Diploma in Building

After completing the course, students specialise in their construction management or quantity surveying. The course provides essential skills and knowledge needed in the construction of housing, schools, community facilities and other building projects. The Diploma will allow a candidate to register as a candidate Quantity Surveyor or Construction Manager.

The qualification is to build the knowledge, understanding and skills required for the learner's progression towards becoming competent registered practicing Quantity Surveyors/Construction Manager. This will empower the candidate to demonstrate his/her ability to apply his/her acquired knowledge, understanding, skills, attitude and values in the built environment industry in South Africa. The qualification is also structured to add value to the diplomat in terms of personal enrichment, as well as status and recognition.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Only formal learning is recognised. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total Credits and will not include credits at exit level.

Entry Requirement

• Attend a Bridging Course and obtain a minimum of 40% for Mathematics, Physics and Communication.

Or

• The candidate must hold a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with level 4 ratings for Mathematics, Physics and English.

Or

• The candidate must hold a National Senior Certificate/Standard 10, Matric or equivalent with minimum E (HG) for Mathematics and Science and a minimum E (SG) for English.

Or

• Appropriate N3 with a minimum 50% for Mathematics plus E (SG) for English.

NCV Requirements

National Certificate Vocational Level 4 minimum of 50% pass in the following

Subjects: 3 fundamentals

• English, Maths and Physical Science and a minimum of 60%.

3 Compulsory

• Drawing, Setting out, Quantities and Costing.
• Construction Management.
• Civil and Construction Technology.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 4, 5, and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules at Level 4, 120 Credits

• Applied Building Science I, 20 Credits.
• Communication Skills I, 10 Credits.
• Computer Applications I, 10 Credits.
• Construction Management I, 20 Credits.
• Construction Technology I, 20 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying I, 20 Credits.
• Site Surveying, 20 Credits.

Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits

• Construction Management II, 20 Credits.
• Construction Technology II, 20 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying II, 20 Credits.
• Building Practice, 60 Credits.

Modules at Level 6, 120 Credits

• Construction Accounting III, 20 Credits.
• Construction Management III, 20 Credits.
• Construction Technology III, 20 Credits.
• Price Analysis and Estimating III, 20 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying III, 20 Credits.
• Structures and Concrete III , 20 Credits.

Exit Level Outcome

1. Supervision of building projects.
2. Procurement, administration and management of building projects.
3. Preparation of contract documentation and administration of building contracts.

Specific Outcome

1. Apply knowledge of construction technology

1.1. Supervise site labour and subcontractors.

1. On-site measurement of quantities.

2.1. Administration and control of plant, material and labour.

2.2 Assist with management and control of the building process.

2.3. Assist with estimating and pricing and cost control of building work.

1. Take off quantities of buildings.

3.1. Assist with the preparation of bills of quantities.

3.2. Assist with contract administration and preparation of final accounts.

3.3. Assist with preparation of building estimates and cost reports.

Critical Outcomes

• Problem solving on building sites and/or in professional offices.
• Working effectively in a team on site and in the QS profession.
• Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information for effective administration and management, for the preparation of contact documentation and for estimating and cost control.
• Communicating effectively both orally, graphically and in writing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome

1.1. Broad knowledge on construction technology has been demonstrated.

1.1.1. Supervision of site labour and sub-contractors has been adequately demonstrated.

2.1. Ability to interpret and measure in accordance with the standard guides has been demonstrated.

2.1.1. Management principles regarding the control of resources have been applied.

2.1.2. Methods and techniques of estimating and pricing have been demonstrated.

2.2. Ability to interpret and measure in accordance with standard guides has been demonstrated.

2.2.1. Appropriate methods of bill production have been demonstrated.

2.2.2. Working knowledge of contract documentation has been demonstrated.

2.2.3. Methods and techniques of estimating have been demonstrated.

Intergrated Assessment

Pass Requirements

A candidate passes a subject if a final mark of at least 50% is obtained. The final mark consists of 40% of the year mark and 60% of the examination mark for examination subjects. A candidate must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the examination to pass a course. Where the examination in a course consists of two or more papers, a sub-minimum of 40% must be obtained in each paper.

Practicals/Laboratory

Practical work is done in the following subject and forms part of the assessment

Site Surveying I

Details of the assessment of the practicals are given in the relevant Study Guide.