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: 

Master of Architecture: Professional 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
49928  Master of Architecture: Professional 
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
Master's Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Level 8 and above  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

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 will be the professionally qualifying degree in architecture, replacing the current BArch degree (see attached letter from SACAP). It provides learners with the knowledge, values and skills to register as candidate professional architects, preceding full registration as architects. It requires learners to demonstrate competence in integrating design, technology and research through the submission of a self motivated, supervised thesis project. In addition, it qualifies learners to study further in architecture or a related discipline.

The qualification forms part of the path a student takes towards professional qualification in architecture. A student studies for two years after the Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) degree, i.e. towards the Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours (one year) and then the Master of Architecture in the field of Professional Practice (one year); the Honours and Masters together replace the current 'second-bachelor's' degree, the Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) degree and qualifying learners exit as candidate professional architects. It qualifies learners for postgraduate study in architecture, urban design or a related field.

The qualification benefits society and the economy by producing employable candidate professional architects who, after two years of working under a registered architect will be eligible for full registration as architects.They are responsible, competent and able to act creatively, professionally and with initiative towards the development of a sustainable and productive built environment. Qualified learners will have acquired the knowledge and skills to implement an understanding of architecture in the wider community and an understanding of the contribution architecture can make towards research, development and nation building. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
A typical applicant would hold a Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours of the University. The qualification assumes that learners should have an understanding of the social, cultural, economic, environmental and ethical frameworks within which architects operate. In addition, 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 the areas of word processing, photoshop, computer aided design and three dimensional modelling and be able to communicate effectively verbally, graphically and mathematically. The student should have a good understanding of the histories and theories of architecture and be able to undertake supervised architectural research. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
N 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
Total credit value, minimum credits required at specific NQF levels and fundemental, core and elective contents:

Fundamental:
  • Architectural Practice (Law), 18 credits, level 8
  • Total: 18 credits, level 8

    Core:
  • Simulated Office Practice, 45 credits, level 8
  • Professional Practice, 18 credits, level 8
  • Advanced Digital Applications, 9 credits, level 8
  • Architectural Design and Discourse (research report), 90 credits, level 8
  • Total: 162 credits, level 8

    Total for the qualification: 180 credits, level 8 
    		•

    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 appropriately and effectively.

    6.
    The 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, independent thought and practice.

    8.
    The qualifying learner has experience in group work with peers and is able to worked directly with outside parties in a professional manner.

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

    11.
    The qualifying learner has acquired the knowledge, values and practical skills to engage 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.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying
    > Refer to outcome 3
  • Working
    > Refer to outcomes 8 and 11
  • Organising
    > Refer to outcome 7
  • Collecting
    > Refer to outcome1, 2, 3, 4 and 10
  • Communicating
    > Refer to outcomes 6 and 7
  • Science
    > Refer to outcomes 4 and 6
  • Demonstrating
    > Refer to outcome 9
  • Contributing
    (i) Refer to outcome 10
    (ii) Refer to outcomes 8, 9 and 11
    (iii) Refer to outcome 9
    (iv) Refer to outcomes 1, 10, 11 and 12
    (v) Refer to outcomes 7 and 12 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
    The qualifying learner:
  • Shows ability to analyse and interpret knowledge critically.
  • Shows the ability to analyse and evaluate research material.
  • Is able to engage in critical debate in the field of study.
  • Demonstrates competence in independent research.

    2.
    The qualifying learner demonstrates:
  • An understanding of architectural research methods and procedures.
  • Competence in a field of architectural research, both individually and as member of a team
    and shows an ability to.
  • Select and motivate an appropriate piece of architectural research in relation to a design thesis.

    3.
    The qualifying learner is able to:
  • Frame design questions critically.
  • Produce and demonstrate coherent and well resolved architectural designs that integrate knowledge of the social, political, economic and professional context that guides building construction.
  • Evaluate and appraise design briefs critically to ensure that the design response is appropriate to site and context and for reasons such as sustainability and budget.

    And demonstrates competence in the areas of:
  • Architectural design.
  • Technical design.
  • Urban design.
    And demonstrates an appropriate philosophical approach which reveals an understanding of theory in a cultural context.

    4.
    The qualifying learner is familiar 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.
  • Develop.

    Structural and constructional strategies for a complex building or group of buildings, employing integrative knowledge of:
  • Structural theories.
  • Construction techniques and processes.
  • The physical properties of buildings materials.
  • The provision of building services.
  • The environmental impact of specification choices.
    In a sustainable manner.

    5.
    The qualifying learner demonstrates skill at communicating ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds:
  • Orally.
  • In writing.
  • Graphically.

    6.
    The qualifying learner can:
  • Represent creative ideas.
  • Produce technical drawings.

    Both:
  • Manually.
  • Using computer technology.
    Innovatively and technically competently.

    7.
  • In order to perform adequately in addressing all facets of the programme the qualifying 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.

    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.
  • An understanding 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 judgements 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 qualifying 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 evaluate and make decisions about a future career path.

    11.
    The qualifying 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.
  • Set up, organise and manage a simulated architectural practice.
  • Provide a competent professional service under simulated conditions.

    12.
    The qualifying 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 thesis project. This has research, 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 
    N/A 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation on entry:
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours, BAS(Hons) or equivalent University approved qualification.

    Articulation on completion:
  • Qualifiers can register at doctoral level at tertiary institutions locally and abroad with the proviso that the registering institution may stipulate additional requirements. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal University measures govern how and by whom moderation is performed. For example, external examiners are appointed on an annual basis. Such moderation seeks, inter alia, to ensure that graduates comply with professional and statutory requirements. The University's activities in this regard are moderated by external review quinquennially. The moderating body for qualifications of the University is the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education. Further, the South African Council of Architects, the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Commonwealth Association of Architects perform validation and accreditation functions of the programme. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The staff of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, are registered assessors since SAQA has accredited the institution as a public higher education provider. Further, the internal university measures govern how and by whom assessment may be performed. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    Abbreviation of the qualification:

    M Arch (Prof)

    Duration:
  • 1 year full-time
  • 2 years part-time

    Viability:

    The University of the Witwatersrand has been offering equivalent programmes in the field of architecture since 1922. It is currently accredited to offer an equivalent professional qualification (the BArch). This qualification is designed to replace the BArch. 
    		•

    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.