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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Architecture Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103105  Bachelor of Architecture Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours 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  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 0414/23  2018-07-26  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Architecture Honours (BArchHons) qualification is a contextually focused Degree that covers all relevant knowledge fields in architecture. The qualification deals with contemporary architectural relationships between design, theory and technology through a design research agenda. The qualification will enable learners to gain in-depth knowledge through design research processes and exploration of design solutions in response to the built environment challenges in South Africa. The design research will be channelled through focused design research units built on the expertise of senior researchers in the department within an innovative, relevant and creative teaching laboratory. Graduates will be able to integrate, synthesise and resolve a major design in architecture in relation to themes and research topics as set by studio master(s), and to develop a fully-realised design project within a range of technical, structural, cultural and contextual framework(s) - including innovation, urban design and theoretical complexity. In terms of the credits student will be expected to spend at least 30% of the credits in the Architectural Design Project in order to develop and acquire research methods competencies in a studio-based curriculum, incorporating design, urban design, landscape architecture, communication, professional practice, environmentalism and sustainability, and management in architecture.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Architecture Honours (BArchHons) qualification is supported by South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), which has advised all schools and departments of architecture to provide qualifications aligned to the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) guidelines.

The BArchHons qualifications will increase access to postgraduate education and afford students, who may not have resources to continue to a Master's qualification. The qualification will afford students an opportunity to complete their higher education studies in phases from Bachelors, to Honours and finally Masters qualifications as the articulation route.

The BArchHons qualification will produce graduates who are competent to register as a Candidate Senior Architectural Technologists category as prescribed by the Professional Body- South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). Upon graduation BArchHons graduates will be eligible to enter the Master of Architecture qualification which will afford them the opportunity to register as Candidate Professional Architects. The BArchHons has been designed to meet specific registration category requirements of SACAP, as well as for entry into the professional Master of Architecture.

SACAP have endorsed in writing the support for offering this qualification.

By introducing the BArchHons, the Department will be addressing the national skills shortage of architects. The Department of Higher Education and Training places the architecture profession in the top 100 occupations in demand in South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty will endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant.

The Faculty of Architecture Design and Architecture manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this qualification as set out in the RPL policy:
  • Through RPL a student may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.
  • Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the RPL Committee.
  • RPL in the case of a student not complying with the formal entry requirements:
    > Is conducted after payment of the prescribed fees in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University:
    > Is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience;
    > Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required Level;
    > Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme;
    > Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee.
    > Is finally decided upon by the RPL Committee appointed by the Dean.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • Bachelor of Architecture.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 08 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Architectural Design Project, 70 Credits.
  • Architectural History and Theory, 40 Credits.
  • Architectural Professional Practice, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to architectural practice.
    2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of architecture, and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
    3. Select, apply appropriate procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in an architectural discipline or practice.
    4. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex and/or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to a field, discipline or practice.
    5. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection of the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts.
    6. Operate within a context in the built environment, based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between the elements within the system. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, analyse and address complex architectural problems by drawing from knowledge and methods of a specialist area of design.
  • Design solutions demonstrate knowledge of architectural history and design theory of architecture.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Develop a research proposal of acceptable standard for a research project in the module Architectural Design Project.
  • Locate the design study within the broader architectural theory.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Prototype appropriate design solutions using relevant design research tools and CAD technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify, analyse and addresse complex architectural problems by drawing from science, cultural theory, technology, architectural history, urban design philosophy or the psychology of perception.
  • Generate multiple creative solutions to complex problems by using design thinking skills, learning-by-doing and reiterative design-research methods of architectural design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Design solutions demonstrate consideration of ethical issues and users' contexts, and affect positive change.
  • Effect positive change within the broader society by discussing the implications of designs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Produce creative solutions both independently and as a member of inter-disciplinary teams.
  • Provide creative solutions that display critical examination of the relationship between the natural and built environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All the proposed modules for the Bachelor of Architecture Honours (BArchHons) qualification will be assessed on a continuous assessment basis. Continuous assessment includes formative and summative assessment. Integrated learning is achieved by enabling the student to apply the History and theory knowledge to underpin their Design projects. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Architecture qualifications differ across the world with many schools offering many variations that include: 3 +1+1(Bachelors +Honours +Masters); 4+1(Bachelors + Masters); 5 year qualifications (Bachelors only).

    Completion of any one combination of these programmes lead to candidate-architect status for its graduates. In South Africa, South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) has adopted the 3 +1+1 model - that constitutes Bachelors + Honours +and Masters programmes that lead to candidate-architect status for its graduates.

    The BArchHons qualifications offered here compares internationally with a four-year architecture qualifications. SACAP Validation process ensures international compatibility through the validation process that is done in conjunction with Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA).

    The Honours Degree of Bachelor of Architectural Design offered at The University of Adelaide in Australia is recognised as a qualification that further develops research, writing and organisational skills. It also enables learners to demonstrate the ability to undertake high-level study. The Honours qualification opens the possibility for students to continue their studies into the postgraduate Masters (by research) program.

    Bachelor of Architectural Design (Honours) (BArch Des (Hons)) offered at The University of Queensland in Australia is a non-professional degree in the academic study of architecture and the built environment. The qualification includes the possibility of interrelating the study of architecture and other disciplines. Students are provided with the opportunity to conduct in-depth study in an area of choice, demanding literature search, application of research methodology and evidence of knowledge acquired through a written thesis.
    Honours Bachelor of Arts, Architectural Studies offered at University of Toronto in Canada involves the design, production, and organisation of material culture from the scale of domestic objects to the scale of the metropolitan region. As such, studies in architecture interact with numerous related disciplines in the social sciences and humanities, as well as engineering, technology, and media. These studies may lead to professional graduate qualifications in architecture, landscape architecture, planning and urban design, as well as careers in related design disciplines, the arts, history, business, journalism, and public policy. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Industrial Design or similar, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Architecture, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    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.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.