SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100951  Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification primarily has a vocational orientation which includes vocational industry specific knowledge, preparing individuals with knowledge, skills and applied competencies within the scope of Fashion Design and Technology. It aims to prepare learners for employment in the Fashion Design Industry. The qualification also provides the students with the knowledge and practical skills required for further higher education studies within the field of Fashion. Learners will be able to innovatively function in the field of fashion design; equipped with positive interpersonal relations and professional ethical behaviour. Additionally, graduates are empowered to implement and apply acquired knowledge in the development of designs and exclusive construction of garments for showcasing to possible future employers and business partners. Students must demonstrate competent skills of resource management, using appropriate technologies and entrepreneurial strategies. To include the technology, innovation, entrepreneurship and community engagement in its offerings. This qualification provides the students with a strong theoretical foundation in the principles of Fashion Design, Indigenous African Fashion, Merchandising, buying, trend analyses, and forecasting, conceptual development of designs, textiles, history of costume, and small business management. The students are required to apply acquired knowledge in critically analysing design problems and translating analyses into creative and exclusively constructed garments ranges that meets expected functional needs of the consumers. Students graduating from the programme will be equipped with Fashion Design, Fashion Business and Technological skills in which innovation and originality are nurtured within a range of different but closely related pathways.

Rationale:
The qualification aims to train versatile career oriented entrepreneurs who can successfully fill their place in the highly competitive and challenging world of the clothing industry as fashion designers, pattern makers, manual and computerised pattern graders and costume design. Learners will also be prepared for a career that focuses on addressing the requirements of industry that include design innovation, quality control, fashion buying, fashion branding and marketing, fashion presenting, fashion editing, trend setting and fashion co-ordinating as well as the ethical and social issues within the clothing sector. The rapidly responsive nature of the Fashion industry will be reflected in the programme while still focusing on the essence of design in a commercial context. This qualification is primarily intended for application in the clothing design industry. It will give the learners the competencies required to progress in a career in clothing and Fashion design. Design is a fast changing industry that has established itself on a global level as a key contributor to national textile and clothing industries. Textiles and clothing design makes a significant annual contribution to the South African economy and industry. Learners who attain this qualification will be absorbed in the textile and clothing industry and can create employment opportunities for others by starting fashion related businesses. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules 1, Level 5, 160 Credits:
  • Communication for Academic Purposes, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Garment Technology 1, 25 Credits.
  • Pattern Technology 1, 25 Credits.
  • Life Skills I, 2 Credits.
  • Textiles 1, 7 Credits.
  • History of African Fashion, 14 Credits.
  • Information Literacy I, 2 Credits.
  • Design Studies 1,25 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning (WIL) in Fashion Design I, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Practice in Fashion Design I, 10 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship 1,10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules 2, Level 6, 200 Credits:
  • Pattern Technology 2, 25 Credits.
  • Design Studies 2, 25 Credits.
  • Textiles 2, 10 Credits.
  • Inter-cultural Fashion Trends 2, 15 Credits.
  • Garment Technology 2, 25 Credits.
  • WIL in Fashion Design II, 40 credits.
  • Pattern Technology 3, 20 Credits.
  • Design Studies 3, 20 Credits.
  • Garment Technology 3, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an ability to apply technological skills and design principles to the professional development of fashion and apparel.
    2. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the main areas or practises in the discipline of fashion design, including an understanding of an ability to apply the rules and theories of the discipline to unfamiliar but relevant context and knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields or practices.
    3. Apply scientific and technological knowledge to analyse and develop a variety of textiles applicable to the fashion industry.
    4. Relate principles, concepts and functions of business to the related fashion industry.
    5. Solve problems related to pattern and garment development and manufacturing process.
    6. Apply applied basic research methodology related to Fashion Industry.
    7. Transform, design and apply business and research skills into entrepreneurial activities.
    8. Evaluate own performance against given criteria, identify and address task specific learning opportunities in a project based context, in terms of a specified fields or practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • All technological considerations are integrated to achieve an optimal pattern.
  • Appropriate machinery sewing and finishing techniques are selected to achieve structural and cost objectives of garment.
  • Patterns and grading are developed using the latest technology.
  • Appropriate materials and specifications are selected and incorporated to achieve design objectives for a range of garments.
  • Design processes and market research are integrated to respond to the specific objective.
  • Effective visual communication of design, structure and fabrication is integrated to achieve objective.
  • Design concepts drawings and details are produced using the latest technology.
  • The competent use of computer technology is achieved.
  • All key considerations are integrated into the report.
  • All key considerations are integrated into the report.
  • All key aspects are demonstrated.
  • All key elements are integrated into the report and oral presentation.
  • The written proposal will integrate all key elements and concepts in the research proposal.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment of each subject is based on the fulfilment of the subject module as evidence by the learner's ability to demonstrate the learning outcomes. Assessment takes two forms viz: Formative and Summative. Students completing this programme should be able to blend strong designing; production and manufacturing capabilities together with theoretical considerations. Integrated assessment will be achieved by including practical individual projects and assignments, written tests, practical and examinations. Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of learners during their classes by an external assessor. Formative Assessment: Through continuous feedback, constructive critique and practical recommendations to improve their results, students are constantly aware of their progress in achieving specific learning outcomes. This will be achieved by including assignments, practical projects, tests and class room presentations by learners in a peer-evaluation environment, as well as observation of student participation during theoretical and practical session. Summative Assessment: This will be done on an annual basis as well as at the end of the three-year study period. At the end of each year, practical evaluation is done of the years' work by a panel of internal and external assessors. Students are also exposed to peer and industry evaluations at international and national competitions which students must enter as part of the programme. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification offers an academic qualification that prepares learners at a vocational level for entry into the competitive and fast paced clothing industry while providing a base towards graduate and post graduate work. Comparing this approach with courses offered in other countries that are leaders in this field reveals the following:

    United States of America (USA): Universities in the USA offer a 2-year Associate of Arts Diploma, a 3-year Associate of Arts Professional Designation and a four-year Advance Fashion Design qualification. More emphasis is placed on entrepreneurship and preparing students in running their own studios by offering subjects such as The Business of Fashion, Collection Brand Identity and Collection Development.

    Australia: Curtin University in Australia offers a 3-year fulltime Degree (BA: FASHION) with a general first year of study covering a variety of design philosophies through exploration of creative ways of thinking and the application of the design process in the creation of innovative design solutions. The students are also introduced to industry standard design technologies and software. In the second and third year focus is then directed in preparing students on preparing and executing designs of their personal collections to be shown at the end of the year-end graduation fashion show at which fashion media representatives and fashion companies view the best work of the graduates. The programme also prepares students in the exploration in greater depth essential design concepts and equips them with a 360 degree understanding of the forces at play in garment creation.

    United Kingdom (UK): The Central Saint Martins University of Art offers a 3 or 4-year Degree BA (Honours) Fashion) which has seven pathways with the study of Fashion as the core subject. The seven pathways are: Fashion Design Menswear, Fashion Design Women wear; Fashion Print; Fashion Design Knitwear; Fashion Communication with promotion; Fashion Design and Marketing; Fashion History and Theory. The course outline is on generating, developing and realising a variety of creative men and ladies wear ideas to a professional standard. The programme prepares students in developing their own personal design vision within the concept of men and women design in existing and expanding national and international markets. Fashion Print and Fashion Design knitwear are also covered in the syllabus. In Fashion print, fabric creation, the application of printing textile skills to fashion design, the understanding body proportions and the performance of fabric and fibres is outlined. Under Fashion Design Knitwear there is collaboration with other fashion disciplines across menswear and women wear.

    Japan: The Bunka Fashion College offers a 2-year fulltime School Dress course and a 3-year Graduate Fashion course in the first year of study the emphasis is on the Hiroshi Nishi Garment History. Dress Design, Garments Handicraft, Costume Design Theory, Apparel Material Theory and Fashion Design theory are taught in the first year of study. There is an elective in the second year of study with six subjects viz: Dress Design, Dress Anatomy, Introduction to production Management, Theory Apparel Quality, Dress Design- Practice Production Technology, Fashion Design Painting and Costume Design Theory. The third year which is a graduate course is a 1 year fulltime course with three directions. Direction 1: Design Course Subjects offered in this direction are: Dress Design Exercise, Apparel Stain, Work Pin Fashion, Marketing Fashion Design, Painting, Croquis, Production Technology Lab. Direction 2: Technology Department All Technology Related subject such as: Textile Technology Production, Technology Lab, Dress Design-Practise Production Technology. Direction 3: Department of Haute Couture Subjects covered in this direction are: Cap/Staining Kuchurudezain picture Exercises Craft, Couture Advanced Couture Pin Work. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Fashion, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.