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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

National Diploma: Architectural Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48733  National Diploma: Architectural Technology 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Architecture 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CETA - Construction Education and Training Authority  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 128/22  2018-12-31  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
  • Provide the learner with the academic knowledge, skills and competencies required to practice in the Built Environment as a "Candidate Architectural Technologist". After a period of supervised practical experience and / or other requirements as specified by the professional registration body, a candidate may register as an "Architectural Technologist".
  • To create wide encompassing comprehensive exit levels to:
  • Cover sufficient ground in each architectural aspect, allowing for direct access to NQF level 7 studies in a range of architectural specialisations.
  • Encourage life- long learning by setting achievable milestones
  • Introduce an academic Qualification in the event of interrupted studies.

    Rationale:
  • To align an academic Qualification for entry to the profession in the registration category "Candidate Architectural Technologist" as defined by the Architectural Professions Act.
  • To provide a broad based architectural education that encompasses aspects of Design and Management within a technologically focused vocational stream.
  • To implement a Qualification that focuses on development of the skills required in practicing as an Architectural Technologist.
  • Provides for a wide range of professional career options with an architectural background, thus benefiting:
  • The profession of architecture by widening its influence with in the built environment
  • Learners by exposing them to a wide range of areas of specialisation within the architectural profession at large. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Ability to demonstrate the competencies of the National Certificate in Architectural Technology.

    Recognition of prior learning

    Formal Prior Learning

    Prior learning of a learner is recognised if evidence is produced that shows that the learner has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the outcomes and associated assessment criteria for admission to programmes of study leading to the Qualification, and, if appropriate, allows the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the Qualification in part or in full as determined and explained in the RPL Policy documents of providers

    Non- Formal and In Formal Prior Experiential Learning

    An applicant whose level of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes have not been assessed earlier in terms of the formal Qualification in question but can demonstrate in appropriate ways, through assessment by the institution to which application in is made that he/she has acquired those skills and competencies, may be considered for admission to a programme of study leading to this Qualification.

    An applicant who, after such assessment is deemed to have sufficient potential but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission or to parallel programmes after admission. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Fundamental
    Cooperative learning in- service training 24
    Verbal and written communication 06
    Entrepreneurship 06
    Total: 36

    Elective
    Graphic communication 12
    Design theory / history 36
    Construction Theory 36
    Relevant laws and contracts 36
    Total: 60

    Core
    Architectural design 42
    Architectural technology 42
    Advanced architectural draughtsmanship 60
    Total: 144 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Component 1
    Competencies relating to architectural design theory and skills application

    The focus of this component is on:
    A. Design theory
  • Historical and cultural context of Design and Architecture
  • Formulating design strategy for design problems of moderate complexity

    B. Design skill application
  • Resolving design exercises of moderate complexity
  • Creative problem solving in the context of the built environment

    C. Cooperative learning
  • In service training module under guidance of a mentor and monitored by the provider
  • Process to be monitored according to the following criteria:
  • 80% minimum involvement in assessed work
  • All competencies in each ELO to be assessed
  • Mentor must be involved in assessments
  • Mentors must be approved by provider

    Exit level outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between Architecture and its social context
  • Apply research and design strategy to creatively solve architectural problems of moderate complexity
  • Design Competent technical details that reflect the overall design concept


    Component 2
    Competencies relating to construction technology theory and skills application as it applies to the field of architecture

    The focus of this component is on:

    A. Construction technology theory
  • The construction methods and materials commonly used for advanced domestic, and low- to medium rise commercial buildings
  • Integration of services requirements into such buildings
  • Integration of SABS specifications and the National Building Regulations into Architecture

    B. Design skill application
  • Appropriate application of construction details, use of materials and service integration.

    C. Cooperative learning
  • In service training module under guidance of a mentor and monitored by the provider
  • Process to be monitored according to the following criteria:
  • 80% minimum involvement in assessed work
  • All competencies in each ELO to be assessed
  • Mentor must be involved in assessments
  • Mentors must be approved by provider

    Exit level outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between Architecture and its scientific context
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the on-site requirements and consequences of architectural documentation
  • Research appropriate construction precedents
  • Apply an understanding of accepted good construction practice
  • Compliance with all relevant constraints to produce appropriate construction detailing solutions
  • Integrate service requirements into building design
  • Consult, coordinate and integrate with specialist consultants and trades


    Component 3
    Competencies relating to written and verbal communication skills.

