Diploma in Architectural Technology

Architecture is the art and science of shaping the built environment, in order to support a sustainable quality of life for its inhabitants. Our course takes pride in nurturing both the knowledge and the social skills required for entering the world of architecture.

Our Diploma and Advanced Diploma programmes focus on gaining strong creative, technical and practical problem-solving skills in construction methodology, materials and innovative detail design. Students get exposure to a spectrum of architectural issues, ranging from a macro urban scale to human-scaled qualitative design.

Learning takes place through interaction, discussion and debate between students, studio assistants and lecturers. A strong theoretical underpinning supports the necessary knowledge and skills required for studio-based design challenges. The department employs innovative teaching and learning methods including interactive digital and online tools and social media. Students are also exposed to real-life community design-build work where learning happens through doing. The second semester of Third Year in the Diploma course is devoted to experiential learning in architectural practice.

Upon completion of the Diploma in Architectural Technology (3 years), the graduate may become a Candidate Architectural Technologist with SACAP (the South African Council for the Architectural Profession). After completing the Advanced Diploma in Architectural Technology (2 years part-time), the graduate may qualify as a Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist with SACAP, and also has the option to proceed with further Post Graduate Studies at various universities that offer them, in order to become a Candidate Professional Architect (Pr.Arch).