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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
13948  Master of Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
University of Pretoria 
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  256  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0328/24  2024-11-21  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 
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. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Matriculation certificate
    First degree: Bachelor of Engineering 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    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. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    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.

    3. Application of engineering skills and knowledge in the design of components, systems, works, products and processes.

    4. 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.

    6. Multidisciplinary skills are developed by the incorporation of modules related to other engineering disciplines, management and economics into a specific programme.

    7. 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. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Related qualifications:
    Ph D

    Ph D serves as an entry point to the related qualification

    Other articulation possibilities, either generic or specific arrangements:
    Other higher education programmes which articulate with this qualification without going back to square one:
    Postgraduate programmes in engineering at other engineering departments and other universities.
    Exit from this programme in mid-stream:
    A learner obtains credit for modules successfully completed towards this degree. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Model solutions supplied after each written test and examination.
    Official appointment of external examiners from outside the university and who have recognised expertise in the field of the study.
    Learners have access to marked scripts and may apply for remarking. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Qualifications required:
    An appropriate masters' or doctor's degree

    Career experience required:
    Appropriate experience as judged by the head of the department and the research or project supervisor. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification includes the following specialisations:
  • Master of Engineering in Bioengineering
  • Master of Engineering in Chemical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Computer Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Control Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Electronic Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Engineering Management
  • Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Geotechnical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Metallurgical Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Microelectronic Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Mining Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Project Management
  • Master of Engineering in Software Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Technology Management
  • Master of Engineering in Transportation Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Urban Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Water Resources Engineering
  • Master of Engineering in Water Utilisation Engineering 
    		•

    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 Pretoria 
    2. Work Skills Resources CC 


    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.