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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103063  Advanced 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
Advanced 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 07  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
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology is to provide vocationally prepared graduates with knowledge and understanding of the more complex theories, principles and procedures of the formal and informal fashion and apparel industry.

They will be able to do this by using their specialised creative, artistic, innovative, conceptual and research skills and abilities and their capacity to think critically. This implies that the Advanced Diploma will graduate students who will be knowledgeable and able to apply their knowledge in order to problem solve efficiently and innovatively regardless of their chosen discipline within the fashion and apparel industry. The content will focus on application of research, concept development, design development, product development and all the relevant processes related to these steps.

Fashion entrepreneurship, marketing, merchandising concepts and socio-environmental issues in the fashion and apparel industry will be explored and allow for broad knowledge, understanding and integration of these concepts into the design process. This will also include more understanding of localised and globalised trends, current thinking in the fields of entrepreneurship, design, textiles, technology and manufacturing as a whole within the fashion and apparel industry. The changes over just the past few years in these areas create the need for the incorporation of these changes into the qualification, such as but not limited to, the influence of social media on the industry. Detailed content will see the students explore theories towards a broader industry focused foundation.

Graduates will be able to enter the industry as an employee or entrepreneur with full understanding of textile end user concepts, be able to interact within the fashion community, be able to manage production and end product processes and work according to requirements put forth by the industry. Career possibilities can be as an employee or entrepreneur in both the retail and the manufacturing sector.

The purpose of the preceding three-year Diploma is to develop graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in a particular field. In stark contrast to the Advanced Diploma which offers an intensive, focused and applied specialisation which meets the requirements of a specific niche in the labour market. By providing students with the opportunity to specialise and graduate with a far more in depth understanding of the field of fashion and apparel design (from both the perspective of a prospective employee or an entrepreneur), more industry focused graduates can enter the world of work. Additionally it will also be designed to prepare students for postgraduate study. By incorporating a component of both practice based and theory based research at an appropriate level, the qualification prepares candidates who wish to continue with a research focus, allowing them to articulate into the Postgraduate Diploma in Design specialising in Fashion Design and Technology and thereby ultimately to contribute to the knowledge economy.

The qualification will focus on multi- and cross- disciplinary inclusion, combination and innovation providing an overall vocational experience embedded in the content. This also results in an exit level qualification that addresses not only the institutional requirements but also the need from the fashion industry. Inclusion of industry skills is of the utmost importance not only for the potential jobseeker but also for the budding entrepreneur - researching and designing for specific markets, the ability to respond to market changes and responding to trends and the ability to assimilate trends into the process of creative output, exploring socio-cultural contexts in a variety of creative and art based disciplines as well as in fashion itself.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology aims to fulfil the need for those individuals who wish to apply their creativity, practical and technical knowledge and skills to the design process. Additionally, the qualification also meets the objectives of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) where the qualification has been developed as part of the integrated national framework. The qualification will also assist with articulation between internal institutional qualifications, external qualifications and qualifications and career paths. It will also serve to provide quality education and training and to contribute to the development not only of the students completing the qualification but it will also contribute to the socio-economic development of the country overall.

The qualification will also address the needs of graduates where it will be an intensively practical and theoretical application of specialised concepts within the fashion and apparel discipline. It will build on the skills development that took place during the completion of the Diploma qualification and deepen their knowledge and understanding of more specific areas within the design, pattern and garment construction streams not only from the perspective of entering the industry as a potential employee but also from the point of view of the entrepreneur. Completion of project work also allows the students to build a body of work for use when seeking employment with future employers, as a starting point for their own business or as an articulation point into further studies. It will serve as a platform for expanding knowledge and understanding of research methods, academic writing and critical thinking in part and towards becoming a pathway into, among others, the Postgraduate in Design specialising in Fashion Design and Technology.

The qualification aims to empower individuals who, upon graduation, can enter a relevant sector of the formal fashion and apparel industry or alternatively they will be able to start their own business and as a result contribute to society, their communities and the economy at large.

The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology will endeavour to refine the grouping of skills that the three-year Diploma graduate will enter the qualification. Completing project work according to set client specifications will further enhance vocational simulation. The continuation of professional development by instilling deep understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in their area of specialisation becomes paramount. The qualification has also been designed with the needs of the creative industries sector in mind: The sector serves arts, crafts and design, and more broadly culture, education and society. The South African society requires an expansion of the self-employment sector and the development of small businesses in the creative industries and relevant niche markets, as well as in the existing arts and applied arts industries. This qualification will provide students with the necessary and relevant skills, knowledge and technology appropriate for a career in the fashion and apparel industry at large.

