Doctor of Architecture
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Doctoral Degree
Credits
360
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
0
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction
Subfield
Physical Planning, Design and Management
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2021-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The principal purposes of the qualification are to
- Provide advanced training in research methods and procedures.
- Facilitate appropriate, advanced study.
The qualification aims to produce qualifying learners who are prepared for and understand the principles of
- Life-long learning.
- Critical citizenship.
- Lateral, critical and creative thinking.
- A wide range of issues which are crucial to the welfare of the society.
Rationale
The Doctor of Architecture (DArch) is awarded on successful completion of research whereby the learner makes a substantial and original contribution to the international body of knowledge related to the built environment, encourages and supports pursuance of related research-based enquiry and promotes the dissemination of previously-unpublished information.
The research, and other advanced study which may be required, is undertaken under the guidance of a supervisor or supervisors appointed for that purpose.
The DArch is for candidates who
- Meet the admission requirements.
- Satisfy the requirements for the award of the qualification; and.
- Have a desire to undertake research and possibly other advanced study, at the highest postgraduate level.
- To assist all relevant stakeholders and role-players, such as potential employers operating in the built environment or other fields related to physical planning and construction, curriculum developers and providers of learning programmes, all education and training bodies, moderators, learners and their parents, to understand the criteria which determine the level and the outcomes associated with this postgraduate programme.
The qualification will produce qualified persons
- Who are capable of undertaking research at an advanced level.
- Whose work will be to the advantage of the national economy.
- With the capacity to work independently on advanced research projects.
- Who are competent to work as educators and researchers in institutions of higher learning.
- For employment in fields of economic activity related to the built environment.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Persons desiring entrance to the qualification are
- Advised, assisted and supported (portfolio compilation, orientation to required levels of competence, substantiation of their claims regarding prior skills/experience, planning of progression).
- Evaluated and assessed in accordance with their claims regarding prior skills and experience gained (portfolio review, implementation of assessment/evaluation methods, recommendations arising from the assessment/evaluation processes).
- Provided with quality management/assurance objectives to support the achievement of competence leading to the award of the qualification (assessment of competence in respect of required outcomes, auditing, approval, recommendation, reporting).
Entry Requirements
The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is
- A relevant Master's Degree in Architecture, or closely related field, Level 9.
Replacement note
This qualification replaces
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of a compulsory module at Level 8 totalling 360 Credits.
- A Research Thesis, 360 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate a thorough grounding in epistemological issues and research methods.
- Demonstrate thorough familiarity with the relevant literature.
- Demonstrate independent execution of the following research tasks.
- Demonstrate competence in carrying out research of a quality suitable for publication in international peer-reviewed journals (i e research that significantly contributes to knowledge).
Associated assessment criteria
The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
- Understand the epistemological and methodological issues in drafting a research thesis.
- Demonstrate thorough and critical familiarity with the relevant literature.
- Conduct competence in advanced research, related to:
> Write a research proposal.
> Use literature to identify the theoretical issues pertaining to the proposal.
> Formulate precise research questions.
> Select or devise appropriate research methods.
> Execute the research.
> Demonstrate critical analysis of the results and findings emanating from the research.
> Write up the research.
- Demonstrate excellent linguistic skills, including correct spelling, grammar, text formatting and presentation.
- Ensure the research meets the prerequisite standards for publication in international peer-reviewed journals (i e research that significantly contributes to knowledge.
Integrated Assessment
The evaluation of a doctoral thesis
- Is formative in character.
- Synoptically assesses all outcomes.
Examiners submit formal reports on the thesis, which should be made available to the candidate.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
The Doctor of Architecture (DArch) is the highest academic qualification attainable, and articulation possibilities do not apply. However, while the possibility exists that those learners who are admitted for the qualification leading to the awarding of Master's qualifications (by virtue of the quality of the work executed) may be permitted to change their respective candidatures to those for a DArch award, retrospective registration is not normally permitted.
International comparability
Currently, the Department of Architecture at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) educates professional architects and senior architectural technologists and is accredited by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA). SACAP is a full signatory to the Canberra Accord (CA) association. As a result, the qualifications of South African graduates are recognised globally. CA signatories include Canada, China, Korea, Mexico, South Africa, the USA and 35 other countries represented by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA).
The thesis of the Doctor of Architecture (DArch) at TUT is expected to be of a standard and rigour comparable with international benchmarks. It will be awarded on successful completion of research which makes a substantial and original contribution to the international body of knowledge related to the built environment, encourages and supports pursuance of related research-based enquiry and promotes the dissemination of previously-unpublished information.
Harvard recently introduced a new Doctoral programme in Architectural Technology, stating: Doctoral research undertaken in this area will have the aim of advancing the state of knowledge in green building, and will typically include issues related to computation and simulation, environmental concerns, and energy performance. In addition to a highly interdisciplinary curriculum that includes theoretical and empirical approaches, especially the history and philosophy of technology, the student will be associated with the Harvard Center for Green Buildings and Cities. (Source: https://www.gsd.harvard.edu/doctoral-programs/doctor-of-philosophy/). This is a clear indication of the current trends in architectural education, research and development. The doctoral programme at TUT will have similar themes as focus areas. The approach will be one of real-world applications and explorations. Unlike Harvard, TUT prefers not to include the more theoretical themes in.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
No provider listing was captured on this qualification record.
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