SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Architecture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117912	Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Architecture
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-11-20	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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours Degree in Architecture is a Postgraduate qualification designed to prepare learners for further Postgraduate study and professional registration. This qualification is designed specifically to follow the Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture.

The qualification consolidates and deepens the learner's expertise in Architecture and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of this discipline while equipping them to undertake specialised and intensive learning in certain areas. This qualification allows learners to work independently and responsibly, applying original thought and judgment to design based decisions in complex situations and holders of this qualification are normally prepared to enter the labour market as a candidate Senior Architectural Technologist or to further their studies through Masters and Doctoral qualifications.

Specifically, the purpose of this qualification is to further the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required towards becoming a competent practising Senior Architectural Technologist. This qualification provides preparation for careers in architecture itself and areas that potentially benefit from architectural skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to contribute to the economy and national development. Architectural learners completing this qualification will demonstrate competence in all the Exit Level Outcomes of SACAP for a Senior Architectural Technologist.

Rationale:
Currently, there is a demand from learners of the National Diploma and B.Tech qualifications in the Architectural and the broader built environment industries to further their studies. Likewise, the institution will be able to meet the demand for Senior Architectural Technologists.

The institution has liaised with industry via their advisory board and the current NDip and BTech qualifications are held in regard. The BBE Hons (Architecture) is the most suitable course to follow in upwards articulation. The BBE Hons (Architecture) qualification content will cover the prescribed exit level outcomes of the professional body but will incorporate specific areas, namely environmental design and incorporation of technology Consultation has taken place with the relevant stakeholders through the Architecture department's Industry Liaison Committee (which comprises employers of learners, staff and staff of other local tertiary institutions and members of the industry), and the South African Council of the Architectural Profession (SACAP), with regards to the intention to offer this qualification. Details of the qualification have been presented to the Industry Liaison Committee.

Also, a workshop between departmental staff and visiting staff from one of the department's international partners was held to refine the qualification offers. Endorsement and approval have been obtained from SACAP to offer the qualification.

The List of Occupations in High Demand: 2015 (DHET, 2015, pp. 8-9) includes Architect and Draughtsperson. Learners who complete this qualification will meet the educational requirements for registration with SACAP as Professional Senior Architectural Technologist, which addresses the Draughtsperson aspect of high demand and directly allows for the articulation to Architect.

Qualifying learners will be able to proceed to NQF Level 9 Masters Qualifications and the ability to then proceed to Doctoral Qualifications.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may also be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits may also be achieved by RPL for this qualification.

The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible if the learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the first stage architectural qualification.

Learners who already work in the architectural or allied built environment industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Graduate Attributes (GAs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against the modules of their choice.

Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through a formal institution's RPL process. Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Should the portfolio be deemed incapable of demonstrating competence in certain areas of the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes of the qualification, they may also be required to undergo formal assessments such as oral interviews or written tests in addition to the portfolio to determine their competence.

Learners are assessed by a panel of assessors within the institution against the set outcomes attached to what they are requesting recognition of and recommendations are then made to the relevant Faculty Board structure for final approval.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:

Bachelor of the Built Environment (Architecture) or relevant qualification, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Technology: Architecture, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 132/136 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8, 120 Credits:

Architectural Design 401, 24 Credits.

Advanced Architectural Construction, 12 Credits.

Environmental Studies, 8 Credits.

Architectural Precedent Studies, 12 Credits.

Architectural Design 402, 24 Credits.

Urban Studies, 12 Credits.

Applied Office Practice, 12 Credits.

Research Project, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6 and 7, Select 12 or 16 Credits:

Architectural Technology Applications, 12 Credits.

French for Sciences and Technology 3, 8 Credits.

Mandarin for Sciences and Technology 3, 8 Credits.

French for Sciences and Technology 4, 8 Credits.

Mandarin for Sciences and Technology 4, 8 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and terminology applicable to architectural design, understanding of the fundamentals of the design process.
2. Display a thorough understanding of appropriate planning and problem analysis on a basic level and knowledge of social and environmental issues.
3. Show an understanding of the construction methods and uses for materials related to simple low rise building types, develop durable, cost-effective climatic responsive construction details and conduct limited research into construction methods and materials and the appropriate applications.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the basic structural concepts about buildings.
5. Apply knowledge of the basic spatial and aesthetical aspects appropriate to architecture, knowledge of architectural history in broad terms.
6. Indicate various technological aspects relating to services, knowledge of the building regulations about all building services, knowledge of the following technological aspects and building services.
7. Produce a set of working drawings as part of a set of contract documents of a complex building to acceptable practice standards.
8. Develop durable, cost-effective, climate responsive construction systems and details sensitive to the contextual language of the design concept, understanding of component and material specification.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Design a simple multi-storey building as well as long-span structures, based on parameters and constraints developed through independent scientific research.

Determine the architectural problem and develop a design concept.

Undertake appropriate research into relevant social, economic, environmental, spatial, historical, technical and other relevant contextual aspects and compiled so that findings can be implemented into the final design.

Determine, develop and implement an appropriately rigorous design process.

Develop a design that logically demonstrates resolution integrating knowledge and understanding of the numerous relevant social, economic, environmental, spatial, historical, technical and other relevant contextual aspects.

Conclude the design process in a rational, compliant and coherent presentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Undertake research and present findings related to broad environmental issues around sustainability in a manner that demonstrated an understanding of the research.

Compile findings related to relevant built environment conditions, their associated environmental impacts and strategies and methods of mitigation of these impacts in a manner that demonstrated an understanding of the research.

