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Dear Ryan

Thank you for your question regarding how to access architecture qualifications with mathematical literacy. Well done for getting 80% for maths lit; with a mark like that you will be able to apply for a national diploma in architectural technology from a university of technology.

The field of architecture may be accessed through two routes.

• One through a lengthy university degree program resulting in an M Arch degree followed by a two year internship (practical training under the supervision of an architect), then professional registration as an architect.
• The other route involves registration as an architectural technician after a national diploma in architectural technology obtained from a university of technology, followed by an internship. On completion of a national diploma you may also apply for a BTech degree. The national diploma accepts mathematical literacy if you obtain good results.

Further information may be obtained from the SA Council for the Architectural Profession: www.sacapsa.com  and the South African Institute of Architects www.saia.org.za/education_careers.php

The following Universities offer courses in Architecture and we suggest you contact these institutions directly to see if they offer any bridging courses to assist you to meet the mathematics entry requirements:

University of Cape Town (UCT): School of Architecture, Planning & Geomatics
Private Bag, RONDEBOSCH , 7701
Tel: (021) 650 2366
Fax: (021) 650 2383
website: www.apg.uct.ac.za

University of the Free State (UFS): Department of Architecture
P O Box 339, Internal Bag 46, BLOEMFONTEIN, 9300
Tel: (051) 401 2332
Fax: (051) 444 5108
website: www.ufs.ac.za

University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN): School of Architecture, Planning & Housing
DURBAN
4041
Tel: (031) 260 1520
Fax:(031) 260 1252
website: www.ukzn.ac.za

Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU): Department of Architecture Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (South Campus)
P. O. Box 77000, PORT ELIZABETH,  6031
Tel: (041) 504 2719
Fax: (041) 504 4510
website: www.nmmu.ac.za

University of Pretoria (UP): Department of Architecture
Lynwood Road, PRETORIA, 0002
Tel: (012) 420 4542
Fax:(012) 420 5788
website: www.up.ac.za

University of the Witwatersrand (WITS): School of Architecture and Planning
Private Bag X3, WITS, 2050
Tel: (011) 717 7726
Fax:(011) 717 7649
website: www.wits.ac.za

You should also consider the architecture national diplomas and BTECH degrees offered by the following Universities of Technology offer architectural courses:

Department of Architectural Technology
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT): Foreshore Campus
P. O. Box 652, CAPE TOWN, 8000
Tel: (021) 440 2225
Fax: (021) 440 2233
Website: www.cput.co.za

Department of Architectural Technology
Durban University of Technology
P. O. Box 1334, DURBAN, 4000
Tel: (031) 204 2857
Fax: (031) 204 2006
Website: www.dut.ac.za

Department of Architecture
University of Johannesburg
P. O. Box 17011, DOORNFONTEIN, 2028
Tel: (011) 559 1115
Fax: (011) 559 1134
Website: www.uj.ac.za

Architectural Technology and Interior Design
Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
P.O. Box 77000, PORT ELIZABETH, 6031
Tel: (041) 504 9928
Fax: (041) 504 3940
Website: www.nmmu.ac.za

Department of Architecture
Tshwane University of Technology
Private Bag X680, PRETORIA, 0001
Tel: (012) 382 5252
Fax: (012) 382 5036
Website: www.architec.co.za

Both degree and national diploma courses require applicants to submit a portfolio and to sit a selection test.
 

If you have no luck with the universities and decide you don’t want to complete a BTech degree after completing a National Diploma in Architectural Technology then consider registering as a private candidate with the Department of Education to complete grade 10, 11 and 12  mathematics. You could also explore the high school national senior certificate courses offered by private colleges such as Damelin . Explore the list of private FET colleges for registered providers in your area: http://www.education.gov.za/dynamic/dynamic.aspx?pageid=421&tabfield=index_id&tabval=4&ASPSESSIONIDCQBCBQSC=HLFOCMHCAEFPNFIBKMKNMGNL

You could also contact your local FET College to see if they would allow you to register for mathematics only. This is also likely to take you three years. Make use of the Department of Education website to identify a college near you (http://www.education.gov.za/dynamic/dynamic.aspx?pageid=325&bid=7&branch=Further%20Education%20and%20Training). The Further Education and Training Directorate page will be displayed; near the bottom of the page select “Public FET Colleges, then select “contact list of FET Public Colleges.

We hope this information will help you to start your career in architecture.
Kind regards
The Career Planet Team