Master of Construction

Purpose

The primary purpose of the Master of Construction is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. Learners must be able to reflect critically on theory and its application in general.

Qualifying learners will be able to

• Deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise research, make sound judgements using both primary and secondary data at their disposal.
• Communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving complex construction-related problems while acting autonomously in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.
• Develop advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to their field of work or learning, including mastery of theoretical knowledge needed for criticality and reflectivity. Graduates will also develop technical application skills regarding the ability to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that contributes to knowledge and professional practice
• Demonstrate high-level personal independence, accountability, creativity and initiative in new situations and for further learning by planning and executing a substantial piece of research on their own.
• Develop high-level skills in research processes.
• Solve complex problems and provide advanced, strategic and research-based advice in a variety of construction contexts
• Analyse and synthesise knowledge related to specifically built environment disciplines.

The purpose of the qualification is to produce qualifying learners who can contribute to the economy through applied research. Through individual research, and will contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific field through the proper articulation of the knowledge from recent developments in more than one discipline.

Rationale

This qualification is unique in the central region of South Africa where a similar qualification does not currently exist to address construction-specific inquiry. The qualification will open up a new path for applicants involved in built environment studies that are interwoven with architecture and engineering disciplines. The new qualification is a step towards aligning all the technology-based construction qualifications with the new requirements of the knowledge economy.

The process of professional development towards qualifying as a professional in the built environment sector starts with the attainment of an advanced qualification that focuses on practice and applied research. The qualification prepares learners for employment in research-based senior leadership and management positions in the construction industry. The qualification evolves through a stakeholder consultation process, which led to positive support of the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP). The curriculum design aligns with the learning outcomes recommended by the SACPCMP for research-based master's qualification.

The qualification is designed for professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and extend their skills through individually supervised research in a specialist focus area, which is not limited to:

• Building and construction.
• Construction education.
• Health, safety, and well-being.
• Infrastructure planning and development.
• Project management.
• Property studies.
• Sustainability and the built environment.
• Urban development.

The qualification will produce learners who can contribute to the economy through applied research. Learners will contribute to the body of knowledge in a specific field through the proper articulation of the knowledge from recent developments in more than one discipline. Qualifying learners will also develop technical application skills regarding the ability to design, evaluate, implement, analyse, theorise and disseminate research that contributes to knowledge and professional practice. The learners will be able to demonstrate high-level personal independence, accountability, creativity and initiative in new situations and for further learning by planning and executing a substantial piece of research on their own. The envisaged minimum learner intake in 2021 will be 10 learners.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The main objective of the institution's RPL policy is to recognise prior learning to provide access to qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications, and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for Faculty-specific RPL practices.

RPL for access

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification.
• RPL can facilitate access of learners who do not meet the regular entry requirements of the qualification, by recognising the disciplinary knowledge the prospective learner has gained.
• Advanced standing may be granted.

RPL for credits

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• A four-year qualification in a relevant built environment field, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 and 9 totalling 204 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 24 Credits

• Construction Research Methods 1, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Built Environment Dissertation 1, 90 Credits.
• Built Environment Dissertation 2, 90 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist-built environment knowledge and its application that include research and practices in relevant disciplinary areas.
2. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to the built environment or engineering field of work or learning.
3. Reflect critically on theory, concepts, and principles and applications in specific contexts.
4. Design and critically appraise research, make sound judgements using data and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
5. Act autonomously regarding ethical decisions in planning and implementing tasks with a theoretical underpinning and continuing to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.
6. Exhibit cognitive and technical skills to design, use and evaluate research and research methods.
7. Disseminate and communicate coherent research results, including report writing and presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

- Demonstrate specialist knowledge regarding research and practice of

> Construction management.

> Urban development.

> Quantity surveying.

> Health and safety management.

• Demonstrate cognitive skills related to the mastery of theoretical knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

- Undertake the applicable research in built environment disciplines, which include

> Theory-based research.

> Methods-based research.

> Problem-based research

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

- Use appropriate theories, concepts and principles to inform research

> Philosophies

> Strategies

> Approaches

> Techniques

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Compile research proposals.
• Apply ethics in the research process.
• Undertake data collection.
• Undertake data analysis.
• Compile final research reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Investigate, analyse and synthesise complex problems, concepts and theories and apply them to different bodies of built environment knowledge or practice.
• Engage in self-directed learning.
• Conceptualise the solutions to problems.
• Evaluate proposed solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply mental, technical and creative skills to generate and evaluate complex built environment ideas and concepts at an abstract level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Compile technical reports to disseminate research results to specialist and non-specialist audiences.