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).
Our courses are all accredited by SACAP and the CAA (Commonwealth Association of Architects), thus they are recognised both nationally, and internationally in Commonwealth countries.
Diploma in Architectural Technology
Graduates are Competent Architectural Technologists who can conduct relevant routine technical research and perform, under supervision, architectural services in presentation, documentation, specification, construction design, detailing, administration, planning and design in the public and private, formal and informal sectors of the built environment.
Career Opportunities
The Architectural Technologist will be fit for employment in architectural practice, in both the public and private sectors. She/he may assist senior staff with drawing, detailing, and presentations and by doing site supervision, as well as monitoring and liaising with clients, engineers, municipalities, quantity surveyors and contractors. Once the necessary experience has been gained, and the SACAP Registration is completed, the Architectural Technologist is recognised as competent and also allowed to handle small to medium size work independently.
Venue of Offering and duration
Media City Campus on the Cape Town Foreshore for three years on a full-time basis (with the last semester of 3rd year working in an architectural practice).
Admission requirements
Undergraduates
For all certificate, Diploma and National Diploma applications, consult the general admission requirements - here
Some courses require students to submit additional information as part of their application. Please click here to view the additional admission requirements.
Due to Covid-19 related restrictions applying in 2020, portfolios may not be submitted by hand, but should instead be uploaded via this link:
Postgraduates
No Postgraduate applications possible in 2020. New Postgraduate courses will be implemented in the years ahead.
Fees
Please confirm the final fee amount by contacting the relevant Faculty Office or contact person as listed at the bottom of this page.
Advanced Diploma: Architectural Technology (Adarct) Part-Time, Blended Learning
Graduates are equipped to be senior architectural technologists capable of designing and detailing multi-storey buildings, independently researching technological innovations, and performing professional architecture services in technology, design and management in the public and private sectors of the built environment.
Graduates can apply to the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) for registration as Candidate Senior Architectural Technologists.
Career opportunities
The Senior Architectural Technologist is responsible for the application of construction technology in the design process. The main activities associated with this field are the production of drawings, detailing, presentation of drawings, model making, site supervision and monitoring and liaison with clients, engineers, municipalities, quantity surveyors and contractors. Once the necessary experience has been gained, the Senior Architectural Technologist is able to competently handle small to medium size work independently.
Venue of Offering and duration
This two-year part-time programme is offered through block-release, in a blended format that involves online learning, on-campus blocks and work-based mentoring. In person block sessions will take place at our Media City Campus in Cape Town. Employment in an architectural office is compulsory.
Admission requirements
A Diploma in Architectural Technology (or a recognised equivalent qualification) with a 60% average pass mark in the final year of the Diploma, is required. Applicants must also obtain a minimum of 60% for the subjects Architectural Design 3 and Architectural Technology 3. Those who do not meet these requirements, or who completed their Diploma (or equivalent qualification) at another institution, are subjected to a selection process. This process consists of the submission of a digital portfolio. The portfolio should contain samples of any work considered to be a reflection of the student’s technological, design and presentation abilities, demonstrating integration of design and technology.
For detailed information email archid@cput.ac.za
Contact Us
Architectural Technology |
Mr Rudolf Perold Advanced Diploma Programme Coordinator |