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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Science in the Built Environment 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115154  Master of Science in the Built Environment 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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
Master's Degree  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  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 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. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    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 
    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. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to other similar qualifications offered at international institutions such as University College London (UK), Nottingham Trent University (UK), University of North Carolina - Charlotte (USA), University of Kaiserslautern (Germany) and Curtin University (Australia). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Masters Degrees, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Construction 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. Nelson Mandela 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.