Master of Architecture
There are two routes to obtaining a MArch - by research, or by coursework and discourse. The purpose of these two routes varies slightly:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Master's Degree
Credits
180
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
University of Witwatersrand
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
2024-07-01
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
There are two routes to obtaining a MArch - by research, or by coursework and discourse. The purpose of these two routes varies slightly:
MArch by research
The qualification allows the learner to clarify and extend the body of knowledge of architecture through focused research on an aspect of this field. The qualification does not lead to additional professional recognition, but benefits society by enhancing the knowledge of the discipline of architecture. It provides value to the learner by enhancing career opportunities in an academic environment, leading to the possibility of studying further at a Doctoral level. Other career opportunities are opened up through increased status as an authority or consultant within the built environment professions and through recognition of the qualification in the wider community.
MArch by coursework and discourse
The qualification provides the professionally qualified learner to develop specialized skills, knowledge and values which will allow him/her to be an authority in the professional sub-discipline, or to study further at a Doctoral level. It adds value to the learner through enhanced career opportunities and through increased status within the built environment professions and the recognition in the wider community.
MArch
Society is benefited through the production of professionals with considerable specialized expertise, research and leadership skills. The learner will contribute to the development of a sustainable built environment which responds to the needs and values of the community, within an understanding of international frameworks.
Entry requirements and RPL
MArch by research
The programme assumes that learners are able to communicate through written, oral and visual media at an advanced level, using a range of techniques including computer technology. In addition, they are expected to have a grounding in fields of knowledge appropriate to the discipline of architecture, demonstrating critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research, interpret, refine and modify existing knowledge. Learners should have advanced problem-solving competencies and to demonstrate self-directed, independent thought using a range of learning strategies. The learner is expected to be aware of ethical issues and wider systems in relation to peers and wider society, and to be able to operate in a variety of social and academic contexts.
MArch by coursework and discourse
The programme requires that learners have a level 7 qualification in architecture or a related discipline. It assumes that learners are able to communicate through written, oral and visual media at an advanced level, using a range of techniques including computer technology. In addition, they are expected to have a grounding in fields of knowledge appropriate to the discipline of architecture, demonstrating critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research, interpret, refine and modify existing knowledge. Learners should have advanced problem-solving competencies and to demonstrate self-directed, independent thought using a range of learning strategies. The learner is expected to be aware of ethical issues and wider systems in relation to peers and wider society, and to be able to operate in a variety of social and academic contexts.
Formally Accredited Learning
MArch by research
The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree of the University, or equivalent University-approved qualification, in any discipline appropriate to the research field proposed.
MArch by coursework and discourse
The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree in architecture of the University (Bachelor of Architecture) or a related discipline, or equivalent University-approved qualification.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential- or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Exit level outcomes
A is MArch by research
B is MArch by coursework and discourse
A1
MArch by research
The learner is competent to identify, evaluate and solve problems within the ambit of the research area, and is required to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and ethics both within the immediate context of the problem, and with regard to society as a whole.
B1
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner is competent to identify, evaluate and solve problems within the ambit of the specialization, and within the context of overall architectural considerations. He/she is required to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and ethics, both within the immediate environment of the problem, and with regard to society as a whole.
A2
MArch by research
The learner is required to operate effectively in an academic environment with peers and supervisors. Where appropriate to the research area, the learner is required to interact effectively with communities and other groups and individuals outside the academic arena.
B2
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner is required to operate effectively both as a responsible member of a team and as a team leader. He/she is required to work with communities in both research and problem solving scenarios, and is required to operate effectively and sensitively in such contexts.
A3
MArch by research
The learner is required to have extensive communication skills and the ability to produce material of an internationally acceptable standard.
B3
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner is required to have extensive communication skills in written, oral, graphic and IT media. He/she is required to use these skills to establish authority in the field of architecture and the area of specialization.
A4
MArch by research
The learner will have built on his/her existing knowledge of technology and is able to evaluate the application of technology in relation to wider local and global environmental concerns.
B4
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner is required to build on his/her existing knowledge of technology to meet the demands of the area of specialization, and to be able to make responsible choices in relation to wider local and global environmental concerns.
A5
MArch by research
The learner will be able to locate his/her decision-making and proposals within wider social, legal, economic, intellectual and environmental contexts.
B5
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner is required to locate all of his/her decision making and proposals within the wider social, legal, economic, intellectual and environmental contexts.
6
The learner will have developed a high level of self-management with a critical awareness of personal values.
7
The learner is required to have extensive skills and knowledge in the area of data collection, analysis, organization and evaluation.
8
The learner is exposed to a range of sophisticated learning strategies, and is expected to make informed decisions on those employed.
The learner is required to act responsibly and professionally, with full regard to the needs and aspirations of the society within which he/she operates.
The learner has considerable cultural and aesthetic awareness, and is required to enhance and apply this within the area of specialization.
The learner is exposed to career opportunities both within an entrepreneurial and academic context.
CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES (CCFO)
a) Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. -See ELO 1.
b) Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community. -See ELO 2 and 3.
c) Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. - See ELO 6.
d) Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information. -See ELO 7.
e) Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion. ELO 3.
f) Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. - ELO 4.
g) Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. -See ELO 5.
h) Contributing to the full personal development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
i. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively; -See ELO 6 and 8
ii. Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities, -See ELO 2 and 8; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the university and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.
iii. Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts; ELO 2 and 8.
iv. Exploring education and career opportunities. -See ELO 3 and 8.
v. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. -See ELO 5 and 8.
Associated assessment criteria
A is MArch by research
B is MArch by coursework and discourse
A1
MArch by research
The learner is able
to evaluate existing research and perform individual research,
to communicate results at an international academic level,
to solve problems in a wide range of economic and social contexts,
to contribute significantly to the development of society through mastery of the research area.
B1
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner is able
to evaluate existing research and perform individual research,
to communicate results and original work at an international academic level,
to solve problems in a wide range of economic and social contexts,
to contribute significantly to the development of society through mastery of the research area.
A2
MArch by research
The learner demonstrates
the importance of the exchange ideas and knowledge with peers and supervisors.
The learner is able
to distinguish between different styles of communication in the quest for information, and can apply these appropriately and effectively,
to apply academic ethics and responsibility to all aspects of study and research.
B2
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner demonstrates
the importance of the exchange ideas and knowledge with peers and supervisors,
ability to act effectively as a member of a team and as a team leader
The learner is able to
apply working knowledge and appreciation of group dynamics in a range of situations,
apply different leadership skills appropriately.
The learner understands academic and professional ethics, and can apply these to all aspects of study.
A3
MArch by research
The learner understands a wide range of strategies for communicating in the pursuit of data collection, and in the transmission of the results of research.
The learner demonstrates
exceptional command of communication in writing, orally, visually and using IT, and can apply these media appropriately in the presentation of research material,
sensitivity to cultural diversity in using different modes of communicating, both in the collection of data and in presentation of the results of research.
B3
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner understands a wide range of strategies for communicating and working with teams, groups and communities, and can apply these effectively.
The learner demonstrates
a high level command of communicating in writing, orally, visually and using IT.
sensitivity to cultural diversity in using different modes of communicating.
A4
MArch by research
The learner is able
to evaluate, apply and develop existing and new technological approaches where appropriate to the research area,
to locate technological issues within the research area to wider economic and social systems critically and ethically.
The learner can respond sensitively to the choice of technology in varied cultural settings.
B4
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner is able to
evaluate, apply and develop existing and new technological approaches to the solution of problems in a wide range of contexts,
locate technological issues within the field of specialization to wider economic and
The learner has a wide knowledge of the diverse use of technology related to the specialization, and can respond sensitively to the choice of technology in varied cultural settings.
A5
MArch by research
The learner demonstrates
critical awareness of his/her role as researcher in society.
knowledge of the legal frameworks pertaining to the research area, and is able to relate them to wider legal and ethical contexts.
an understanding of the implications of society's expectations of research.
B5
MArch by coursework and discourse
The learner demonstrates
knowledge of the legal frameworks pertaining to the research area, and is able to relate them to wider legal and ethical contexts.
The learner is able to solve problems in a wide range of economic and social contexts, and is able to contribute significantly to the development of society through mastery of the specialization.
6
In addressing the requirements of the programme, the qualifying learner shows time management, self-motivation, prioritisation and initiative at an advanced level.
7
The learner shows
a working knowledge of different research methods,
understanding of the impact of research on subjects involved in it and society as a whole.
The learner is able to evaluate different methods of data manipulation within a range of scenarios, and understands the social and academic consequences of the choice of method.
8
The learner is able to operate effectively in a professional and academic environment.
The learner demonstrates
cultural and aesthetic awareness and sensitivity,
a wide range of strategies in the pursuit of his/her studies,
The learner is aware of career opportunities open to him/her in both an academic and entrepreneurial context.
Integrated assessment
MArch by research
The learner is required to submit a dissertation of international academic standard which reflects all aspects of the programme.
MArch by coursework
Assessment of coursework takes the form of a combination of seminars, peer evaluation, projects and formal examinations. The discourse is assessed on the basis of a single summative submission, which may be supplemented by interim internal assessment by tutors, and by a final oral at the discretion of the assessors.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This section specifies with which other qualifications of the University the qualification was designed to articulate, i.e. formal articulation; therefore the qualification can articulate informally with equivalent qualifications offered by the University, or with other qualifications offered nationally and internationally.
Further, an applicant registered at the University or another higher education institution for a similar qualification and who has successfully and satisfactorily completed the first half or less of the qualification, may be able to complete the qualification at the University, and may be granted credit for similar courses already completed.
Entry to the qualification
- MArch by research
The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree of the University, or equivalent University-approved qualification, in any discipline appropriate to the research field proposed.
- MArch by coursework and discourse
The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree in architecture of the University (Bachelor of Architecture) or a related discipline, or equivalent University-approved qualification.
Articulation during the qualification
No formal articulation.
On completion of the qualification
- MArch by research
The qualification provides the basis for further academic study in architecture and related disciplines. It qualifies the graduate for admission to programmes at a Doctoral level.
- MArch by coursework and discourse
The qualification provides the basis for further academic and/or professional study in architecture and related disciplines. It qualifies the graduate for admission to programmes at a Doctoral level.
Notes
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.
NOTES
N/A
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.
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