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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Architecture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110794  Bachelor of Architecture 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2034-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
This Qualification is a professional qualifying degree in architecture. It provides learners with the knowledge, values and skills to register as candidate architects, preceding full registration after complying with conditions set by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession.

It requires learners to demonstrate competence in integrating design technology and research through submission of a self-motivated, supervised thesis project.

In addition, it qualifies learners to study further for higher Qualifications in architecture or in related disciplines.

Rationale:
The Qualification forms part of the programme towards professional registration. The Qualification has been developed to enable learners not only to progress towards professional registration, but also towards other Qualifications associated with the built environment and to gain entry into other higher Qualifications. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Formal Prior Learning:

Prior Learning is recognised if evidence is produced that shows that the learner has achieved at a satisfactory level, the outcomes for admission to programmes of study leading to the achievement of the Qualification in part or in full subject to the rules contained in the RPL policy documents of the providers.

Non-formal and Informal Prior Experiential Learning:

An applicant whose level of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes have not been assessed earlier in terms of the formal Qualification in question but can demonstrate in appropriate ways, through assessment by the institution that he/she has acquired those skills and competencies, may be considered for admission to this Qualification.

An applicant who, after such assessment is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements:
National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.
Or
Any equivalent National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4 qualification.

The learner should be computer literate in areas of word processing; computer aided design and three-dimensional modeling and be able to communicate effectively, verbally, graphically and mathematically. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The qualification consists of a number of modules which total 480 Credits. The modules are determined by the faculty and may be amended from time to time in accordance with the regulations laid down by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). 

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

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
1. The evidence shows that:
  • The ability to analyse and interpret knowledge critically is shown.
  • The ability to analyse and evaluate architectural research materials is demonstrated.
  • The ability to engage in critical debate in the field of study is displayed.
  • Competence in undertaking independent research is demonstrated.

    2. The evidence shows that:
  • A working knowledge of architectural research methods and procedures
    is shown.
  • An appropriate piece of architectural research is selected and motivated for in relation to a design dissertation.

    3. The learner is able to:
  • Design questions are framed critically.
  • A coherent and well resolved architectural designs are produced and demonstrated to show the integration of knowledge of the social, political, economic and professional context that guides building construction.
  • Design briefs are evaluated and critically appraised to ensure that the design response is appropriate to site and context and for reasons such as sustainability and budget, as well as demonstrates competence in the areas of.
  • Architectural design.
  • Technical design and demonstrates reasonable knowledge of.
  • Urban design.
  • Interior design.
  • Landscape design and an appropriate theoretical approach which reveals an understanding of theory in a cultural context is demonstrated.

    4. The qualifying learner shows evidence of familiarity with and able to integrate knowledge of:
  • Current technological norms and practices.
  • The principles and theories associated with visual, thermal and acoustic environments.
  • Sustainable design and the relationship between climate, built form, construction, life style, energy consumption and human well-being and is able to.
  • Research.
  • Select and.
  • Develop structural and constructional strategies or 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.

    5. The learner demonstrates skill at communicating ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds:
  • Orally.
  • In writing.
  • Graphically.
    using different medium.

    6.Materials are presented visually displaying creative ideas.
    The learner can:
  • Represent creative ideas and technical drawings are produced both manually and using computer technology innovatively and technically competently.

    7.In order to perform adequately in addressing all facets of the programme the learner shows time management, prioritisation and initiative at a professional level. The qualifying learner is able to define, motivate and tackle problems with initiative and in an independent manner.

    8.The qualifying learner demonstrates professionalism in collaboration, group work and consultation with outside bodies in the architectural discipline when conducting research and in practice.

    9. The qualifying learner demonstrates:
  • An understanding of the influences on the contemporary built environment of individual buildings, the design of cities, past and present societies and wider global issues.
  • Knowledge of the 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.
  • An understanding of the implications of decisions taken on wider systems and the ability to critically appraise and form judgments about the qualities of a design (spatial, aesthetic, technical and social) within the scope of a wider environment.
  • The values required for participation in society as a respected and respectful citizen.

    10.The learner shows:
  • The ability to engage in critical assessment of current teaching and learning practice.
  • The ability to evaluate and improve personal work practices.
  • The ability to analyse, evaluate, synthesise and make decisions about a future career path.

    11.The learner demonstrates a working knowledge of:
  • Architectural practice.
  • Contract and environmental law.
  • The roles and responsibilities of an architect in relation to building contracts.
  • Project management.
    The qualifying learner shows the ability to reflect upon and act in an ethical manner with communities, individuals and the environment.

    12.The learner demonstrates:
  • Initiative.
  • Independence of thought and action.
  • Communication and networking skills.
  • An understanding of financial management and control in a professional situation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners are assessed through written assignments, oral and graphic presentations, written examinations and through a final, independently motivated dissertation project.
    This has theoretical, design and technical components. It is examined as an integrated piece of work in an oral examination incorporating verbal, written and visual submissions. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Qualification is comparable in length and vigour of standard with similar academic Qualifications throughout the world. It gives access in most countries to registration or licensing as a professional architect subject to experience and examination requirements being met. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical Articulation:
    The qualification may articulate vertically with:
  • Master of Architecture, Level 9.
  • Master of Urban Design, Level 9).
  • Master of City Planning and Urban Design, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Building, Level 9.

    Horizontal Articulation:
    The qualification may articulate horizontally with qualifications in Architecture and the Built Environment at Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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.
     
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.