A one year (two semesters) professionally oriented graduate programme structured to integrate advanced design studies with the professional requirements of architectural practice in the contemporary world.

SCHEME OF EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS

Mode of Assessment

The assessment of a Module is based on formal Examinations, Continuous Assessment and Coursework. Unless otherwise specified, the formal Examination shall normally contribute 50% and Continuous Assessment/Coursework shall contribute 50% of the final marks.

Examinations

Final Examinations shall take place towards the end of each Semester for each Module, at dates to be specified in the University Calendar.

Pass Mark and Aggregate Marks

The pass mark for a module shall be 50% as prescribed in the General Regulations.

Modules within each part of the degree programme are weighted according to the notional study hours spent on the module. Weight values are shown against each module title in the List of Modules.

The aggregate mark for a Part shall be the weighted average of aggregate marks for the modules constituting the programme of study for that Part.

The overall aggregate mark shall be the weighted average of aggregate marks for the Parts constituting the programme of study for the degree.

Proceeding to the following Part

A student may proceed to the following Part upon satisfying the examiners in all the Modules for the Part.

Subject to the provisions in the General Regulations, a student may proceed to the following Part provided he\she gets an aggregate of 50% or more and has passed at least 75% of the modules.

A student who fails the Design Studio Module shall repeat the Part.

Degree Classification

In determining a student's Degree Classification, the Degree Programme shall be weighted and credited as follows:

Part I    100%    Minimum Credits 300

MODULES FOR MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE (M. Arch)

NB: all AAR codes have been changed to BAR.

Part I (Total 300)

Semesters 1 and 2

BAR 6001   Design Studio                                     120

Semester 1

BAR 6102   Research for Architectural Design I                        52

BAR 6103   Professional Practice and Management I                     20

Electives (Students to select 2 Modules)

BAR 6104   Architectural Conservation and Heritage Management             18

BAR 6105   Computer Aided Design and Management                 18

BAR 6106   Environmental Conservation                         18

BAR 6107   Urban Sociology                                 18

Semester 2

BAR 6202   Research for Architectural Design II                     52

BAR 6203   Professional Practice and Management II                     20

BAR 6001    DESIGN STUDIO                                

The Design Thesis Studio is an opportunity for graduate students to explore and develop their understanding of and competence in aspects of architecture which are of special interest to them, with the tutorial guidance of staff and visiting professional architects. Initially, students must identify the architectural issues which are to form the basis for their final projects. When the nature and scope of those issues have been identified, then the appropriate building type and location can be identified. The objectives of the module are to test the ability of the students to identify and define architectural issues and design opportunities and to plan the programme for the completion of the project within the time frame, of the academic year. The self-selected architectural problem must contain sufficient complexity and potential richness opportunity to enable the students to reveal and demonstrate their knowledge, competence and maturity as architectural designers, and their ability to integrate theoretical design issues with technological substantiation at a high level. Students shall be required to present and defend their final projects before a panel of staff and invited critics.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BAR 6102/6202    RESEARCH FOR ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN I/II           

Within the architectural profession, design work is often preceded and substantiated by research studies in a variety of fields and disciplines. This module provides the student with an introduction to an overview of the major areas of design research and offers appropriate methodologies. Through the study of professional examples and through exercises that focus on and apply specific methodologies, the students carry out relevant research for their Graduate Design Studio project and equip themselves for their future role as design professionals. The module includes an overview of the following major areas of design research. Urban Analysis (site and context), Historical Precedent and Typology, Anthropological, Sociological and Behavioural Studies; Technological Strategies; and Project management and Cost Control are covered.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BAR 6103/6203    PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE AND MANAGEMENT I/II        

The module introduces the student to the contractual, administrative managerial and legal responsibilities of and constraints on the practicing architect in principle, and registered architectural practices in Zimbabwe. Issues of professional indemnity insurance, arbitration and litigation are examined. With specific reference to the student's final project of graduate Design Studio, students are assigned three pieces of coursework: Pre-contract Programme; Post-Contract Programme; Cost Plan.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BAR 6104    ARCHITECTURAL CONSERVATION & HERITAGE MANAGEMENT    (ELECTIVE)                                       

The module introduces the student to the principles and practice of architectural conservation, and examines the following aspects of the subject: conservation of historic buildings, of vernacular and traditional buildings, of colonial buildings, of vernacular and traditional building crafts and skills, and of areas of historical, cultural environmental value; the revitalization and adaptive re-use of old or obsolete buildings. The statutory provisions for the identification, protection and public accessibility for the architectural and built environment heritage are investigated, techniques for recording, repairing, consolidating and maintaining old buildings examined. The theoretical content of the module is supplemented by case studies and visits to representative examples of conservation practice.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BAR 6105    COMPUTER AIDED DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT (ELECTIVE)         

Through a series of seminars and computer based exercises, the module provides an update of a rapidly developing and expanding information technology, through exploration of new and more complex applications in technical drafting, architectural representation and animation, other computer-based architectural presentation techniques. Storage, administration and management of building projects using computer-based programmes are examined.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BAR 6106    ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION (ELECTIVE)                         

The module aims at introducing students to issues of environmental awareness with regards to the impacts of human activities and strategies for coping with the changing environment. The module is to be conducted through lectures, case studies and seminars. The following broad topics are relevant: The environment-ecology of the environment; The ecosystems types and components; Impacts of man's activities on the ecosystem; Types of impacts; Concept and issues in environmental impact assessment (EIA); Case studies of sustainable communities; Indigenous knowledge and sustainability.

Principles of architectural design for the survival of earth's resources and materials:

The conservation of energy; respect for site, culture, climate; holism with reference to inventory of resources: natural systems; man-made systems and keeping with the earth's carrying capacity. Comprehensive plan for dynamic conservation: Environmental protection; the planned community; towards a green aesthetic; Integrating development and conservation.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment

BAR 6107    URBAN SOCIOLOGY (ELECTIVE)                        

The module provides a lecture/seminar format to discuss the historic development of the profession, role of the architect in contemporary society, current forms of practice and emerging trends, contractual relationships, ethical responsibility, office management and promotion. Case Studies are used to demonstrate the practical application of information as well as analytical techniques to strengthen design and planning abilities.

Module Assessment: 100% Continuous Assessment