Description
The Master of Industrial Engineering is designed to have 240 credits at NQF Level 9. The programme is designed to produce
graduates who can evaluate processes in complex systems (organisations) by competitive variables using the tools and
techniques of Industrial Engineering, Business and Economics so as to design new or improved processes. They will demonstrate
capacity for self‐directed study, working independently to assemble knowledge in the forefront of fields in Industrial Engineering
and research them, using the scientific method, in an industrial situation. The programme targets engineers working across the
whole spectrum of industry. The programme will be a combination of coursework and a thesis
Graduates of this programme will be able to find employment in industry (e.g. mining, manufacturing, service, transport, and
construction) in positions such as Operations Managers/Consultants/Researchers, Project Managers, Quality Assurance
Managers, Supply Chain Managers, Productivity Analysts, etc. and be in a position to start or expand their own businesses.
Admission Requirements
The Master of Industrial Engineering seeks to recruit suitably qualified candidates who are capable of benefiting from,
contributing to, and successfully completing the programme. In order to be considered for admission to this programme,
applicants must:
- Hold a Bachelor of Engineering degree, or a four‐year Bachelor degree in a discipline that includes professional studies of the underlying subject matter in engineering with a component of supervised research, or an equivalent qualification at NQF level 8 from a recognised institution.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English communication at post graduate level, as demonstrated by the fact that the undergraduate degree was done in the medium of English. If the undergraduate degree was not obtained in the medium of English, then the applicant will be required to show proficiency in the medium of English through achieving at least band 7 of the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or an equivalent test.
- Be employed or self‐employed for the duration of the programme.An evaluation of the applicant’s academic record and a letter of motivation providing reasons for wishing to enrol for the Master of Industrial Engineering will be used for initial short listing purposes. All candidates on the final shortlist will be invited to a selection panel interview. As places are limited, all short listed candidates will be interviewed to:
- Clarify expectations to students, e.g. regarding work place research (e.g. enrolling in the programme assumes that they are employed and likely to remain so for the duration of the programme); and
- To measure performance in potentially weak areas. A student presenting with a B.Eng. is likely to be asked questions testing their communication skills, whereas a person presenting with a degree in a related cognate area is likely to be asked about their mathematical, statistical and design skills. This preliminary process is necessary to provide admitted students with the best potential of success.
Career Opportunities
The Master of Industrial Engineering program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the manufacturing, service, and healthcare industries. Graduates may work as industrial engineers, responsible for the design, development, and implementation of production and operational systems, or as project managers, overseeing large-scale projects from conception to completion. Career opportunities also exist in consulting, supply chain management, operations research, and quality assurance. Industrial engineering is a rapidly-growing field, and master's degree holders are in high demand as organizations seek to improve efficiency, productivity and quality.