SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Architectural Studies

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
9907	Bachelor of Architectural Studies
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
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	360	Level 6	NQF Level 07	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		2033-06-30

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Architectural Studies qualification is to produce a graduate who can show mastery in Architectural design, and construction detailing. The qualification will also enhance the career of the graduate who may opt to study in the related fields of development planning, project management, urban design or landscape design. It adds value to the graduate by providing him or her with economic opportunities and a choice of career paths, any one of which can result in professional status and recognition in the community.

Graduates will have acquired the knowledge and skills to implement an understanding of architecture in the wider community. The qualification introduces an understanding of the wider social, economic, environmental and legal frameworks within which architects operate which leads to a sensitive and appropriate design of the built environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:

Present material using effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions.

Demonstrate the ability to represent creative ideas, produce technical drawings manually and use computer technology in two and three dimensions.

Develop critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research and interpret existing knowledge.

Analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields.

Shows design and problem-solving competencies.

Communicate appropriately and effectively, in writing, visually and orally.

Develop capacity for independent thought and practice and working in groups with peers and he/she has worked directly with communities in a consultative role.

Rationale:
Architecture is an independent profession within the built environment. The first degree in architecture (non-professional) will provide an opportunity to promote the establishment of curricula with an innovative approach to architectural education to achieve the aims of not only inculcating knowledge in a learner but also imparting skill and values essential for prospective architects.

This qualification will produce graduates who can contribute to the economy of South Africa, in that they are employable architectural assistants who are responsible, competent and able to act creatively and with initiative towards the development of a sustainable and productive built environment.

The qualification has been developed with a view to enable learners undertaking the programme of study to progress not only towards the professional degree in architecture, but also towards other Qualifications associated with the built environment.

The qualification provides learners with the competence to work at the level of architectural technologist in architectural practice, or to study further for full registration as a professional architect after registration with the South African Council for The Architectural Profession (SACAP).

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND 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:

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with full exemption.
Or

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
Or

National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory and/or elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 432 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 144 Credits:

Applied Mathematics, 7 Credits

Architectural Design and Theory I, 60 Credits

Theory and Practice of Construction I, 30 Credits

Histories and Theories of Architecture I, 8 Credits

History of Settlement, Architecture and Planning, 12 Credits

Design Representation I, 10 Credits

Digital applications in Architecture I, NQF Level 5, 10 Credits

Building Ecology, 7 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 144 Credits:

Architectural Design and Theory II, 60 Credits

Theory and Practice of Construction II, 30 Credits

Histories and Theories of Architecture, 20 Credits

Design representation II, 10 Credits

Digital Application in Architecture II, 10 Credits

Civil Engineering Theory I, 7 Credits

Introduction to Structures, 7 Credits

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 144.Credits:

Small office practice, 7 Credits

Architectural Design and Theory III, 70 Credits

Histories and Theories of Architecture III, 20 Credits

Theory and Practice of Construction III, 33 Credits

Civil Engineering Theory II, 7 Credits

Civil Engineering Theory III, 7 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Present material using effective and appropriate visual techniques in two and three dimensions.
2. Demonstrate the ability to represent creative ideas, produce technical drawings manually and use computer technology in two and three dimensions.
3. Develop critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research and interpret existing knowledge.
4. Analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields.shows design and problem-solving competencies
5. Communicate appropriately and effectively; in writing, visually and orally.
6. Develop capacity for independent thought and practice and working in groups with peers and he/she has worked directly with communities in a consultative role.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of current technological knowledge in the field of study and its related disciplines.
8. Develop an understanding of the wider social and natural systems that impact on the field of study and an appreciation for cultural and aesthetic diversity.
9. Reflect and act on a wide range of learning strategies, both existing and innovative, professional and ethical relationship with communities and individuals.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are a comprehensive set to assess all the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner:

Present creative ideas and produce technical drawings, both manually and using computer technology in two and three dimensions.

Analyse and interpret knowledge critically in appropriate fields competence in research methods

Analyse and evaluate research material.

Evaluate and address questions through creative and responsible decision making.

Communicate ideas and information to people from a wide range of backgrounds in writing, visually and orally.

Develop the capacity for independent thought and practice, including skills of time management, prioritisation and initiative.

Show technical competencies of appropriate construction technology, building structure, services and technologies, and contract documentation and administration.

Demonstrate collaborative, group participation and consultative skills.

Demonstrate an understanding of current technological norms and practices.

Select and develop sustainable technological and environmental approaches to different contexts.

Display an integrated approach to the field of study.

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

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Learners are assessed in all facets of the program through formative and summative assessments, including integrated ongoing assessments, tests, exams, year-end portfolio reviews, and oral exams, as appropriate to the subject.

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

This qualification is comparable to the following international standards:

The South African context is unique, as there is a 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 BAS aligns with the professional registration category, Architectural Technologist, while the second- and third-degrees BAS Honours and subsequent Master's Degree meet the competency requirements of Senior Architectural Technologist and Professional Architect respectively. The Bachelor of Architectural Studies, BAS Honour's Degree followed by the Master of Architecture 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 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 qualification in architecture. The University of Sydney is the only identified exception, which offers an Honours Degree.

The qualification gives access to the professional degree in architecture i.e. B Arch, BAS Honours or to postgraduate diploma in those countries.

Comparability in the Commonwealth is made by way of joint accreditation boards based on assessment of academic content and standard.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Architectural Design, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning, NQF Level 7.

Vertical articulation:

Bachelor of Architectural Studies Honours, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Management, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Technology, NQF Level 8.

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