Bachelor of Architecture Honours
Overview
This programme is offered from the Howard College Campus. The Bachelor of Architecture Honours provides the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to be able to register as a Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist with the professional body, South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP). The qualification responds to the broader development needs, particularly focusing on the socio-economic redress and spatial transformation of historically disadvantaged communities in South Africa.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check you meet the entrance requirements — see the Entrance Requirements section below.
- Decide full-time or part-time. If you are currently employed, you must apply for the part-time program and provide a letter from your employer (see the Documents Checklist).
- Submit your online application via the UKZN application portal before 31 October 2026.
- Pay the non-refundable application fee using the correct reference (see Application Fees) before the closing date.
- Prepare your Architectural Design Portfolio (digital, A3 format, max 20 pages, single PDF under 20MB) — see Portfolio Requirements.
- Submit your portfolio and supporting documents via email: hdengineering@ukzn.ac.za
- Await outcome. Your portfolio is assessed by the Architecture Admissions Committee. Meeting requirements does not guarantee a place — final selection also depends on available places and academic results.
Entry Requirements
You are eligible to apply if you hold an undergraduate architecture qualification at NQF Level 7, and meet ONE of the following:
- A minimum 60% average across all modules, AND a minimum 60% in Architectural Design and Theory of Architecture modules at exit level;
- OR an academic average between 50–60%, plus at least two years of relevant work experience in architecture.
All applicants — regardless of average — must also submit a satisfactory Architectural Design Portfolio (see below).
Portfolio Requirements:
- Format: electronic, A3 layout, single PDF, maximum 20 pages, under 20MB.
- Content: selected projects demonstrating your design process, research approach, technical resolution, documentation and professional practice ability.
- Assessment: reviewed by a panel of the Architecture Admissions Committee using a criterion-based rubric.
Application Fees
Applicant category | Application fee |
South Africa — on-time applications | R210 |
International — SADC & rest of Africa | R490 |
International — outside Africa | $530 |
Reference: use APPN followed by your student number (e.g. APPN123456789) — an incorrect reference may delay processing.
SA payments: Standard Bank, Business Current Account 05 308 0998, Branch Westville, Branch Code 045426.
International payments: Standard Bank (UKZN Foreign Deposit), Account 05 308 2826, Branch Westville, Branch Code 045426
Document Checklist:
- Certified copy of ID / passport
- Certified copy of National Senior Certificate / Matric certificate
- Full academic record and degree certificate(s), if you studied at another institution
- Proof of financial clearance and certificate of conduct, if you studied at another institution
- Proof of Universities South Africa (USAf) recognition, if you are an international applicant (saqa)
- Architectural Design Portfolio (see above)
Letter from your employer supporting study leave and attendance, if applying part-time
Full-Time vs Part-Time — What to Expect
- Full-time: on-campus lectures throughout the year; completed in 1 year.
- Part-time: completed over 2 years; requires an employer support letter confirming study leave; involves interaction and presentations during office hours, so time away from work is needed.
- Credit load indicates workload — e.g. 32 credits ≈ 320 hours of study.
- Part-time students based outside Durban must still attend in-person portfolio exams at the end of Year 1 and Year 2, and visit campus at least twice a year.
Modules
The curriculum for the qualification Bachelor of Architecture Honours comprises modules with a total credit point value of 144 credit points as approved by the Senate. The minimum duration for the qualification is 2 semesters.
In order to complete the qualification, a student shall complete the modules as specified below.
Semester 1
- Architectural Design and Urbanism – ARCH701 (32 Credits)
- Architectural Research Methods – ARCH7RM (16 Credits)
YEAR MODULE
- History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism – ARCH702 (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 48 Credits
Semester 2
- Advanced Architectural Technology – ARCH703 (16 Credits)
- Environment and Development – DEVS703 (16 Credits)
- Architectural Research Project – ARCH7RP (32 Credits)
YEAR MODULE
- History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism – ARCH702 (32 Credits)
Total Credits: 96 Credits
YEAR 1
Semester One
- Architectural Research Methods – ARCH7RM (16 Credits)
YEAR MODULE
- History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism – ARCH702 (32 Credits)
YEAR 2
Semester Two
- Architectural Design and Urbanism – ARCH701 (32 Credits)
- Advanced Architectural Technology – ARCH703 (32 Credits)
- Environment and Development – DEVS703 (16 Credits)
YEAR MODULE
- History and Theory of Architecture and Urbanism – ARCH702 (32 Credits)
- Architectural Research Project – ARCH7RP (32 Credits)
- Total Credits for Qualification: 144
Contact
Academic Services
Postgraduate administrators:
- Ms Nombuso Dlamini Dlaminin7@ukzn.ac.za – 031 260 2070
- Ms Phumlile Ndimande NdimandeP@ukzn.ac.za – 031 260 8038
Undergraduate administrators:
- Ms Ranjinie Naicker Naickersu@ukzn.ac.za – 031 260 2693
- The school email is Engineering@ukzn.ac.za
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.