Program Overview

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Architectural Studies

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours is the first year of a two-year postgraduate suite, culminating with the Master of Architecture (Professional). It aims to relook at how we share changing spaces as architects and urban designers in the contemporary African city and beyond.

Overview

The BAS (Hons) is the first year of a two-year postgraduate programme, followed by the MArch, which is the professional degree leading to candidate status as a Professional Architect. It is an integrated suite of six courses run over two semesters, developing a portfolio of speculative spatial propositions and critical arguments in context, that relate research-based design, history/theory, technical skills and imagination.

The strength of the degree lies in the range of approaches to which students 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 course takes account of the current global and local context. We intend to relook at how we share changing spaces as architects and urban designers in the contemporary African city and beyond. We interrogate how modes of communication change teaching and learning, outputs and formats of production. We anticipate the 2023 course to be structured as a form of hybrid learning.

The BAS Hons is intended as a full-time course of study. Part-time studies may be arranged upon special request, breaking the programme over two years. However, these must be approved in advanced by the degree convenor.

Career Opportunities

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours, BAS (Hons), is an honours level exit degree and a prerequisite for admission to the MArch (Professional) degree.

Curriculum

The curriculum is centred around two core design studios, each one linked to another course within the same semester. The first semester studio is linked to a Research Project course, and second semester is linked to a construction course.

• Semester 1:
  • ARPL4000A Advanced Design Studio (45 credits)
  • ARPL4004A Advanced History of Architecture & Urbanism (18 credits)
  • ARPL4005A Research Project (36 credits)
• Semester 2:
  • ARPL4001A Design Studio (45 credits)
  • ARPL4002A Contemporary Architectural Theory (18 credits)
  • ARPL4003A Advanced Theory & Practice of Construction (18 credits)

Entry Requirements

• Qualifying Degree: Candidates must hold a Bachelor of Architectural Studies degree, an Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology, or an equivalent degree in the discipline of architecture at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level 7.
• Year Out: All candidates must have acquired some form of practical experience in architecture or a related discipline, ideally accumulated at least 6 months of full-time equivalent.
• Documentation: Candidates must submit transcripts from all degrees attended, a portfolio of visual/design work, evidence of practical experience, a comprehensive CV, and a statement of purpose.
• Portfolio Guidelines: The candidates portfolio submission must adhere to specific guidelines, including submission of two separate PDFs, each formatted at A4 size, maximum 10MB.

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre. Once the application is complete, it will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees are available on the university's website. The university also provides information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: FHA00
• Faculty: Engineering and the Built Environment
• School: Architecture and Planning
• Qualification: BAS(Hons)
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Study Mode: Full-time
• Closing Date: 30 August