Diploma in Polymer Technology
A qualifying learner will be competent to apply techniques and principles to the facilitation of manufacturing processes in the field of plastics and polymer technology. The learner will be able to operate within the workplace in collaboration with others.
Sources: SAQA official qualification record, SAQA registered qualifications record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Diploma (Min 360)
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Nelson Mandela University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology
Subfield
Manufacturing and Assembly
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2024-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2033-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
A qualifying learner will be competent to apply techniques and principles to the facilitation of manufacturing processes in the field of plastics and polymer technology. The learner will be able to operate within the workplace in collaboration with others.
Entry requirements and RPL
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 Polymer Technology.
- National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies with Mathematics, Physical Science and English.
- Senior Certificate, Level 4 with Matriculation exemption.
- National Certificate Vocation, Level 4 with a relevant specialisation, granting access to Diploma studies with Mathematics, Physical Science and English.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Exit level outcomes
- Optimising all aspects of the plastics production.
- Choose, order and use materials according to characteristics, cost effectiveness and end use requirements.
- Optimising the use and application of technology in the processing preparation and finishing of product.
- Apply chemical and physical principles to plastics processing and polymerisation.
- Evaluate end use applications of plastics products and materials.
- Manage production processes to achieve cost effective manufacture.
Associated assessment criteria
- The components and functions of the devices are explained correctly.
- Deviations from normal operation are identified and the correct corrective actions are applied or proposed.
- Reports and records and procedures are documented and reflect events and conditions.
- Production targets for quantity and quality are met.
Indicators
- Organisation of work, methods and procedures.
- Safe working and good housekeeping.
Range
> Parameters, output quantities, qualities.
> Materials are identified correctly.
> The essential characteristics are recognised and identified.
> The selection of the material for a given application is done taking the scientific and technological aspects of the material and its end use into account.
> Mixtures and modifications are made using the best available practise.
> Costs are calculated using the optimum methods and procedures.
> Quality assurance aspects are applied as applicable.
Indicators
- Clear definition of the materials properties.
- Systematic categorisation of materials and additives.
- Recording and documentation of formulations.
- Safe working practise and good housekeeping.
Range
> Information retrieval for materials cost and properties for cost performance evaluation.
> The specification and criteria for production equipment are correctly applied to selection processes.
> Rationale and supportive costing are done to support new equipment and processes.
> Procedures for production and quality are generated and implemented.
> Trends in losses and inefficiencies are tracked and used for decision-making.
> Processes.
> Ability to read and make drawings of articles or process layouts.
Indicators
- Quality systems are in place.
- Data is retrievable relevant and recent.
- Processes and products are to specification.
Range
> Application of technical criteria balanced with cost principles for decision-making.
> Reactions and processes performed to standard.
> Principles of safety and good practice are applied.
> Characterisation techniques are applied and interpreted in accord with physical and chemical principles.
> The origin of problems is established and an appropriate corrective action proposed.
> Interpretation of integrated analyses for problem resolution.
Indicators
- Interpretation, application and implementation of results.
Range
> General analysis techniques.
> The collection and recording of evaluations are done correctly.
> The materials evaluations are done according to standard methods.
> Selected analyses are relevant.
> Interpretation of results is done in accord with statistical principles.
> Methods of ageing simulation are applied correctly.
> Load and stress relationship are applied correctly.
Indicators
Interpretations, implementations and organisation of results.
Range
> Competency in these techniques.
> Ability to calculate costs of manufacture.
> Calculation and detection of economic batch quantities.
> Apply sequencing and scheduling of production.
> Apply manufacturing control techniques.
> Allocation of resources within a manufacturing environment.
Indicators
- Cost analysis, organisation of data presentation of plans and sub plans.
Range
> Fundamental level of cost accounting practice.
Indicators
- Clear definition of the materials properties.
- Systematic categorisation of materials and additives.
- Recording and documentation of formulations.
- Safe working practice and good housekeeping.
Range
> Information retrieval for material cost and properties for cost performance evaluation.
> The specification and criteria for production equipment are correctly applied to selection processes.
> Rationale and supportive costing are done to support new equipment and processes.
> Procedures for production and quality are generated and implemented.
> Trends in losses and inefficiencies are tracked and used for decision-making.
Processes
- Ability to read and make drawings of articles or process layouts.
Indicators
- Quality systems are in place.
- Data is retrievable, relevant and recent.
- Processes and products are to specification.
Range
> Application of technical criteria balanced with cost principles for decision-making.
> Reactions, and processes performed to standard.
> Principles of safety and good practice are applied.
> Characterisation techniques are applied and interpreted in accord with physical and chemical principles.
> The origin of problems is established and an appropriate corrective action proposed.
> Interpretation of integrated analyses for problems resolution.
Indicators
- Interpretations, application and implementation of results.
Range
> General analysis techniques.
> The collection and recording of evaluations are done correctly.
> The materials evaluations are done according to standard methods.
> Selected analyses are relevant.
> Interpretation of results is done in accord with statistical principles.
> Methods of ageing simulation are applied correctly.
> Load and stress relationships are applied correctly.
Indicators
- Interpretations, implementations and organisation of results.
Range
> Competency in these techniques.
> Ability to calculate costs of manufacture.
> Calculation and detection of economic batch quantities.
> Apply sequence and scheduling of production.
> Apply manufacturing control techniques.
> Allocation of resources within a manufacturing environment.
Indicators
- Cost analysis, organisation of data, presentation of plans and sub plans.
Range
> Fundamental level of cost accounting practice.
Integrated Assessment
- Combinations of the following forms of assessment will be used in the context of the typical roles of a Professional Plastics Technologist.
Observation
- The assessor will assess the candidate based on the performance of a task that is part of the candidate's normal responsibility.
Demonstration
- The assessor will assess the candidate perform a typical workplace task especially designed for assessment purposes. This need not be at the place of work, not a task that is part of the normal workplace routine.
Computer simulation
- The assessment may be done using a simulated task on a computer, with the assessor or the computer as assessor.
Role-play simulation
- The assessor will assess the candidate in a typical workplace situation for assessment of their interpersonal skills.
Written tests and or examination
- The assessor will evaluate the candidate's knowledge and understanding by means of written tests or examination.
Oral assessment
- The assessor will evaluate the candidate's knowledge and understanding by a verbal assessment.
Projects
- The assessor will evaluate the candidate's level of competency by setting the individual and or team, projects to complete.
Portfolios
- The assessor will evaluate the candidate's level of competency by considering a portfolio of their work.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
- Bachelor of Technology (B/Tech) Professional Degree in Polymer Technology, Level 7.
- Bachelor of Technology (B/Tech) Professional Degree in Plastic Technology Mould design, Level 7.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
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