Purpose of the Qualification

The primary purpose of this industry-oriented diploma is to emphasise general principles and the application of technology transfer within Mechanical Engineering. The qualification provides students with a sound knowledge base in a particular field or discipline of Mechanical Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to particular career or professional contexts while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. This educational programme aims to build the knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning to become a competent practising Mechanical Engineering Technologist.

This qualification provides:

• Preparation for careers in Mechanical Engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from engineering skills for achieving technological proficiency and contributing to the economy and national development;
• The educational base required for registration as a Candidate Engineering Technologist with the Engineering Council of South Africa.

The Advanced Diploma in Engineering in Mechanical Engineering Qualification contributes to the 11 graduate attributes. In the first-year modules, students develop the graduate attributes, while these graduate attributes are assessed at selected second-year modules, all at NQF Level 7.

(b) Minimum Admission Requirements

The minimum admission requirement is that candidates should have accumulated at least one year of appropriate post-diploma experience and

(i) A Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, or its equivalent,

OR

(ii) A National Diploma: Mechanical Engineering (S4)

OR

(iii) A National Higher Diploma: Mechanical Engineering (T4) with the appropriate courses at this level for the field of specialisation the candidate wishes to pursue,

OR

(iv) A National Diploma: Mechanical Engineering (T3) with at least two (2) of the following S4-level courses:

Applied Strength of Materials III, Steam Plant III, Hydraulic Machines III, Mathematics III.

Newly qualified diplomats who wish to proceed directly to the Advanced Diploma programme without the experiential requirements may be admitted if they obtained an average of at least 60% in their Level III courses. However, admission is not automatic, as candidates will be selected based on their proven academic record and post-qualification professional experience.

NOTE: Candidates should have accumulated at least one year of appropriate post-diploma experience

(c) Exit Level Outcomes / Graduate Attributes

The exit level outcomes and graduate attributes of the Advanced Diploma in Civil Engineering qualification are listed below:

Graduate Attribute 1:

Problem-solving: Identify, formulate, analyse and solve broadly-defined engineering problems

Graduate Attribute 2:

Application of scientific and engineering knowledge: Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, and engineering sciences to apply engineering procedures, processes, systems, and methodologies to solve broadly-defined engineering problems.

Graduate Attribute 3:

Engineering Design: Perform procedural design and synthesis of components, systems, engineering works, products or processes.

Graduate Attribute 4:

Investigations, experiments and data analysis: Demonstrate competence to design and conduct investigations and experiments.

Graduate Attribute 5:

Engineering methods, skills and tools, including Information Technology. Demonstrate competence in using appropriate engineering methods, skills and tools, including those based on information technology.

Graduate Attribute 6:

Professional and technical communication: Demonstrate competence to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large

Graduate Attribute 7:

Sustainability and Impact of Engineering Activity: Demonstrate critical awareness of the sustainability and impact of engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment.

Graduate Attribute 8:

Individual, Team and Multidisciplinary Working: Demonstrate competence to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments

Graduate Attribute 9:

Independent Learning Ability Demonstrate competence to engage in independent learning through well- developed learning skills.

Graduate Attribute 10:

Engineering Professionalism: Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act professionally and ethically and to exercise judgment and take responsibility within own limits of competence

Graduate Attribute 11:

Engineering Management: Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and economic decision-making.