Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5)

The Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5) program at The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences (MUTAS) is designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in quantity surveying practices. This program emphasizes hands-on learning experiences and real-world applications to ensure graduates are well-prepared for careers in the construction industry.

The Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5) builds upon the foundational knowledge established in prior studies and serves as the second year of the Bachelor’s Degree program in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 7). Tailored to meet the evolving needs of the agricultural industry, this diploma equips students with advanced skills and insights crucial for success in diverse roles within the sector. Delivered by both local experts and international practitioners, the program emphasizes practical training and industry-specific competencies, fostering graduates who are adept, innovative, and entrepreneurial in their approach to agricultural production.

Designed for individuals with a passion for agricultural advancement, the Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying offers a dynamic blend of theoretical exploration and hands-on learning. Graduates emerge prepared for a wide array of career opportunities in agriculture, spanning from farm management to agricultural technology consultancy.

At Level 5, the program delves deeper into agricultural technology and production management, offering specialized knowledge and skills essential for professional growth in the field. Moreover, it serves as a pivotal progression point for students aiming to pursue further academic achievements, including a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 7), enabling them to refine their expertise and specialize in their chosen area of interest.

Who is this qualification for?

The Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5) caters to individuals already working or aspiring to work in diverse agricultural sectors, aiming to elevate their career trajectories and expertise in agricultural technology and production management. This program is well-suited for those seeking specialized skills and a robust understanding of agricultural technology to excel in their current roles or transition into advanced career opportunities within the agricultural domain.

This program is suitable for:

• Individuals with a background in construction-related fields seeking to advance their careers in quantity surveying.
• Professionals working in the construction industry who wish to specialize in quantity surveying roles.
• Graduates of related diploma programs or equivalent qualifications looking to specialize in quantity surveying.
• Entrepreneurs and small business owners involved in construction projects seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills.

What makes this course special?

The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences (MUTAS) is one of the world’s most successful and best-preferred applied (hands-on) learning brand. The Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences qualifications place greater emphasis on self-employment and employer engagement and work readiness. MUTAS-Zambia provides 70% practical and 30% theory teaching and learning methodologies coupled with various practical learning-focused activities that fully engage our students. MUTAS programs in Applied Quantity Surveying are work-related qualifications for students taking their first steps into employment, or for those already in employment and seeking career development opportunities.

Why you must study with MUTAS?

At the Marvelous University of Technology and Applied Sciences (MUTAS), we know how important it is for career ambitious people to get the right education to start and further develop their careers.

With today’s industry and employers demanding so much more than just a qualification to contain the effects of global competition and to attain a competitive edge, here are the main six (6) reasons why you must choose to study at MUTAS:

Work Readiness

MUTAS courses will give you real hands on experience in pursuing your education. It is what is called learning by doing it or action learning. Based on a 70% practical (action learning, action research, projects, reflective thinking, critical thinking, etc.) and 30% theory teaching and learning and assessments methodologies, all the MUTAS students become work ready (prepared) during their first year of study and graduate with strong work ethics, analytical, problem solving, communication and entrepreneurial skills which are the major factors that employers are looking for in their new recruits.

Employability

MUTAS higher vocational, technical and professional courses prepare students for employment and self-employment. The MUTAS courses develop a student’s employability skills as they offer the experience of real-life practical tasks and work placements. MUTAS qualifications are generally well-regarded by employers as the courses enable students to develop useful hands-on skills in their respective fields of study and in critical areas such as problem-solving, time management, entrepreneurial, communication, work behavior, visionary and focus minded, team work, and project planning, execution to evaluation. The knowledge and skills you get from MUTAS programs will make you be sought after by employers locally and globally. MUTAS helps students to gain strong knowledge and skills that are essential to start and successfully run their own businesses and/or to be appreciated as competent and productive employees that every employer would like to hire.

Relevant

MUTAS courses are designed and developed with the help of employers, industrial experts, professional bodies, higher education experts, and lecturers. This keeps the MUTAS curriculum to be industry-driven and relevant for today’s and the future’s job market and self-employment. MUTAS qualifications provide students with industry-specific knowledge, skills, and competencies that make graduates’ work outputs to be relevant to their employers’ missions, visions, and goals.

Practical Teaching and Assessments

The MUTAS teaching and learning is based on the seven (7) major principles of teaching and learning through which theory knowledge is practically applied to various practical teaching and learning methods including action learning, projects supported by verifiable tangible evidences (outcomes), critical reflective thinking, case scenarios, job placements, industrial site visits, public lectures led by industrial experts, etc.

The assessment for MUTAS courses is largely based on regular coursework and work experience, which makes them an ideal option for those who crumble under the pressure of exams.

All the MUTAS programs are assessed through objective and rigor-based assignments and projects for which origination is examined through the Turnitin IT Application to ensure that each student submits his/her own true work. The outcome of these assignments must be in an implementable practical and quality standard.  

