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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49922  Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  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   2031-06-30  

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 qualification forms part of the more extensive Architectural Studies Qualification. It constitutes a year-long qualification of study after the initial three-year Bachelor of Architectural Studies qualification, qualifying learners to exit the larger qualification and enter other qualifications offered at Masters Level. It would be equivalent to a learner exiting the second bachelor's qualification, Bachelor of Architecture, after one year of the two year BArch qualification. The BArch allows a learner to become a learner professional architect, whereas the qualification proposes a shorter, academic - rather than a professional - route to Masters level study in Architecture.

The qualification develops advanced critical, technical and design skills and training in the methodology and practice of architectural research. It provides learners with the knowledge, values and skills to study further in built environment disciplines by broadening their academic experience, skills and expertise. Qualified learners will have acquired the knowledge and skills to implement an understanding of the built environment on the broader community and an understanding of the contribution they can make towards research, development and nation-building.

Rationale: 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Learners who fall outside of the regular admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Institution that they have a qualification, experiential or work-based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum by including preliminary qualifications before admission to the qualification or parallel qualification after admission.

Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Fundamental: 15 credits, Level 6; 15 credits, Level 7
    Total: 30 credits
  • Core: 75 credits, Level 7
    Total: 75 credits
  • Elective: 75 credits, Level 7
    Total: 75 credits
  • Total: 15 credits, Level 5; 165 cedits, Level 7

    Total: 180 credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. The qualifying learner has developed an understanding of a broad range of fields of knowledge appropriate to the discipline of architecture, and critical analytical thinking to appreciate, research, interpret, refine and modify existing knowledge.

    2. The qualifying learner has a working knowledge of and skills in the methodology/s and practice of architectural research.

    3. The qualifying learner shows general design and problem solving competencies and is able to apply them in a number of specialist applications.

    4. The qualifying learner is familiar with current technological knowledge in the field of study and its related disciplines.

    5. The qualifying learner is able to communicate appropriately and effectively.

    6. The learner is able to present material using effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions.

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

    8. The qualifying learner has experience in group work with peers and is able to worked directly with communities in a consultative role.

    9. The qualifying learner has developed an understanding of the wider social and natural systems which impact on the field of study and has developed an appreciation for cultural and aesthetic diversity.

    10. The qualifying learner reflects and acts upon a wide range of learning strategies, both existing and innovative. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
    The qualifying learner:
  • Shows the ability to analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields.
  • Shows the ability to analyse and evaluate research material.
  • Can engage in critical debate in the field of study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
    The qualifying learner:
  • Shows an understanding of different research methodologies appropriate to architecture.
  • Demonstrates competence in a field of architectural research, both individually and as member of a team.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
    The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Frame design questions critically.
  • Design.
  • Evaluate and address questions through creative and responsible decision making.
  • Apply design processes in a number of specialist contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
    The qualifying learner is:
  • Familiar with current technological norms and practices and is able to.
    > Research.
    > Select and,
    > Develop sustainable technological and environmental approaches to different contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
    The qualifying learner demonstrates competence at communicating ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds:
  • Orally.
  • In writing.
  • Visually.

    With the assistance of:
    > Manual and.
    > Computer technology.
  • Represent creative ideas and,
  • Produce technical drawings.

    Both:
  • Manually and,
  • Using computer technology.
  • In two and three dimensions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
  • In order to perform adequately in addressing all facets of the qualification the qualifying learner shows time management, prioritisation and initiative.
  • The qualifying learner is able to define and tackle a problem within a generally defined framework.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:
    The qualifying learner demonstrates:
  • The ability to consult and collaborate with people from a range of backgrounds.
  • The ability to participate in group work effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9:
    The qualifying learner demonstrates:
  • An integrated approach to the field of study.
  • Knowledge of social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts.
  • Understanding of the implications of decisions taken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10:
    The qualifying learner shows:
  • The ability to engage in critical assessment of current teaching and learning practice of the discipline and related fields
  • The ability to reflect upon and improve individual work practices

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners are assessed through written assignments, oral and graphic presentations, written examinations and through a final oral examination where all aspects of the qualification are assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    N/A 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Property Development and Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture Honours, Level 8.

    Vertical articulation:
  • Master of Architecture, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Development Planning, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Building, Level 9.
  • Master of Urban Design, Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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.
     
    1. University of Witwatersrand 


    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.