Architecture Degrees Online

The course develops the knowledge, understanding and skills of the architectural graduate, and acknowledges learning during the period of practical training, assuming that the student will be self-motivated, and have the desire to develop special areas of expertise. As a significant number of modules are at level 7 (postgraduate), the development of independent learning and advanced skills in the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of complex issues are fundamental to the programme philosophy.

The programme develops an understanding and ability in complex design issues, underpinned by studies in theory and urban design, technology and environment, communication and management practice and law. It develops the approach of the degree in Architectural Design and Management in the School, by making an understanding of context and management of the design process a key part of project work. There is also the opportunity for the graduate student to draw on the expertise of the wider School of the Built Environment in the development of a specialism.

This first degree in architecture is unique in its approach to addressing issues of management in architectural design during the first three years of study. It aims to produce graduates able to undertake creative design and management roles within the built environment as well as progressing to the next stage of an architectural education.

Students undertake a series of design projects which increase in complexity as the course progresses. Alongside studio projects, students examine both academic and practical aspects of architecture such as architectural history and theory, as well as construction, sustainable design and management. The course has a particular strength in the teaching of vocational management skills. This gives graduates a firm understanding of the construction industry and the place of architecture within it, as well as the practical management aspects of architecture itself.

In recent years graduates have had an excellent employment record far in excess of the industry standard. The architecture course is accredited under the conditions set out by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and is prescribed by the Architects Registration Board (ARB) at Part I level.

Studio-based design projects are central to this course and are designed to stimulate an imaginative response to a series of significant issues or themes. Project work occupies half of the programme and is underpinned by the taught modules. Much of the work in these supporting modules is related to projects work.

Students examine management issues to develop an understanding of the impact on the design process, providing valuable preparation for work in practice. Field study visits are an important feature of the programme. Both first and second year students go on European study visits.

Modern studio facilities are provided with good access to CAD facilities and resources. Numbers are limited to ensure that students have a work space within the design studio. Students learn the broader context of the Built Environment by working with other programmes in the School. There are also significant links with the Interior Design programme, which is run jointly with the School of Design.

Admission requirements
The university has its own minimum admission requirements.

A. Applicants who hold a National Diploma (Architectural Technology) from the NMMU:

1) An average of 60% for Principles of Architectural Design III (final mark) and,

2) 60% as the average of the final marks for: Studio Work II and III, and Construction & Detailing II and III or

3) Applicants who don’t qualify in terms of the requirements stated above are required to write an entrance exam.

B. Applicants who hold a National Diploma: Architectural Technology or a first degree in Architecture from another accredited tertiary institution/section must sit for the entrance examination referred to in point 3 above.

The degree of Master of Architecture was established to reward outstanding professional achievement in architecture. The purpose of the degree is to attract young graduates to pursue the attainement of high standards of scholarship and intellectual rigour in design activity. Candidates for the degree are nominated as for research degrees, and work under the supervision of academic/professional staff.

A candidate who is the holder of the Bachelor of Architecture Degree or of an equivalent qualification in Architecture, shall be eligible to obtain the Degree of Master of Architecture by Mode I or by Mode II.

Mode I
A candidate must have obtained an honours standard in the Bachelor of Architecture Degree or equivalent qualification in Architecture. The candidate:
(a) shall have attended a prescribed course of study for one year before presenting for examination
(b) shall have submitted a project in architectural design which, in the judgement of the examiners, makes a contribution to the field; and
(c) must have written and presented a dissertation which, in the judgement of the examiners, is of sufficient merit.

The Regulations on entry to the Mode I degree programme are as follows:
1. Candidates for the Degree of Master of Architecture (Mode I) who are holders of the Bachelor of Architecture Degree or of an equivalent qualification in Architecture, must have obtained Honours (minimum level 2.1) in their final examination.
2. Candidates must have the permision of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture to register for the Degree.

