At a glance Duration: Full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 years) Applications open: July 2026 – 31 October 2026 Apply online: UKZN application portal Concept note template: Download here Submit concept note & documents: Coming Soon Queries: Dlaminin7@ukzn.ac.za |
Step-by-step Application Process
- Check you meet the entrance requirements — see Entrance Requirements below.
- Decide full-time or part-time. If your Honours qualification did not include Research Methods credits, you may only register part-time and must complete ARCH7RM in Semester 1 (see Additional Requirement below).
- Download and prepare your Concept Note using the Concept Note template , outlining your proposed Architectural Research Dissertation topic.
- Submit your online application via the UKZN application portal before 31 October 2026.
- Submit your Concept Note and supporting documents via the online submission form — see Documents Required.
- Await outcome. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission — final selection also depends on available places, academic performance, and the Admissions Committee’s criteria.
Entrance Requirements
You are eligible to apply for the MARCP if you have:
- Been awarded a postgraduate qualification in Architecture at NQF Level 8; OR
- Been admitted to the status thereof by the university.
All applicants must also submit a Concept Note outlining their proposed Architectural Research Dissertation topic.
Additional Requirement for Some Applicants
If your Honours qualification did NOT include Research Methods credits:
- You may only register as a part-time student, and
- You will be required to complete ARCH7RM — Architectural Research Methods — in Semester 1 of your registration.
Documents Required
- Certified copy of ID / passport
- Academic record (full transcripts)
- Degree certificate
- Concept Note of your proposed research topic
- SAQA Evaluation Certificate (if you have a foreign qualification)
Programme Structure (Modules)
Full-Time | Part-Time |
Annual Year Modules: ARCH8RD Architectural Research Dissertation (48C) ARCH8DD Architectural Design Dissertation (80C) | Annual Module Year 1: ARCH8RD Architectural Research Dissertation (48C) |
Semester 1: ARCH8EP Ethical Practice (16C) ARCH8AP Advanced Professional Practice (16C) | Semester 1: ARCH8EP Ethical Practice (16C) ARCH8AP Advanced Professional (16C) |
Semester 2: ARCH8PD Interdisciplinary Practice (32C) | Annual Module Year 2: ARCH8DD Architectural Design Dissertation (80C) |
| Semester 3: ARCH8SD Subsequent Semester for Architectural Research Dissertation |
| Semester 4: ARCH8AP Advanced Professional Practice (16C) ARCH8PD Interdisciplinary Practice (32C) |
Please note:
Full-time students are expected to be on campus for contact lessons
Part-time students are also expected to attend some contact sessions throughout the semester and attend a full block week prior to each semester’s commencement.
Contact
Academic Services
Postgraduate administrators:
- Ms Nombuso Dlamini Dlaminin7@ukzn.ac.za – 031 260 2070
- Ms Phumlile Ndimande NdimandeP@ukzn.ac.za – 031 260 8038
Undergraduate administrators:
- Ms Ranjinie Naicker Naickersu@ukzn.ac.za – 031 260 2693