Bachelor of Architectural Studies

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies qualification is to produce a graduate who can show mastery in Architectural design, and construction detailing. The qualification will also enhance the career of the graduate who may opt to study in the related fields of development planning, project management, urban design or landscape design. It adds value to the graduate by providing him or her with economic opportunities and a choice of career paths, any one of which can result in professional status and recognition in the community.

Graduates will have acquired the knowledge and skills to implement an understanding of architecture in the wider community. The qualification introduces an understanding of the wider social, economic, environmental and legal frameworks within which architects operate which leads to a sensitive and appropriate design of the built environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to

• Present material using effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions.
• Demonstrate the ability to represent creative ideas, produce technical drawings manually and use computer technology in two and three dimensions.
• Develop critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research and interpret existing knowledge.
• Analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields.
• Shows design and problem-solving competencies.
• Communicate appropriately and effectively, in writing, visually and orally.
• Develop capacity for independent thought and practice and working in groups with peers and he/she has worked directly with communities in a consultative role.

Rationale

Architecture is an independent profession within the built environment. The first degree in architecture (non-professional) will provide an opportunity to promote the establishment of curricula with an innovative approach to architectural education to achieve the aims of not only inculcating knowledge in a learner but also imparting skill and values essential for prospective architects.

This qualification will produce graduates who can contribute to the economy of South Africa, in that they are employable architectural assistants who are responsible, competent and able to act creatively and with initiative towards the development of a sustainable and productive built environment.

The qualification has been developed with a view to enable learners undertaking the programme of study to progress not only towards the professional degree in architecture, but also towards other Qualifications associated with the built environment.

The qualification provides learners with the competence to work at the level of architectural technologist in architectural practice, or to study further for full registration as a professional architect after registration with the South African Council for The Architectural Profession (SACAP).

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with full exemption.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

This qualification comprises compulsory and/or elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 432 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 144 Credits

• Applied Mathematics, 7 Credits
• Architectural Design and Theory I, 60 Credits
• Theory and Practice of Construction I, 30 Credits
• Histories and Theories of Architecture I, 8 Credits
• History of Settlement, Architecture and Planning, 12 Credits
• Design Representation I, 10 Credits
• Digital applications in Architecture I, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits
• Building Ecology, 7 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 144 Credits

• Architectural Design and Theory II, 60 Credits
• Theory and Practice of Construction II, 30 Credits
• Histories and Theories of Architecture, 20 Credits
• Design representation II, 10 Credits
• Digital Application in Architecture II, 10 Credits
• Civil Engineering Theory I, 7 Credits
• Introduction to Structures, 7 Credits

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 144.Credits

• Small office practice, 7 Credits
• Architectural Design and Theory III, 70 Credits
• Histories and Theories of Architecture III, 20 Credits
• Theory and Practice of Construction III, 33 Credits
• Civil Engineering Theory II, 7 Credits
• Civil Engineering Theory III, 7 Credits.

1. Present material using effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions.
2. Demonstrate the ability to represent creative ideas, produce technical drawings manually and use computer technology in two and three dimensions.
3. Develop critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research and interpret existing knowledge.
4. Analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields.shows design and problem-solving competencies
5. Communicate appropriately and effectively; in writing, visually and orally.
6. Develop capacity for independent thought and practice and working in groups with peers and he/she has worked directly with communities in a consultative role.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of current technological knowledge in the field of study and its related disciplines.
8. Develop an understanding of the wider social and natural systems that impact on the field of study and an appreciation for cultural and aesthetic diversity.
9. Reflect and act on a wide range of learning strategies, both existing and innovative, professional and ethical relationship with communities and individuals.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are a comprehensive set to assess all the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:

• Present creative ideas and produce technical drawings, both manually and using computer technology in two and three dimensions.
• Analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields competence in research methods
• Analyse and evaluate research material.
• Evaluate and address questions through creative and responsible decision making.
• Communicate ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds in writing, visually and orally.
• Develop the capacity for independent thought and practice, including skills of time management, prioritisation and initiative.
• Show technical competencies of appropriate construction technology, building structure, services and technologies, and contract documentation and administration.
• Demonstrate collaborative, group participation and consultative skills.
• Demonstrate an understanding of current technological norms and practices.
• Select and develop sustainable technological and environmental approaches to different contexts.
• Display an integrated approach to the field of study.
• Evaluate knowledge of the social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts. .

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Learners are assessed in all facets of the program through formative and summative assessments, including integrated ongoing assessments, tests, exams, year-end portfolio reviews, and oral exams, as appropriate to the subject.

To promote, monitor and measure student learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.