SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Master of Architecture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101991	Master of Architecture
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction		Physical Planning, Design and Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	180	Not Applicable	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
3977	Master of Architecture	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

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.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

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.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

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

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.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares favourably with the following qualification:

Netherlands, Delft University offers Masters Degree (MSc).

The Degree corresponds with international Degrees of this kind, typical of which is the Schools of Architecture at Delft University, which award a Master's Degree.

The Qualification is comparable in length and depth of engagement with similar Master of Architecture (Professional) degrees around the world. As the qualification is the conclusion of a 5 year study cycle necessary for entry as a candidate architect it is also similar as an exit degree to five-year professional architecture degrees (whether B Arch or M Arch (prof) or similar) throughout the world. Due to the recognition of the current MArch(Prof) qualification by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (a body that undertakes extensive bench-marking and validation of professional architectural degrees around the world), it will give access to international registration or licensing as a professional architect subject to experience and examination requirements being met in those domains.

The Master of Architecture by research is comparable to other similar qualifications around the world with regards to outcomes and assessment criteria, degree of difficulty and notional learning time. The standard is assured, inter alia, by a requirement for assessment by external examiners who hold a university academic position, and where at least one is based outside of the institution. PhD graduates are accepted to Post-Doctoral positions in academic, research and industrial positions around the world.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification articulates with the following qualifications:

Horizontal Articulation:

Master of City and Regional Planning, Level 9.

Master of Science specialising in Building (MSc), Level 9.

Master of Urban Design, Level 9.

Vertical Articulation:

A Doctoral qualification specialising in Architecture, Level 10.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

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LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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