University of the Witwatersrand

Bachelor of Science in Property Studies

Physical Planning and Construction - Physical Planning Design and Management

Purpose and Rationale

Bachelor of Science in Property Studies

Purpose:

The Bachelor of Science in Property Studies aims to equip learners with foundational knowledge, values, and skills necessary to work in the real estate field or pursue advanced studies in the discipline. The program focuses on real estate investment, development, valuations, management, research, as well as interpersonal skills like effective communication and teamwork. Graduates will develop logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ethical conduct, enabling them to address real estate challenges in South Africa.

Rationale:

South Africa currently faces challenges in physical and economic development, requiring skilled professionals to address infrastructure needs. This qualification seeks to provide graduates from diverse backgrounds with opportunities in the property industry. Accredited by esteemed organizations, the program prepares individuals for roles like property management, real estate valuation, property development, and more. Graduates contribute to the country's development by fulfilling crucial roles in real estate, property investment, and related sectors identified as scarce skills.

The program enables graduates to work in both the private and public sectors, offering opportunities in areas such as banking, consultancy firms, and various government departments at different levels. The qualification aligns with industry needs by focusing on developing professionals capable of delivering social and economic benefits through effective management of the built environment.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the real estate industry, including an understanding of different construction processes, documentation, technological applications, health and safety, and ethical practices and apply different technologies and software used in the built environment.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of the significance and scope of many areas of real estate and evaluate the extent of the various specialist contributions to the overall construction industry.
  3. Display knowledge of current attitudes, and methods in the discipline of real estate and select a range of methods to develop a creative and innovative approach to resolve problems or introduce change within the discipline of real estate.
  4. Identify and address complex real estate problems by employing appropriate knowledge of the key real estate terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules, and theories used in the built environment industry.
  5. Take decisions, ethically and professionally regarding property structure built and/or managed and justify how the decisions contribute positively to the environment by complying with the by-laws of the country and/or environment, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.
  6. Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for the real estate context, evaluate, manage information, and independently validate the sources of information related to the construction process, health and safety, ethical practices as well as different technologies and software.
  7. Develop and communicate real estate ideas and opinions verbally and non-verbally in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse for the real estate context.
  8. Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable real estate contexts recognising that problem-solving occurs in a series of wider social and natural systems that impact the field of real estate and develop an appreciation for this wide professional diversity.
  9. Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate, and address own learning needs in a self-directed manner, and facilitate collaborative learning processes within and about real estate contexts.
  10. Take full responsibility for own real estate work, decision-making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the real-estate decisions and actions of others in varied or imprecise real estate contexts.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Key Points:
    • Apply real estate knowledge to various construction processes, documentation, technological applications, health, safety, and ethical practices in other fields.
    • Evaluate and apply real estate knowledge, terms, concepts, principles, and theories.
    • Use different technologies and software in the built environment industry for decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Key Points:
    • Explore career opportunities within the property profession.
    • Evaluate specialist contributions to the construction industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Key Points:
    • Propose pricing and value default for real estate companies.
    • Analyze current attitudes and methods in real estate discipline.
    • Develop innovative approaches to problem-solving in real estate.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Key Points:
    • Frame real estate design questions.
    • Make responsible decisions through creative thinking.
    • Prepare management plans for property managers.
    • Evaluate alternative strategic options and propose real estate solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Key Points:
    • Adhere to real estate laws of communities and countries.
    • Comply with environmental by-laws in property construction and management.
    • Confirm suitability of structures in proposed areas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Key Points:
    • Collect relevant real estate information.
    • Validate real estate information sources.
    • Manage information related to construction processes, health, safety, ethics, and technologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Key Points:
    • Prepare market research reports.
    • Write and format various documents.
    • Communicate information effectively orally and in writing.
    • Use graphical communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Key Points:
    • Combine real estate market analysis skills with broader research and economics.
    • Conduct research including environmental impact assessments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Key Points:
    • Clarify individual career contributions to society.
    • Facilitate collaborative learning in real estate contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Key Points:
    • Take responsibility for real estate work and decision-making.
    • Use resources effectively for real estate decisions.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Key Points:
    • Variety of assessment strategies including exams, projects, and independent study reports.
    • Formative assessment during class activities.
    • Summative assessment through independent study reports and projects.
    • Capstone courses for integration of qualification.
    • Assessment through simulations and cases in Capstone courses.

Qualification Details

Type
National First Degree
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
360
SAQA Source
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University of the Witwatersrand
Description
The University of the Witwatersrand, commonly known as Wits University or simply Wits, is a renowned public research university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. Established in 1896, it is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the country. Wits University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, commerce, health sciences, and law. The university is known for its academic excellence, research contributions, and commitment to social justice. It has a diverse student body and a vibrant campus life, with numerous student organizations and cultural activities. Wits University is recognized internationally for its high-quality education and is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.