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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Human Settlement Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90561  Bachelor of Human Settlement Development 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  494  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with specialist knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes necessary to accelerate Human Settlement Development in South Africa and create, upgrade and maintain sustainable human settlements. This will prepare them to fulfil the primary responsibilities of managing all the processes involved in Human Settlement Development and Management and co-ordinating the stakeholders in the Human Settlement Sector.

Rationale:
Human Settlement Development is a priority area in the South African context as it is regarded as a people-centred field of study and practice, which focuses on people and their homes. Historically, housing related education and training has been offered in the built environment disciplines which traditionally focus on construction, architecture and planning, for example, where major aspects of Human Settlement Development have not been satisfactorily dealt with in their widest contexts in terms of addressing the unique combination of competencies required for Human Settlement professionals. Human Settlement studies are increasingly being regarded as a professional field of study; hence this qualification will set the basis for further professionalisation within the Human Settlement Sector.

The Government, Social Housing Institutions, Private Institutions, Non Governmental Organisations and Parastatals, are the major employers of Human Settlement Development officials and managers. The training that is currently taking place in this field is not provided against any nationally registered qualification, which this qualification will be addressing through formal learning.

Human Settlement Development forms a vital part of reconstruction and development in South Africa. This qualification will produce learners with skills and knowledge appropriate to a range of employment opportunities associated with Human Settlement Development and Management. The qualification represents the work-based needs of employers and employees within this fraternity. Qualifying learners will be employed for managing organisations and designing, developing and implementing Human Settlement policy, strategies, programmes and projects, as well as dealing with common Human Settlement problems in different social contexts.

The achievement of the competencies identified within the qualification is essential for social and economic transformation in that it will improve the performance of the Human Settlement Sector in general while also serving economic, social, infrastructural, environmental, spatial and physical development goals. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners are assumed to have the:
  • Knowledge of Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Capacity to do self study and complete written assignments.
  • Capacity in applying computer literacy in preparing reports, assignments and spreadsheets.
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English (read, write and speak).
  • Ability to manage their time.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    It is assumed that learners may have been performing duties that reflect competencies contained in this qualification at the workplace for many years without having received any formal qualification. Learners will be allowed to apply for RPL for access into the qualification. In addition, through RPL learners may apply for exemption from certain modules.

    Access to the Qualification:
    The access to this qualification is granted to applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements or the alternative routes of entry. Applicants who are in possession of:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Degree studies.
  • English at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematics/Mathematics Literacy at NQF Level 4.
    Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements may be referred to write the Access Assessment Test before a decision is made on whether or not to admit the applicant into the qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 47 modules totalling 494 Credits at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8. All the modules in the qualification are compulsory.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Introduction to Micro Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Macro Economics, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Management and Entrepreneurship, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Business Functions, 12 Credits.
  • Constitutional Framework for Public Administration, 6 Credits.
  • Regional, Metropolitan and Local Administration, 6 Credits.
  • Administration for Development, 6 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Statistical Methods for Behavioural Sciences, 7 Credits.
  • Accounting 101, 10 Credits.
  • Accounting 102, 5 Credits.

    Totalling: 94 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Basic Principles and Theory of Human Settlement Development and Management, 15 Credits.
  • Theory of Land Use Planning and Management, 15 Credits.
  • Sociology of Development, 15 Credits.
  • Commercial Law, 12 Credits.
  • House Construction and Maintenance, 12 Credits.
  • Local Government Law, 12 Credits.
  • Social and Environmental Issues, 10 Credits.
  • Public Policy Process, Procedures and Methods, 10 Credits.
  • Public Financing and Control, 10 Credits.
  • House Design and Related Building Standards, 10 Credits.
  • Services and Layouts of Residential Developments, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to the Built Environment and Construction Management (Special), 10 Credits.
  • Construction Contracts, 10 Credits.
  • Statutory Law Relating to Human Settlements, 10 Credits.
  • Political Issues, theories and concepts, 6 Credits.