Develop a specific design response where research findings are appropriately applied to a specific context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Compile findings related to relevant construction methods and materials related to simple multi-storey buildings in a manner that demonstrated an understanding of the research.

Determine the most appropriate use of construction technology and materials for specific building scenarios.

Develop durable, cost-effective, climate-responsive and locally applicable construction details that integrate into the overall building design.

Test the developed details in the form of the constructional design of specific simple and specific multi-story buildings that integrates both construction technology and building design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Develop an effective structural system for a simple multi-storey building.

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic structural concepts about buildings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Develop a specific design response where research findings are appropriately applied to an individual built environment situation.

Test the specific response using a design integrating appropriate urban and individual buildings.

Develop research strategies into architectural history theory and precedent.

Compile findings related to relevant architectural theoretical frameworks and its historical application in a manner that demonstrated an understanding of the research process and the findings.

Determine appropriate individual responses to the application of historical and theoretical aspects is determined through the analytical and critical study of related built precedent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Discuss the inclusion of building services that comply with relevant regulations.

Determine an integrated approach to technical services and related technological aspects to be included in a cohesive design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Produce a set of working drawings as part of a set of contract documents of a complex building to acceptable practice standards.

Compile component and material specification to meet required construction, technological, specific component and regulatory standards.

Plan the submission and approval of local authority building requirements and procedures and integrate it into the documentation.

Compile work utilising generic software that includes web browsers and communication programs, word processing, spreadsheets, and databases to meet the required professional conditions and standards.

Develop Architectural work such as 2-dimensional drawing, 3-dimensional modelling, presentation graphics utilizing specific architectural software and image editing programs to a professional standard.

Publish and maintain a website to a professional standard.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Use correct basic legal, business practice, ethical principles and the associated terminology.

Develop the appropriate administration and logistical support systems in a practice.

Plan the appropriate business structures and principles about the architectural profession.

Design feasible information access and retrieval system.

Develop a functional and integrated management system.

Plan for the meaningful participation in the management and administration of a building project.

Integrated Assessment:
The qualification comprises a mixture of examination and continuous assessment modules and will therefore also combine formative, summative and diagnostic assessment methodologies.

There will be multiple assessment opportunities for the learner to develop and demonstrate the various GAs associated with this qualification. There will be constructive alignment between the development of the intended outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities.

Some of the assessment methodologies will include tests, assignments, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, and presentations. These are used in both the examination and continuous assessment modules. The Examination module uses these methodologies to determine a year mark for the module, which combined with the final examination mark, will result in a final mark for the module.

Also, multiple outcomes will be evaluated in an integrated manner within the research component - Architectural Design 402 and Research Project combined to count towards research credits totalling 40 Credits. Architectural Design 402 is the building design research output while Research Project is the formulation of a treatise of the research informing the building design.

In terms of the institutional policy, all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. Also, all NQF Level 8 modules will be subjected to external moderation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The overall structure of educational qualifications globally to obtain a comparative professional registration and educational qualification to this one is varied, but due to the general alignment of educational qualifications discussed below, the relevant Exit Level Outcomes and competencies are equivalent. Numerous Commonwealth aligned countries qualifications follow the completion of a 3-year undergraduate qualification, followed by a separate honours year (e.g. University of Technology Sydney) - this approach aligns with this current qualification. Other countries follow either a qualification that directly graduates candidates entering from secondary education with an Honours qualification or a two-year postgraduate qualification that is the equivalent of one Honours year and one Masters year combined. Qualifications that combine undergraduate and Honours years into one qualification are spread over three to five years of study (e.g. the University of Lincoln, Queensland University of Technology, or Waterford Institute of Technology). Numerous European institutions favour the 3+2 approach (e.g. Hochschule Koblenz, Gdansk University of Technology).

The overarching similarities between this and other qualifications are the specific design focus that is research-led and individually driven where there is a demonstration of a synthesis of exit level outcomes. This design focus accounts for a significant portion of total credit values of the qualification, between 25% and 100% of the qualifications surveyed - the proposal here is for 30%. Other similarities in many of the qualifications surveyed are the inclusion of specific modules in architectural technology, urbanism, history and theory, and to a lesser extent, professional practice at this level of study.

The differences between qualifications are mainly related to the pedagogic approach used in the qualification rather than the exit level outcomes and competencies, and mainly influences the credit allocation to the specific design based modules. The approach in this qualification is to have a series of discrete modules focussing on certain Exit Level Outcomes that informs the major design focus - this is shared to varying extents with other international qualifications surveyed - while others approach it as units contained within a singular major design module.

International comparability of architectural education qualifications is ensured through the Canberra Accord. The South African Council for the Architectural Profession, the professional body that validates architectural qualifications offered at all South African architectural learning sites for professional registration is a signatory to the Canberra Accord alongside Canada, China, Commonwealth Association of Architects, Korea, Mexico, and the United States of America. The standards of the proposed BBE Hon (Architecture) are comparable with the requirements of the accord, and therefore under this has international comparability based on the required prescribed Exit Level Outcomes being achieved.

Qualifications internationally were looked at, with a focus on qualifications at universities that we have existing ties with. Some are part of the Canberra Accord, others fall under the Architects' Council of Europe. The design of this qualification shares many similarities, as the design is intended to allow for learners to have greater international portability as far as possible within the framework of local requirements for a degree of this nature.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management Systems, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of the Built Environment in Architecture, NQF Level 9.

Master of Architecture, NQF 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.

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