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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Bachelor of Science (Honours): Quantity Surveying

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
23480	Bachelor of Science (Honours): Quantity Surveying
ORIGINATOR
SGB Quantity Surveying
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Physical Planning, Design and Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 7	NQF Level 08	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 091/21	2021-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2029-06-30

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

Rationale and purpose of the qualification:

Quantity surveying is acknowledged as an independent profession within the context of the built environment world-wide, and members of this profession enjoy due recognition and financial reward in terms of their specialised skills and competence.

This qualification is intended to assist all relevant stakeholders and role players, such as potential employers operating in the built environment or other fields related to physical planning and construction, curriculum developers and providers of learning programmes, all education and training bodies and relevant moderators as well as learners and their parents, to understand the notion of and criteria determining the level and the outcomes associated with this (professional) Honours degree in quantity surveying.

This qualification is bound by discipline-specific knowledge and has been developed by consensus on the complexity of learning and competencies to be acquired by learners undertaking the programme of study, who will be empowered to build learning programmes with a view to articulation towards further qualifications associated with the built environment.

The principal purposes of this qualification are to:

Meet the prerequisites for statutory registration with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession as a Professional Quantity Surveyor (PrQS) or Candidate Quantity Surveyor (CandidateQS) in terms of Sections 18.(1)(a) and (b) of the Quantity Surveying Profession Act 2000 (No 49 0f 2000).

Provide learners with vocational knowledge, skills and competencies appropriate to the vocation of quantity surveying in the construction and property industries.

Equip learners with a foundation for further intellectual development and opportunities for gainful employment and rewarding contributions to society.

Enhance the body of knowledge pertaining to quantity surveying in South Africa through the pursuance of research-based enquiry and dissemination of information via dynamic post-graduate courses.

Provide the built environment professions with graduates who possess contextually specific as well as problem-solving and research skills.

Produce learners who are prepared for and understand the principles of:

life-long learning;

critical citizenship;

lateral, critical and creative thinking;

a wide range of issues which are crucial to the welfare of society.

This qualification is for persons who meet the:

Formal requirements for admission as candidates for the degree (set by institutional discretion).

Additional institution-specific requirements related to minimum access standards for particular disciplines.

Appropriate RPL requirements which provide access to candidates who do not comply with formal prerequisites for admission.

In addition, this qualification is for persons who desire to undertake post-graduate study leading to enhancement of their qualification/s.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners who register (at level 6) for entry to this qualification should:

Have the information-gathering, analytical and presentational skills required at Exit Level 6 on the NQF equivalent to any three-year qualification recognised for the purposes of access to this learning programme.

Be able to:

comprehend what they have learned;

communicate it reliably, accurately and comprehensively in the required medium of instruction;

take responsibility for their own learning and its progression within a well-structured and managed learning environment;

evaluate their own performance.

Recognition of prior learning:

Persons desiring entrance to the programme leading to the award of this qualification are:

Advised, assisted and supported (portfolio compilation, orientation to required levels of competence, substantiation of their claims regarding prior skills/experience, planning of progression).

Evaluated and assessed in accordance with their claims regarding prior skills and experience gained (portfolio review, implementation of assessment/evaluation methods, recommendations arising from the assessment/evaluation processes).

Provided with 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).

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Typically, a programme leading to the award of a B Sc QS (Hons) degree aims to develop graduates who will posses demonstrable, specialised skills and competencies to:

Analyse and solve problems related to the built environment.

Deal with commercial, entrepreneurial and management issues.

Communicate effectively on all matters to which their skills and competencies have been applied.

Use and apply information technology.

Interpret and apply legal principles within the context of the built environment.

Execute tasks requiring numerical and quantification expertise.

Conduct research within the context of the built environment, including consideration of interdisciplinary aspects.

Apply knowledge of technology within the context of the built environment.

Specific exit level outcomes (taking into account that core knowledge related to quantity surveying is appropriately represented in the learning programme).

B QS qualifying learners are competent to:

Demonstrate familiarity with and display knowledge and understanding of the content, theory and scholarly positions related to quantity surveying practice and procedure at both elementary and intermediate levels.

Demonstrate systematic, well-rounded knowledge and an ability to question critically basic assumptions related to core theory, practice and basic methodology used in quantity surveying and other disciplines operating in the built environment.

Display competence in basic/elementary modes of inquiry employed in the practise of quantity surveying and other disciplines operating in the built environment, in response to specified problems (both concrete and abstract).

Analyse and locate the principles and performance of their own work within current practice related to the built environment professions and the construction industry.

Interpret a wide range of domain-related issues by applying various systems of enquiry appropriate to the discipline of quantity surveying and its allied professions.