    The focus of this component is on:

    A. Theory
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Legal and contractual environment
  • Industry specific terminology and communication
  • Applied research methodology

    B. Skill application
  • Business communication methods
  • Personal self image projection
  • Accepted practice in Architectural Communication

    C. Cooperative learning
  • In service training module under guidance of a mentor and monitored by the provider
  • Process to be monitored according to the following criteria:
  • 80% minimum involvement in assessed work
  • All competencies in each ELO to be assessed
  • Mentor must be involved in assessments
  • Mentors must be approved by provider

    Exit level outcomes
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between Architecture and its legal context
  • Have a working knowledge of the dynamics of the architectural business environment
  • Communicate effectively and accurately with other professions and trades in the built environment
  • Be conversant with terminology used in the built environment
  • Able to project a professional image


    Component 4
    Competencies relating to graphic communication skills.

    The focus of this component is on:

    A. Theory
  • Conventions of the professions and trades within the built environment
  • Architectural drawing: Best practice

    B. Skill application
  • Graphic communication from conceptual design sketches to technologically competent instruction drawings.
  • Best practice Draughtsmanship
  • Incorporating computer technology in presentation and communication methods

    C. Cooperative learning
  • In service training module under guidance of a mentor and monitored by the provider
  • Process to be monitored according to the following criteria:
  • 80% minimum involvement in assessed work
  • All competencies in each ELO to be assessed
  • Mentor must be involved in assessments
  • Mentors must be approved by provider

    Exit level outcomes
  • Under supervision complete a full range of drawing types, from design presentation to full working drawings
  • Apply appropriate conventions to best practice draughtsmanship
  • Understand and integrate drawings produced by other professionals in the built environment
  • Demonstrate an understanding of on-site requirements and consequences of architectural documentation 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
    Evidence shows that :
  • Appropriate precedents and case studies are selected, investigated, analysed and applied in relation to sourced materials from theoretical and physical sources
  • Creative and practical design solutions are produced to comply with good practice relating to:
  • Aesthetics
  • Appropriate Technology
  • Planning and Functionality

    2.
    Evidence shows that creative technological solutions complying with good practice and understanding of the practical constraints relating to:
  • Materials and methods
  • Site constraints
  • Legislation
  • Services
    are demonstrated

    3.
    Evidence shows that:
  • appropriate use of terminology and syntax is demonstrated
  • multi- modal communication aids (written, verbal and drawn) are used creatively
  • An ability to employ business communication conventions demonstrated
  • An understanding of the legal and contractual environment are demonstrated

    4.
    Evidence shows that:
  • Drawings are produced timeously
  • a full range of drawings (from design presentation to a full set of competent working drawings) are produced as per the requirements of various individual users
  • Materials, workmanship and methods are detailed and specified
  • Drawings are effectively cross referenced

    Integrated assessment
  • Summative evaluation through;
  • Tests
  • Examinations
  • Portfolio presentations
  • Formative evaluation through;
  • Continuous evaluation of projects and assignments
  • Panel evaluation and discussion
  • Portfolio presentation 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Internationally, the registration categories within the Architectural Profession are mostly limited to first degree and upwards and usually for the category of Architect only.
    The South African Council for the Architectural Profession allows for four registration categories. There is no precedent of a programme that is aimed specifically at producing a "Candidate Architectural Technologist" for professional registration purposes.
    It is imperative that education providers respond to the requirements of professional registration at each registration category and that a suitable academic outcome is established. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical
  • Access to NQF level 7 Bachelor of Technology: Architecture subject to institutional discretionary requirements having been met.

    Diagonally
  • Access to alternative related B.Tech studies within the wider field of Architecture 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessors must have the required interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment expertise as set out by SAQA regulations.
  • Assessors may be sourced from
  • trainers / teachers / lecturers internal to the training provider
  • colleagues / peers
  • assessors external to the training provider
  • Assessors assessing a learner against the performance criteria set for this Qualification must be registered with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant Qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures.

    Moderations options include
  • External peer reviews
  • Assessment of standards by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) in terms of the Architectural Professions Act 44 of 2000.
    · Compliance with frameworks, regulations, and requirements established by the Higher Education Qualification Committee (HEQC) which includes the appointment of accredited / registered external examiners (external to the provider). 

  • 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. African Academey for the Built Environment NPC 



    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.