    Totalling: 167 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Land Use Management and Environment, 10 Credits.
  • Communities and Human Resources, 10 Credits.
  • Housing Finance and Administration, 10 Credits.
  • Development Management Theory, 10 Credits.
  • Human Settlement Policies and Implementation, 10 Credits.
  • Social Housing Facilitation and Management, 10 Credits.
  • Local Government and Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Local and Regional Resource Management, 15 Credits.
  • Public Management Techniques, 15 Credits.
  • Project Management, 15 Credits.

    Totalling: 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 8:
  • Sustainable Human Settlement and Urban Infrastructure Management, 10 Credits.
  • Economic Development and Environmental Impact Management, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Project Management Applications, 10 Credits.
  • Integrated Development Planning Theory, Policies and Practice, 10 Credits.
  • GIS for Human Settlement Managers, 10 Credits.
  • Property Development and Management, 10 Credits.
  • Property Investment and Finance, 10 Credits.
  • Property Economics and Valuation, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methodology and Proposal, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project and Treatise (preferably linked to a Practical Project/Case Study), 23 Credits.

    Totalling: 113 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Upon completion of the Bachelor in Human Settlement Development the qualifying learner will be able to:
    1. Apply theories and concepts to identify key Human Settlement Development needs, problems and solutions, with due consideration of their contexts (social, economic, political, technological, institutional, environmental and physical/infrastructure).
    2. Apply the basic principles and procedures in research and data analysis and support research and capacity building among communities, human settlement units and staff.
    3. Apply theory and models of policy and strategy formulation and programme and project management for implementation towards sustainable human settlements.
    4. Interpret and apply legal and regulatory frameworks, processes, legislation and contracts for Human Settlement Development.
    5. Critically evaluate and explain human settlement finance and other forms of human settlement assistance.
    6. Appraise comparative land-use planning, management and delivery systems for Human Settlement Development and Management.
    7. Evaluate the roles, responsibilities and functions of social, rental and cooperative human settlement institutions and public-private partnerships.
    8. Integrate knowledge to plan, facilitate and manage; social, economic and environmental development towards sustainable integrated Human Settlement Development.
    9. Explain critical contemporary issues in Public Administration and apply best practices with specific reference to Human Settlement Development and Management.
    10. Define, design, compare, implement and evaluate Human Settlement Development and management systems, processes, programmes and projects (new, upgrading and maintenance).
    11. Represent human settlements in Integrated Development Planning (IDP) and Implementation.
    12. Manage and administer human settlement units at operational, middle management, senior management or top management levels.
    13. Co-ordinate and negotiate with stakeholders, educate the public and communities, resolve conflict, promote Human Settlement Development and manage disasters in human settlements.
    14. Understand and oversee the technical design and construction aspects of houses, infrastructure and services.
    15. Apply theories, principles and best practice guidelines of all aspects of property planning, development, management and valuation with due regard for the legislative framework and relevant property legislation.