Construct debate and argument around newly-encountered information and situations, to demonstrate competence in interpretation and explanation of such information, etc.

Prepare written reports/conduct research projects in response to well-defined briefs and within specific parameters.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Critical evidence for assessment purposes:

Analysis and problem-solving:

Create and innovate systems of identification, assessment, formulation and solving of convergent and divergent problems encountered in the day-to-day work of the quantity surveying profession; assess the impact, risks and benefits of design proposals; exercise judgment commensurate with knowledge and experience; perform management tasks including analysis, and evaluation of alternative solutions to problems or queries; identify and solve open-ended quantity surveying problems; apply techniques and principles of quantity surveying analysis, financial management and risk management.

Commerce, entrepreneurship and management:

Understand management skills; recognise the need for and applying cost effective use of appropriate resources, processes of quality control and -assurance within relevant codes of certification/measures; interpret and apply health and safety regulations; adopt processes to ensure that client needs are met and customers are delighted; understand environmental, social and community issues; use accounting principles, budgets and cash flows.

Communication:

Impart knowledge, ideas or concepts by effective writing and formatting of essays, letters and reports: demonstrate excellence in spelling/grammar/use of vocabulary/citing and referencing sources; speaking: display excellence in language-use to inform/explain or make presentations at meetings/interviews/in negotiations/over the telephone/using other technologies; listen attentively to information which may be conveyed via a variety of media: develop discernment through effective listening; use and interpret basic techniques of graphical communication; plans/diagrammes/maps drawn to various scales and/or other visual aids.

Information technology:

Use information systems with competence, including the use of relevant software systems, management packages, general construction/design packages and communication systems.

Interdisciplinary and interpersonal teamwork:

Participate in teamwork; recognise the roles, motives and viewpoints of team members; develop leadership qualities; organise, chair and participate in meetings and discussions; negotiate with a view to achieving solutions to a variety of issues related to project proposals, environmental management, contract administration and other relevant issues; manage conflict with a view to dispute resolution; use appropriate, effective techniques to elicit or obtain information; listen and comprehend the import of audio-visual communication.

Law:

Application of legal concepts and frameworks; applying relevant public and private law.

Numeracy:

Calculate, express and present numerical data and values (calculating, arranging, structuring and formatting numerical data); provide valid translation and interpretation of data, statistics, tables and graphs; execute basic statistical descriptive procedures; execute iterative statistical comparative procedures.

Quantification:

Use relevant mapping/measurement systems and methods; apply relevant:

referencing systems;

scales;

linear accuracy;

currency;

methods of measurement;

measurement instruments;
Conduct spatial or data collection surveys using appropriate methods, systems and instruments; execute appropriate analysis, synthesis and application of data.

Research:

Implement sound research techniques; identify research problems; formulate:

hypotheses;

objectives;

methodologies;
Conduct research; draw conclusions; make recommendations; demonstrate effective recording of information from documentary or other sources; use appropriate filing systems; distinguish between dependent and independent variables/systematic and random errors.

Technology:

Relative to the construction assembly process: recognize and identify correct application of:

design/buildability;

elements;

components;

materials;

techniques;

equipment;
Interpret documentation and understand the performance potential of materials and components.

Assessment Criteria:

Clear identification of problems;

Planning approaches to address problems;

Clear identification of possible solutions and alternative solutions;

Choice of optimal solution;

Division of tasks into constituent parts to aid comprehension;

Prioritisation of main points in a given task or question;

Identification of logical structures/flaws in statements;

Establishment of reasons for/evidence of the bases of claims or statements;

Co-operation in working across quantity surveying, architectural/engineering design disciplinary boundaries through cross-disciplinary literacy and shared fundamental knowledge;

Identification, evaluation and reporting on design problems to satisfy user-needs, value engineering, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation;

Planning and managing project and construction processes while focussing on important issues of price, cost, time, value and quality and demonstrating the ability to recognise and deal with constraints;

Performing management tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling, optimisation of resources and evaluation of alternative solutions to problems;

Exercising judgement, testing implementability and sensitivity analyses;

Communicating project development logic and information; working effectively as an individual or as a team member; demonstrating initiative;

Communication of concepts, ideas and theories with the aid of descriptions, quantification, prices and financial reports;

Communication - effectively, both orally and in writing - with individuals and audiences allied to the construction industry and the community at large, using appropriate media;

Application of methods of providing information for use by others involved in property development schemes, including civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering projects;

Competence to work effectively as an individual or as a team member while performing various roles (as a quantity surveyor) which are critical to the success of any project;

Use of specialised computer systems and packages, networks and information management infrastructure for accessing, processing, communicating, managing and storing information to enhance personal productivity and teamwork;

