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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Engineering in Sustainable Advanced Materials 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120300  Master of Engineering in Sustainable Advanced Materials 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 01213/23  2023-02-02  2026-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-02-02   2030-02-02  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Master of Engineering in Sustainable Advanced Materials is aimed towards developing the next generation of skilled material engineers to be able to apply advanced materials technologies across a range of fields, such as engineering, bio-medical, environment, and science, to further research and development in this critical area.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply molecular dynamics, thermodynamic theories and computational modelling principles for designing and predicting the properties of advanced engineering materials.
  • Apply phase transformation, strength of materials theory, and strengthening mechanisms for developing, processing, and manufacturing engineering materials and components.
  • Evaluate and apply electrochemical techniques for designing innovative corrosion control and prevention methods, and for designing and fabricating electrochemical systems and devices such batteries, fuel cells and super capacitors.
  • Analyse nanoscale and microscale structural and phase properties of advanced engineering materials.
  • Critically evaluate the nanoscale, microscale, and macroscale mechanical and tribological properties of conventional and advanced materials using emerging materials testing techniques.

    Rationale:
    With increasing advancements in global technological innovation, especially with the arrival of the 4th industrial revolution (4IR), engineers are confronted with the challenge to develop, design, and smartly manufacture innovative materials and components with improved properties for the rapidly evolving and wide range of technological applications. Material engineers are constantly confronted with the challenge to design and rapidly produce new materials with improved properties for a wide range of industrial environments. These efforts are underpinned by a knowledge of the fundamental principles of materials (composition and synthesis nexus) as well as by an understanding of the integration of the related processing-structure-property concepts in materials design.

    Innovators' and manufacturers' attentions are therefore shifting towards innovative techniques for fabricating them into the desired shapes and components with enhanced performance. Owing to their superior engineering properties as compared to conventional materials, nano-engineered materials are increasingly being utilized in a wide range of engineering applications and have become an important research focus. Amongst others, the growing technological drive for innovations in space science and technology, electronics and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the automotive industry, and the strengthening of innovative chain in energy security, has consequentially necessitated increased research efforts on varying techniques for improving materials performance and efficiencies in these applications. This has motivated sustainable and innovative processing techniques and manufacturing research on advanced and nano-engineered lightweight materials systems with multi-functional, high-performance, smart and intelligent properties.

    Advanced nanomaterials such as ceramics, composites, smart alloys, electronic materials, biomaterials, and lightweight alloys are designed to possess engineered features over traditional materials to attain enhanced efficiency, environment, and future applications. As advanced materials are cardinal to the current revolution, with innovative and transformative potential, their application is essential towards the sustainability of economic competitiveness globally. One of the strategic priorities adopted by developed and developing countries is the design, development, and application of advanced materials. A Master's qualification of this nature will contribute immensely towards the material standard of living of citizens, to the economic growth of the nation, and to environmental sustainability.

    This qualification integrates the approach above with the aim to enhance the intellectual capabilities and cognitive skills of engineering learners in the field of advanced materials design and development, sustainable and innovative processing technologies, and advanced characterization and analytical techniques. In addition, it will equip engineering learners with the intellectual and technical skills required to function effectively locally and globally, and as game players in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The qualification has been developed to contribute towards the development of the next generation of talented material scientists and engineers, to drive engineering innovation to the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering Honours in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 186 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 186 Credits:
  • Advanced Materials Design and Mechanics, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Materials Characterization and Analytical Techniques, 24 Credits.
  • Integrated Computational Materials Modelling, 24 Credits.
  • Sustainable Electrochemical Technology, 24 Credits.
  • Research Project, 90 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply molecular dynamics, thermodynamic theories, and computational modelling principles for designing and predicting the properties of advanced engineering materials.
    2. Apply phase transformation, strength of materials theory, and strengthening mechanisms for developing, processing, and manufacturing of engineering materials and components.
    3. Evaluate and apply electrochemical techniques for designing innovative corrosion control and prevention methods, and for designing and fabricating electrochemical systems and devices such as batteries, fuel cells and supercapacitors.
    4. Analyse nanoscale and microscale structural and phase properties of advanced engineering materials.
    5. Critically evaluate the nanoscale, microscale, and macroscale mechanical and tribological properties of conventional and advanced materials using emerging materials testing techniques.
    6. Demonstrate advanced and applied knowledge of current and emerging theories and methodologies that will be effectively applied in planning and conducting engineering materials-related research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply density functional theory, molecular dynamics and thermodynamic theories and software appropriately to design new materials systems and model their functional properties.
  • Correctly apply simulation tools in modelling heat and mass flow during materials fabrication under heat and applied pressures.
  • Apply machine learning techniques innovatively for the discovery and design of novel materials, their image processing, and microstructural analyses as well as the application of Artificial Neural Network tools for predicting materials properties.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss and critically evaluate the theory of phase diagrams fully.
  • Correctly apply the use of Hall-Petch relation to real-life scenarios.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Correctly apply thermodynamic and computational tools, for modelling corrosion mechanisms of materials in varying environments.
  • Correctly apply the relevant electrochemical techniques for designing and evaluating corrosion protection and control.
  • Apply principles of electrochemical conversion and storage mechanisms suitably for designing electrochemical systems such as batteries, fuel cells and super-capacitors.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Evaluate knowledge of crystallography and X-ray diffraction patterns that are effectively utilised for determining the phases and lattice parameters as well as the crystal structures of various engineering materials.
  • Analyse morphological, structural, and compositional information on advanced engineering materials, appropriately using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Ascertain tensile and compressive stresses and deformations in materials subject to axial loads as well as shear forces, shear stresses, and bending stresses in beams subject to transverse loads in machine components and structures.
  • Properly evaluate nanoscale, microscale, and microscale mechanical and tribological properties including hardness, elastic modulus, creep, fatigue, wear rate, coefficient of friction, wear volume and surface roughness properties in materials, using appropriate techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Illustrate competent skills in using primary and secondary sources of information to identify materials engineering-related research, by preparing a research proposal and literature review.
  • Analyse research findings and observations, and coherently articulate their findings.
  • Use a high level of communication skills both verbal and in writing.

