Master of Architecture (Research)
Overview
This programme is offered from the Howard College Campus. The qualification seeks to develop professionals and researchers in the field of Architecture for South African and African contexts. Architecture has a crucial role to play as the leading discipline in the built environment, in conjunction with surveying, engineering, landscape architecture, urban design and planning. The qualification equips practitioners to make a contribution to scholarship in research and design development related to Architecture. This qualification aims at educating and training students with advanced specialist knowledge in Architecture and a high degree of sustained proficiency in both scholarship and professional training at a Postgraduate level.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Check you meet the entrance requirements — see Entrance Requirements below.
- Decide full-time or part-time. If your Honours qualification did not include Research Methods credits, you may only register part-time and must complete ARCH7RM in Semester 1 (see Additional Requirement below).
- Download and prepare your Concept Note using the Concept Note template , outlining your proposed Architectural Research Dissertation topic.
- Submit your online application via the UKZN application portal before 31 October 2026.
- Submit your Concept Note and supporting documents via the online submission form — see Documents Required.
- Await outcome. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — final selection also depends on available places, academic performance, and the Admissions Committee’s criteria.
Entry Requirements
You are eligible to apply for the MARCP if you have:
- Been awarded a postgraduate qualification in Architecture at NQF Level 8; OR
- Been admitted to the status thereof by the university.
All applicants must also submit a Concept Note outlining their proposed Architectural Research Dissertation topic.
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.
Additional Requirement for Some Applicants
If your Honours qualification did NOT include Research Methods credits:
- You may only register as a part-time student, and
- You will be required to complete ARCH7RM — Architectural Research Methods — in Semester 1 of your registration.
Documents Required
- Certified copy of ID / passport
- Academic record (full transcripts)
- Degree certificate
- Concept Note of your proposed research topic
- SAQA Evaluation Certificate (if you have a foreign qualification)
Modules
The curriculum for the qualification Master of Architecture, offered by research, shall comprise a total of 192 credits.
Modules
The curriculum for the qualification Master of Architecture comprises modules with a total credit point value of 192 credit points as approved by the Senate. The architectural research dissertation has a credit point value of 48credits. All modules are compulsory.
In order to complete the qualification, a student shall complete the modules as specified below.
Semester 1
- Ethical Practice – ARCH8EP (16 Credits)
- Advanced Professional Practice – ARCH8AP (16 Credits)
YEAR MODULE
- Architectural Research Dissertation – ARCH8RD (48 Credits)
- Architectural Design Dissertation – ARCH8DD (80 Credits)
Semester 2
- Interdisciplinary Practice – ARCH8PD (32 Credits)
YEAR MODULE
- Architectural Research Dissertation – ARCH8RD (48 Credits)
- Architectural Design Dissertation – ARCH8DD (80 Credits)
YEAR 1
Semester One
- Ethical Practice – ARCH8EP (16 Credits)
- Advanced Professional – ARCH8AP (16 Credits)
YEAR MODULE
- Architectural Research Dissertation – ARCH8RD (48 Credits)
YEAR 2
Semester Two
YEAR MODULE
- Architectural Design Dissertation – ARCH8DD (80 Credits)
Semester Three
YEAR MODULE
- Subsequent Semester for Architectural Research Dissertation – ARCH8SD
Semester FOUR
YEAR MODULE
- Advanced Professional Practice – ARCH8AP (16 Credits)
- Interdisciplinary Practice – ARCH8PD (32 Credits)
- Total Credits for Qualification: 192
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
Apply today and take the next step toward your future.