SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Technology: Architectural Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
73510	Master of Technology: Architectural Technology
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg
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 02 - Culture and Arts		Design Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	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 purpose of this programme is to offer a programme at the 'Part 2' level as defined by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession thereby preparing learners for entry into the architectural profession at the 'Candidate Architect' registration category.

The student obtaining this Qualification will be a competent architectural practitioner who can conduct high level independent research and independently perform professional architectural services in the public and/or private (formal or informal) sectors or specialized fields in the built environment. The purpose of the new MTech: Architectural Technology (Professional) programme will be to align this department with other departments of architecture and to fully realise its strategic goals by allowing the department to add a Part 2 offering to its existing Part 1 offering. This will allow the department to provide its students with the opportunity to complete the academic component of their training to become Professional Architects, at a single institution.

Rationale:

Since the late 1990s some departments of architecture started introducing a two-degree qualification structure for a variety of reasons, but mainly to align themselves with the Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) Part 1 and Part 2 Validation system.

The Department of Architecture is already offering quality education and excellence in teaching, but the proposed offering will specifically enable the realisation of the aspects of the vision, mission, values and strategic goals of the University that deal with distinguished scholarship, reputable research and innovation and putting intellectual capital to work. This is due to an increased emphasis on theory and research in the MTech degree versus the current National Diploma and Btech offerings. The introduction of the proposed offering will encourage increased research output for both staff and students due to the fact that the current MTech: Architectural Technology (by research) option has proved to be an unattractive option. We believe that this is due to the fact that it is not recognised in terms of professional registration by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) The introduction of, what used to be a two year M Arch (Prof) course, has been on the cards for some time. The Department of Education gave this Department permission to apply for its introduction in 2005. In addition, SACAP has given their support for the introduction of a Part 2 programme as follow-on of our existing offerings. Outside the SACAP Committee we also have the support of all the other Gauteng Universities offering programmes in Architecture and the Gauteng Institute for Architecture (GIFA).

The current level of economic activity and construction work in South Africa has resulted in a severe shortage of Architects. The shortage has resulted in the Government having to import Architects from India and Cuba. Architecture is listed as one of the areas in which a critical shortage of skills exists. Introducing this programme will help alleviate this shortage. Johannesburg as the economic centre of South Africa and Africa and UJ is thus the logical place for the introduction of a new course.

The Department of Architecture revitalised plans in 2006, as a result of an institution wide internal programme review process, to introduce a two year post-graduate degree that would lead to Part 2.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Applicants will have to hold a Qualification with Part 1 validation by SACAP. In addition they would have to provide evidence of an particular design competence.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The Faculty 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 Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to Faculty programmes to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the University of Johannesburg's RPL policy (please refer to uploaded document), which directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, is to Recognise Prior Learning (RPL) in order to provide for access into programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

RPL in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture is guided by an RPL application, selection and assessment form. Applicants are guided by the RPL information brochure and student assessment preparation guidelines, and assessors by the manual for RPL implementers.

Access to the Qualification:

The following minimum admission requirements must be met:

A BTech Architectural Technology: Applied Design degree that carries SACAP Part 1 accreditation with an average mark of 60% and 60% for the modules Applied Design 4 and Theory of Design 4. Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of their own design work.

Or

A BAS or equivalent degree that carries SACAP Part 1 accreditation with a 60% average, and 60% for the exit level Design, Design Theory and Construction related modules. Applicants will be required to submit a portfolio of their own design work.

Or

An equivalent qualification at an equivalent standard as determined by a Status Committee supported by a portfolio of the applicant's own design work.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Achieve the Exit Level Outcomes of the individual coursework modules and apply them in identifying, developing and solving an architectural design problem, solved as an architectural project, and to report on the problem, the objectives set, the process followed, methodologies employed and to argue the appropriateness thereof, and of the solution proposed, in a minor dissertation, produced in an accepted academic format.

This outcome will enable learners to demonstrate and apply knowledge of research methodology that are applicable at various levels of architectural design process.

In addition it will provide Learners the specialist knowledge required in the professional field of Architecture.

2. Apply appropriate research methods and processes to architectural and urban design problems and to publish the results in an academic manner.

This will be achieved in the modules Architectural Projects, Urban Design, Architectural Research Methodology and Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation

3. Define and succinctly describe an architectural design problem.

Learners will have to identify an appropriate architectural design problem set within specified parameters and define/ describe it in terms of problem and sub-problems.

This will be achieved in the module Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation

4. Analyse, synthesise and expand the design problem into an architectural brief.

This will be achieved in the module Architectural Projects and Minor Dissertation.

5. Conduct a needs analyses, literature and precedent studies and to synthesise the results into a functional programme.

This will be achieved in the modules Architectural Projects and Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation.

6. Collect historical, geographic, climatic, statutory and planning data, identify and respond sensitively to relevant environmental relationships in analysing and synthesising these into contextual design parameters.

This outcome provides learners with the specialist architectural knowledge to tackle urban and environmental problems in the unique context. Through this engagement they will be able to generate new knowledge.

This will be achieved in the modules Architectural Projects, Urban Design, Architectural innovation and Architectural Design Technology, Architectural Design Theory and Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation.

