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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Science 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111154  Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Science 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-19  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 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Science is to develop the abilities of qualifying learners from 3-year Bachelor of Science qualifications to undertake advanced reflection on, and develop solutions for, problems that require an integration of knowledge and skills from engineering, mathematics and sciences. The primary focus in this qualification is the engineering sciences related to mechanical and electronic engineering. The qualifying learners will be able to contribute to the development of new biomedical systems or the improvement of existing systems through analysing and modelling parts of the systems, as well as conceptualise and develop solutions for problems identified in the systems.

The qualifying learners will also be able to proceed to the Master's qualifications in Biomedical Engineering.

Rationale:
In contrast to the existing Postgraduate Diploma (Engineering), Master of Engineering (MEng) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) (Engineering) qualifications, the qualification provides interdisciplinary education, thus reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of biomedical engineering, which the current qualifications do not. It will allow learners from various undergraduate backgrounds to enter into biomedical engineering. At present, learners are required to master aspects related to engineering disciplines, but not directly to Biomedical Engineering, when they cross over between disciplines when transitioning from the undergraduate to the postgraduate qualifications. In spite of these difficulties, we are already receiving a substantial number of applications from non-engineering Undergraduates. The need for the qualification is thereby demonstrated.

Learners with this qualification will be well placed to develop, produce and apply engineering science technologies. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners that do not meet the normal admission requirements, but have demonstrated through prior learning that they have achieved a similar level of expertise, will be considered for admission through the normal RPL processes. Learners that have informal or non-formal learning of an advanced nature may, through the normal RPL processes, be exempted from certain module credits.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Science, Level 7, 360 Credits.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology, Level 7, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Scientific Computing, 5 Credits.
  • Engineering Mathematics, 30 Credits.
  • Modelling in Mechanics, 15 Credits.
  • Thermofluid Dynamics, 15 Credits.
  • Electronics, 15 Credits.
  • Concept Design, 8 Credits.
  • Project (Engineering Science), 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve unfamiliar, complex or abstract problems that require the application of the principles and knowledge gained, and prior knowledge from physics and mathematics; require synthesis; have the predominant nature of the advanced application of knowledge.
    2. Solve unfamiliar, complex or abstract problems that require analysis (primarily) and synthesis (to a limited extent).
    3. Demonstrate deeper understanding of concepts and methods, both at the intuitive and formal levels, on which the topics mentioned above rely; this includes the ability to solve more complex problems that integrate various problem-solving skills above, for which the learners have not necessarily been trained for.
    4. Solve problems typical of the discipline that enquire the application of the principles and knowledge gained in this module, and prior knowledge from physics and mathematics; require analysis of advanced problems; require derivation from first principles.
    5. Complete an engineering science investigation, with limited guidance by a supervisor, involving advanced problems that require the application of the principles and knowledge gained in multiple modules in the qualification; require analysis and significant synthesis. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe the product development process and role of each step of the process.
  • Perform and document the needs identification for an engineering problem.
  • Perform and document concept generation for an engineering problem.
  • Perform and document structured concept selection.
  • Assess the manufacturing requirements for a concept.
  • Work effectively in a team to accomplish the above steps of a conceptual design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Acquire and apply field-specific knowledge such as: semi-conductor physics; pn junctions, diode circuits; bipolar transistor and small signal dynamic transistor models.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Decide linear independence of vectors in various vector spaces.
  • Compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of matrices, and diagonalise matrices.
  • Solve various differential equations (e.g. exact equations, some second-order linear equations, certain boundary value problems for second-order partial differential equations) using various standard methods (e.g. the methods of undetermined coefficients, variation of parameters, Fourier series, Laplace and Fourier transforms).
  • Compute limits of certain sequences, decide convergence of certain infinite series and compute sums of series.
  • Decide radii and intervals of convergence of various power series.
  • Expand certain functions in Taylor and Fourier series.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The field-specific knowledge that learners must acquire is: Cartesian vectors in both 2D and 3D, with the primary focus on Newton-mechanics (the study of motion and its causes). All the concepts in mechanics will be derived from first principles.
  • Kinematics in both 2D and 3D.
  • Relative motion and its application in plane mechanics, dynamics, as well as momentum and energy.
  • Polar coordinates and its application in circular motion, as well as general motion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Report the process used in and results of, an engineering science investigation, using a written report and an oral presentation.
  • The investigation will typically require creating an engineering science model (mathematics, numerical and/or physical) and applying the model to evaluate alternative solutions to the problem.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The modules, with the exception of Project (Engineering Science) and Scientific Computing, will use the institutional format of "Flexible assessment". This entails a combination of mid-semester summative assessment, an end-of-semester summative assessment and assignments. In Project (Engineering Science) and Scientific Computing, the assessments will be individual assignments in which the learner must apply the knowledge mastered in the module for Scientific Computing or the qualification as a whole to one or more major problems.

    The details of each module's assessments will be explained in a module framework, which will be made available to students at the start of the module. In Postgraduate modules, formative assessments normally take the form of tutorial problems and homework assignments.

    All summative assessments in modules will be internally moderated and at least 40% of the final mark will be externally moderated, in accordance with the University policy and the Engineering Faculty's rules for moderation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is internationally comparable with the:
  • Graduate Diploma in Engineering Science offered by the University of Southern Queensland, Australia.
  • The Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science is a great alternative for domestic learners who want to achieve different careers goals without having to complete the entire master's degree. Learners will equip themselves with academic, personal, professional and technical knowledge of engineering and spatial science and in doing so, support practicing professionals.

    When completing the Graduate Diploma of Engineering Science learners could take the credit from their studies and go on to complete the Master of Engineering Science where they will have the opportunity to do a research project and dissertation to apply their formal knowledge to a real world issue. The Master of Engineering Science is provisionally accredited with Engineers Australia for membership as a graduate Professional Engineer.

    Qualification structure:
    Each learner has to complete:
  • 4 core modules.
  • 4 specialisation modules to allow for a specialisation within one of the following areas:
    > Agricultural Engineering.
    > Civil Engineering.
    > Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
    > Environmental Engineering.
    > Mechanical Engineering.
    > Power Engineering.
    > Structural Engineering.

    Similarities:
    The main similarities between this qualification and the international qualification mentioned are:
  • Both qualifications allow for vertical articulation to Masters qualifications in Engineering Science.
  • Both qualification are offered as both a one year (full time) qualification or allows for part-time learners to complete the qualification over two years.

    The main difference between this qualification and the international qualification mentioned is that the international qualification allows for different focal areas through the offering of elective modules, whereas this qualification has a very specific focus of engineering science to develop, produce and apply biomedical technologies. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Engineering Management, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering, Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering in Engineering Management, Level 9. 
    		•

    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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.