Master of Science in Quantity Surveying

The purpose of the Master of Science in Quantity Surveying, Level 9 is to develop a knowledgeable professional with advanced abilities in applying construction economics (quantity surveying, design and synthesis) and related inter-disciplinary principles independently to specific management systems problems of society. One of the main objectives of this process is to develop a person with advanced capability to conduct construction cost engineering research of an exploratory nature. The qualification will also promote lifelong learning as well as an aptitude for training other students in similar fields.

Rationale

This qualification has been designed to articulate from the Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, Level 8 and the Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Level 8. The qualification has the support of relevant Professional Bodies such as the South Africa Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP), and the Association of South Africa Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS).

Quantity Surveyors are major players in the construction industry as they play a significant part in the management of the construction business. The increasing complexity of the construction process requires high levels of engineering and management skills. The planning, designing, costing, managing, building, and maintenance of facilities today requires a higher level of sophistication and expertise than ever before. Many high level managerial appointments in the construction industry are not being filed because of a lack of management education and experience by existing professionals in the field. It is for this reason that the Master of Science in Quantity Surveying, Level 9 is being offered.

Quantity Surveyors control the 'money' for their clients in construction projects. They are experts in dealing with all financial matters related to a building project, from start to finish. They are mainly responsible for estimating the cost of a new building, calculating the materials and labour used in a building, preparing tender and other legal documents, estimating the value of work done at various stages of the contract, i.e. controlling all costs while a building is being built. They are often involved in other aspects of construction and in other industries such as insurance, banking, law, property development, etc. (Quantity Surveying is not the same as Land Surveying). Furthermore, they are the financial consultants on building contracts where they are responsible for advising on property development schemes; estimating the cost of projects; advising on the feasibility of projects; preparing tender documents; negotiating with building contractors; evaluating work in progress on building sites and determining the final costs of projects.

Quantity surveying is a vital field of study in the Construction Industry. This qualification will increase the number of postgraduate learners, as a diverse range of professionals with a built environment background will be attracted into the qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied in line with the institution policies and guidelines. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty will therefore endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

i. Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.

ii. RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements

• Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
• Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level.

Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying (Construction) Economics, Level 8.

Or

• Any built environment qualification at Level 8.

This qualification comprises of a compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module, Level 9

• Research Project and Dissertation; 180 Credits.

1. Analyse problems in the Quantity Surveying environment by researching problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly, effectively and ethically, taking responsibility within own limits of competence and exercise judgement based on knowledge and expertise, pertaining to the field of research.
3. Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, research and/or experimentation by applying appropriate theories and methodologies and perform appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specifically research audiences and the community at large, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
5. Demonstrate, where applicable, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social and environmental contexts in the execution of quantity surveying research/development activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Correctly assess and identify a research problem.
• Demonstrate the effective application and integration of knowledge within the study.
• Cohesively link findings to applicable theoretical underpinnings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Complete the dissertation timeously, ethically and responsibly.
• Show judgement, and be cognisant of the time and cost implications of the research study.
• Work with minimal supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the appropriate methodologies for the study.
• Offer relevant theoretical underpinnings for own arguments.
• Accurately interpret and analyse the data gathered.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Coherently articulate the findings of the study.
• Confidently communicate with various stakeholders during all phases of the study.
• Logically integrate theoretical underpinnings with the data gathered, in a cohesive manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate an awareness of the social impact of own research, if relevant.
• Obtain the required ethical clearance.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the environmental impact of own research, if relevant.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation during research activities.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment has application where a need exists to assure overall applied competence, to prevent disjointed learning experience and/or as a time effective assessment method. It has reference to formative, traditional summative and continuous assessment. General assessment principles and practices apply."

Formative Assessment is conducted by utilising supervisor report and progress reports. The Summative Assessment is based on the completed dissertation.