Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering

The Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering prepares learners for industry and research. This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's Degree, Advanced Diploma or relevant National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 qualifications and serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in the field of Civil Engineering, and develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of specialisation areas of that discipline.

Learners with this qualification will have the following characteristic profile

• Consolidates and deepens the graduate's expertise in the discipline of civil engineering and develops research capacity in the research methods, methodology and techniques applied in the civil engineering discipline.
• Work independently and responsibly, applying original thought and judgment to technical and risk-based decisions in complex situations.
• Have a broad, fundamentals-based appreciation of engineering sciences, with depth in specific areas, together with knowledge of financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters.

Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes contained in Engineering Council of South Africa's education standards document.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering enhances the application of research and development as well as specialist and contextual knowledge to meet the minimum entry requirement for articulation to a Masters (NQF 9) qualification. The Master's Degree on NQF Level 9 qualification is usually in the area of specialisation aligned with the Postgraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering.

Learners will be able to articulate into the Masters in Civil Engineering at NQF Level 9 and thereafter a Doctorate in Civil Engineering at NQF Level 10.

This qualification compares favourably with international universities. Inputs were received from the advisory committee/board and other stakeholders in the discipline. The qualification is focussed on addressing the needs of industry and society.

Learners completing this qualification will have a knowledgeable advantage in the discipline of Civil Engineering, since the successful learner will have a more in-depth conceptualisation of the major disciplines underpinning Civil Engineering (water engineering; structural engineering; transportation engineering; project and construction management; geotechnical engineering; environmental engineering). The skills offered by this qualification are sought after in related and relevant disciplines.

This qualification provides

• Preparation for a career in civil engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from civil engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
• A pathway for registration as a Candidate Engineer.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification may be granted, according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal qualifications provided they can demonstrate competence in the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification as required by the compulsory and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

An RPL process may also be used to award credits to learners in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning. RPL may also be used by learners who are not in possession of a National Senior Certificate or a qualification to gain access to the qualification.

Learners submitting for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment, and may be required to submit a portfolio or evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follow, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place

• Candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department Head of Department (HOD).
• An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
• Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
• Only then may the prospective candidate continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level, 140 Credits

• Environmental Engineering, 10 Credits.
• Geotechnical Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Project and Construction Management, 10 Credits.
• Research Project in Civil Engineering (Module 1), 15 Credits.
• Structural Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Transportation Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Water Engineering, 20 Credits.
• Research Project in Civil Engineering (Module 2), 25 Credits.

1. Identify, formulate, analyse and solve complex engineering problems creatively and innovatively.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve complex engineering problems.
3. Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes of a complex nature.
4. Demonstrate competence to conduct investigations of complex civil engineering problems including engagement with the research literature and use of research methods including design of experiments, analysis and interpretation of data and synthesis of information to provide valid conclusions.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of complex engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of civil engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles.
9. Demonstrate competence to engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering practice.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Solve complex engineering problems.
• Apply scientific knowledge to solve complex engineering problems.
• Perform creative, procedural and non-procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes of a complex nature.
• Conduct investigations on complex engineering module specific problems and provide valid conclusions.
• Apply module specific software programmes with the understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
• Produce engineering drawings, designs, write technical reports and make oral presentations.
• Understand the impact of civil engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
• Work as an individual and as a team member.
• Compile assignments and self-study.
• Apply professional ethics and behaviour.

Integrated Assessment

The year mark is made up of 3-4 semester tests, the final summative examination Year mark is 50:50 and there is a component of Continuous Assessment by means of a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).