Master of Architecture

Purpose

This qualification is offered in two forms: by coursework and mini-dissertation and by full dissertation. The qualification seeks to develop professionals and researchers in the field of Architecture for South African and African contexts. Architecture has a crucial role to play as the leading discipline in the built environment, in conjunction with surveying, engineering, landscape architecture, urban design and planning. The qualification equips practitioners to make a contribution to scholarship in research and design development related to Architecture.

Rationale

Architecture is a wide-ranging priority but there is a short supply of theoretical and methodological expertise in the country. This qualification aims at educating and training learners with advanced specialist knowledge in Architecture and realise a high degree of sustained proficiency in both scholarship and professional training at a Postgraduate level. It also equips learners with advanced knowledge and skills in planning, designing and practising in a specialised field of Architecture which would in turn produce competent practitioners who can address key social, political and economic issues related to Architecture. In addition, this qualification provides learners who will be able to register as Candidate Professional Architects in terms of the Architectural Professions Act No 44 of 2000 and also be competent in the field of architecture who can gain entry to doctoral studies. Such entry may be subject to further requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and life-long learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role, and subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification of the institution.

An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system, but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. An applicant who after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, must be directed to other suitable learning qualifications prior to admission or to parallel qualifications after admission.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is the

• Bachelor of Architecture Honours, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

This qualification comprises of compulsory full dissertation module and course work mini- dissertation compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 9 totalling 192 Credits.

Compulsory Modules for full dissertation Level 9, 192 Credits

• Dissertation: Library and Information Science, 192 Credits.

Or

Course work: Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 192 Credits

• Simulated Office Project, 32 Credits.
• Applied Architectural Design Project and Technology, 80 Credits.
• Architectural Design Dissertation 48 Credits.
• Professional Practice, 16 Credits.
• Law for Architects 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a sound knowledge base and critical understanding of the specialised field of Architecture.
2. Demonstrate an appreciation of complex design principles and aesthetics; and show an advanced knowledge of health, accessibility and safety issues related to materials, structures and wheel chair accessibility.
3. Engage critically with knowledge in the complex field of Architecture and to contribute to systemic and disciplined thinking in advanced design and problem solving.
4. Contextualised the understanding of complex architectural design matters and issues.
5. Conduct independent inquiry in the field of architecture, design and development, and to report their findings in academically appropriate ways.
6. Demonstrate the potential to act as academic leaders and professional experts in the field of Architecture.

Demonstrate the mastery of knowledge and skills required in the following contexts

• Writing and testing learners orally in all courses during and at the end of each module.
• Submission of portfolio design supported by written documentation for scrutiny and oral examination to a panel of examiners comprising representative academics (internal and external), architectural practitioners and academics or professionals in related disciplines where appropriate.
• Presentation and examination of a scholarly and academically rigorous research document relating to architectural design.
• Creative contribution and a reflective research treatise (for research architectural dissertation).

Integrated Assessment

Course Work and Short-Dissertation: Assessment of the taught component will be continuous in the form of Architectural design dissertation. In order for the assessment purposes pertaining: graphic and oral presentation of complex Architectural design projects, presentation of seminars on selected topics, development of a small, dissertation, annotated bibliographies, critical reviews of recent literature on relevant issues, written papers in which the learners show ability to access, analyse and synthesise complex theoretical understandings and personal practice as well as the independent research on issues related to Architecture to be achieved, written assignments, seminars, attendance, graphic and oral presentations and participation in discussions and workshops will form part of assessment methods.

Full-Dissertation: The achievement of learning outcomes will be assessed through a dissertation in the traditional format as laid down in the Senate of the institution; or by creative contribution and treatise. The latter case applies to, but is not confined to, disciplines such as drama, music and media (scripting, production and performance); creative writing, fine arts and any other disciplines agreed to by Senate. The Master's may take a mixed format comprising a creative contribution and a reflective research treatise that articulates with, and complements, the creative component. The weighting of the written research (treatise) component should not be less than 50% of the entire Degree. In keeping with all Master requirements, technical competence and a mastery of the field would be a necessary requirement for the creative component; while independence of vision, originality and critical engagement would be a requirement for a distinction. In order for the assessment purposes pertaining: creative contribution and a reflective research treatise, research architectural dissertation will form part of the assessment methods.