The University of the Witwatersrand
university
The University of the Witwatersrand

The University of the Witwatersrand

New Frontiers in Architecture, Urbanism, and Spatial Planning.

Building, 0B, John Moffat Extension, Yale Rd, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2017, South Africa

About The University of the Witwatersrand

The School of Architecture and Planning (SoAP) at the University of the Witwatersrand aims to provide an excellent learning environment, offering accredited professional degrees in architecture, planning, and related interdisciplinary urban studies and urban design. Its mission is to be a leading school of architectural, planning, and spatial research in Africa and the world, leveraging its commercial, strategic, and historic position in Johannesburg. SoAP's intensive curricula, combined with its research centers, explore emergent knowledge territories, equipping students to shape future professions and contribute to sustainable community growth. Students engage with developing districts, industrial areas, and dynamic townships, studying urban design, sustainability, and resilience. Research centers emphasize critical studies of modern and contemporary architectural practices, housing, informal settlements, urban management, and policy, addressing the impacts of migration, urban governance, commerce, and industrial activities on city growth and spatial formations.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS)
Bachelor

This full-time program serves as a gateway to diverse career paths within and related to architecture, emphasizing the creation of social and cultural heritage through built spaces. Graduates can participate across a broad field of professions in the design and construction industries.

3 Years
English
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Deadline: Apply before 30 June 2026 for the start date of 10 February 2027
Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours (BAS [Hons])
Bachelor (Honours)

This program may follow the BAS degree and can open eligibility for the Master of Architecture program. It prepares graduates for registration as Senior Architectural Technologists.

1 Year
English
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Deadline: Contact the School of Architecture & Planning for application closing dates
Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch [Prof])
Master

This program facilitates creative production of an architectural research report integrating theory, research, analysis, design and systems technology. It is the culmination of the architectural program and fulfills the academic requirements for registration as a Professional Architect.

1 Year (full-time)
English
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Deadline: Contact the School of Architecture & Planning for application closing dates
Master of Architecture (Research) (MArch)
Master

This program is suitable for candidates wishing to consolidate their research skills. The School of Architecture and Planning supervises Masters and PhD by research with expertise in architectural, urban and planning theory and sustainable development.

1 Year (full-time) or 2 Years (part-time)
English
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Deadline: Apply at least 6 months in advance (foreign students a year) and register at the beginning of the year
Master of Urban Design
Master

This postgraduate program equips students with advanced skills to shape sustainable and inclusive urban environments. It is designed for graduates from architecture, urban planning, landscape architecture, or related disciplines.

1 year
English
Local/Foreign: $3.56k / Year(s)
Deadline: Request application deadline
Master of Urban Studies
Master

This program explores urban development, policy analysis, and the complexities of urban life, combining perspectives from sociology, geography, and economics. Graduates can pursue careers in urban planning, public policy, and community development.

Request duration
English
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Deadline: Request application deadline
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
PhD

The School of Architecture and Planning is equipped to supervise Masters and PhD by research with expertise in the area of architectural, urban and planning theory and sustainable development. Students are assigned mentors to supervise their theses and dissertations.

Unspecified
English
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Deadline: Contact the School of Architecture & Planning for application details

Performance & Metrics

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Alumni
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Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
The architecture degrees (BAS, BAS (Hons) and MArch (Prof)) are together validated by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), and through SACAP they are validated by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA).
Admissions
The BAS programme targets an intake of approximately 65 students. An overall acceptance rate percentage is not provided.
Acceptance Rate
Deadlines
For BAS, applicants must apply online to Wits by June 30 and submit an application exercise by the published due date. Specific deadlines for postgraduate programs are available on their respective degree pages.
Requirements
BAS: Online application, competitive selection process including written and graphic exercises, and interviews. Minimum academic requirements include a Wits APS of 34 or higher, a minimum of 50% in Mathematics (Mathematical Literacy not accepted), and a minimum of 50% in English Home Language or First Additional Language on the National Senior Certificate (NSC). The exercises, interview, and academic performance all count equally towards consideration.
MArch_Prof: Minimum of 40 credits of research-based coursework (NQF level 8 or higher, min 65% mark); minimum of 90 credits of design and construction coursework (NQF level 8 or higher, min 65% average); minimum of 30 credits of history and theory coursework (NQF level 8 or higher); a minimum overall average weighted mark of 65%; and a minimum of 6 months professional work experience in architecture or related disciplines.

The University of the Witwatersrand Academic FAQ

The University of the Witwatersrand is New Frontiers in Architecture, Urbanism, and Spatial Planning.

The acceptance rate for The University of the Witwatersrand is The BAS programme targets an intake of approximately 65 students. An overall acceptance rate percentage is not provided., reflecting the selectivity of its academic programs.

Applicants are typically required to submit: [object Object].

The University of the Witwatersrand provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS), Bachelor of Architectural Studies with Honours (BAS [Hons]), Master of Architecture (Professional) (MArch [Prof]), Master of Architecture (Research) (MArch), Master of Urban Design.

The University of the Witwatersrand is situated in Johannesburg, South Africa, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, The University of the Witwatersrand holds accreditations from: The architecture degrees (BAS, BAS (Hons) and MArch (Prof)) are together validated by the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), and through SACAP they are validated by the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA)..