SAQA

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.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Bachelor of Architecture: Professional

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
48735	Bachelor of Architecture: Professional
ORIGINATOR
SGB Architecture
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First 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	240	Level 7	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 091/21	2021-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2029-06-30

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
110794	Bachelor of Architecture	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	480	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

This Qualification leads to 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 the professional degree, 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

Learners should have an understanding of the social, cultural, economic, environmental and ethical framework within which Architects operate.
They should be competent to design complexes of buildings in a variety of contexts, have a thorough understanding of sustainable building materials and construction techniques and be able to apply this knowledge to their own designs.

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.

Recognition of prior learning

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 to which application is made that he/she has acquired those skills and competencies, may be considered for admission to a programme of study leading 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.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The curriculum of any provider leading to the Qualification must comply with the exit-level outcomes and associated assessment criteria of the Qualification.
Currently, the number of credits at the six providers of architectural Qualifications at this level varies from 240 to 360 and they are best placed to decide the final number of credits to be allocated to fundamental learning, core learning and elective learning and the best combination of these three components of learning in the light of the purpose exit-level outcomes and degree of specialisation of their specific learning programmes. It should be borne in mind that a minimum of 240 credits are required to achieve this Qualification.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. The qualifying learner demonstrates in depth knowledge appropriate to the discipline, and critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research, interpret, refine and modify existing knowledge of architecture

2. The qualifying learner 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. The qualifying learner shows design competencies at a range of different scales, from the urban, to the level of architectural detailing.

4. The qualifying learner is familiar with current technological knowledge and is able to integrate it with design solutions.

5. The qualifying learner is able to communicate information and their own ideas and options appropriately and effectively in well structured arguments, showing an awareness of audience using academic / professional discourse appropriately.

6. The qualifying learner is able to present material using innovative, effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions, showing a high level of technical competence.

7. The qualifying learner demonstrates self-directed, systematic, independent thought and practice.

8. The learner work with peers, in group and is also able to work directly with outside parties in a professional manner.

9. The learner has developed 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.
The learner reflects and acts upon a wide range of learning strategies, both existing and innovative.

11.
The learner has acquired 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.
The qualifying learner will 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 knowldedge 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 practise.

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 five academic year 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

Completion of the Qualification will allow access to:
Master of Architecture Research M.Arch (Research)
Master of Urban Design (MUD)
Master of City Planning and Urban Design (MCPUD)
Master of Science in Building (M Sc Build)
DTech Architectural Technology
Other Qualifications at NQF level 08

MODERATION OPTIONS

The Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) has primary responsibility for all higher education quality functions.
The HEQC programme accreditation framework is expected to make provision for ongoing accreditation of professional Qualifications by professional institutions.

Moderation options include

external peer reviews

assessment of standards by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession in terms of The Architectural Professions Act No 44 of 2000

compliance with the framework, regulations and requirements established by the HEQC which includes the appointment of accredited/registered external examiners (external to the provider)

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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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