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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118134  Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  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  2021-03-25  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 purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Management is to provide Candidate Architects, Candidate Senior Architectural Technologists or other registered professionals with specialised architectural management education.

Learners who hold relevant qualifications will acquire knowledge in the management of the professional practice, construction projects, various architectural contracts and property development projects so that they will be able to effectively and profitably manage these aspects in their professional careers.

Rationale:
Research by the Institute of South African Architects and others have indicated that many architectural firms are struggling to survive and prosper in a changing professional context. Respondents to a research survey confirmed that architectural education in South Africa and elsewhere does not provide any formal training in practice or project management and that a need exists at a Postgraduate level for the education of this nature.

The qualification is consequently aimed at learners who hold, as a minimum, an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Interior Design/Architecture, or equivalent, at NQF Level 7. It is recommended that learners are registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) or a similar, relevant Statutory Professional body and are in full-time employment in a professional practice.

The qualification was developed in consultation with practising Architects (several of whom serve on the SACAP and South African Institute of Architects' (SAIA) professional and educational committees, and Interior Designers who confirmed the need for the qualification.

Once offered, SACAP will be approached with a view towards their validation of the qualification to be acknowledged as equivalent to their Professional Practice Examination Programmes. That means that learners who complete this qualification will potentially be exempt from Professional Qualifying examinations. This will not be marketed as part of the qualification until approval is obtained from SACAP.

The qualification will allow for life-long learning and promotion within a firm. It will also provide for enrichment of employment as it will enable architects' practices to provide enhanced and additional service(s) and to operate more profitably. Furthermore, the qualification will allow qualifying learners who hold only a Bachelor's Degree or an Advanced Diploma to progress and to further their Postgraduate study through providing access to a Master's Degree and ultimately, a Doctoral Degree (PhD). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the Institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits. The purpose of the institution's RPL Policy is to recognise prior learning, to provide access to qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as the basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Architecture or other Built Environment disciplines, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory module, Level 8, 100 Credits:
  • Practice Management, 30 Credits.
  • Project Management, 30 Credits.
  • Architectural Contracts, 20 Credits.
  • Knowledge Management, 20 Credits.

    Elective modules, Level 8, 20 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Property Development and Finance, 20 Credits.
  • Relationship Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Start a viable architectural practice.
    2. Manage an architectural practice.
    3. Manage an architectural and building project.
    4. Manage architectural and building contracts.
    5. Manage information, learning, knowledge and experience in an architectural practice.
    6. Advise clients on property development projects.
    7. Build and maintain positive relations with clients, staff and contractors. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify a viable opportunity for a new practice.
  • Prepare a business plan for a new practice.
  • Structure of a new practice according to the vision and mission of the founders.
  • Incorporate safeguards against claims for professional liability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Manage the finances, operations and risks of architectural practice.
  • Market an architectural practice.
  • Manage the human resources of architectural practice.
  • Prepare a strategic plan for an architectural practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Prepare and manage a project plan and budget for an architectural or building project.
  • Manage the information flow and approval process during an architectural or building project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Select the appropriate form of contract for a building project.
  • Apply basic contract law to avoid and settle disputes in architectural or building projects.
  • Select and customise standard service provider contracts for architectural services.
  • Select suitable contractors to execute architecturally and building contracts.
  • Enforce the terms and conditions of architectural and building contracts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop systems for capturing knowledge and experience in an architectural practice.
  • Develop a continuous learning qualification for the members of architectural practice.
  • Develop a knowledge sharing system for an architectural practice.
  • Manage the use of building Information modelling software in an architectural practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe the fundamentals of property development.
  • Identify and evaluate the feasibility of property development projects.
  • Advise clients about legal requirements and funding of property developments.
  • Manage a property development project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Describe the ethical management of projects and practice.
  • Effectively communicate with clients, staff, consultants and contractors.
  • Build teams within the practice, with clients, contractors and consultants.
  • Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, staff, consultants and contractors.
  • Manage conflict with/between clients, staff, consultants and contractors.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution's policy requires that assessment should be coherently designed as an integral part of the learning process to ensure that full alignment with academic qualifications in terms of the purpose of learning and the content of the qualification is in place. Assessment should furthermore include both formative and summative assessments and that is conducted continuously throughout the learning experience. The purpose of the assessment, type of assessment and dates of all assessments need to be communicated to the learners.

    Formative assessments include:
  • Tests.
  • Assignments with feedback after each assessment.
  • Interim presentations with feedback and critique on work in progress.
  • Comprehensive projects and feedback at regular stages.

    Summative assessments include:
  • The comprehensive project covering all learning outcomes.
  • A final summative assessment covering the entire curriculum. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to similar international qualifications from the United Kingdom and Ireland institutions.

    United Kingdom (UK):
    The University of Brighton offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Management, Practice and Law in Architecture (RQF 7). The qualification covers the following modules Context for practice; Management of architecture; Management of Construction; Practice Management and Business Administration. This qualification is similar to the institution's qualification in terms of levels- the first level after Bachelor's Degrees. The qualifications have roughly the same purpose but the proposed Postgraduate Diploma has a broader focus and wider content.

    The University of Huddersfield offers the Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Practice and Management in Architecture (RIBA part 3) (RQF 7). According to the university's website ", the course comprises a single module: Professional Practice and Management in Architecture, which focuses on the application of the skills and knowledge required for the professional practice of architecture in today's society. Whilst working in architectural practice, learners will prepare a detailed case study of a project in which they have been involved and you will prepare a Personal Evaluation Report of your professional experience. The module includes a short course of full-time study at the university, during which lectures, tutorials and workshops will address the obligations and responsibilities of professional practice as an Architect in the UK.

    The qualification concludes with an 'Office-based Assignment' in which you will be expected to demonstrate your competence, professional awareness, knowledge and ability in the contexts of the management architectural practice, the procurement of buildings and the supervision of building construction, and the legislation relating to Planning procedures and the construction of buildings in the UK, followed by a 'viva voce' examination conducted by a panel of professional architectural practitioners (referred to as the 'Professional Interview')".

    The two qualifications share a similar objective but the institution's qualification has a strong Work Integrated Learning basis. The learning covered is fairly similar and the two qualifications are at comparable levels.

    Ireland:
    The Professional Diploma in Architectural Practice offered by the Dublin Institute of Technology leads to the examination held at the Dublin School of Architecture, which is recognised by the Royal Institute of Architects of Ireland (RIAI) as the final qualifying examination. The qualification enables the learner to achieve Level 9 learning outcomes appropriate to a postgraduate diploma special purpose award as recommended by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland in the National Framework of Qualifications.

    The first three modules are delivered through a series of five credit modules, linked to an extensive lecture programme with additional seminar support, which are:
  • Professionalism and Planning.
  • Building Control and Procurement.
  • Management of Design and Management of Construction.

    The second part of the qualification, the Case Study and Janus (career evaluation) report, is to a large degree undertaken through self-directed study. Learners will be required to submit a Case Study, Janus report and sit an Oral examination. This qualification is also a Postgraduate Diploma Level 9 of the Irish NFQ.

    Conclusion:
    Like most of the other qualifications, its focus is similar to that of the institution's qualification. The biggest difference lies in the absence of the Property Development module. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of the Built Environment Honours in Urban and Regional Planning, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Architecture, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, 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.
     
    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.