Advanced Diploma in Architectural Design at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

This design-focused course is aimed at students who wish to either transfer to the architectural programme by continuing with the one-year BAS Honours degree, and one-year MArch (Professional) degree, or who intend to (with some experience) practice independently as professional senior architectural technologists. The design component of the course is run concurrently with the BAS Design III class. Those who achieve the required 60% in Design may then register for the BAS Honours degree programme.

Faculty: Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology | Duration: 1 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The Advanced Diploma in Architectural Design builds primarily on the theoretical and design skills of the Diploma of Architectural Technology. The purpose is to produce graduates who are trained according to the standards of best practice in accordance with the requirements of the South African Council for the Architectural Profession, the Commonwealth Association of Architects and the ideals of NMMU’s Vision 2020. The published curriculum is an NQF Level 7 qualification of 120 credits.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: • Applicants must have graduated with a Diploma in Architectural Technology with an average of 65%for both Architectural Design and Studio Work 1, 2, 3, 65% for both theory of architecture 1, 2 and Construction and Detailing 1, 2, 3. • Applicants whose marks do not meet the subminimum admission requirements listed above must submit a portfolio of professional work completed in practice over two to three years for assessment by the admissions committee composed of the School Director and both Departmental Heads. • Applicants who have completed their Diploma in Architectural Technology at another SACAP accredited institution will be required to submit their full academic record and a portfolio for assessment by the admissions committee. • Applicants who are coming from a Professional Practice environment must have obtain a Diploma in Architectural Technology at any SACAP accredited Institution and will be required to submit their full academic record and submit a portfolio of professional work completed in practice over two to three years for assessment by the admissions committee

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.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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