BSc Architecture

The Department of Architecture offers an undergraduate programme focusing on designing meaningful environments ranging from small interior spaces to large landscape interventions. Graduates are prepared for advanced professional roles and can pursue further studies in professional honours, master’s programmes, or post-professional specialisations. The programme is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and validated by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).

First Year Studio

Second Year Studio

Third Year Studio

Curriculum

The BSc Architecture is a three-year, full-time, studio-based degree offered through a blended learning model. It develops creative and critical design thinking by addressing complex social, cultural, and environmental issues at various scales. Half the credits come from studio projects focusing on context, users, technology, and spatial design, supported by modules such as Community and Practice, History of the Environment, Construction, and Theory of Structures.

Design & Theory (ONT)

Architecture students earn half their yearly credits through the design module, paired with architectural theory to build relevant vocabulary and theoretical grounding. This studio-based module involves projects of varying scale and complexity, fostering independent, critical thinking and socially, culturally, and ecologically informed solutions. Learning is enhanced through discussion, peer engagement, and assessments. The Department emphasises evidence-based, contextually responsive design over purely stylistic approaches, encouraging students to balance global perspectives with local engagement.

Construction (KON)

The study of construction theory, materials and methods is presented as an extension of design to enable the designer to give tangible expression to built form and realisation to an architectural concept. Presenting increasingly complex applications of construction knowledge in each study year, the stream culminates in the preparation of construction drawings as part of a design realisation integrated with ONT 300 and OKU 300.

Design Communication (OKU)

Design communication offers students the opportunity to develop skills in harnessing especially the digital tools that are essential to designers in the twenty-first century. It deals with visual communication, digital visualisation and representation, and the management of document and building information.

Earth Studies (AAL)

Earth studies introduce students to ecosystemic accountability and systems thinking to guide them towards designing for well-being in the built environment from social, cultural and environmental points of view. It includes socialecological themes that extend to approaches that underpin inclusive, ecological, passive and responsive design.

Community & Practice (JCP/PJS/KKR)

Students participate in collaborative community projects that are directed by our research and initiatives in urban citizenship, as well as the Faculty’s community engagement module. In the third year of study, the focus turns to the management of a professional practice and the legal context of construction contract law.

History of the Environment (OML/OMG)

History of the Environment helps students understand their societal role by exploring personal and cultural histories. It examines cultural artefacts, spaces, and places in relation to environmental, political, and philosophical influences, culminating in a focus on southern Africa in the third year.

Theory of Structures (STU)

The theory of structures equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical understanding required to analyse, plan and design critical structural components such as beams, columns and trusses from a structural engineering perspective, using timber, steel, concrete and other materials.

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