Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering

Purpose: The Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering is primarily industry oriented. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application or technology transfer. The qualification provides learners with a sound knowledge base in Civil Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to a professional career in Civil Engineering, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning within the civil engineering environment. The qualification has a strong professional or career focus and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter the labour market of civil engineering. The purpose of this qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for further learning towards becoming a competent practicing civil engineering technologist. This qualification provides:

• Preparation for careers in civil engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development.
• The educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist and with Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
• Entry to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 qualifications e.g. Honours, Postgraduate Diploma and then to proceed to relevant Masters Qualifications.

Civil Engineering learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes and ECSA requirements contained in this standard.

Rationale: The qualification will provide a more in-depth conceptual educational approach than the Diploma in Civil Engineering and allow for articulation into further postgraduate studies. Learners with an Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering will be able to articulate into the Honours and/or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF Level 8), and thereafter Masters (NQF 9) and Doctorate (NQF 10). This qualification prepares learners to become Professional Civil Engineering Technologists and to register as such with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). Professional Civil Engineering Technologists are characterised by the ability to apply established and newly developed civil engineering technologies to solve broadly-defined problems, develop components, systems, services and processes. They provide leadership in the application of technology in safety, health, engineering and commercially effective operations and have well-developed interpersonal skills. They work independently and responsibly, applying judgement to decisions arising in the application of technology and health and safety considerations to problems and associated risks. Professional Civil Engineering Technologists have a specialised understanding of civil engineering sciences, underlying a deep knowledge of specific technologies together with financial, commercial, legal, social and economic, health, safety and environmental matters.

Learners completing this qualification will have an advantage in the discipline of Civil Engineering since they will have a broad, more in-depth understanding of this discipline. The skills offered by this qualification are sought after in related and relevant disciplines.