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: 

Master of Architecture 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
9919  Master of Architecture 
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 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
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
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 
There are two routes to obtaining a MArch - by research, or by coursework and discourse. The purpose of these two routes varies slightly:

MArch by research:
The qualification allows the learner to clarify and extend the body of knowledge of architecture through focused research on an aspect of this field. The qualification does not lead to additional professional recognition, but benefits society by enhancing the knowledge of the discipline of architecture. It provides value to the learner by enhancing career opportunities in an academic environment, leading to the possibility of studying further at a Doctoral level. Other career opportunities are opened up through increased status as an authority or consultant within the built environment professions and through recognition of the qualification in the wider community.

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The qualification provides the professionally qualified learner to develop specialized skills, knowledge and values which will allow him/her to be an authority in the professional sub-discipline, or to study further at a Doctoral level. It adds value to the learner through enhanced career opportunities and through increased status within the built environment professions and the recognition in the wider community.

MArch:
Society is benefited through the production of professionals with considerable specialized expertise, research and leadership skills. The learner will contribute to the development of a sustainable built environment which responds to the needs and values of the community, within an understanding of international frameworks. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
MArch by research:
The programme assumes that learners are able to communicate through written, oral and visual media at an advanced level, using a range of techniques including computer technology. In addition, they are expected to have a grounding in fields of knowledge appropriate to the discipline of architecture, demonstrating critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research, interpret, refine and modify existing knowledge. Learners should have advanced problem-solving competencies and to demonstrate self-directed, independent thought using a range of learning strategies. The learner is expected to be aware of ethical issues and wider systems in relation to peers and wider society, and to be able to operate in a variety of social and academic contexts.

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The programme requires that learners have a level 7 qualification in architecture or a related discipline. It assumes that learners are able to communicate through written, oral and visual media at an advanced level, using a range of techniques including computer technology. In addition, they are expected to have a grounding in fields of knowledge appropriate to the discipline of architecture, demonstrating critical, analytical thinking to appreciate, research, interpret, refine and modify existing knowledge. Learners should have advanced problem-solving competencies and to demonstrate self-directed, independent thought using a range of learning strategies. The learner is expected to be aware of ethical issues and wider systems in relation to peers and wider society, and to be able to operate in a variety of social and academic contexts.

Formally Accredited Learning

MArch by research:
The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree of the University, or equivalent University-approved qualification, in any discipline appropriate to the research field proposed.

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree in architecture of the University (Bachelor of Architecture) or a related discipline, or equivalent University-approved qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning
Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or 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. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
A is MArch by research
B is MArch by coursework and discourse

A1

MArch by research:
The learner is competent to identify, evaluate and solve problems within the ambit of the research area, and is required to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and ethics both within the immediate context of the problem, and with regard to society as a whole.

B1

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner is competent to identify, evaluate and solve problems within the ambit of the specialization, and within the context of overall architectural considerations. He/she is required to demonstrate a high level of responsibility and ethics, both within the immediate environment of the problem, and with regard to society as a whole.

A2

MArch by research:
The learner is required to operate effectively in an academic environment with peers and supervisors. Where appropriate to the research area, the learner is required to interact effectively with communities and other groups and individuals outside the academic arena.

B2

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner is required to operate effectively both as a responsible member of a team and as a team leader. He/she is required to work with communities in both research and problem solving scenarios, and is required to operate effectively and sensitively in such contexts.

A3

MArch by research:
The learner is required to have extensive communication skills and the ability to produce material of an internationally acceptable standard.

B3

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner is required to have extensive communication skills in written, oral, graphic and IT media. He/she is required to use these skills to establish authority in the field of architecture and the area of specialization.

A4

MArch by research:
The learner will have built on his/her existing knowledge of technology and is able to evaluate the application of technology in relation to wider local and global environmental concerns.

B4

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner is required to build on his/her existing knowledge of technology to meet the demands of the area of specialization, and to be able to make responsible choices in relation to wider local and global environmental concerns.

A5

MArch by research:
The learner will be able to locate his/her decision-making and proposals within wider social, legal, economic, intellectual and environmental contexts.

B5

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner is required to locate all of his/her decision making and proposals within the wider social, legal, economic, intellectual and environmental contexts.

6

The learner will have developed a high level of self-management with a critical awareness of personal values.

7

The learner is required to have extensive skills and knowledge in the area of data collection, analysis, organization and evaluation.

8

The learner is exposed to a range of sophisticated learning strategies, and is expected to make informed decisions on those employed.
The learner is required to act responsibly and professionally, with full regard to the needs and aspirations of the society within which he/she operates.
The learner has considerable cultural and aesthetic awareness, and is required to enhance and apply this within the area of specialization.
The learner is exposed to career opportunities both within an entrepreneurial and academic context.

CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES (CCFO)

a) Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made. -See ELO 1.

b) Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community. -See ELO 2 and 3.

c) Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. - See ELO 6.

d) Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information. -See ELO 7.

e) Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion. ELO 3.

f) Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others. - ELO 4.

g) Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation. -See ELO 5.

h) Contributing to the full personal development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:

i. Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively; -See ELO 6 and 8
ii. Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities, -See ELO 2 and 8; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the university and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.
iii. Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts; ELO 2 and 8.
iv. Exploring education and career opportunities. -See ELO 3 and 8.
v. Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. -See ELO 5 and 8. 

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
A is MArch by research
B is MArch by coursework and discourse


A1

MArch by research:
The learner is able
to evaluate existing research and perform individual research,
to communicate results at an international academic level,
to solve problems in a wide range of economic and social contexts,
to contribute significantly to the development of society through mastery of the research area.



