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:

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		EXCO 0733/25	2024-06-30	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 qualification develops advanced critical, technical and design skills and training in the methodology and practice of architectural design and 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.

The qualifying learners will be able to:

Develop a portfolio of speculative spatial propositions and critical arguments in context

Relate research-based design, history/theory, technical skills and imagination.

Rationale:
The qualification offers a range of approaches to which learners are exposed, with influences and expertise from a large range of architectural practices and academics. These range from the fields of design, research, and experimental practice to conservation, urban design and sustainability.

The qualification takes account of the current global and local context. It advocates for a relook at how people share changing spaces as architects and urban designers in the contemporary African city and beyond. It interrogate how modes of communication change teaching and learning, outputs and formats of production.

The qualification will develop learners who are problem-solvers, rigorous, imaginative, critical, and experimental. Learners will develop graphic communication skills as they we work with fluid spectrum of analogue and digital production.

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 is a prerequisite qualification for admission into the Master of Architecture (Prof) and (Res) at NQF Level 9.

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours (BArchHons) aligns to the professional registration category, Senior Architectural Technologist, while the subsequent Master's Degree meets the competency requirements of Professional Architect.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning:
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, NQF Level 7
Or

Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology, NQF Level 7
or

an equivalent degree in the discipline of Architecture at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 7, as recognized and documented by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8 180 Credits:

Advanced Design Studio, 45 Credits.

Design Studio, 45 Credits.

Contemporary Architectural Theory, 18 Credits.

Advanced Theory and Practice of Construction, 18 Credits.

Advanced History of Architecture and Urbanism, 18 Credits.

Research Project, 36 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Develop 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. Gain a working knowledge of and skills in the methodology/s and practice of architectural research.
3. Show general design and problem-solving competencies and is able to apply them in a number of specialist applications.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of current technological knowledge in the field of study and its related disciplines.
5. Communicate and present material using effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions.
6. Demonstrate self-directed, independent thought and practice.
7. Facilitate group work with peers and is able to worked directly with communities in a consultative role.
8. Develop 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.
9. Reflect and act upon a wide range of learning strategies, both existing and innovative.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:

Analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields.

Show the ability to analyse and evaluate research material.

Engage in critical debate in the field of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:

Show an understanding of different research methodologies appropriate to architecture.

Demonstrate competence in a field of architectural research, both individually and as member of a team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:

Frame design questions critically.

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:

Apply current technological norms and practices.

Develop sustainable technological and environmental approaches to different contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:

Communicate ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds.

Utilise enquiries into digital technologies to design practice and the impact of these technologies on the built environment.

Appraise with web browsers and communication programmes, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, architectural drawing, 3-dimensional modelling and graphic and image-editing programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:

Show time management, prioritisation and initiative.

Define and tackle a problem within a generally defined framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:

Consult and collaborate with people from a range of backgrounds.

Participate in group work effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:

Utilise an integrated approach to the field of study.

Evaluate knowledge of social, cultural, economic and environmental contexts.

Take full responsibility for the implications of decisions taken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9:

Engage in critical assessment of current teaching and learning practice of the discipline and related fields.

Reflect upon and improve individual work practices.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
Assessment is ongoing, whether a leaner is engaged in studiowork or research. Assessment evaluates a learner's ability to grasp a problem, to work creatively with constraints, to gather, analyse, synthesise, evaluate and interpret the necessary information, and to formulate, articulate, develop and represent a relevant and sophisticated response.

Formative assessment:
Focuses on the learner's ability to generate and develop ideas and possible solutions within the requirements and constraints posed by the problem under investigation. It is viewed as an interim response to the learner's output with the possibility of further development upon critical reflection. Formative assessments are conducted according to the discretion of the supervisor notwithstanding a mandatory mid-year review of the progress of the dissertation. The evaluation of the dissertation is formative in character and synoptically evaluates all outcomes. In each case, examiners submit formal reports on the thesis, which are made available to the learner.

Summative assessment:
Focuses on the learner's response to the requirements and constraints posed by the problem. Summative assessment takes the form of a final examination of the theory and technology research papers at the end of the first semester and an oral presentation of the Design Dissertation at the end of the academic year.

In order to promote, monitor and measure student learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The South African context is unique, as the HEQSF requires an NQF Level 8 qualification before articulation to a Master's Degree (NQF Level 9).

Another unique feature is the tiered structure of architectural professional registration in South Africa. Whereas the other Canberra Accord signatories only validate professional architects, the South African Architectural profession has four categories of registration. In this regard, the BArchHons aligns to the professional registration category, Senior Architectural Technologist, while the subsequent Master's Degree meets the competency requirements of Professional Architect. The Bachelor of Architecture Honour's Degree followed by the Master of Architecture at SoAP Wits would meet all the required learning outcomes required for Canberra
Accord international validation while responding to the socio-economic and spatial realities and challenges of South Africa.

As a result, the qualification complies with the first year of a two years Master degree as a typical international qualification level of Schools of Architecture, for example in Europe or Great Britain. The qualification is aligned to the standard competencies of the regulatory validating body, South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), a full signatory of the international validating body, the Canberra Accord. The Canberra Accord validation is based on the UIA-UNESCO Charter for Architectural Education which specifies the learning outcomes required for the registration of professional architects. The Royal Institute of British Architects [RIBA] also defines the learning outcomes for RIBA Part 2 Alignment for registration as candidate architects. The Canberra Accord signatory countries offer either the 5-year Bachelor of Architecture Degree or the 2-year Master's Degree following a 3 year Bachelor's Degree as per the current UKZN programmes in architecture. The University of Sydney is the only identified exception, which offers an Honours Degree.

This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the learning content offered.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Property Development and Management, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning Honours NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Technology, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Management, NQF Level 8.

Vertical articulation:

Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning , NQF Level 9.

Master of Sustainable Urban Practice , NQF Level 9.

Diagonal Articulation:
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

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