Diploma in Architecture At University of Johannesburg‎ (UJ)

Diploma in Architecture is a three-year course that focuses majorly on the construction and designing of buildings.

The programme addresses knowledge fields in architecture. It emphasises the relationship between design and technology and focuses on design concepts and design development using an interdisciplinary design approach. It prepares students for further study or registration and employment as Candidate Architectural Technologists (SACAP Part 1).

Career Opportunities in Architecture At University of Johannesburg‎ (UJ)

The architectural profession offers a wide range of specialisations, from management to technology and design.Graduates will be able to register with the following professional bodies or institutes:— South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP)— South African Institute for Architectural Technologists (SAIAT)— Provincial Institutes of the SA Institute of Architects.

Admission Requirements in Architecture At University of Johannesburg‎ (UJ)

Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification with a minimum APS or M-score (as below) and degree admission.— Submission of a prescribed portfolio once the application form has been processed. Recommended school subjects include Art, Technical Drawing and/or Physical Science or Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD).

Average Point Score (APS) A minimum APS of 23 is required to apply for the programme. Mathematical Literacy is not accepted for this programme.

Min APSLanguagesMathematicsOther requirements
23
With
Mathematics
Language of teaching and learning*Other recognised language **
Maths Lit

Not accepted
4

(50 – 59%)
4

(50 – 59%)
4

(50 – 59%)
​Specified Portfolio

Applicants meeting the minimum entrance requirements (APS or M-score) for the Bachelors in Architecture will be invited to attend an entrance assessment and to submit a prescribed portfolio 

*English, Home Language or English First Additional Language
** Home Language or English First Additional Language

APPLICATION PROCESS in Architecture At University of Johannesburg‎ (UJ)

  • Apply online via the University of Johannesburg website (www.uj.ac.za).
  • Once your application has been successfully processed, you will be invited by the Faculty to submit a portfolio.
  • Portfolios must be submitted online.

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

Portfolio Requirements Architecture Degree and Diploma

The following documentation must accompany your portfolio:

  •  A handwritten or preferably typed A4 page declaring that the work you have submitted is wholly and truly yours.

Project 01: Sketch

Objective:

Make an A5 size sketchbook containing a maximum of 10 pages It can have lines, but preferably no lines. Fill the book as quickly as possible over a few days with drawings of any spaces and objects around you. They must not be perfect, but they must capture the feeling of what you are drawing. Each page must be filled from edge to edge.

Medium: A5 Sketchbook. Pencil, pen, charcoal. The book can be handmade, i.e. the pages can be stapled, glued, strung or clipped.

Helpful Hint: You can draw your bedroom in different perspectives or views, your house, your street, neighbourhood. You can draw the whole object, or space or parts of it only. The trick is to draw what you see and capture the light, shadow and texture of everything. The drawing must have emotion. Do not use a light, medium, use heavy or dark mediums.

Assessment: Here we are testing to see how well you translate real life into quick sketches.

Project 02: Make

Create a lampshade not more than shade 30cm in big in any direction. Do not include the legs of the lamp, light bulbs or electrical – only the lampshade. The shape of the lampshade and the cut-outs into material of the lampshade must resemble a dream that you had. Include drawings and photographs of the lampshade in your submission. 

Medium: It must be recycled material. Choose a minimum of two different materials, for example, food packaging materials from your household kitchen (egg carton, milk box, potato bag, sweet wrapper, etc).
Helpful Hint: Pay attention to how much light shines through the material, how the materials are joined and connected. Be innovative. You may use colour and patterning.  

Assessment: Here we are testing to see how complex your geometric understanding of three-dimensional form is, how well you translate concepts into a shape and pattern as well as your creative use of materials

Project 03: Visit

Online, visit a public building of your choice (not a shopping centre, malls or casino – these are private buildings) it can be a church, mosque, synagogue, community centre, municipal or council building. Over a series of pages draw different part of the building and with notes describe the materials, the steps, the overhang, the roof, the windows, the doors, etc. Try to demonstrate how much you know about building materials and technology.

Medium: Hand-drawn only (no computer-aided drawings). You may use any medium of your choice eg. pen, watercolour, pencil, charcoal, ink, pastel etc. or a combination.  

Helpful Hint: It can be perspective drawings. It can include plans, sections, elevations and details. You may include your own drawn You are encouraged to use multiple/ mixed mediums as well as incorporate photography and collage into the finished product.

Assessment: Here we are testing to see if you understand elements and materials of buildings.

Project 04: Research + Writing

Research any African, South American or Indian Architect or Architectural Practice who inspires you and practices public architecture (not private houses, shopping centres, malls or casinos – these are private buildings) it can be a public housing, transport buildings, churches, mosques, synagogues, community centres, educational buildings like schools, municipal or council buildings. Choose one of their buildings. Then write In a two-page essay and elaborate on why your choice of project motivates you to study architecture. At the bottom of the page state which book or website you got your information from. This must be written in your own words.

Medium: Two pages of A4 paper handwritten, preferably typed with photos of the project.

Helpful Hint: Some of the guiding questions that can guide your answers are, what sets this architect or their architecture apart from other architects? How did the architect arrange the building? Ie. Is it a long, tall, scattered, unified, multiple cubes, one large shape? and why do you think it is that shape? what materials or technology does the architect us and why do you think they used it? How do you approach the entrance? How does the building sit on the ground? Ie. On the ground, snug, floating, inside the earth? Do not copy and paste the words from the internet- this is called plagiarism which will result in disqualification of your project. The selected building can also be in your own city or town. You may use the internet.

Assessment: Here we are testing your research skills. How well can you research, what lengths would you go to find out information. Then we also want to see what kind of architecture you enjoy.

Bonus Project***

Project 05: Video

(This project is optional and if you have the resources to do it. If you cannot submit this video, it will not disqualify you, you will still be included in the selection process, it just helps us to know who you are.) 

Create 20 to 30-second video of yourself. State your name, surname and where you are from. Then show us all of the projects you did for this portfolio submission on the video. 

Medium: Video. The video can either be sent to us in a direct message on Facebook @DOArchi or tag us on Instagram on @doa_uj 

Helpful Hint: Keep it simple and clear.

Assessment: Here we are testing to see how well you present your ideas clearly and simply.
Submission of a portfolio must only take place once you have officially applied to the university and have been invited by the faculty to participate in the selection process. You will be informed by means of a selection letter from the faculty regarding submission dates and portfolio requirements.

Portfolios will be submitted online via a GoogleDrive folder. A link to this will be sent to students who meet the minimum entrance requirements (APS or M Score)

Contact Details

Ms. Nombuso P. Luthuli
Departmental Secretary
Telephone:+27 11 559 1115
E-mail: lluthuli@uj.ac.za