B1

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner is able
to evaluate existing research and perform individual research,
to communicate results and original work at an international academic level,
to solve problems in a wide range of economic and social contexts,
to contribute significantly to the development of society through mastery of the research area.


A2

MArch by research:
The learner demonstrates
the importance of the exchange ideas and knowledge with peers and supervisors.
The learner is able
to distinguish between different styles of communication in the quest for information, and can apply these appropriately and effectively,
to apply academic ethics and responsibility to all aspects of study and research.


B2

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner demonstrates
the importance of the exchange ideas and knowledge with peers and supervisors,
ability to act effectively as a member of a team and as a team leader
The learner is able to
apply working knowledge and appreciation of group dynamics in a range of situations,
apply different leadership skills appropriately.
The learner understands academic and professional ethics, and can apply these to all aspects of study.


A3

MArch by research:
The learner understands a wide range of strategies for communicating in the pursuit of data collection, and in the transmission of the results of research.
The learner demonstrates
exceptional command of communication in writing, orally, visually and using IT, and can apply these media appropriately in the presentation of research material,
sensitivity to cultural diversity in using different modes of communicating, both in the collection of data and in presentation of the results of research.


B3

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner understands a wide range of strategies for communicating and working with teams, groups and communities, and can apply these effectively.
The learner demonstrates
a high level command of communicating in writing, orally, visually and using IT.
sensitivity to cultural diversity in using different modes of communicating.


A4

MArch by research:
The learner is able
to evaluate, apply and develop existing and new technological approaches where appropriate to the research area,
to locate technological issues within the research area to wider economic and social systems critically and ethically.
The learner can respond sensitively to the choice of technology in varied cultural settings.

B4

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner is able to
evaluate, apply and develop existing and new technological approaches to the solution of problems in a wide range of contexts,
locate technological issues within the field of specialization to wider economic and
The learner has a wide knowledge of the diverse use of technology related to the specialization, and can respond sensitively to the choice of technology in varied cultural settings.

A5

MArch by research:
The learner demonstrates
critical awareness of his/her role as researcher in society.
knowledge of the legal frameworks pertaining to the research area, and is able to relate them to wider legal and ethical contexts.
an understanding of the implications of society's expectations of research.

B5

MArch by coursework and discourse:
The learner demonstrates
knowledge of the legal frameworks pertaining to the research area, and is able to relate them to wider legal and ethical contexts.
The learner is able to solve problems in a wide range of economic and social contexts, and is able to contribute significantly to the development of society through mastery of the specialization.

6

In addressing the requirements of the programme, the qualifying learner shows time management, self-motivation, prioritisation and initiative at an advanced level.

7

The learner shows
a working knowledge of different research methods,
understanding of the impact of research on subjects involved in it and society as a whole.
The learner is able to evaluate different methods of data manipulation within a range of scenarios, and understands the social and academic consequences of the choice of method.

8

The learner is able to operate effectively in a professional and academic environment.
The learner demonstrates
cultural and aesthetic awareness and sensitivity,
a wide range of strategies in the pursuit of his/her studies,
The learner is aware of career opportunities open to him/her in both an academic and entrepreneurial context.

Integrated assessment

MArch by research

The learner is required to submit a dissertation of international academic standard which reflects all aspects of the programme.

MArch by coursework

Assessment of coursework takes the form of a combination of seminars, peer evaluation, projects and formal examinations. The discourse is assessed on the basis of a single summative submission, which may be supplemented by interim internal assessment by tutors, and by a final oral at the discretion of the assessors. 

ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
This section specifies with which other qualifications of the University the qualification was designed to articulate, i.e. formal articulation; therefore the qualification can articulate informally with equivalent qualifications offered by the University, or with other qualifications offered nationally and internationally.

Further, an applicant registered at the University or another higher education institution for a similar qualification and who has successfully and satisfactorily completed the first half or less of the qualification, may be able to complete the qualification at the University, and may be granted credit for similar courses already completed.

Entry to the qualification
  • MArch by research:
    The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree of the University, or equivalent University-approved qualification, in any discipline appropriate to the research field proposed.
  • MArch by coursework and discourse:
    The programme requires that learners have a Professional Bachelor's degree in architecture of the University (Bachelor of Architecture) or a related discipline, or equivalent University-approved qualification.

    Articulation during the qualification
    No formal articulation.

    On completion of the qualification
  • MArch by research:
    The qualification provides the basis for further academic study in architecture and related disciplines. It qualifies the graduate for admission to programmes at a Doctoral level.
  • MArch by coursework and discourse:
    The qualification provides the basis for further academic and/or professional study in architecture and related disciplines. It qualifies the graduate for admission to programmes at a Doctoral level. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal University requirements govern how and by whom moderation is performed. For example, external examiners are appointed. Such moderation seeks, inter alia, to ensure that, where appropriate, our graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. Further, whether an academic entity has a professional orientation or not, the University ensures that its activities are moderated by internal and external review quinquennially. The moderating body for qualifications of the University is the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education, currently represented by the Interim Higher Education Quality Committee. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Internal University quality requirements govern how and by whom assessment may be performed to ensure that assessors have the competence required to assess a qualification of this nature. Once the Higher Education Quality Committee of the Council on Higher Education is constituted and ready to pronounce on issues of quality, the University will respond to the HEQC guidance on the registration of assessors. In the interim, the academic staff of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, are regarded as registered assessors since SAQA has registered the institution as a public higher education provider. 

    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.