Diploma in Civil Engineering

A learner achieving this qualification will be competent to apply theoretical knowledge, practical experience and skills in Civil Engineering as a civil engineering technician, who is part of the engineering team, by applying proven techniques to engineering activity, within standards and codes under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Access may be granted, through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Entry requirements

• A qualification at Level 5 in Civil Engineering.
• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
• Senior Certificate, Level 4 with Matriculation exemption.
• National Certificate Vocation, Level 4 with a relevant specialisation, granting access to Diploma studies.

1. Plan Civil engineering systems in accordance with the relevant codes of practice under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.
2. Design Civil Engineering systems in accordance with the relevant codes of practice, under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.
3. Prepare and administer the documentation for civil Engineering systems in accordance with the relevant codes of practice under remote supervision, and under close supervision if operating outside standards and codes.
4. Build and maintain Civil Engineering systems under supervision.

• Demonstrate sufficient and appropriate knowledge of engineering planning principles, concepts, theories and models.
• Analyse a given civil engineering problem and provide a viable time-based planning solution.
• Analyse loading on a component of an engineering system and determine the effects caused by the load.
• Design members and components of an engineering structure and produce working details of design.
• Demonstrate understanding of and be able to interpret the operation and performance of test equipment, analyse and report on test results as well as be able to select the appropriate tests to be undertaken to confirm specialised design criteria.
• Prepare the documentation required for a civil engineering contract and administer the documentation from tender stage through to final completion by conduct and actions, which influence interpersonal relationships.
• Procure, plan, execute and control an engineering contract by the translation of design drawings and specifications into detailed construction instruction in written, graphic and oral forms as well as by means of electronic media. This includes the use of technical language such as mathematics, drawing symbols, etc.
• Schedule and control the activities of, and communicate effectively with all parties to the civil engineering process using appropriate communication methods.
• Demonstrate understanding of basic project planning, financial, budgeting, production, and safety concepts.

1. Principles, concepts, theories and models in civil engineering planning are explained electronically, verbally, graphically, in writing, and through practical demonstration, using the appropriate and correct language terms.

• The scope of the problem, including the intended use of manpower, equipment, materials, finances, and construction methodology are identified correctly.

1. Options regarding the correct utilisation of resources and alternative solutions are assessed.

• A solution is selected and justified.
• Loads, structural materials and elements are assessed and chosen correctly.
• Relevant traffic volume, soils information, population and network analysis is correctly interpreted and assessed.
• Perform engineering survey tasks and calculations by executing detailed surveys and translating the information onto engineering plans for the fixing of control points, setting out and checking of the works and the determination of Civil Engineering quantities.

1. Apply principles of Geotechnical engineering by performing site investigations, assessing the stability and applying soil design principles to ensure long term stability and assessing any design impacts.

• Be able to design road and rail systems by determining traffic volume and characteristics, use traffic studies, select category, route, and design geometric, earthworks, drainage and pavements.
• Correctly engineer, design and maintain aspects of water, including water treatment and reclamation, open channels, supply and waste reticulation and storm-water systems by determining population demand, and analysis of pipe networks.
• The detail of the design is described, represented and documented correctly.
• Ability to prepare a tender, extract quantities from a drawing, prepare and interpret specifications, and conduct basic feasibility and financial studies.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate across cultural boundaries in an oral and written format.
• Ability to resolve informal disputes and conflicts, write and interpret reports, minutes and conduct (chair) meetings by liaison with other professions, contractors, public, and clients.
• Prepare and present clear and concise instructions.
• Demonstrate the ability to use initiative, apply techniques involving lateral thinking and problem solving, exercise tact and discretion, apply ethics of profession, confidentiality, honesty, commitment and loyalty.

1. Ability to work in teams and to build up teams by applying discipline and maintaining a balance between business and personal lifestyle.

• Ability to prepare and submit a tender, `take-off `Civil Engineering quantities from a drawing, interpret specifications, and conduct basic feasibility and financial studies.
• Demonstrate the ability to apply basic engineering computer systems and be able to deal effectively with their limitations whilst having the ability to use relevant applications and show basic typing skills (e.g. use of word processing packages) in the execution of the above tasks.
• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate across cultural boundaries in an oral and written format.
• Ability to resolve informal disputes and conflicts, write and interpret reports, minutes and conduct (chair) meetings by liaison with other professions, subcontractors, public, and clients.
• Ability to establish a site, control quality, costs, production outputs and ensure profitability.
• Manage safety, administer contracts, identify potential claims and manage labour within the parameters of the Labour Relations Act (LRA).
• Ability to manage the construction, rehabilitation, and maintenance of Civil Engineering structures, roads and pavements.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of students to be carried out on an individual basis as follows

• Semester mark by means of tests, assignments, oral and written reports and projects.
• Final open or closed book examination.
• Continuous evaluation through tests, assignments, laboratory work and reports, practical skills, and or any such projects as considered appropriate.
• Final evaluation can be determined either by the examination or continuous evaluation, or a combination of both in any ratio.