Bachelor of Architecture

The Bachelor of Architecture is a professionally oriented undergraduate degree that prepares students for a career in the built environment. The programme focuses on the development of design thinking, technical competence, spatial awareness, and critical engagement with social and environmental contexts.

Students will engage in studio-based learning, supported by theoretical and technical modules, to develop integrated architectural solutions. The programme provides a strong foundation in the principles, theory, and
practice of architecture, enabling graduates to apply their knowledge in both academic and professional contexts. 

This qualification is aligned with the competencies required for registration as a Candidate Architectural Technologist with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). * The programme also offers a pathway for further postgraduate study in architecture or related disciplines, supporting students who wish to continue their studies towards becoming professional architects or to pursue broader design-oriented careers. 

*The curriculum has been endorsed by SACAP. A pre-validation process will take place prior to the first intake, and full validation will occur after the first cohort graduates, as part of the professional accreditation process.

PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

The programme is aligned with the requirements of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), and the curriculum has been endorsed by the council. A pre-validation process will take place prior to the first intake, and full validation will occur after the first cohort graduates, as part of the professional accreditation process.Graduates will be able to work in architecture, spatial planning, or related professional environments, including architectural and design offices.

What is Contact Learning?

THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE ARE:

• A National Senior Certificate with Bachelor’s pass, certified by Umalusi
• A minimum of 50% in English Home Language or First Additional Language
• A minimum of 50% in Mathematics or 65% in Mathematical Literacy

** Find the Portfolio Requirements at the end of the Fact Sheet

HCAP Graduates
Applicants holding a Higher Certificate of Architectural Practice from STADIO will be accepted into the Bachelor of Architecture without any of the above requirements, subject to meeting the Math requirement for the BArch and to their performance in the Higher Certificate in Architectural Practice Programme, which must be an average of 60%. HCAP graduates who meet the module performance requirement but do not meet the mathematics requirement may complete the SOEAA Mathematics bridging programme to qualify for admission. 

RPL
Applicants who do not meet the stated admission criteria but have relevant work experience/prior learning may apply for admission under the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy. STADIO admits up to 10% of the cohort via RPL. The implementation of RPL is context-specific, in terms of discipline, programme and level.

To find out more about alternate access routes at STADIO, please click HERE

A student who has successfully completed the Bachelor of Architecture will be able to:

1. Conduct research to analyse architectural design problems and to propose well-informed concepts and develop regenerative design solutions for multi-storey buildings.
2. Research, interpret, and apply materials, structural solutions, technological, and service systems enabling regenerative and creative solutions of building design and detailing for multi-storey buildings.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of passive climatic design principles and environmental systems and strategies for developing responsible, regenerative, and environmentally responsive building solutions for multi-storey buildings.
4. Develop a full and integrated range of project drawings and contract documentation for a multi-storey building, considering design principles, contextual variants, environmental and regenerative strategies, and technological inputs.
5. Participate in an architectural practice, at the level of a candidate architectural technologist, with a working knowledge of office systems, operations, professional ethics, responsibilities and communicating professionally and effectively to a diverse audience by employing a range of written, graphic, and verbal skills.
6. Consider and engage with the social, cultural, and economic implications ofbuilding and architecture, the human, natural, and environmental dimensions,with commitment to the associated responsibility and ethical imperatives of thearchitectural professional.