Master of Science in the Built Environment

Purpose

The Master of Science in the Built Environment enables learners to

• Have an understanding of the management skills and techniques necessary to deliver sophisticated projects in an increasingly competitive economic environment of South Africa and elsewhere within time, budget and risk requirements of construction clients.
• Develop analytical and methodological skills that are critical for management, decision-making and problem-solving roles.
• Demonstrate advancement in construction consultancy in professional project management, facilities management, property economics and valuation or construction management, or careers in public service or research, or preparation for further academic training.

Rationale

The qualification contributes to the body of knowledge related to the built environment. The qualification is bound by discipline-specific knowledge. Addresses scare skills as identified by the Department of Higher Education and Training. The qualification provides opportunities for working professionals who are looking to upskill to improve promotion opportunities. Learners operate in management positions in the private and public sector, capable of contributing towards skills development and the future growth of the specialisation field.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

All RPL applications are considered according to the institutions' policy RPL Policy.

Learners who do not meet the admission requirements will receive

• Advice, assistance and support (portfolio compilation, orientation to required levels of competence, substantiation of their claims regarding prior experience, etc.).
• Evaluation and assessment of the prior skills and experience gained through a portfolio of prior experience review. This is carried out across individual stream knowledge, cognitive, professional and general competencies categories of the candidate, including mentor/management reports.
• Quality management/assurance objectives to support the achievement of competence, leading to the award of the qualification (assessment of competence in respect of required outcomes, auditing, approval, recommendation, reporting).
• A recommendation arising from the assessment/evaluation processes is submitted for professional review by a relevant council.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in the Built Environment, NQF Level 8.
• Bachelor of Science Honours in Build Environment, NQF Level 8.

1. Principal-agent in the procurement of other projects (end products or services) in sectors other than construction ("generic" project management).
2. Appreciate the complex human and financial consequences of property occupation (property economics and valuation, and facilities management).
3. Perform investment appraisals and undertake risk analysis and evaluation concerning property investments (property economics and valuation, and facilities management).
4. Appraise the operational requirements of the core business activity in terms of real estate, and develop appropriate strategic and operational responses (facilities).
5. Perform effective space planning exercises (facilities management).
6. Serve as a construction manager on complex construction projects and processes and at senior management level in a related capacity in the business, institutional or public environment.
7. Develop appropriate methods to address the research questions, execute the research, analyse the results and report the results as a written treatise.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of projects in general as defined in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK). Understand the role of the client in the strategic direction of projects and gain an appreciation of project strategy within project management, particularly in understanding the role of project organisation structures in the procurement process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate knowledge and skills related to human resource management were applied. Feasibility studies related to facility cost and performance, the viability of proposed property developments were conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop a portfolio approach concerning risk diversification and asset allocation. Compile risk management and control measures.
• Advice on financial prospects and valuation reports of projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Submit a strategic business plan for real estate development. Develop a marketing strategy and appeal to investors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

Conduct due diligence assessments of the facility to maintain safe and effective use of the facility.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Review the ability of individuals to plan and manage projects with a specific focus on the construction processes aligned to the core focus areas of cost, time, value and quality.
• Define the nine business functions, using the functions and activities of management work to meet desired business outcomes using business and construction resources, within defined parameters, applicable legislation, regulations, and standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Internal and External examiners evaluate the research submissions based on a scoring matrix covering the key areas of research including whether the appropriate methods are applied correctly to the research problem statement if the quantitative or qualitative data collected in accordance with the Epistemology and Ontology of the research. Validate the interpretations, conclusions and recommendations from measurements and statistical analysis.

Integrated Assessment

Assignments consist of a case study submission aligned with the subject area being covered.