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

Master of Architecture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112123  Master of Architecture 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered-data under construction" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2021-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2022-06-30   2025-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
This is a professional Master's Degree, which has as its purpose to educate and train learners with the ability to conduct independent research in the field of architecture. Furthermore, the qualification cultivates structured and independent research to attain specialist knowledge in a chosen field of study. The Master of Architecture (professional) facilitates professional and discipline-specific research primarily through supervision. The supervision and research develops specific knowledge, skills and competencies required for the graduate to be able to conduct and produce advanced scholarly work.

The Master of Architecture, Level 9 graduate will be able to:
1. Evaluate contemporary theoretical thought in architecture, relating to sustainable and responsible architectural place making;
2. Order and assess, independently, a wide range of contemporary architectural and related theories, design methods and construction techniques; structure these theories, design methods and construction techniques to highly complex human ecological environments (landscape specific to man, place, time and culture);
3. Investigate design method and qualitative and quantitative research methods to formulate and evaluate sustainable architectural construction and design theories relating to responsible architectural development applicable to the specific problems inherent to the complex human ecological landscape chosen to be investigated;
4. Critique various and diverse thinking relating to specific problems inherent to a chosen human ecological landscape that the design and construction solution should address;
5. Design, choose and support the appropriate design rational and design synthesis in a complex human ecological environment with sensitivity to all aspects of that human ecological landscape in a logical manner;
6. Formulate and evaluate appropriate problem solving methods, skills and tools, including historical and theoretical research, computer aided design, technical drawings, analysis, two and three dimensional modelling, simulation, and information handling, to research interrelated theoretical, design and construction problems related to a chosen complex human ecological landscape;
7. Describe and evaluate autonomously the appropriateness of a theoretical application as well as the design and construction interventions by critically assessing all aspects of the human ecological landscape relevant a chosen complex human ecological landscape;
8. Integrate and generate information from leading and current historical and theoretical resources, as well as architectural precedent and case studies in order to produce design and construction solutions relating to a chosen complex human ecological landscape;
9. Illustrate and communicate effectively to a range of academic and professional audiences independent research relating to discourses appropriate to the history and theory of architecture, and construction and design problem solving, through academic and professional oral, visual and/or written conversion and presentation techniques in a verity of mediums and in two and three dimensions;
10. Structure and appraise an appropriate concept and competent building design of a complex nature, based on parameters and constraints developed through independent scientific research, which is sensitive to issues of environment and sustainability, as well as cultural issues in a responsible, appropriate and economical manner in an urban, a sub-urban or rural context;
11. Structure and assess construction methods and uses for materials related to multi-storey, multi-functional, complex building types while managing the demands of context, local resources and appropriate technologies that harmonise with the environment, which influence the construction of a building;
12. Devise and revise durable, cost-effective, climate responsive construction details, basic structural concepts pertaining to buildings and research relevant to construction methods and materials;
13. Integrate structural concepts pertaining to buildings and building design;
14. Evaluate architectural and urban environments in very basic terms in an analytical, constructive and critical manner, with sensitivity to architectural and urban aspects;
15. Generate various technological aspects relating to services in one cohesive design and find technological solutions while adhering to building regulations;
16. Prepare a comprehensive set of contract documents of a complex building to acceptable practice standards which illustrates durable, cost-effective, climate-responsive construction systems and details in harmony with the contextual language and the design concept;
17. Evaluate issues of sustainability in the built environment in an ethical and socially responsible manner;
18. Employ national building regulations and local authority approval requirements;
19. Identify and interpret the contents of the various building contracts, the terminology and basic concepts and principles of architectural business practice, and the administrative and logistical support systems in a practice, apply regulatory and legal aspects of the profession and implement the contents of the various building contracts and the SAIA practice manual.

Rationale:
The Master of Architecture, Level 9 is a professional qualification that portrays academic integrity and quality, assuring intellectual credibility as part of an academic culture. This qualification supports relevant education and meets requirements as determined and nationally validated by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and internationally by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA). This Master's Degree is designed in accordance to the outcomes required by SACAP.

