Introduction and Application Process
Welcome to the Postgraduate Research Studies at the Nelson Mandela School of Architecture, where our curriculum is deeply rooted in the architectural themes of Africa and Southern Africa.
The application process for the Master of Architecture (Research)/Doctor of Architecture degree at Nelson Mandela University consists of three essential steps as outlined in the figure below.
Step 1: Express Your Interest
The first step in the application process for the MArch (Research)/DArch programme is to express your interest by reaching out to the Postgraduate Coordinator, Prof Magda Minguzzi
When expressing your interest, please share your qualifications and research interests. This will help the coodinator understand your academic background and how your research goals align with the expertise available. After this initial contact, more detailed information about the programme and the next steps in the application process will be provided to you.
Step 2: Online Application
All applicants are required to complete a general postgraduate online application by the set University’s deadline. Additionally, as part of this online application process, please ensure to submit the U24 form, which is available for download [available here], ID, your transcript, your CV and draft research proposal.
It is important to note that both Mandela University students and non-Mandela prospective applicants are required to complete the online application. For more detailed information regarding the online application process, we encourage you to visit www.mandela.ac.za.
To be considered for admission into the MArch (Research)/DArch programme, applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements established for the programme, which are as follows:
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Possession of a Master of Architecture (Profession) degree
Step 3: Register for the MArch (Research)/DArch Programme
Once you have successfully expressed your interest and online application and received confirmation from a supervisor, the next step is to register for the MArch Research /DArch programme.
Registration Periods:
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January to April: Registration during this period counts towards Year 1 of your studies.
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April to December: Registration during this period does not count as Year 1.
All rules pertaining to Master's and Doctoral studies at Nelson Mandela University apply. Detailed information regarding the online registration process will be provided to successful candidates by the Faculty Administrator.
Your assigned supervisor will be available to assist you throughout the application and registration process, ensuring you have the support needed to navigate the requirements and procedures.
After Registration
Following your registration, the next steps in your research journey include:
Research Proposal Approval:
Your research proposal must be approved at both the Departmental/School level and the faculty level.
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MArch Research: Approval must be obtained within 6 months.
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DArch: Approval must be obtained within 12 months.
If your research requires ethical clearance, the ethics application process will commence only after your research proposal has been approved and registered at the Faculty level.
Annual Progress Presentation:
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All MArch/DArch Research students are required to present their research progress once a year during October at the 45 minute Research Round Table Discussion Presentation.
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All MArch/ DArch Research students at the proposal stage are required to submit an updated research proposal one month (31 days) prior to the discussion.
We are excited to receive your application and learn more about your passion for architecture and your aspirations in the field. Thank you for considering Nelson Mandela University for your postgraduate studies. We look forward to the possibility of welcoming you into our Doctor of Architecture programme.