applying original thought and judgment to technical and risk-based decisions in complex situations and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market, or to further their studies through Masters and Doctoral qualifications.

Specifically, the purpose of this qualification is to further the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for towards becoming a competent practising Quantity Surveyor. This qualification provides preparation for careers in Quantity Surveying itself and areas that potentially benefit from quantity surveying skills, for achieving professional proficiency and to contribute to the economy and national development. This qualification is a specialised Honours level qualification which will lead to competency and professionalism in the field of Quantity Surveying.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Technology in Quantity Surveying benefited both employers and graduates. However, for professional registration, an Honours level qualification is required. The Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Quantity Surveying is the most suitable qualification to follow.

There is a demand from qualifying learners of the BTech qualifications in both the private and the public sectors. It is intended by the department to replace the BTech with a Bachelor of the Built Environment in Quantity Surveying. An Honours qualification will provide the necessary route for qualifying learners to further their studies at the Master's level.

The Honours qualification in conjunction with the Bachelor's Degree satisfies the 480 Credits with a minimum of 120 Credits at Level 8 as required by the professional council, the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP). Also, the compulsory research treatise forms part of the qualification. The courses are also aligned with current industry requirements.

This qualification is the requirement from the SACQSP for registration as a Professional Quantity Surveyor with no additional requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

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. Credits may also be achieved by RPL for this qualification.

The structure of qualification makes RPL possible if the learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this first stage qualification.

Learners who already work in the construction or allied industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the ELOs listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through a formal institution's RPL process. Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the described format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• Bachelor Degree in Construction with Quantity Surveying or relevant qualification, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 128 Credits

• Quantity Surveying Dissertation 4A, 8 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying Dissertation 4B, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Construction Law and Arbitration 4A, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Construction Law and Arbitration 4B, 8 Credits.
• Advances in Construction 4, 8 Credits.
• Advanced Descriptive Quantification 4A, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Descriptive Quantification 4B, 12 Credits.
• Property Law and Economics 4A, 8 Credits.
• Property Law and Economics 4B, 8 Credits.
• Professional Practice 4, 8 Credits.
• Business Strategy for Quantity Surveyors 4, 12 Credits.
• Construction Project Management 4, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules at Levels 6, 7, 8, 16 Credits (Select any two modules)

Level 6

• French for Science and Technology 4, 8 Credits.
• Mandarin for Science and Technology 4, 8 Credits.

Level 7

• French for Science and Technology 3, 8 Credits.
• Mandarin for Science and Technology 3, 8 Credits.

Level 8

• International Construction 4A, 8 Credits.
• International Construction 4A, 8 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the preparation of tender and contractual documents relating to building and civil engineering and knowledge of procurement methods.
2. Demonstrate the estimation of costs and undertaking of financial management of complex construction projects including advice on payments and certification during construction.
3. Apply knowledge of legal and economic issues affecting the industry in South Africa
4. Display knowledge of complex property investment decisions.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of using computers and software packages relevant to the industry and profession for the undertaking of tasks.
6. Analyse and solve problems related to the Quantity Surveying sector.
7. Demonstrate the effective communication routes with other construction professionals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Quantify and document items and elements of structures, civil engineering projects and electrical work.
• Advice on different procurement methods suitable for different complex projects is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Acquire the ability to measure, price and analyse development projects.
• Draft cost plans and perform cost control and cost design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Articulate legal issues and economic trends related to the construction industry.
• Apply contract conditions, legislation and policies appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Acquire the ability to forecast outcomes of development projects in respect of costs.
• Articulate the ability to predict the life cycle performance of buildings concerning cost and quality.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply knowledge of computers and software packages relevant to the industry and profession for the undertaking of tasks.
• Analyse and recommend the computers and software packages used by Quantity Surveyors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Utilise the knowledge of research theory and techniques to analyse and address problems arising in construction projects.
• Display knowledge of the world as a set of related systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Show communications skills in report writing and correspondence.
• Articulate orally in dealing with enquiries from clients, consultants and colleagues.
• Utilise graphic presentations to assist and inform clients, consultants and colleagues in construction-related matters.

Integrated Assessment

This 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 outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities. Some of the assessment methodologies will include tests, assignments, practicals, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations and a Research Project. In terms of the institutional policy, all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. Also, all NQF Level 8 modules will be subjected to external moderation.