SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
102213	Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 02 - Culture and Arts		Design Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to strengthen the learner's knowledge and skill-base in specific materials, methods, technologies (whether digital or analogue) that are employed in the creative industries such as production and/or manufacture of projects and products that range from advertising, textiles and printmaking, metal fabrication, 3D printing, gaming, the digital design environment, animation and other creative or cultural production.

It is also aimed at professional development of practitioners in industry who need to upgrade their skill set in the face of rapidly changing technologies, and requirements of industry since their formal training.

The core objective is to promote an indepth knowledge base, understanding of and mastery of a selected process of creative production, thereby enabling learners to have technical and/or technological expertise at a very high level over production methods, whether analogue or digital, high or low tech.

Qualified learners will become specialists in technology with both practical experience, and be able to understand how to apply their knowledge and skills in the world of design/creative production. They will also understand trends and developments globally that influence and are influenced by their chosen technology.

This qualification is designed in a manner that encourages learners to master their chosen technology.

Rationale:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology is aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at people in the principal feeder area of the University who have come through the Diploma in Design and Studio Arts who are looking to further strengthen their studies before exiting in preparation for employment and self-employment, or those who are aiming for further research and study to higher qualifications.

This Postgraduate Diploma is specifically focused on offering learners with an option to focus on a year of intensive study of a selection of technologies appropriate to their practice. These include traditional technologies such as bronze casting or foundry work, or ceramic production as well as high tech rapidly changing technologies in digital design, Computer Aided Design and Manufacture, Animation and similar.

This qualification is designed to equip learners with skills that will prepare them to become Creative Collaborators and Partners who work within the industry in the execution and production of creative content in a collaborative manner with artists, designers and other creative practitioners.

It provides specialisation for learners who are likely to pursue careers as creative practitioners or support technicians in the creative industries.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Provision is made to achieve the qualification in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The learners will be selected and on an individual basis in accordance with the RPL policy of the institution the process will be conducted.

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work and/or learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Humanities for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and/or through prior experience as a practitioner in another field of Design and/or Studio Art. Structured assessments will be developed for learners whereby they will be assessed against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on an individual basis and in accordance with the institutions' RPL policy. Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The RPL policy outlines that the holder of a University qualification certificate must have:

Complied with the admission requirements for the qualification, including the admission requirements of the courses/module prescribed for the qualification.

Been assessed and found competent in all the competences and skills prescribed for the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry to this qualification is a three (3) year Bachelor's Degree or and Advanced Diploma at Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules:

Ideation and Collaborative Practice in Industry, 24 Credits.

Materials and Methods Proficiency, 8 Credits.

Techniques and Technology Studies, 24 Credits.

Production and Process management, 40 Credits.

Research Project, 24 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Engage and demonstrate a versatile and integrated knowledge of the qualification, research methodologies, methods and techniques with detailed knowledge of a specialist area.
2. Apply, demonstrate and interrogate multiple sources of knowledge according to both the subject and the industry needs.
3. Research and understand the target market and identify how to respond, understand the individual needs, and tailor the product accordingly by applying a range of methods to unfamiliar problems.
4. Communicate effectively in relation to the product(s), in order to mediate design and studio art industry needs and an ability to take decisions and justify those decisions in specialised contexts.
5. Communicate with academic/professional discourse offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems.
6. Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry and the ability to critically review, so as to develop creative responses.
7. Evaluate, understand and interpret diversity in the South African context, in order to accommodate industry developments, and identify and solve social problems.
8. Manage processes across variable contexts in order to self-evaluate and solve sequenced real world visual problems with well-structured arguments and solutions.
9. Demonstrate sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills in diverse contexts in order to ensure a conducive working environment.
10. Exhibit a positive work ethic, display appropriate values, and conduct oneself in a manner which befits, enhances and develops the design and studio art profession.
11. Critically reflect on own practice in liaison with their professional community of colleagues and industry in order to constantly improve and adapt to evolving circumstances, while taking accountability for processes used.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate versatile and integrated knowledge with regard to a specialist area related to visual communication, research methodologies, methods and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply concepts, principles and interrogation of multiple sources and theories applicable to the needs of the subjects, specialist areas and industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Develop and apply tailored specialised products for an identified target market by a range of methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills with the ability to take decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate and apply sound knowledge of communication skills in the form of proposals and projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry in the unpacking, planning and development of suitable and creative products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Critically evaluate and use the understanding of diversity in South Africa to solve social problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate effective management of diverse processes through defining and solving of sequenced real world visual problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Effectively apply sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills to adhere to a conducive working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Recognise, apply and integrate positive work ethic into related activities in design and studio art profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Critically evaluate reflection of own practice through peer review by a professional community of colleagues and the learner.

Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for own work.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated assessment takes the form of a variety of assessment methods, for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, visual diaries, journals, field work and the assessment of competence through simulated and actual work integrated learning. This variety of assessment methods helps to increase the assessment opportunities and encourage academic success of the learners. It also provides the opportunity for all learners to excel in one or more methods of assessment creating a culture of success. The institution encourages continuity and alignment across the different modules which include the integration of principles into Studio Practice. These practices ensure reliability and validity in assessment.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated Exit Level Outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training within the learning programme or though experience that complies with the stated RPL policy.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

In the United Kingdom, the Loughborough University offers a Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fine Art. This qualification introduces opportunities for learners to develop an interdisciplinary approach if they wish, whilst retaining the option for specialism in Weave, Print or Multi-Media Textiles. It aims to develop knowledge of Textiles culture and practice introducing fundamental skills in Year 1, research, drawing, design development, critical and contextual understanding. Innovation and creativity are essential and as the strong personal identity of each learner is valued. In Year 2, learners opt for a specialised pathway which develops an in-depth knowledge of thinking, process and practice within a specific discipline: printed textiles, woven textiles and multi-media textiles, supported by business and entrepreneurial practise and critical and historical studies. In Year 3, learners are encouraged to develop specialised knowledge, but more hybrid approaches are supported, particularly making use of new technologies. Much of the learning is based on individual negotiation and consultation with staff, to develop ideas and critical debate.

In the United States of America, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) offers a four year Bachelor of Fine Arts. This qualification is designed for learners from around the world who want to pursue a creative, studio-based education at RISD, which offers rigorous Bachelor's and Master's Degree qualification in architecture, design, fine arts and art education majors. All first year learners follow the same course of study before they move on to disparate studio majors. The collaborative investigation of abstract and conceptual issues that touch every discipline is considered as fundamentally important.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for the following articulation and options.

Vertical Articulation:

Master's Degree, Level 9.

Horizontal Articulation:
Horizontal articulation can occur with related qualifications in Design Technology at NQF Level 8 (e.g. Bachelor Honours Degree in Design, Bachelor Honours Degree in Digital Art or Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Art).

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.

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