Bachelor of Architecture

This Qualification is a professional qualifying degree in architecture. It provides learners with the knowledge, values and skills to register as candidate architects, preceding full registration after complying with conditions set by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession.

It requires learners to demonstrate competence in integrating design technology and research through submission of a self-motivated, supervised thesis project.

In addition, it qualifies learners to study further for higher Qualifications in architecture or in related disciplines.

Rationale

The Qualification forms part of the programme towards professional registration. The Qualification has been developed to enable learners not only to progress towards professional registration, but also towards other Qualifications associated with the built environment and to gain entry into other higher Qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Formal Prior Learning

Prior Learning is recognised if evidence is produced that shows that the learner has achieved at a satisfactory level, the outcomes for admission to programmes of study leading to the achievement of the Qualification in part or in full subject to the rules contained in the RPL policy documents of the providers.

Non-formal and Informal Prior Experiential Learning

An applicant whose level of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes have not been assessed earlier in terms of the formal Qualification in question but can demonstrate in appropriate ways, through assessment by the institution that he/she has acquired those skills and competencies, may be considered for admission to this Qualification.

An applicant who, after such assessment is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.

Or

Any equivalent National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification.

The learner should be computer literate in areas of word processing; computer aided design and three-dimensional modeling and be able to communicate effectively, verbally, graphically and mathematically.

The qualification consists of a number of modules which total 480 Credits. The modules are determined by the faculty and may be amended from time to time in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Council on Higher Education (CHE).

The qualifying learner should

1. Demonstrate in depth knowledge appropriate to the discipline, and critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research, interpret, refine and modify existing knowledge of architecture.
2. Demonstrate a knowledge of architectural research methods, skills in the practice of architectural research appropriate to a specific context and the ability to integrate architectural research and design.
3. Show design competencies at a range of different scales, from the urban, to the level of architectural detailing.
4. Be familiar with current technological knowledge and be able to integrate it with design solutions.
5. Communicate information and own ideas and options appropriately and effectively in well- structured arguments, showing an awareness of audience using academic/professional discourse appropriately.
6. Be able to present material using innovative, effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions, showing a high level of technical competence.
7. Demonstrate self-directed, systematic, independent thought and practice.
8. Work with peers, in group and be able to work directly with outside parties in a professional manner.
9. Develop a broad understanding of the wider social and natural systems, which impact on architecture, and has developed an appreciation for cultural and aesthetic diversity.
10. Reflect and act upon a wide range of learning strategies, both existing and innovative.
11. Acquire the knowledge, values and practical skills to engage as a candidate professional in professional architectural practice in the community in a responsible, ethical manner, and in accordance with legal and statutory requirements.
12. Be equipped to develop entrepreneurial opportunities in a future career.

1. The evidence shows that

• The ability to analyse and interpret knowledge critically is shown.
• The ability to analyse and evaluate architectural research materials is demonstrated.
• The ability to engage in critical debate in the field of study is displayed.
• Competence in undertaking independent research is demonstrated.

2. The evidence shows that

• A working knowledge of architectural research methods and procedures

is shown.

• An appropriate piece of architectural research is selected and motivated for in relation to a design dissertation.

3. The learner is able to

• Design questions are framed critically.
• A coherent and well resolved architectural designs are produced and demonstrated to show the integration of knowledge of the social, political, economic and professional context that guides building construction.
• Design briefs are evaluated and critically appraised to ensure that the design response is appropriate to site and context and for reasons such as sustainability and budget, as well as demonstrates competence in the areas of.
• Architectural design.
• Technical design and demonstrates reasonable knowledge of.
• Urban design.
• Interior design.
• Landscape design and an appropriate theoretical approach which reveals an understanding of theory in a cultural context is demonstrated.

4. The qualifying learner shows evidence of familiarity with and able to integrate knowledge of

• Current technological norms and practices.
• The principles and theories associated with visual, thermal and acoustic environments.
• Sustainable design and the relationship between climate, built form, construction, life style, energy consumption and human well-being and is able to.
• Research.
• Select and.
• Develop structural and constructional strategies or a complex building or group of buildings, employing integrative knowledge of.
• Structural theories.
• Construction techniques and processes.
• The physical properties of building materials.
• The provision of building services and.
• The environmental impact of specification choices.

In a sustainable manner.

5. The learner demonstrates skill at communicating ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds

• Orally.
• In writing.
• Graphically.

using different medium.

6.Materials are presented visually displaying creative ideas.

The learner can

• Represent creative ideas and technical drawings are produced both manually and using computer technology innovatively and technically competently.

7.In order to perform adequately in addressing all facets of the programme the learner shows time management, prioritisation and initiative at a professional level. The qualifying learner is able to define, motivate and tackle problems with initiative and in an independent manner.

8.The qualifying learner demonstrates professionalism in collaboration, group work and consultation with outside bodies in the architectural discipline when conducting research and in practice.

9. The qualifying learner demonstrates

• An understanding of the influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues.
• Knowledge of the histories and theories of architecture and urban design, the history of ideas and the related disciplines of art, cultural studies and landscape studies and its application in critical debate.
• An understanding of the implications of decisions taken on wider systems and the ability to critically appraise and form judgments about the qualities of a design (spatial, aesthetic, technical and social) within the scope of a wider environment.
• The values required for participation in society as a respected and respectful citizen.

10.The learner shows

• The ability to engage in critical assessment of current teaching and learning practice.
• The ability to evaluate and improve personal work practices.
• The ability to analyse, evaluate, synthesise and make decisions about a future career path.

11.The learner demonstrates a working knowledge of

• Architectural practice.
• Contract and environmental law.
• The roles and responsibilities of an architect in relation to building contracts.
• Project management.

The qualifying learner shows the ability to reflect upon and act in an ethical manner with communities, individuals and the environment.

12.The learner demonstrates

• Initiative.
• Independence of thought and action.
• Communication and networking skills.
• An understanding of financial management and control in a professional situation.

Integrated Assessment

Learners are assessed through written assignments, oral and graphic presentations, written examinations and through a final, independently motivated dissertation project.

This has theoretical, design and technical components. It is examined as an integrated piece of work in an oral examination incorporating verbal, written and visual submissions.