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

    Assessment takes place in accordance with the University's Assessment Policy and the Faculty-specific assessment policy. The qualification will use both formative and summative assessment as the means of evaluation.

    Formative and summative assessment:
    The progress of learners in this qualification is monitored through their performance during a continuous assessment at different formative points of each module in the qualification. There are established rules which cater for supplementary assessment with respect to continuous assessment guidelines should learners not pass one of the summative assessments. The formative and summative assessments consist of assignments, tests, practical assignments, and research work. To ensure the reliability of the assessment practice and procedures with respect to the institution's policy, external moderation checks will be employed.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment refers to an assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessment, as applies to this qualification:
  • Supports the teaching and learning process.
  • Provides feedback to the learners on their progress.
  • Diagnosis of the learner's strengths and weaknesses.
  • Assists in the planning of future learning.
  • Developmental in nature and contributes to the learner's capacity for self-evaluation.
  • Helps to make decisions on the readiness of the student to do a summative assessment.

    Summative Assessments:
    Summative assessments are carried out to make judgments on the competence level of learners with respect to the outcomes of a unit module and or qualification. The results generated from the formal assessment such as tests, presentations, assignments, creative production, and projects are expressed as a mark indicating a pass or fail. The required minimum of summative opportunities is contained in the Academic regulations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: University of Nottingham (UN)
    Qualification Title: MSc in Advanced Materials
    Duration: 12 Months full-time

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree requirement is at least a 2.1 or second class upper, depending on the course applying for.

    Modules:
  • Advanced Materials Characterisation.
  • Advanced Materials Research and Communication.
  • Advanced Engineering Research Project Organisation and Design.
  • Materials Design Against Failure.
  • Individual Postgraduate Project.

    Elective Modules:
  • Engineering Sustainability - Energy, Materials and Manufacture.
  • Biomedical Applications of Biomaterials.
  • Polymer Engineering.
  • Fibre Reinforced Composites Engineering.
  • Introduction to Transport Materials.

    Learning and assessment:
  • Lectures.
  • Seminars.
  • Project work.

    How learners will be assessed:
  • Exams.
  • Coursework.
  • Essays.
  • Presentations.
  • Dissertation.

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of Nottingham (UN) and the South African (SA) qualifications take one year of full time study.
  • Both UN and SA qualifications allow learners to progress to Doctoral Degree.
  • Both UN and SA qualifications require learners who completed a four-year Bachelor's degree or Honours.
  • Both UN and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Advanced Materials Characterisation.
  • Both UN and SA qualifications assess learners through examinations, presentations, dissertations, and coursework.

    Country: Unites States of America (USA)
    Name of Institution: University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
    Qualification Title: Master of Science in Advanced Engineering Materials (MS-MatE).

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States.
    Or
  • Have proof of equivalent training at a foreign institution.

    This qualification focuses on research with current focus areas being:
  • MetaMaterials (Engineered Composites).
  • Simulation.
  • Fabrication.
  • Characterization.
  • Bone mechanics and cardiovascular mechanics.
  • Dental materials.
  • Biosensors.
  • Cellular engineering.
  • Tissue-implant interfaces.

    Similarities:
  • Both the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a four-year Bachelor's degree or Honours.
  • Both UTSA and SA qualifications share the same exit outcome which is to design and fabrication of advanced materials, characterization, measurement, and computational modelling of materials.

    Differences:
  • The UTSA qualification focuses on research, while the SA qualification offers a number of modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.