The Master of Architecture will provide graduates with Postgraduate-level knowledge, skills and competency appropriate to a vocation as a Candidate Architect, who may register in the appropriate category with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession in terms of the provisions of the Architectural Profession Act 44 of 2000. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicants do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification. A learner who can demonstrate in appropriate ways, through an assessment process, that he/she has acquired the level of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes required for admission to the qualification, may be considered for admission to the qualification. RPL may also be used for credit recognition towards modules in the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Architecture Honours, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Professional Architect Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Construction, 32 Credits.
  • Design Dissertation, 100 Credits.
  • Architectural Treatise, 16 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 16 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. Show 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 integrate it with design solutions.
    5. Communicate appropriately and effectively.
    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, independent thought and practice.
    8. Work in a group work and independently with outside parties in a professional manner.
    9. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the wider social and natural systems, which impact on architecture, and an appreciation for cultural and aesthetic diversity.
    10. Reflect and act upon a wide range of learning strategies, both existing and innovative.
    11. Engage in professional architectural practice in the community in a responsible, ethical manner, and in accordance with legal and statutory requirements.
    12. Demonstrate entrepreneurial skills and opportunities for a future career. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 1:
    The qualifying learner:
  • Demonstrates ability to analyse and interpret knowledge critically.
  • Demonstrates ability to analyse and evaluate research material.
  • Is able to engage in critical debate in the field of study.
  • Demonstrates competence in independent research.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 2:
    The qualifying learner demonstrates:
  • An understanding of architectural research methods and procedures.
  • Competence in a field of architectural research, both individually and as a member of a team.
    And shows ability to:
  • Select and motivate an appropriate piece of architectural research in relation to a design thesis.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 3:
    The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Frame design questions critically.
  • Produce and demonstrate coherent and well resolved architectural designs that integrate knowledge of the social, political, economic and professional context that guides building construction.
  • Evaluate and appraise design briefs critically to ensure that the design response is appropriate to site and context and for reasons such as sustainability and budget.
    And demonstrates an appropriate competence in the areas of:
  • Architectural design.
  • Technical design.
  • Urban design.
    And demonstrates an appropriate philosophical approach which reveals an understanding of theory in a cultural context.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 4:
    The qualifying learner is familiar 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:
    (I) Research.
    (II) Select.
    (III) 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.
    The environmental impact of specification choices in a sustainable manner.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 5:
    The qualifying learner demonstrates skill at communicating ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds:
  • Orally.
  • In writing.
  • Graphically.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 6:
    The qualifying learner can:
  • Represent creative ideas.
  • Produce technical drawings both manually and using computer technology innovatively and technically competently.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 7:
  • In order to perform adequately in addressing all facets of the programme the qualifying learner shows time management, prioritization and initiative at a professional level. The qualifying learner is able to define, motivate and tackle problems with initiative and in an independent manner.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 8:
    The qualifying learner demonstrates professionalism in collaboration, group work and consultation with outside bodies.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 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.
  • An understanding of the histories and theories (historical and contemporary) of architecture and urban design, and its application in critical debate and design.
  • 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.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 10:
    The qualifying 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 evaluate and make decisions about a future career path.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 11:
    The qualifying 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.
    The qualifying learner acquires knowledge to:
  • Set up. Organise and manage an architectural practice.
  • Provide a competent professional service.

    Assessment Criteria for Specific Exit-Level Outcome 12:
    The qualifying learner demonstrates:
  • Initiative.
  • Entrepreneurial strategies.
  • Independence of thought and action.
  • Communication and networking skills.
  • An understanding of financial management and control in a professional situation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment strategy provides for formative, continuous and summative assessment opportunities. This combination of assessment opportunities affords students the opportunity to monitor their progress on a regular basis and address problems as they occur and will include:
    I. Presentation, projects, seminar and assignments on an approved architectural (history, theory, construction and design) topic is required which will test and help to give the learner insight into the complexity of architecture.
    II. Summative assessment allowing demonstration of achieved competences (research skill and a professional attitude) as required by the outcomes of the Qualification by means of a written and presented design dissertation and the oral defence thereof.
    III. Integrated continuous and formative assessment allowing demonstration of achieved competences (knowledge, skill and a professional attitude) as required by the outcomes of the Qualification by means of:
    i. Tests
    ii. Assignments
    iii. Seminars
    iv. External Portfolio Reviews
    v. Internal Presentations
    vi. Research projects and assignments
    vii. Independently developed technical reports
    viii. Independent research treatise. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) quadrennially validates the Architecture Degrees of the UFS. The CAA visiting board combines two CAA representatives in region and out of region, with others nominated by SACAP. All nominees are subject to reciprocal approval.

    CAA validation assesses standards by a multi-lateral international body. The CAA validation ensures international compatibility and establishes a network of academic institutions with architectural qualifications of recognised standard, creating opportunities for exchange between schools, students and teachers. This validation improves mobility for members graduated with CAA recognised national qualifications to practice, teach or study in other member countries through an internationally recognised qualification (subject to local immigration and registration requirements). The validation furthermore serves as a means of recognising qualifications of international applicants for membership. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Architecture in Architectural Technology, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Architecture, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Architecture, Level 10. 
    		•

    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.