Demonstration of competence in working effectively as a member of a team or in multi-disciplinary environments;

Demonstration of leadership, management skills and initiative while performing professional functions which are critical to the success of any project;

Demonstration of awareness of the interpersonal and personal needs in terms of investment, social, cultural values and other requirements of all those associated with the creation of the built environment;

Application of knowledge of the law in day-to-day practice, employment, contract administration and management situations;

Application of knowledge of arithmetic and applied mathematics;

Demonstrate competence in dealing with uncertainty and risk through the use of probability and statistics;

Produce, deliver and apply accurate price models, financial reports, and contract administration;

Demonstrate competence in the use of electronic calculators;

Application of fundamental and specialised knowledge of building, civil, electrical and mechanical construction;

Measurement of lengths, areas, volumes related to all forms of construction;

Application of price-estimating techniques from first principles to solve quantity surveying problems;

Application of reason and argument to conceptualising construction and cost, price, worth and value associated with design and construction;

Evaluating alternatives in the interests of added value in project development;

Application of sound research methodology;

Plan and conduct accurate surveys, investigations and analyses using appropriate methods and equipment;

Derive, analyse and accurately interpret information from data;

Compile appropriate research reports;

Develop an awareness of the need for engagement in life-long learning and research;

Application and use of construction and environmental principles, domain knowledge and knowledge of the physical world as a foundation for decision-making and problem-solving in the built environment based on analysis and modelling of development problems, construction components, systems and processes;

Demonstrate ability to work across quantity surveying/architectural/engineering disciplinary boundaries and utilise cross-disciplinary literature and shared fundamental knowledge to enhance project value.

Integrated Assessment:

Learning and assessment are integrated throughout the programme. Continuous formative assessment is applied to ensure that learners receive feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment concerned with the evaluation of the learning achievements relative to the exit-level outcomes of the qualification includes "overall integrated assessment" which evaluates the learner`s ability to combine the various components and modules of the broader scope of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes represented by the exit-level outcomes, as a whole or as individual component-processes of the overall learning experience leading to the qualification.

Assignments, designed to meet the requirements of integrated assessment, accomplish/deliver:

Integration of exit-level outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved, either totally or within the components of the study programme;

Demonstration of learner competence through evaluation;

Criterion-referenced assessment:

which has been clearly explained to and is understood by the learners; and

can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning.

In the assessment of whether the desired outcomes have been achieved (or not), recognition is given to criteria and evaluation methods that adequately and appropriately achieve such assessment.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The B Sc QS (Hons) programme is expected to meet standards of quality comparable with international benchmarks established for professional first degrees in the built environment professions, as required and assured by processes of accreditation conducted by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (represented in all Commonwealth member states) and the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession, in consultation with the South African Qualifications Authority and the Council on Higher Education.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Completion of the learning programme leading to the award of the B Sc QS (Hons) and subject to institutional entrance requirements having been met, this qualification provides career-path articulation options leading to a variety of other post-graduate degrees in quantity surveying and also to other interdisciplinary qualifications (degrees, diplomas and certificates) within the context of the built environment, in fields such as:

construction management;

project management;

property valuation;

urban and regional planning;

information technology.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Moderation options including recommendation of a moderation body or bodies and the criteria for registration of assessors:

Moderation options include:

Peer review (academic - interdisciplinary);

Peer review (work-place practitioners - interdisciplinary);

Assessment of competence by external, statutory Councils and in particular the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession, established in terms of the Quantity Surveying Profession Act No 49 of 2000 and which has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the South African Council on Higher Education (CHE);

Compliance with the framework and regulations established by the Higher Education Quality Committee of the CHE, which includes the appointment of accredited/registered external examiners/assessors who are external to the provider;

Assessment of competence by professional institutions.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

Specified requirements:

Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

Legal:

Act 1: The Quantity Surveying Profession Act No 49 of 2000

Act 2: The Council for the Built Environment Act No 43 of 2000

Act 3: The National Environmental Management Act No 107 of 1998

Act 4: The Occupational Health and Safety Act No 85 of 1993

Act 5: The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act No 130 of 1993

Act 6: The South African Qualifications Authority Act No 58 of 1995

Act 7: The Skills Development Act No 97 of 1998

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

LP ID	Learning Programme Title	Originator	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Learning Prog End Date	Quality Assurance Functionary	NQF Sub-Framework
15812	Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying	University of Pretoria	Level 7	NQF Level 08	120		CHE	HEQSF

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES:

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.

LP ID	Learning Programme Title	Accredited Provider
15812	Bachelor of Science Honours in Quantity Surveying	University of Pretoria