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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Engineering in Mechatronics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
63989  Master of Engineering in Mechatronics 
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 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualifying learner can conduct independent research under guidance in a chosen Mechatronics related field and contribute to knowledge production in that field. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome is reported in a dissertation which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at this level.

Rationale:
The program will contribute to the mission by creating capacity for further research; unpacking the mission statement reveals the most important outcomes as follows:
  • Applied research: The research undertaken will be directly related to the field of Mechatronics related to manufacturing and automotive companies, which will result in introducing new technologies and improving the competitiveness of local and national industries.
  • Sustainable development: Due to the nature of the research, 'homegrown' Mechatronics systems customised to the particular industry will be introduced, replacing imported systems and structures introduced by consultants, which are often costly, complex, and unsustainable in the long run. Focused research is expected to produce high tech solutions for local companies, especially SMMEs.
  • Keeping abreast of new knowledge: Due to constant upgrading and replacement of technology, the frontiers of knowledge are continually tested and updated. Research within the academic and industrial environment will enable researchers to stay abreast of developments.
  • Promoting research and creating opportunities for further research: An increasing number of learners are graduating with the intention of studying further, due to the challenges of technological change and the need to continue learning in order to be competitive in the larger global environment. The qualification will enable learners to pursue learning opportunities and contribute to the industry's efficiency and competitiveness.
  • Internationally recognised standards: In a global society, international standards inform the requirements of teaching and learning offered by the Faculty at Undergraduate level. At Postgraduate level, international standards are applied to the industry and thus likewise inform the standards required. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is to be done in accordance with standard university policies and procedures.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.
    2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.
    3. Select the appropriate research method for the investigation.
    4. Apply the scientific method correctly in the research process.
    5. Apply research tools effectively and correctly in the research process. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated assessment criteria.
    The listed and cited literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research reflects familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
  • Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.
  • The use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written record of research.
  • The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal.
  • The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
  • Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
  • Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and include a range of media.
  • Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation, and the production of the dissertation.
  • The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
  • The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
  • Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations, clearly.

    Integrated assessment:
    The assessment will demonstrate the integration of knowledge, skills and attitudes on the Master's level. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The level and content of the qualification is comparable to a typical international Master's qualification. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Engineering, Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.