Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Bachelor of the Built Environment in Architecture (NQF 7, code BBARC1) is a three-year full-time degree combining architectural theory, design principles and studio practice with an emphasis on sustainability, environmental responsiveness and innovative design. It is validated by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) and builds the knowledge needed to register as a candidate architectural technologist. It is offered on the Steve Biko Campus.

Faculty: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment | Department: Department of Architecture | Duration: 3 years full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

Year 1: Architectural Design, Construction Technology, Mathematics and Physics for the Built Environment, Settlement History, History and Theory of Design, Academic Literacy and Cornerstone 101. Year 2: Architectural Design II, Landscaping and Site Survey, Urban Settlements, Principles of Commercial Law, Research Methods and a Work Based Project (Design and Technology). Year 3: Architectural Design III, Construction Technology III, Law of Building Contracts, Property and Land Economics, Professional Practice and a Major Integrated Project.

Career pathways

Registration with SACAP as Candidate Architectural Technologist or Candidate Senior Architectural Technologist, followed by mentorship in a registered practice and professional practice exams to register as a professional; work in practice or private practice.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC with degree entry (DUT rule G7: English 3 and four 20-credit subjects at 4) and, specifically for this programme: English 4, Mathematics 4 (Mathematical Literacy is not accepted), plus three further recognised 20-credit subjects at 4. Recommended but not compulsory: Technology, History, Art, Technical Drawing, Geography, Physics. The top 300 applicants write a selection test; its weighted result together with Mathematics (trial or final NSC) determines the ranking for offers, and first-choice applicants are preferred. Senior Certificate: English and Mathematics D (HG) or C (SG). NCV Level 4: 60% in three fundamental subjects including English and 70% in four vocational subjects. Mature-age route (DUT rule G7): applicants without the standard school-leaving qualification may be admitted if they turn 23 in the first year of registration and have at least three years' appropriate work experience and/or demonstrate capacity through a Senate-approved assessment (SATAP, Academic Literacies and English for Academic Purposes and/or a department-set written assessment); applications on this basis are due at least four months before the academic year starts.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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