Crawford Times 61

B Architecture (BAS) and the Diploma in Architecture
What always impresses me about the
Department of Architecture at the University of
Johannesburg (UJ) is their approach that can
best be described as a multidisciplinary and
intellectual creative approach in the training of
students. The department can be found in the
new and inspiring studio building on the Bunting
Road Campus of the university.
As generally known, professional architects
are involved in shaping the built environment,
from the design and construction of low-level
housing projects to the sophisticated erection of
skyscrapers.
To qualify for admission, a student must be
able to offer a National Senior Certificate with
an English achievement level of at least 5, the
additional recognised language achievement
level of at least 4 and Mathematics achievement
level of at least 5. Mathematical Literacy is not
accepted. However, in my work with Grade 9s,
I will always encourage potential architects to
include school subjects such as Visual Art, or
Visual Design, otherwise Engineering Design and
Technology, and if possible Physical Sciences in
their choice of electives.
Prospective students must note that there is a
stiff selection process involved before getting
admitted for architectural studies. It involves
the completion of the National Benchmarking
Test (NBT): Academic and Quantitative Literacy
(AQL) and Mathematics (MAT), as well as the
attendance of an entrance assessment and the
submission of a substantial portfolio prescribed
by the faculty. The selection is conducted by a
panel of senior academics of the faculty and in
the end, it also includes an interview process
with each candidate.
The exciting curriculum in the second year
includes modules such as:
• Architectural Design
• History and Theory of Architecture
• Interdisciplinary Design
• Sustainable Development
• Computers in Architecture
Once the student has completed the B
Architecture degree he/she must complete a full
one-year internship in a recognised architectural
practice. They can then apply for the oneyear
full-time BAS Hons qualification, followed
by a one-year full-time MArch (Professional)
qualification.
When it comes to the recognition of the
qualification it is important to note that the
qualification of the Department has unconditional
validation from South African Council of
Architectural Professions (SACAP) and the
Commonwealth Association of Architecture
(CAA).
One of the advantages of the Department of
Architecture at UJ is that it also offers the threeyear
Diploma in Architecture that will allow
candidates with an APS score of 23 to qualify
for selection, on the provision that they have
a Mathematics achievement score of 4. The
qualification allows a student to eventually qualify
as an architectural technologist, which allows
the candidate to register for the South African
Institute of Architectural Technologists.
Every child a masterpiece | 81