Mode II
A candidate may enter for the examination after the expiration of nine terms from the time at which the candidate obtained the Bachelor of Architecture Degree or equivalent qualification. The candidate
(a) shall have designed and executed an architectural work which, in the judgement of the examiners, is of a distinguished character; and
(b) must have written and presented a dissertation which, in the judgement of the examiners, is of sufficient merit.

The Regulations on entry to the Mode II degree programme are as follows:
1. Candidates for the Degree of Master of Architecture (Mode II) must be accepted by the Faculty of the College as prospective candidates at least six months before entering for the examination.
2. Candidates are required to give notice to the Dean of the Faculty before 15 January of the year in which they intend to present themselves for examination, with particulars of the building selected for examination under (a) above, the title of the proposed dissertation and details of their professional experience.

Accreditation Information :
Pre Requisite Courses :
Qualifying Exams :

Tution Fees :
Financial Aid / Scholarship Offered :
Courses :

Accreditation Information :
Pre Requisite Courses :
Qualifying Exams :

Tution Fees :
Financial Aid / Scholarship Offered :
Courses :

A suggested course sequence follows. All students should consult with the architectural technology program coordinator prior to registration.

First Semester
CT 130 Construction Methods and Materials 3
CT 170 Introduction to Architecture and the Built Environment 3
CT 181 Architectural Drafting Techniques 3
English foundation 3
Mathematics foundation 3

Second Semester
CT 142 Introduction to Architectural Graphics 3
CT 183 Computer Drafting: Architectural Applications 4
CT 212 Construction Management
or
Professional elective * 3
Speech foundation 3
Behavioral and social sciences distribution 3

Third Semester
AR 209 History of Architecture I
or
Arts or humanities distribution 3
CT 201 Introduction to Architectural Design 4
CT 223 Computer Drafting: Architectural 3D Presentation 4
CT 284 Construction Estimating
or
Professional elective* 3
Health foundation 1

Fourth Semester
AR 210 History of Architecture II
or
Professional elective* 3
CT 224 Computer Drafting: Advanced Architectural Applications 4
CT 291 Building Codes and Inspection
or
Professional elective* 3
CT 299 Professional Practicum 1
PH 203 General Physics I
or
Natural sciences lab distribution 4

The Architectural Technology Certificate Program is designed to give the student a working knowledge of the practices and the technical aspects of architectural design and architectural drawing. This course of study will enable the student to qualify for entry-level positions in detailing, revisions, design update, and general office practice. The student will have a basis in architectural drawing and design, building codes, building materials, and training in computer-aided drawing.

The Architectural Technology Program is designed to give students a working knowledge of the practices and technical aspects of architectural design and drawing. It will enable students to qualify for entry-level positions in detailing, revisions, design update, and general office practice. Student will have a basis in architectural drawing and design, building codes, building materials, and training in computer-aided drawing.
Students planning to transfer with a major in architecture should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to design a University Studies: Pre-Architecture education plan.

Careers in architecture include architect (requires graduate degree); federal, state, and local land use planning, building and transportation agencies; architectural, contract, and construction companies.

Existing and Evolving Research Tracks:

ARCHITECTURE, THEORY AND DESIGN
ARCHITECTURE, SOCIETY AND CULTURE
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN RESEARCH AND RESEARCH BY DESIGN, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STRATEGIES

URBAN ARCHITECTURE

ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENT
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE: GREEN DESIGN, COMMUNITY DESIGN AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN IN ARCHITECTURE
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
LANDSCAPE RESEARCH

COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN
Qualifications and competences of the graduates
The doctoral candidate is expected to work with a high degree of autonomy, displaying high standards of scholarship and effective and creative self-curation abilities. Candidates should display outstanding skills in the definition, planning and development of their research projects, which in turn should prove relevant and significant contributions to the field of knowledge within current architectural debates. Competence in the understanding and organization of interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary knowledge and its use and interpretation within the disciplinary field of design and architecture, as well as skills in complexity management are expected. Candidates assume professional and ethical responsibilities in research and its applications, and develop their work within the academic codes of conduct.