Master of Engineering

This qualification includes the various specialisations in Engineering. Please refer to "Notes" for details on the specialisations.

This postgraduate qualification has the purpose to

• provide advanced, specialist and in-depth understanding and competence in a number of engineering disciplines.
• develop the learner's ability to plan, initiate and execute scientific and engineering research and investigation in an original and independent way.
• contribute to the generation of scientific and engineering knowledge required by the South African and international industry and the engineering profession.

Matriculation certificate

First degree: Bachelor of Engineering

M Eng

Learning outcomes

The M Eng graduate is competent to

1. Plan, initiate and execute a scientific investigation, and to critically evaluate and apply the findings.
2. Application of knowledge of mathematics, basic science and engineering science to solve advanced and complex engineering problems related to the specific discipline..
3. Creatively and innovatively perform design and synthesis tasks.
4. Use engineering methods, skills, tools and information technology
5. Understand and appreciate the impact of engineering activity on society and the environment.
6. Work effectively in multidisciplinary environments.
7. Engage in lifelong learning through well developed learning skills and to understand the need to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques.

Critical cross-field outcomes

All the SAQA critical cross-field outcomes are addressed and integrated in the Bachelor of Engineering programme exit level outcomes, which is a prerequisite for this programme.

1. Development of these skills, involving the following performances

• Collation of the relevant literature and its interpretation in the context of the specific investigation.
• Application of scientific research methodology.
• Systematic planning of investigations and experiments using appropriate equipment and research tools.
• Analyse, interpret and derive and critically evaluate information from data.
• Skilful and meaningful presentation of the findings in the form of a dissertation and a scientific journal publication.

2. Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge, involving the following performances

• Bring mathematical, numerical analysis and statistical knowledge and methods to bear on engineering problems by using an appropriate mix of:
• Formal analysis and modelling of engineering components, systems or processes;
• Communicating concepts, ideas and theories with the aid of mathematics;
• Reasoning about and conceptualising engineering components, systems or processes using mathematical concepts;
• Dealing with uncertainty and risk through the use of probability and statistics.
• Use physical laws and knowledge of the physical world as a foundation for the engineering sciences and the solution of engineering problems by an appropriate mix of:
• Formal analysis and modelling of engineering components, systems or processes using principles and knowledge of the basic sciences;
• Reasoning about and conceptualising engineering problems, components, systems or processes using principles of the basic sciences.
• Use the techniques, principles and laws of engineering science at a fundamental level to:
• identify and solve open-ended engineering problems;
• identify and pursue engineering applications;
• work across engineering disciplinary boundaries through cross disciplinary literacy and shared fundamental knowledge.

1. Application of engineering skills and knowledge in the design of components, systems, works, products and processes.
2. Assignments and learning activities throughout the programme are formulated as such to also develop the following skills in an integrated manner:

• Use of appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools and assessment of the results they yield.
• Use of computer packages for computation, modelling, simulation, and information handling, involving:
• assessment of the applicability and limitations of the package;
• proper application and operation of the package;
• critical testing and assessment of the end-results produced by the package.
• Use of computers and networks and information infrastructures for accessing, processing, managing, and storing information to enhance personal productivity and teamwork.
• Creation of computer applications as required by the discipline.

5. Throughout the programme the learner is sensitised in respect to

• The impact of engineering activity on society and the environment.
• The need to bring into engineering analysis and design considerations of:
• the impact of technology on society;
• the personal, social, cultural values and requirements of those affected by engineering activity.

1. Multidisciplinary skills are developed by the incorporation of modules related to other engineering disciplines, management and economics into a specific programme.
2. The teaching philosophy and learning activities throughout the programme are aimed at the development of thinking skills like the understanding of concepts, scientific logic and innovation, rather than memorising, which creates an attitude and ability of inquisitiveness and lifelong learning.

Integrated assessment

Written examinations

Oral examinations

Other

Assignments, Presentations and a Masters Dissertation or a Project Report

Formative and summative assessment is performed continuously and at the conclusion of each module. The final mark is compiled from assignments, presentations, tests and a final examination

Formative assessment of the research assignment is performed by examination of the dissertation or the project report, and by an oral examination.