    Critical Cross-field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The different concepts and theories of poverty and underdevelopment are analysed from an economic, political and cultural dimension.
  • The origins and development of Human Settlement Development are discussed in accordance with the models of development.
  • Development theories are applied to housing provision and allocation in terms of the patterns of development.
  • The role of the housing market is discussed in the contexts of affordability and equity.
  • The consequences of housing inadequacies and shortages are analysed and discussed within a South African context.
  • The reasons for State intervention in the housing market is critically analysed in relation to the changing nature of production and consumption of housing.
  • The concept of sustainable development is explained in the context of creating human settlements using the three pillars of sustainable development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Different research designs are critically evaluated to determine their suitability to specific types of projects.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of different research designs are explained in order to determine the choice of research design and procedures in conducting research.
  • Different research methods and methodologies are analysed in terms of their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Data are measured using (but not limited to) nominal, ordinal, interval and ratio measurement techniques.
  • Information collected is analysed, synthesised and interpreted to establish the significance of the data.
  • Research findings are interpreted in order to use them to solve human settlement problems.
  • The findings and conclusions drawn from the research are presented in written submissions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The specific stages in Human Settlement Development policy formulation and implementation are explained for effective policy design and development.
  • A framework for the formulation of Human Settlement Development policy is developed using relevant sources.
  • Policy development principles are applied to ensure effective service delivery in human settlements.
  • The current Human Settlement Development policy is analysed to determine its impact on a diverse population to support social and economic transformation.
  • The importance of incorporating national and international guidelines for integrated Human Settlement Development is explained in order to create sustainable human settlements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Human rights are analysed with specific reference to the right to adequate housing for all people and other related rights to determine its meaning and application in Human Settlement Development.
  • Legislation and regulatory frameworks impacting on human settlements are analysed and interpreted in the context of Human Settlement Development and Management.
  • The various functions, roles and responsibilities of the various role-players in Human Settlement Development are analysed from legal and policy contexts.
  • The guidelines and principles for Human Settlement Development are examined and applied to ensure integrated and sustainable human settlements.
  • Legal matters pertaining to Human Settlement Development are interpreted and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Basic concepts and principles of economics are explained.
  • The reasons and importance of government intervention and financial arrangements for housing provision to the poor is explained within context.
  • The problems of housing finance and credit are analysed to determine better ways to mobilise finance for Human Settlement Development in South Africa.
  • Financial products provided by the various financial institutions for Human Settlement Development, are critically evaluated to determine appropriateness to consumer needs.
  • The processes and procedures to access finance are evaluated.
  • Recipients of houses are identified and referred to relevant financial institutions to access housing finance according to their individual housing preferences and choices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The complexities of housing needs across variables are described and discussed.
  • Different housing delivery mechanisms are analysed within context.
  • Housing delivery mechanisms are analysed and compared in terms of their relevance in meeting community housing needs, choices and preferences.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Knowledge of the policies governing social housing is demonstrated within context.
  • Knowledge of the principles guiding social housing institutions operations is demonstrated with examples.
  • The concept of corporate governance is discussed in a social housing context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Local economic development policies are identified and analysed to determine relevance of application in Human Settlement Development projects.
  • Human Settlement Development programmes and projects are evaluated to determine their impact on business support and expansion, potential job creation and employment opportunities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Contemporary theories and concepts are applied to analyse Public Administration.
  • The relationship between Public Administration and politics is examined in order to determine role clarity in terms of service delivery.
  • The structure and operation of government organisations are analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • The origins and development of systems theories are explained and understood.
  • Human Settlement Development and management systems, processes, programmes and projects are defined, designed, analysed, compared and evaluated.
  • Human Settlement Development and Management is discussed in accordance with the systems theory.
  • Systems theory and its principles are applied to Human Settlement Development and Management.
  • The consequences of inadequacies and/shortcomings in current Human Settlement Development and management systems are analysed and discussed within a South African context.
  • Human settlement management systems are related and explained in the context of sustainable development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • The origins and development of Integrated Development Planning and Management are explained and understood.
  • Integrated Development Planning and Management is defined and its concepts and contexts are described and discussed.
  • The principles and guidelines of Integrated Development Planning and Management are explained and applied to the development of human settlements.
  • The consequences of inadequacies and/ shortcomings in the current Integrated Development Plans are analysed and discussed within a South African context.
  • Integrated Development Planning and Management are related and explained in the context of sustainable development.
  • Urban design and community architecture concepts and principles are explained and related to integrated, sustainable Human Settlement Development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Organisational management is explained in the context of a human settlements department within a government structure.
  • The concepts and contexts of organisational management are described and discussed.
  • The principles and guidelines of management are explained and applied to the management of a human settlement department.
  • The consequences of inadequacies and/shortcomings in the current management systems and processes in human settlement departments are analysed and discussed.
  • Organisational management is related and explained in the context of sustainable Human Settlement Development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Co-ordination, negotiation and conflict resolution concepts, principles and guidelines are explained in the context of Human Settlements Development and the stakeholders involved therein.
  • The principles, guidelines and practices of end-user education and public information are explained and applied to Human Settlement Development and Management.
  • The consequences of inadequacies and/ shortcomings in the current end-user education and public information practices are analysed and discussed.
  • Disaster management is related and explained in the context of sustainable Human Settlement Development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • The concepts, principles and guidelines of the technical design and construction aspects of houses, infrastructure and services are explained in the context of Human Settlements Development.
  • An analysis is done of the roles and responsibilities of human settlement managers in the supervision of the technical design and construction aspects of houses, infrastructure and services.
  • The consequences of inadequacies and/shortcomings in the current practices are analysed and discussed.
  • Best practices in the technical design and construction aspects of houses, infrastructure and services are identified and discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • The concepts, principles and guidelines of property economics, planning, development, management and valuation are explained.
  • The roles and responsibilities of human settlement managers in property planning, development, management and valuation are analysed.
  • The consequences of inadequacies and/shortcomings in the current property and related practices are analysed and discussed.
  • Best practices in property planning, development, management and valuation are identified and discussed in preparation of the application thereof in practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning. Continuous assessments will be done by means of interim formative assessments and ending with a summative assessment at the end of the study period of each relevant module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Standards Generating Body for Housing conducted a study of relevant international qualifications, and reported as follows:

    International qualifications in the field of housing were examined to ensure that this qualification is comparable with qualification models and competencies required for learners at this level in the field of housing to assess similarities or contrasts in the qualifications. The qualifications and short courses offered in countries where the study was conducted were compared in terms of the scope, content, duration and qualification levels to ascertain best practices. The comparison focused on learning qualifications offered by accredited training institutions and organisations which include, amongst others, universities, non-governmental organisations, providers, in both developing and developed nations.

    Searches indicate that no developing country, other than South Africa, has offered housing specific qualifications. Countries that face similar social, economic, technological challenges like South Africa within the SADC region in particular such as Botswana, Malawi, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Tanzania, have been examined in terms of the qualifications offered; unfortunately none of these have been found to have housing qualifications in place. This qualification will therefore provide a model for the other countries within the SADC region.

    The study indicated that most countries especially the Netherlands, Norway, Hong Kong and Australia offer only conventional built environment qualifications such as architecture, construction management, property management, civil engineering and town and regional planning qualifications. Housing specific qualifications are mainly aimed at social housing or rental housing, as most of their housing provision is predominantly rental accommodation, compared to community and individual based type of housing found in South Africa.

    Other countries compared in developed economies include amongst others, New Zealand, United States of America, United Kingdom, Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands. However, the countries examined have been found to have qualifications offered by some institutions or service providers that are registered with the Chartered Institute for Housing in the United Kingdom, an institute that has relations with the South African Government through the National Department of Human Settlements. The qualifications identified are comparable with this qualification in terms of content, scope and duration, although they are not specifically addressing housing at the level and context that the South African qualification does, given the dynamics in terms of social, economic and cultural diversity. However, some of the countries are using a curriculum model as opposed to outcomes-based model in which this qualification is structured.

    The results indicated that the countries that are affiliated to the Chartered Institute for Housing offer qualifications that contain some elements of the qualification generated and showed prevalence of the themes in terms of content of the modules offered mainly in the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

    This qualification complies with the generally accepted format for a Postgraduate Diploma and professional Degree in that it consists of a theoretical component and a research component designed to develop research techniques, methods and report writing in the discipline. The content of the theoretical component is consistent with that in respected international foundation qualifications and/Postgraduate Diplomas in housing such as:

