Master of Engineering

Purpose

The Master of Engineering is a Postgraduate qualification, preparing learners for research and doctoral studies. This qualification serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's knowledge in a particular discipline and research projects. Also, to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. This qualification is a two-year qualification at Level 9 on the National Qualifications Framework.

The qualification reflects the need and demand within the Engineering environment for Research and Development capabilities to raise the overall Engineering capabilities in the country. Learners will thus be able to function within a complex environment after acquiring the knowledge, skills and the ability to solve new problems that do not have pre-existing solutions. This qualification will provide professional engineers and technologists with the knowledge and competencies to perform research and create new knowledge or methodologies.

Rationale

The production of Postgraduate learners is crucial as, there is a shortage of highly skilled people in most professions, particularly engineering. Skills at NQF Levels 9 and 10 are especially of concern, as elaborated in a publication by the Council of Higher Education (Postgraduate Studies in South Africa, 2009). Therefore, there are endeavours to contribute by providing professionals with competent skills and capabilities to ensure sustainable development and enhancement of the engineering field. The School of Engineering plans to address the current shortage of Engineering skills, particularly, specialised skills and research skills in the country, with this qualification. The qualification will provide learners with a pathway towards further Postgraduate studies, i.e. a PhD. This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's qualification or Engineering Technology Honours qualification or a relevant NQF Level 8 qualification.

The institution has a thorough understanding of the socio-economic condition in South Africa, and the Postgraduate qualifications were designed to help the learners coming from a disadvantaged background to overcome their constraints.

The qualification would assist the already qualified engineering technologist or Engineer in continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and valuable contribution to society. The qualified or qualifying Engineer will be able to function in various fields of Engineering to further their studies toward obtaining a Doctoral qualification. Engineers who complete this qualification will be better equipped to apply their skills and knowledge in their respective professions. This qualification further opens up access for historically disadvantaged learners as well as other learners in the Engineering environment.

The qualification will allow access to the Doctor of Philosophy in the various disciplines of Engineering related to the topic of the dissertation. It will facilitate admission to learners with diverse backgrounds and thereby widening the profile of beneficiaries.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning may be used by learners to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. Granting of recognition is possible for non-formal prior experiential learning. The RPL process will be conducted according to the institution's RPL policy and may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge examinations, and interviews with assessment panels. Certified copies of documents confirming the number of years and nature of work experience will have to be submitted as well as certified copies of any qualifications obtained where applicable.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Engineering, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering Honours, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 180 Credits

• Research Proposal for Master of Engineering, 0 Credits.
• Research Dissertation for Master of Engineering, 180 Credits.

1. Apply specialist knowledge of mathematics, basic science and engineering sciences to solve complex engineering problems.
2. Use appropriate engineering research methods, techniques and tools.
3. Plan, organise and conduct engineering investigations and critically evaluate and reflect on the findings of such an investigation.
4. Communicate the technical findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate evidence of sound applicable knowledge of specialist engineering area.
• Select and apply the most appropriate specialised techniques to engineering problems.
• Formulate and use mathematical, statistical and scientific models to conceptualise and solve engineering problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Compile a literature survey and exposition of the research, which reflects familiarity with and critiques relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
• Use tools, techniques and procedures to assess and solve engineering problems (these include computer packages, laboratory methods, etc.).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Compile a research proposal in which the research problem identifiable, definable and in detail, and the research process is well-managed.
• Provide evidence of valid inferences, interpretations and conclusions from data measurements and statistical analyses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Compile a research dissertation which clearly and effectively communicates technical information.
• Correctly use language and style in the dissertation.
• Provide evidence of effective oral communication of findings via symposiums, conferences etc.

Integrated Assessment

Learners will be required to complete a research proposal before working on the project. In the qualification, there will be a variety of formative and summative assessments will be used during the qualification, including written activity assignments, practical tasks (laboratory work, etc.). Learners will work under the supervision of qualified academics. Submit the dissertation as a summative assessment, which will be evaluated by external examiners.