7. Integrate the functional programme and contextual design parameters with architectural history and theory in the development of an appropriate design concept.

This outcome is achieved through progressive change in scale of understanding architectural problems i.e. from the wider city-scale, to the precinct and finally the site context.

8. Develop the design concept into an appropriate, realisable and functional design proposal.

This will be achieved in the modules Architectural Projects and Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation.

9. Select, and apply various computer applications to document and present the design proposal in accordance with established professional standards and protocols.

This will be achieved in the modules Architectural Projects and Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation.

10. Develop the design proposal by investigating, selecting, developing and integrating appropriate structural and mechanical systems, innovative technologies, construction materials and construction methods.

This will be achieved in the module Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation.

11. Select, and apply various computer applications to prepare effective contract documents in accordance with established professional standards and protocols.

This will be achieved in the module Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation.

12. Apply relevant office practice, effective administrative systems, legal protocols and professional ethics to facilitate successful construction of architecture projects.

The above outcome will enable learners to evaluate and apply appropriate ethical standards to various architectural problems.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

Identify, analyse and solve problems in the professional, individual and societal environments creatively. These will be met through the process of writing up of a research proposal and dissertation and if a course work module is incorporated though critical thinking and applying reflective skills.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community in the architectural environment. This will be achieved by communicating the research findings to peers, stakeholders and through publication and presentations. The course work module will allow the learners to implement strategies and skills gained through advanced study of specialised technologies.

Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively The Learner will independently source information and logically present a proposal and finally a dissertation or research project in liaison with a mentor and supervisor will achieve this critical cross field.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. The process of developing a research proposal and following the accepted research steps to achieve the completion of a dissertation or report will enable the learner to meet this critical cross field.

Communicate effectively within the architectural environment, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and or written presentation.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that the problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Contribute to the full personal development of the learner:
> Reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively in the field of Architectural research.
> Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
> Explore education, entrepreneurial and career opportunities.

This will be achieved in the modules Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation and Architectural Professional Practice.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

N/A

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The South African government has expressed a need for both a specialist Architectural Design who can operate independently at an advanced level in the various categories of Architectural Design as well as those who will make a contribution, through independent research in a chosen field. The developed qualification should further be comparable with qualifications offered elsewhere in the world. This will ensure that South Africa is on par with international trends and that the students who graduate with these qualifications will have employment both nationally and internationally. This qualification was compared to those offered in America and the United Kingdom (UK).

In some Universities, e.g. Liverpool University, the Master Degree program comprises of a research dissertation, whereas in others it is based on course work and a mini-dissertation. This course is designed to provide a high level of postgraduate training for doctors wishing to become trained in Architectural Technology. The course aims to provide the theoretical knowledge, technical skills and research skills necessary to run a comprehensive architectural technology service. It consists of lectures, clinically supervised practical procedures in the management of architectural technology, and a research project or dissertation. The course is assessed by examination, continual assessment and assessment of the research project or dissertation.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Learners can apply for acceptance onto PhD/ Doctorate programmes in Architecture at Universities that offer such programmes.

MODERATION OPTIONS

The University of Johannesburg Assessment Policy requires that modules which have a written examination at the end of the module must include a minimum of six summative assessment opportunities in a 28 week (year module). All the modules included in the proposed offering are year modules and have, or will have, 8 summative assessment opportunities per year. Where indicated this will include a portfolio assessment that will include a panel of at least 1 (3 for studio based modules) external assessors drawn from other Universities and the profession. The final module, Architectural Project and Minor Dissertation will have a panel consisting of six external assessors, two of whom will assess the minor dissertation before the portfolio assessment.

The University of Johannesburg Assessment Policy requires that assessment be comprised of both formative and summative assessments and be conducted on a continuous basis throughout the learning experience. Both types of assessment are therefore integral components of all the modules within the programme. The table below offers a summary of the types of assessments,and the type of moderation, conducted in each module.

Internal and External moderation:

Moderation processes and procedures ensure that all students are assessed in a consistent, accurate and well-designed manner. Moderation verifies that assessments are fair, reliable, valid, practicable and transparent and also evaluates assessor performance.

The following principles apply for the moderation of Learner evidence:

In a 28-week (year), module at least two assessment opportunities (including the special assessments or supplementary thereof) are moderated.

The moderated assessment opportunities are those that carry the greatest weight in the calculation of the final module mark and are determined by the Assessor.

All first and second year modules are moderated internally, and all third year modules are moderated externally.

Learners receive written and/or oral feedback on all assessments from the assessor. The date, time and place of feedback are communicated in writing to students as part of the assessment plan. Where practicable, learners receive feedback within two weeks of assessment submission. Feedback is provided by one or more of the following methods: a written assessment feedback report, marking checklist, one-on-one interview, and verbal feedback. In line with the The University of Johannesburg Assessment Policy, assessment results are confidential. An individual learner's assessment results are not disclosed to fellow-students or unauthorised staff members. Class lists on notice boards do not include names of students only their student numbers and the results. Constructive feedback which takes the purpose of the assessment into account is provided. Learners are guided on how to avoid making similar mistakes and how to improve their performance.

Moderators are all either experienced academic staff from neighbouring institutions or practicing architects with experience in teaching and/or moderation.

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:

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 Johannesburg