ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY
ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ARCHITECTURAL TECH

Course Aim:
The part-time and full-time Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology (AT) and the Advanced Diploma in Interior Design (ID) programmes are offered in parallel. These qualifications comprise a flexible, online, blended learning design, with on-campus block weeks and portfolio assessments, supplemented by online sessions during the remainder of the term.  Part-time students have four one-week blocks per year (one per term) and full-time students have eight one-week blocks per year (two per term). The programmes entail three theory-based subjects that build foundational knowledge, skills and attitudes (part-time year 1) and two studio-based subjects, dedicated to the application and demonstration of the competencies learnt (part-time year 2). Full-time students take all five subjects together in one year.

The CPUT Advanced Diploma programmes are designed to promote access and allow multiple pathways to qualification.

You can study from your home town, without added accommodation expense (outside of the on-campus block weeks and portfolio assessments).

If you're working and based outside SA, you don't need a study visa.

If you don't have the relevant Diploma but you're 23 or older and you have extensive practice experience, you may apply for advanced standing via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to access the Advanced Diploma.
If you are 23 years or older and have extensive practice experience, you may apply via RPL for subject credits, that may enable you to access the year 2 of the programme

The Advanced Diploma is at NQF level 7 and replaces the BTech degree qualification.
The Advanced Diploma gives access to Honours Degree and Postgraduate Diploma programmes.
Students are encouraged and supported to join the professional community.

Students are encouraged to register with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), which is the professional body representing the Architectural industry in South Africa. An Advanced Diploma student should register with SACAP, on the basis of having obtained a Diploma in Architectural Technology, as soon as possible. For part-time students, the two years work experience, which  is accommodated in the programme, makes it possible for graduates to record their industry monthly training records and obtain professional registration soon after graduation. 

This blended model consists of: 
- four block weeks per year for part-time students / eight block weeks per year for full-time students.
- online synchronous and asynchronous learning.
- full-time or contract employment with an architectural professional (part-time students only).

The Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology programme is designed to accommodate a diverse student body including Diploma in Architectural Technology graduates, returning CPUT graduates, graduates from Higher Education Institutions across South Africa and the SADC countries, and mature and working professionals. Applicants who don’t meet the minimum academic requirements, are invited to apply via a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process.  

Theory-based subjects (full-time / part-time year 1):
Architectural Practice 4, Environmental Design 4 and Architectural Literacy 4. 

Studio-based subjects (full time / part-time year 2):
Architectural Design 4 and Architectural Technology 4. 

A part-time student may repeat only one of the year 1 subjects in year 2.

Demonstrate knowledge of the technology for low-rise buildings or the equivalent and the ability to develop effective construction solutions.
Demonstrate a working knowledge of architectural practice and the ability to develop architectural documentation for complex building or the equivalent thereof.
Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and history of architectural design and the ability to develop architectural design solutions.
Demonstrate the competent application of a range of architectural literacy skills.
Demonstrate awareness of environmental issues in the creation of a sustainable built environment.

- Administrative information.
- Portfolio of evidence (PoE), comprising work, academic and personal portfolios.

Graduates are equipped to be Senior Architectural Technologists capable of independently researching technological innovations, and performing professional architecture services in technology, design and management in the public and private sectors of the built environment.
Advanced Diploma graduates will be independent thinkers who can assimilate broad aspects of information, analyse complex problems well and compile findings into coherent relevant and appropriate architectural design solutions. Graduates are aware of environmental and social sustainability and understand their responsibility in this regard. They are able to make decisions in the built environment and reflect this awareness. The qualifying learner will have the competence to apply creativity, problem-solving, specialised knowledge and management principles to the practical implementation of architectural technology through appropriate research.

Opportunities:
After obtaining the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology, you can apply for Post Graduate Diploma or Honours programmes, followed by the Masters. CPUT plans to offer both the Post Graduate Diploma in Architectural Technology and the Professional Masters, in the near future.

The Senior Architectural Technologist is responsible for the design development and comprehensive detailing of simple multi-storey buildings as well as long-span structures. The main activities associated with this field are architectural concept developmental drawings, construction documentation and detailing, presentation of drawings, model making, site supervision and monitoring and liaison with clients, engineers, municipalities, quantity surveyors and contractors.

Admission requirements:
Applicants may include CPUT Diploma graduates, CPUT returning students, and external applicants. CPUT Diploma graduates of the preceding year, who obtained a minimum of 60% for all third year subjects, and a minimum of 60% average, will be automatically accepted, and not be required to submit an academic record, CV or portfolio of evidence. However, they must still submit a statement of employment status or a letter of employer support.

If you don't have the relevant Diploma qualification, your Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) should be guided by the following, to include evidence of competence as comparable to the respective required Diploma qualification. 

What are the requirements for International students? 
International students who do not reside in South Africa, and study part-time, do not need student visas because they will be spending less than a total of 30-days in South Africa. For this purpose, ask for the Departmental letter to submit to the International office to confirm this. Make sure to liaise with the International Office. International students must also make sure to validate their undergraduate international qualifications with the necessary SAQA documentation.
International students who do not reside in South Africa, and wish to study full-time, will require a student visa, as the eight on-campus block weeks and portfolio assessments exceed 30 days.

Can I study the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology whilst working?
Yes, the programme is designed to accommodate mature and working professionals, through its flexible, blended and online learning design. It is in fact mandatory that part-time students work, at least part-time (50%) in architectural practice, and be mentored by a SACAP registered Professional Senior Architectural Technologist or registered Professional Architect.


Undergraduates
For all Certificate, Diploma and National Diploma applications, consult the General admission requirements.
Some courses require students to submit additional information as part of their application.
General admission requirements

Postgraduates
For all Honours, Masters and Doctorate applications, consult the Postgraduate admission requirements.
General admission requirements

Syllabus and fees

Please note:

The fees reflected here are for the 2024 academic year, and are subject to change for 2025.Please confirm the final fee amount by contacting the relevant Faculty Office or contact person as listed at the bottom of this page.


Prepare this quote for:
FOURTH YEAR
Compulsary subject(s)

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 4 (AHD471S)
R 10,410.00
ARCHITECTURAL LITERACY 4 (AHL470S)
R 7,120.00
ARCHITECTURAL PRACTICE 4 (AHP470S)
R 8,770.00
ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGY 4 (AHT470S)
R 10,410.00
ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 4 (EMD470S)
R 8,770.00


Offering type: FULLTIME - DISTRICT 6 CAMPUS
Offering type: PART-TIME - DISTRICT 6 CAMPUS

For any queries get in contact with:
Mr Siyabonga Mfiki
+27 21 460 3959
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.


NOTE: The fees in this prospectus are for the 2024 academic year and are provided to assist you in your planning.

Disclaimer
This information is subject to change based on approval and accreditation of HEQSF aligned qualifications.
Admission requirements may therefore differ between the existing qualification and the HESQF aligned qualification. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this page; however the University reserves the right at any time, if circumstances require, to make changes to any of the published details.