Diploma in the Built Environment in Construction Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma in the Built Environment in Construction Studies is for learners to assimilate the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practising construction manager or quantity surveyor. The combined with a period of post-qualification mentored work experience will enable them to become competent practising technologists, able to apply judgment and work independently and responsibly.

The qualification will also provide learners with a sound knowledge base which emphasises general principles and application in a particular field or discipline, and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. Learning programmes leading to this qualification tend to have a strong professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter a specific niche in the labour market.

Also, this qualification will provide learners with

• The preparation required for careers in construction management and quantity surveying,
• The ability to contribute to the economy and national development,
• The educational base required for possible future registration with both the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP,) as a Candidate Quantity Surveyor and the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professionals (SACPCMP) as a Candidate Construction or Construction Project Manager,
• Entry to NQF Level 7 qualifications, e.g. Bachelor's qualifications or The Advanced Diploma.

Broadly, the qualification will contribute to the critical mass of construction industry professionals educated specifically for the world of work, and who also play a pivotal role in the infrastructure development of our country.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) qualification, currently offered by several Universities of Technology including the institution, does not form part of the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) structure and is being phased out. There was also a need identified by stakeholders for a review of qualifications, some of which have been in place for long period and offered by the Faculty.

In deciding on its new suite of qualifications the department has been mindful of the Construction and related Industries importance to the country's economic growth which makes it a national asset as well as the shortage of technically qualified people in the field as stated in the Government's newly released list of 100 Scarce Skills. Quantity Surveying is listed as number 4 and Construction Project management as no 11 on the list of 100 scarce skills.

The qualification will equip learners with an introductory knowledge and understanding of the construction process that will not only enable them to enter one of the diverse industries but will also allow them to articulate into the Bachelor of the Built Environment in Construction Studies which in turn allows them to specialise in either Quantity Surveying or Construction Management at honours level. Articulation into the proposed Advanced Diploma after completion of 120 Credits Level 6 Work Place will also be possible.

Experience has shown that learners in the initial years of study are unsure of the career they wish to pursue, resulting in some learners requesting to change between qualifications as late as the 3rd year. The qualification allows learners to engage with issues associated with the different disciplines which enables them to make informed decisions regarding postgraduate studies and final career choices.

The qualification will also equip learners with the knowledge, values and skill to study further at an advanced level of specialisation by enrolling for a Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management. As a scarce skill, it is envisaged that this qualification will contribute towards the development of a body of competent Quantity Surveyors and Construction Managers which is essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the broader context of the Built Environment.

The South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Professions and South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions accredits the current qualifications of the institution.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. If the learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow

• Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
• Gaining of credits towards a unit standard.
• Obtaining of this Qualification in part or whole.
• 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 Exit Level Outcomes 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 formal institution RPL process.
• Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4.
• National Technical Certificate N4, NQF Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 6 totalling 260 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 128 Credits

• Cornerstone, Credits 12.
• Mathematics for the Built Environment, Credits 12.
• Technical Literacy, Credits 8.
• Physics for the Built Environment, Credits 12.
• Information and Communication Technology, Literacy and Skills, Credits 8.
• Mathematics for the Built Environment, Credits 12.
• Interpretation of Documentation, Credits 8.
• Quantity Surveying, 8 Credits.
• Construction Organisation, 8 Credits.
• Construction Methods, 8 Credits.
• Quantities and Documentation, 8 Credits.
• Construction Management, 8 Credits.
• Construction Technology, 8 Credits.
• Materials, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 132 Credits

• Mechanics for the Built Environment, Credits 12.
• Introduction to Price Analysis, Credits 8.
• Labour Relations, Credits 8.
• Environmental Management, Credits 8.
• Entrepreneurship, Credits 8.
• Quantities and Documentation, 8 Credits.
• Construction Management, 8 Credits.
• Construction Technology, 8 Credits.
• Site Surveying, 12 Credits.
• Health and Safety, 8 Credits.
• Quantities and Documentation, 8 Credits.
• Construction Management, 8 Credits.
• Construction Technology, 8 Credits.
• Capstone Project, 20 Credits.

1. Prepare tender, and contractual documents relating to builders work and knowledge of procurement methods.
2. Assist in estimation of costs of construction projects.
3. Assist construction managers on construction building projects and related infrastructure having basic understanding of a broad range of management skills.
4. Use Knowledge of Construction Technology in Materials and methods as required in the production of construction infrastructure.
5. Use of computers and software packages relevant to the industry and profession for the undertaking of tasks.
6. Set out construction works in construction infrastructure.
7. Understand the basic work of broad environmental issues as it relates to the construction sector.
8. Communicate routes with construction professionals.
9. Understand a base of business, business management, and running a business in the construction sector.
10. Display a knowledge of sciences and application thereof in the construction industry'.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate the ability to quantify and document items and elements of structures and buildings.
• Differentiate between procurement methods and when they could be used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Display the ability to measure, price and analyse prices of individual trades.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the uses of cost plans and how cost control is done.
• Do basic cost designs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

Display competence in organising a construction site and manage the development process of buildings and construction projects through projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of construction technology.
• Demonstrate competence in the use of the different construction methods and materials.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply computer and software packages relevant to the industry and profession for the undertaking of tasks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

> Undertake a variety of surveying tasks with the relevant surveying instruments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Illustrate competence in understanding of Environmental issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate written communication skills in report writing and correspondence.
• Apply oral communication skills in dealing with inquiries.
• Illustrate graphic presentations skills to assist in construction-related matters.
• Display communicative skills by retrieving and disseminating information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Produce a business plan for a proposed construction business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Undertake mathematical and scientific work.

Integrated Assessment

The 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, tutorials, etc. In terms of the institutional policy all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. The exit level in this qualification (Level 6) will include a Capstone Project which will encapsulate all the work done in the two years of the qualification as an overarching assessment.

Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever so that an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification.

The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments, the assessor should make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous assessment should be provided through:

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Written assignments.
• Written tests.
• Peer group evaluation.
• Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
• Assessors must assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
• Assessment should ensure that all the outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner.