15 Top Architecture Schools in Botswana
Botswana is a very fast developing state in Southern Africa and quite stable economically. It is also among the states with urban planning initiatives.
As the nation continues to grow, the demand for skilled architects is also on the rise. This subsequently resulted in the establishment of many reputable schools offering architecture courses in this country. The institutions offer quite a wide range of courses that are tailored to equip students and make them accomplished architects if they wish.
This article reveals the top 15 architecture schools in Botswana, their locations, and whether they are of public or private type, and the degrees offered.
Best 15 Schools to Study Architecture in Botswana
Here is a list of the best universities that offer architecture in Botswana:
1. University of Botswana (UB)
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: B.Sc. in Architecture, M.Sc. in Architecture.
Source: Simple Wikipedia.
The University of Botswana is the largest and the best in the country. The university provides program-based education in architecture at the level of the faculty of engineering and technology. It is a five-year-long career-oriented professional course—which combines in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge of architecture. The course contents cover architectural design, including history, theory, and technology relevant to the practical use of architecture to pursue professional careers in architecture.
The different specializations of the architecture program include urban design, sustainable architecture, and building technology.
2. Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST)
- Location: Palapye, Central District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: B.Sc. in Architectural Studies, M.Sc. in Architecture.
Source: www.biust.ac.bw.
BIUST is the University of Sciences and Technology, leading in Botswana through the offer of an Architecture course within the context of innovations and sustainable design. This B.Sc. course in architectural studies readies students with a formidable background in architectural principles, while the master of architecture enables specialization in digital design and environmental architecture. The BIUST architecture department provides state-of-the-art facilities and places a strong emphasis on research and development.
3. Limkokwing University of Creative Technology
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Private.
- Degrees Offered: B.Sc. in Architectural Technology, M.Sc. in Architectural Practice.
Source: TheVoiceBW.
Limkokwing University is an international university, with programs from its campus in Gaborone, blending creativity with technology. This gives a reason for the graduating students from the BSc program in architectural technology to have their interests directed more toward the technical side of architecture, that is construction methods, materials, and building services. The MSc in architectural practice is target-market-oriented, excluding the detailed technical aspects the BSc will have to ensure that the interests are in line with advanced design.
4. Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (BUAN)
- Location: Sebele, South-East District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: B.Sc. in Environmental Design.
Source: TheVoiceBW.
BUAN provides an exclusive course by cultivates both elective requirements in architecture and environmental sustainability. The program in BSc environmental design encompasses areas such as sustainable building practices, landscape architecture, and urban planning. This is a very good course for those who desire to venture into the area of architecture and conservation of the environment.
5. Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS)
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Private.
- Degrees Offered: Diploma in Architectural Technology, B.Sc. in Architectural Design (in collaboration with international universities).
Source: Facebook.
GIPS provides a one-year diploma in architectural technology, which serves as further study in architecture. The school also offers a B.Sc. in architectural design in collaboration with international universities to give students an international view of architectural education. Practical skills are emphasized, and the program readies students for entry-level employability in the architecture industry.
6. Botho University
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Private.
- Degrees Offered: B.Sc. in Architecture, M.Sc. in Sustainable Design.
Source: Africa Tech Schools.
Botho University is a leading private university in Botswana; it has been placed at the forefront of innovation because of its very strong technological track record. The B.Sc. architecture degree offers a comprehensive education covering design, theory, and architectural technology. The M.Sc. sustainable design specializes in environmentally responsible design practices with careful regard to climate change and resource management challenges in the built environment.
7. ABM University College
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Private.
- Degrees Offered: Diploma in Architectural Studies, B.Sc. in Architectural Technology (in collaboration with international universities).
Source: Africa Tech Schools.
ABM University College is offering a diploma in architectural studies for a sound foundational grounding of principles and practices of architecture for students. The college also offers a BSc in architectural technology for the fulfillment of its network and collaborations with these international universities; they focus on addressing the technical requirements of practicing architecture and construction.
8. New Era College of Arts, Science, and Technology
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Private.
- Degrees Offered: Diploma in Architectural Design, B.Sc. in Architectural Technology.
The diploma in architectural design at New Era College is a program that highlights equally both the creative and technical parts of architectural work. The B. Sc. architectural technology follows afterward to build on the foundation with further development in knowledge in the area of construction technology, project management, and building services. It is very intensive with the hallmark of the college—hands-on learning and industry exposure in the preparation process for the workforce.
9. Botswana Accountancy College (BAC)
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: Diploma in Architectural Studies, B.Sc. in Architectural Design (in collaboration with international universities).
Source: Apie project.
BAC is a state-run institution that provides a course for a diploma in architectural studies, teaching development with emphasis on the fundamentals of architectural design, building technology, and construction management. A B.Sc. in architectural design degree, being executed in collaboration with different international universities to impart a comprehensive education in architecture and design, is also being rendered by the institution.
10. Boitekanelo College
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Private.
- Degrees Offered: Diploma in Environmental Design.
Source: Mmegi Online.
Boitekanelo College is a private college that offers a specialized diploma in environmental design, with this program focused on activities from sustainable building practices and urban planning to activities on landscape architecture. Good for those who mind about the environment, then.
11. Gaborone Technical College
- Location: Gaborone, South-East District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: Certificate in Architectural Drafting, Diploma in Architectural Technology.
Source: ASA Enterprises.
The architectural drafting program for the certificate in architectural drafting and architectural technology is designed by Gaborone Technical College to impart students with the appropriate technical skills for careers in architectural drafting, design, and construction. Some of the specific relevant emphasis at the college includes practical training such as CAD, construction technology, and building services.
12. Oodi College of Applied Arts and Technology
- Location: Oodi, Kgatleng District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: Diploma in Architectural Design.
Source: Co-Arc International Architects.
Specifically, Oodi College gives a diploma in architectural design, with the emphasis of the program being directed into the creative and technical fields in architectural design. This would then cover working on architectural themes, methods of construction, and the building services that would be associated with the program, thus preparing teams for entry positions in the industry fields.
13. Francistown College of Technical and Vocational Education (FCTVE)
- Location: Francistown, North-East District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: Certificate in Architectural Drafting, Diploma in Architectural Technology.
Source: Facebook.
FCTVE is a government institution that offers a certificate in architectural drafting and a diploma in architectural technology. The course content majorly delves into the technical aspect of architecture, involving quite some learning on drafting, construction technology, and building services. This college keeps in line with the most technically up-to-date practices and standards, which should prepare students for architecture careers through practical training and wide industry exposure.
14. Kweneng College of Applied Arts
- Location: Molepolole, Kweneng District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: Diploma in Architectural Technology.
Kweneng College offers an advanced diploma in architectural technology. The course is prepared and designed in such a way that students are given all-round professional training and exposure in the fields of architectural design, construction technology, and building services. The focus of the college is on practical training and industry interaction to make students competent enough to start their careers in the fields of architecture and construction.
15. Selebi-Phikwe Technical College
- Location: Selebi-Phikwe, Central District.
- Type: Public.
- Degrees Offered: Certificate in Architectural Drafting, Diploma in Architectural Technology.
Selebi-Phikwe Technical College offers a certificate in architectural drafting and a diploma in architectural technology. The programs have been designed to develop technical skills in students related to drafting, design, and construction, putting due emphasis on practical training and active involvement with industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the Top Architecture Schools in Botswana.
How Long Does it Take to Complete an Architecture Degree in Botswana?
A Bachelor of Science in Architecture typically takes five years to complete, while a Master’s degree may take an additional one to two years.
What are the Admission Requirements for Architecture Schools in Botswana?
Admission requirements typically include passing the university’s entrance exam, submitting high school transcripts, and, in some cases, undergoing an interview or portfolio review.
Can International Students Apply to Architecture Programs in Botswana?
Yes, many architecture schools in Botswana accept international students, with specific admission criteria and application processes for non-Botswana citizens.
Which Architecture School in Botswana is Known for its Focus on Sustainability?
Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST) is known for its focus on sustainable architecture and environmental design.
Do Architecture Schools in Botswana Offer Practical Experience Opportunities?
Yes, many architecture schools in Botswana, such as BIUST and the University of Botswana, offer internships and practical training as part of their programs.
Recommended Posts
- 20 Top Architecture Schools in Manila
- 25 Top Architecture Schools in the Philippines
- 20 Top Architecture Schools in Algeria
- 20 Best Architecture Schools in Tanzania.
Conclusion
Botswana offers training in modern architecture in the form of diplomas, certificates, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees from both public and private learning institutions. Each of them has unique strengths and focus areas, so be it sustainable design, urban planning, or architectural technology; one can find the necessary education and training for a very promising career in Botswana architecture schools.