Career and Education Progression

Employers value MUTAS qualifications as the courses are industry-centered and directed. In other words, unlike academic programs, the MUTAS courses give students industry-specific knowledge and skills which makes them readily employable. This, combined with the problem-solving, time management, entrepreneurial, communication, work behavior, visionary and focus-minded, teamwork, and project planning skills they gained throughout their learning process give the MUTAS graduates a strong competitive edge to progress in senior job positions and to further pursue their postgraduate professional degrees such as Masters to Professional Doctorate Degree programs at various reputable higher education institutions/universities.

Reputation and Prestige

• The industry relevance, practicality, career-specific and quality of the MUTAS qualification will make you to stand out and visibly be seen and noticed in a cloud of many academically qualified graduates.
• As more employers expect their new employees to have relevant practical skills and competencies than costly academic knowledge, MUTAS makes your CV and profile stand out.
• MUTAS is known for stringent quality standards that govern the provision of its higher vocational, technical and professional courses. MUTAS is also known for its practical, relevant and Industry driven courses.
• The above values, compounded with the work ethics, entrepreneurial and problem-solving skills you will learn and practice while studying at MUTAS will grant you the respect, reputation and prestige within the industry sector you will work.

Qualification Purpose and Outcomes

The purpose of this program is to enable students to:

• Develop a deep understanding of quantity surveying principles, methods, and techniques.
• Gain proficiency in measurement, cost estimation, and contract administration processes.
• Apply advanced software tools and technologies used in quantity surveying practice.
• Analyze and interpret construction contracts and legal frameworks.
• Demonstrate effective project management and communication skills in construction projects.

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Independently perform quantity take-offs, measurements, and cost estimations for construction projects.
• Prepare comprehensive bills of quantities and tender documents using industry-standard methods.
• Manage contract administration tasks, including procurement processes and payment certifications.
• Utilize advanced software tools such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and project management software for quantity surveying tasks.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with construction contracts and legal issues.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams effectively.

How will I learn?

The MUTAS tutors/lecturers are equipped with various traditional teaching methods which are all used to create and develop Vibrant, Skilled, Competent, and Work-prepared Entrepreneurial Technicians, Technologists, and Professionals.

The teaching and learning practices involve 70% practical and 30% theory methodologies by applying a wide range of action learning techniques stipulated in the course specification.

What does the course involve?

You will study a combination of theory, applied theory, and practical subjects across a broad range of units. To succeed, your effective time management and focus are both very critical. You will cover twelve (12) units. For each unit, you will do a main test, assignment, and examination in addition to an integrated action project. These assessments do not include the informal tests, practical-based homework, presentations, projects, and assignments that your lecturers will require you to do in each learning outcome. To pass this applied qualification, it is critical that you constantly monitor, formalize yourself with, and operate alongside developments taking place within the Applied Quantity Surveying field by regularly visiting different related projects and/or organizations, reading news and articles, etc.

Assessment Methods

The MUTAS programs are assessed using a combination of:

1. Informal Assessments
2. Formal Assessments

Informal assessments are conducted by lecturers on each covered component of the unit outcome to weigh knowledge created into his/her students so that necessary teaching practice adjustments can be made as appropriate.

Formal Assessments are further classified into two parts:

• Formal Continuous Assessments which comprise of:

1. Major Test
2. An Integrated Action Project

• Formal Final Assessments which comprise of:

1. Major Examination
2. Unit Assignments

What are the Career Progression Opportunities?

Learners who have successfully completed the Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5) have various avenues for career advancement. They can pursue further education by enrolling in the diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 6). Additionally, they are well-equipped to excel in diverse job roles within the Quantity Surveying sector.

• Quantity Surveyor
• Estimator
• Contract Administrator
• Project Manager
• Cost Consultant
• Construction Manager
• Building Surveyor
• Facilities Manager

These roles may vary in responsibilities and requirements depending on the specific industry, location, and employer. However, a diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying provides a solid foundation for entering various sectors of the agricultural industry and pursuing a rewarding career in agricultural technology and production management.

What are Articulation Opportunities?

The credit transfers from other programs offered by other institutions or other MUTAS programs will be dealt with according to MUTAS rules and regulations on Recognition of Prior Learning. Provided that an applicant has qualification accredited by NQA and verifiable through the NQF, the MUTAS rules provide for course by course credits as well as credit transfer by volume under certain conditions. Maximum credits that can be granted from none technical (hands-on) programs are 15% of the credits for a qualification. Maximum credits that can be granted from the technical (hands-on) programs of similar standards with those of MUTAS are 50% of the credits for a qualification.

What career opportunities can this lead to?

The Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5) paves the way for a multitude of fulfilling career paths within the agricultural sector. It serves as an ideal qualification for individuals aiming to hone specialized skills and establish a strong groundwork in applied agricultural technology and production management. This diploma program prepares individuals for roles such as

• Quantity Surveyor
• Estimator
• Contract Administrator
• Project Manager
• Cost Consultant
• Construction Manager
• Building Surveyor
• Facilities Manager

These roles offer avenues for career progression and advancement in the agricultural industry, enabling individuals to contribute significantly to sustainable food production and agricultural advancement.

What are the Fees?

Our fees include:

• Application/Registration Fees
• Tuition Fees
• Other Fees include Laboratory Fees, Study Manuals, industrial site tours, action research, etc. (where and if applicable).

