Higher Certificate in Architectural Practice

The Higher Certificate in Architectural Practice is designed for students who are passionate about the environment, interested in solving problems creatively, and eager to make a positive difference. The programme is intended for those who want to enter the architectural industry, contribute to an architectural practice, or continue their studies in the field. 

The modules covered in this qualification prepare students to produce the basic design and contract documentation required of an Architectural Draughtsperson in an office environment, helping to prepare them for the world of work after graduation. Throughout the programme, students develop a portfolio of work that can support employment opportunities or further study in architecture. 

This programme has received Unconditional Validation from SACAP. Graduates may register with SACAP as Candidate Architectural Draughtsperson upon graduation. 

PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

This programme has received Unconditional Validation from SACAP. Graduates may register with SACAP as Candidate Architectural Draughtsperson upon graduation.

What is Contact Learning?

THE ADMISSION CRITERIA FOR THE HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE ARE:

• Senior Certificate (SC); OR

• National Senior Certificate (NSC); OR

• National Senior Certificate Vocational Level 4 (NC(V)),

with

• a minimum of 40% in English Home Language or a minimum of 30% English First Additional Language.

Applicants are required to submit a 5-10 minute video, which may be created using a mobile phone, in which they take the architectural lecturers on a guided tour of their own home or the home of a friend or family member. We would like to see the applicants themselves, hear their voice, and see them lead the tour. The purpose of this video is to help us get to know the applicant better and to give the lecturers insight into how they observe and think about space, place, and the built environment.

** Find the Digital Presentation Brief and Guide at the end of the Fact Sheet

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

This programme’s competencies are aligned with the architectural profession’s competencies, specifically those defined for an architectural draughtsperson as prescribed by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP)*.

On the completion of this programme a student will be able to:

1.  Produce design drawings, and local authority and contract documentation for simple, double storey buildings, under supervision and as part of a professional team.

2. Employ graphic, software, mathematical, verbal and written literacy skills required to practice as an architectural Draughtsperson.

3. Identify and apply appropriate construction methods, materials and services for the development of simple, sustainable double storey buildings.

4. Participate in the architectural profession with an awareness of the social and environmental obligations, entrepreneurial potential and the professional and operational responsibilities required of an architectural Draughtsperson.

5. Appreciate appropriate spatial design principles applicable to simple double story dwellings as informed by contextual, social, functional, and technological precedents.

6. Demonstrate awareness of creative and innovative solutions for spatial design practice. 

* This qualification has been endorsed by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP).

The Higher Certificate in Architectural Practice equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to apply for admission to degree or diploma studies in a related field at other institutions, subject to the receiving institution’s admission requirements. Throughout the programme, students also develop a portfolio of work that may strengthen their applications for further study.

Graduates who achieve an average of 60% and above in the HCAP programme may also apply for further study in STADIO’s Bachelor of Architecture programme, subject to the selection requirements.

Below are some key career opportunities that you may consider once you have completed this qualification:

• Architectural Draughtsperson 

• Spatial Design Draughtsperson

• Interior Draughtsperson

• Junior Architectural Designer

PROFESSIONAL REGULATION

This programme has received Unconditional Validation from SACAP. Graduates may register with SACAP as Candidate Architectural Draughtsperson upon graduation.