    De Montfort University in the United Kingdom, offers a Foundation qualification in Housing, Communities and Regeneration, which links housing, urban and rural regeneration and community involvement. The qualification comprises:
  • Government and Social Policy - Housing Practice.
  • Housing Policy.
  • Housing Construction and Property Management.
  • Personal Development Planning.
  • Management Skills.
  • Contemporary Housing Issues.
  • Social and Economic Perspectives.
  • Diversity and Housing.
  • Supporting People.
  • Strategic and Organisational Management.
  • Law and Good Practice.
  • Regeneration and Partnerships.
  • Personal Development Planning.
  • Managing Housing.
  • Housing Finance.
  • Development Process.
  • Project Management.
  • Communities and Regeneration.

    The above qualification is aimed at housing practitioners and others who are seeking to develop a career in the housing and regeneration sectors. The qualification focuses on policy and practice, mainly in the social housing field. Emphasis is also given to the development of academic skills and professional competencies to enable learners to make a full and effective contribution across a range of roles. At the NQF Level 5 equivalent, the focus in the De Montfort qualification is on skills and knowledge in housing construction and development, regeneration, housing policy-making and community involvement. At the NQF Level 6 equivalent, housing management finance and area regeneration are considered in more detail, plus skills in ICT, report writing and numeracy are developed. The NQF Level 7 equivalent focuses on the development of specific skills and expertise such as housing and the customer and housing law. Considering the content of the qualification, it is reflective of modules such as housing laws, housing policy-making and community involvement, these compare well with the current qualification although the context may not be the same given the dynamics and South African environment.

    The Institute for Housing Studies (IHS) at the Erasmus University Rotterdam in the Netherlands offers Postgraduate Diplomas in Housing and Urban Management comprising:
  • Green Cities for Eco-efficiency (ECO-cities course).
  • International Course on Housing and Urban Development.
  • Land Management and Informal Settlement Regularisation.
  • Urban Management Tools for Climate Change.
  • Urban Management and Development Theory.
  • Developing Social Housing Projects.
  • Preparing Bankable PPP Projects.
  • Local Economic Development.

    The Urban Management and Development Theory Postgraduate Diploma, for example, comprises:
  • Urban Policy and Planning, including the policy cycle, participative planning and action planning.
  • Local Government Finance.
  • Economic and Financial Analysis.
  • Urban Social Studies.
  • Public Management.
  • Sustainable Cities and Climate Change.

    The Erasmus University Rotterdam qualifications have been used as a source of information in the development of this qualification.

    Conclusion:
    Although this qualification is closer in comparison to foundation Degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas, it is unique in that it provides professional training for occupations that have only recently come into existence within the sector in South Africa, such as development manager, human settlement manager, urban manager and infrastructure manager. The qualification being at NQF Level 8 provides more in-depth knowledge for the qualifying learners to equip them for the profession. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Qualifying learners may be considered for Postgraduate studies in the Built Environment, Public Management or other related disciplines, but at present no formal articulation agreements exist.

    Potential horizontal articulation with other qualifications at NQF Level 8 includes the:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Development Studies.
  • Bachelor of Administration Honours: Public Administration.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Land Reform and Rural Development.
  • Bachelor of Town and Regional Planning.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours: Property Development: Construction Management.

    Potential vertical articulation with other qualifications at NQF Level 9 includes the:
  • Master of Public Administration.
  • Master of Commerce: Developmental Studies.
  • Master of Philosophy: Housing Development and Management.
  • Master of Arts: Development Studies.
  • Master of Town and Regional Planning.
  • Master of Science: Development Planning. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All modules will be internally examined and externally moderated. Feedback from external moderators informs teaching and learning interactions. All other examination papers and scripts will be moderated by internal staff members thereafter will be sent to an external moderator. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The moderation policy and registered assessors for the qualification and modules are governed by the NMMU policy. Assessors must have an appropriate qualification one NQF Level higher than the current qualification and appropriate experience in the field. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or registered on the National Qualifications Framework, are public property. Thus, the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction: it is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.