The Building and Construction Industry is a dynamic industry with many opportunities for self-motivated and hardworking people. The industry is becoming more technically sophisticated and computerised industry which has resulted in a growing demand for suitably trained professionals. This course deals with the methods, materials and techniques used in the construction industry. Two years of this three-year programme are spent doing full-time study at the university, and one year in industry undergoing experiential learning. Please note: As a limited number of students can be admitted, admission is subject to selection based on academic merit. The selection is undertaken by the Department of Building and Human Settlement Development.

To provide students with more advanced knowledge in the Quantity Surveying discipline and the ability to apply that knowledge, skills, and values to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources.

The purpose of the qualification is to equip students with more advanced knowledge in the Construction Management discipline and the ability to apply that knowledge, skills and values to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources.

Students are introduced to the following fields of expertise related to the quantity surveying profession and construction industry: construction methods and materials; costs of various construction elements and components; the influence of the economy on the industry; rights and obligations of different parties; the use of computers and the principles of entrepreneurial success; personal and professional ethics; and general professional practice and management. Take note: The BSc (Construction Economics) is followed by the BSc Honours (Quantity Surveying) in order to develop the additional expertise needed to register as a candidate quantity surveyor with the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession.

This programme enables graduates to perform technical, supervision and operational and middle management functions in small to large construction-related enterprises, as employees or as entrepreneurs. They will obtain knowledge and skills in the areas of construction materials, methods and management, accounting, economics and the measurement and quantification of construction resources. Take note: After completing the BSc (Construction Studies) degree graduates should enrol for either the BSc Honours (Construction Management) or BSc Honours (Construction Health & Safety Management) degree to register as a candidate professional with the South African Council for the Construction and Project Management Professions. The specialisation at Honours level will determine the path for registration as either a Construction Manager, Construction Project Manager, Construction Health & Safety Manager or Agent.

This programme will provide students with professional skills and knowledge appropriate to a range of employment opportunities associated with human settlement development and management. Students will also be required to complete four months (one month per year) of work integrated learning (WIL) during recess period (with mentors).

Civil Engineering focuses on the design, construction and maintenance of infrastructure within the built and natural environments, including roads, bridges, canals, dams, sewerage systems, water and storm water pipelines and structural components of buildings. Civil Engineering Technologists are trained to design safe structures with maintenance, efficiency, and other economic concerns in mind, in order to increase the quality of life for present and future generations.