For more information about our fees, please contact any of our Call Centre at any of our Campuses or the Marketing and Public Relationships Department.

Funding Opportunities

There are many funding options for the MUTAS accredited programs. Most of our students have over the past years been funded by their employers while others finance their studies on their own. Students can also apply for bursaries with The Ministry of Community Development and Social Services via the CDF Skills Development Bursary sponsorship. MUTAS also provides scholarships and bursaries to students who meet requirements as stipulated in our annual prospectus.

Withdrawal/Cancellation

Any cancellations/withdraw or refunds are executed as per the MUTAS policies. For more details, refer to the Students Registration Agreement and the Withdraw Policy.

Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5) is made up of twelve units. It is structured to be studied for two years through Face-to-Face Full-Time, Face-to-Face Part-Time, and Distance Learning combined with Two (2) week-end Face-to-Face sessions per month, and Two (2) Block Weeks Face-to-Face sessions per Semester, Blended Learning and Virtual (On-Line) Learning (excluding Engineering Programmes).

Total Unit/Modules

The following is a compressive list of course units/modules you will cover in this program:

Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5)

• AQS201      Advanced Quantity Surveying Principles and Practices
• AQS202      Construction Measurement and Estimation Techniques
• AQS203      Contract Administration and Procurement Processes
• AQS204      Building Information Modeling (BIM) in Quantity Surveying
• AQS205      Construction Law and Legal Frameworks
• AQS206      Project Management for Quantity Surveyors
• AQS207      Advanced Software Applications in Quantity Surveying
• AQS208      Professional Practice and Ethics in Quantity Surveying
• 1STU201    Entrepreneurship and Business Development
• 1STU202    Applied Statistics for Decision-Making
• 1STU203    Project Management
• 1STU204    Professional Work Etiquettes and Employability
• 1STU205    Specialized Industrial-related Project

Work placement/experience requirements

While there are no specific mandatory work placement/experience elements required for the Diploma in Applied Quantity Surveying (Level 5), students are encouraged to apply theoretical knowledge through practical learning activities outlined in the qualification specification. This hands-on approach allows students to gain valuable experience and apply learned theories in real-world agricultural settings, enhancing their understanding and skillset in agricultural technology and production management.

Completion of Study Enrollment Form

Download and complete the Student’s Enrollment Agreement (SEA) form or obtain one from our Call Centre at any of our Campuses, print and complete it and submit it with proof of payment for the stipulated registration fees together to any of our Campuses before the stipulated application deadlines to avoid paying late application/registration fees. To be considered for approval, the completed enrollment agreement form must be accompanied by certified copies of documents as stipulated on the Student’s Enrollment Agreement (SEA) form.

Applicant must ensure that:

• The enrollment agreement form is properly and fully completed and that each page is initialed and signed;
• He/she provides all the required documentations such as certified copies of qualifications, Identity Card/Pass port photos, Supporting letters from employers,
• He/she deposits registration fees into the respective Campus’ Bank Account provided on the enrollment agreement form and submits original copy of the deposit as proof before being issued with an official receipt
• He/she is issued with an official Institutional Receipt, stamped with Official Company Stamp and Signed by the Head of Call Centre for every payment made to the MUTAS .
• Please note that MUTAS does not receive cash payments, all payments must be directly into the bank account with student’s number as reference
• He/she obtains a written acknowledge letter confirming that his/her completed enrollment agreement form has been received
• He/she obtains status of his/her application for studies within 30 working days.
• If admitted, an Admission letter issued by the Admission section in the Office of the Registrar, must also be obtained through the respective Campus together with the Time Table, Syllabuses, and any other information.

What must I have to qualify?

The Certificate in Civil Engineering has been designed on the assumption that it is available, without artificial barriers which restrict access and progression, to everyone who can achieve the required standard.

However, applicants who meet any one of the following will be prioritized as they are likely to benefit more readily from the programme:

• Admission on our three (3) years Bachelor of Technology programs is based on a minimum requirement of twenty-five (25) points in grade 12 (now grade 11) in five (5) subjects with an E or better symbol in English. English shall be part of the five (5) subjects you must have completed.
• Admission on our four (4) years Bachelor of Technology programs which includes a one year Certificate (Bridging) Level 4 is based on meeting the minimum requirement of twenty (20) points in Grade 12 in five subjects with a minimum of an E or better symbol in English. English shall be part of the six (6) subjects you must have completed.
• Admission on our four (4) years Bachelor of Technology programs through Mature Age Entry is based on a minimum requirement of twenty six (26) points in Grade 10 (now grade 9) in five subjects with a minimum of E or better symbol in English, age of twenty three (23) years and above, and five (5) years, or above, of working experience in a related field.

Resources for Prospecting Students

• Qualifications Brochure
• Prospectus
• Online Application
• Application Form

Resources for Registered Students

• Students Handbook
• Institutional Calendar
• Learning and Assessments Policies
• Qualifications Specifications
• Assessments Schedules
• Recorded Lessons’ Presentations
• Virtual Classrooms
• Virtual Library
• Virtual Laboratories
• Study Manuals and Books