Master of Architecture

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge, values and skills that will enable them to enter the profession of architecture and/or to pursue further qualifications in architecture or related fields.

Rationale

The Master of Architecture (Professional) qualification is a prerequisite qualification for statutory registration as a Candidate Architect with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), in terms of the Architectural Professions Act 2000 (Act No 44 of 2000).

It is focused on developing independent critical inquiry in preparation for practice in a diverse and changing world. Learners are given considerable freedom and support to develop a reflective, critical and speculative relationship to their work. This qualification is also a requirement for professional registration.

The Master of Architecture by research seeks to provide learners with a basic training in research methods and procedures appropriate to the discipline concerned. The qualification will also produce learners for the economy with the capacity to work in teams which must carry out research in the discipline concerned. The qualifying learners will be able to enter PhD qualifications.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As a one-year taught Master's qualification with only two courses, one of which is fundamental to the development of the Design Dissertation course itself, it is not possible for any form of RPL to be motivated for the content of the degree itself. This is also in line with the professional body's requirements for candidate architects.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for access to this qualification is

• Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours Degree, NQF Level 8.

Or

• An appropriate professional Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 96 Credits at NQF Level 8.

Or

• An appropriate Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules for the Master of Architecture (Professional) Degree, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Dissertation Design, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Technology Research, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Theory Research, 120 Credits.

Or

Compulsory Module for the Master of Architecture (Research) Degree, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Full Dissertation, 180 Credits.

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 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. Demonstrate design competencies at a range of different scales, from the urban, to the level of architectural detailing.
4. Demonstrate familiarity with current technological knowledge and is able to integrate it with design solutions.
5. The qualifying learner is able to communicate information and their own ideas and options appropriately and effectively in well-structured arguments, showing an awareness of audience using academic/professional discourse appropriately.
6. 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 a 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 knowledge, values and practical skills to engage as a candidate professional in architectural practice in the community in a responsible, ethical manner, and in accordance with legal and statutory requirements.
12. Develop entrepreneurial opportunities in a future career.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and interpret knowledge critically.
• Analyse and evaluate architectural research materials.
• Engage in critical debate in the field of study.
• Competently undertake independent research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate working knowledge of architectural research methods and procedures.
• Select and motivate for an appropriate piece of architectural research and relate this to a design dissertation.
• Deal with complex issues systematically and creatively
• Make sound judgements using data and information
• Communicate conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences
• Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
• Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level
• Continue to advance knowledge, develop workable solutions and an understanding as well as skill.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Critically frame design questions.
• Produce a coherent and well resolved architectural designs demonstrated to show the integration of knowledge of the social, political, economic and professional context that guides building construction.
• Evaluate and critically appraise design briefs to ensure that the design response is appropriate to site and context and for reasons such as sustainability and budget, as well as demonstrate competence in the areas of architectural design, technology, and demonstrate reasonable knowledge of urban design, interior design, landscape design and an appropriate theoretical approach which reveals an understanding of theory in a cultural context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Show and integrate knowledge of current technological norms and practices; principles and theories associated with visual, thermal and acoustic environments; of sustainable design and the relationship between climate, built form, construction, life style, energy consumption and human wellbeing.
• Research, select and develop structural and constructional strategies of 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.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

- Demonstrates skill at communicating ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds

> Orally.

> In writing.

> Graphically.

> Using different medium.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Present materials visually displaying creative ideas.
• Represent creative ideas and produce technical drawings both manually and using computer technology.
• Be innovatively and technically competent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Show time management, prioritisation and initiative at a professional level.
• Define, motivate and tackle problems with initiative and in an independent manner and able to exercise appropriate judgment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate professionalism in collaboration, group work and consultation with outside bodies in the architectural discipline when conducting research and in practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Understand influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues.
• Demonstrate knowledge of 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.
• Understand the implications of decisions taken on wider systems and critically appraise and form judgments about the qualities of a design. (spatial, aesthetic, technical and social) within the scope of a wider environment.
• Understand the values required for participation in society as a respected and respectful citizen.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Engage in critical assessment of current teaching and learning practice.
• Evaluate and improve personal work practices.
• Analyse, evaluate, synthesise and make decisions about a future career path.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

- Demonstrate a working knowledge of

> Architectural practice.

> Contract and environmental law.

> The roles and responsibilities of an architect in relation to building contracts.

> project management.

• Reflect upon and act in an ethical manner with communities, individuals and the environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Demonstrate initiative, independence of thought and action, communication and networking skills and an understanding of financial management and control in a professional situation.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is ongoing, whether a leaner is engaged in studiowork or research. Assessment evaluates a learner's ability to grasp a problem, to work creatively with constraints, to gather, analyse, synthesise, evaluate and interpret the necessary information, and to formulate, articulate, develop and represent a relevant and sophisticated response.

Formative assessment focuses on the learner's ability to generate and develop ideas and possible solutions within the requirements and constraints posed by the problem under investigation. It is viewed as an interim response to the learner's output with the possibility of further development upon critical reflection. Formative assessments are conducted according to the discretion of the supervisor notwithstanding a mandatory mid-year review of the progress of the dissertation. The evaluation of the dissertation is formative in character and synoptically evaluates all outcomes. In each case, examiners submit formal reports on the thesis, which are made available to the learner.

Summative assessment focuses on the learner's response to the requirements and constraints posed by the problem. Summative assessment takes the form of a final examination of the theory and technology research papers at the end of the first semester and an oral presentation of the Design Dissertation at the end of the academic year.