At entry level this would include positions as assistants, as part of development or manufacturing teams or on an individual entrepreneurial basis to be developed as a:
  • Fashion Designer.
  • Digital Pattern Cutter.
  • Digital Pattern Grader.
  • Manual Pattern Cutter.
  • Manual Pattern Grader.
  • Garment Technologist.
  • Entrepreneur - Design.
  • Entrepreneur - Specialist pattern cutter.
  • Entrepreneur - Couturier.
  • Entrepreneur - Manufacturing.
  • Stylist.
  • Wardrobe assistant.
  • Visual Retail Merchandiser.
  • Fashion Retail Merchandiser.
  • Fashion Retail Buyer and more. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applies and may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved through RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level.
  • Assessment for RPL must be done in compliance with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) policy on assessment and moderation.
  • Only 10% of the student cohort can gain admission via RPL process.
  • Assessment for RPL must focus on previously acquired competencies, not on current teaching and learning practices.
  • At least two assessment methods are required for RPL assessments, unless otherwise recommended by the Senate Committed for Recognition of Prior Learning (SCRPL).
  • Assessments must be conducted by academic staff (subject matter experts) that have appropriate RPL knowledge and/or experience.

    The RPL policy of the University provides for students from other universities as well as individuals wanting to further their academic careers by entering from relevant industries with practical experience related to fashion and apparel design to enter the qualification main stream by undergoing the RPL process.

    The RPL policy of the institution is attached at the end of this Criterion. Enrolment into the Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) Fashion programmes has, historically, indicated that most of the applicants are directly from the Diploma stream and very few enter the programme from industry. This trend is expected to change due to the nature of the Advanced Diploma that aims to upskill current fashion and apparel design practitioners.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements to the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology requires the student to have a:
  • Diploma on Level 6 in a relevant field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, totalling 80 Credits:
  • Fashion Design Practice, 40 Credits.
  • Construction Technology, 40 Credits.
  • Applied Theory and Practice, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methods in Design, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to systematically identify, investigate, evaluate and critically reflect on well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems contained in the multi-disciplinary field of fashion and apparel design practice through application of evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments related to key concepts, principles and procedures relevant to the field and how that knowledge can be related to a cross-disciplinary context.
    2. Demonstrate ethical and professional accountability for justified decisions regarding research, artistic output, the use of resources and conduct, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts by drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within the field of fashion and apparel design practice.
    3. Apply research skills to access, process, manage and validate sources of appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse relevant to specific contexts within the area of fashion and apparel design practice that communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments to resolve well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems.
    4. Contextualise, manage and solve unfamiliar and variable well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems individually or as a group, typical of the area of fashion and apparel design practice.
    5. Develop lifelong learning through identifying self-directed learning needs within the area of fashion and apparel design practice and originate the facilitation of collaborative learning processes relevant to the multi-disciplinary field of fashion and apparel design and manufacturing or from a cross-disciplinary perspective. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate research skills through analysis, contextualisation and presentation of gathered research findings.
  • Apply integrated knowledge and understanding of fashion and apparel design practice creatively and competently to solve well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems within the multi-disciplinary field as well as in a cross-disciplinary context.
  • Integrate critical analysis and reflection on key concepts, principles and procedures into individual and collaborative work.
  • Demonstrate problem solving for individual and collaborative creative output by integrating suitable strategies and information from varied disciplines.
  • Articulate a critical understanding of the relationship between the process of development, the intended market, and the purpose of the end product clearly.
  • Develop industry aligned resolutions to well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate ethical resolution to complex theoretical and practical fashion and apparel design problems considering an environmental, commercial, industry, customer, peer and individual perspectives.
  • Implement design decisions with consideration for personal and through recognition of peer and external sources of intellectual property rights and ownership.
  • Exhibit responsibility for consequences as a result of conduct or decisions and actions taken or not taken within the area of current competence and the supported environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a variety of research methods related to fashion and apparel design practice.
  • Communicate theoretical and practical fashion and apparel design research clearly and professionally.
  • Develop well-formed arguments for academic purposes.
  • Develop well-formed arguments for professional application purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Contextualise the purpose and relevance of the individual within the area of fashion and apparel design practice as part of the solution to unfamiliar and variable well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems.
  • Contextualise the purpose and relevance of the individual as part of a group or team within the area of fashion and apparel design practice as part of the solution to unfamiliar and variable well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the processes involved in planning, organising, communicating, managing oneself, managing others and time management towards completing well-defined complex theoretical and practical problems in an unfamiliar and variable context.
  • Complete individual and group work in a timeous manner by adhering to specified deadlines.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify, plan and manage individual and group tasks.
  • Demonstrate independent organising, evaluation and learning of self-acquired knowledge outside of contact time to project work.
  • Source and apply materials, processes, technology or techniques for creative application towards work completion.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Combination of formative and summative assessment methods will be applied in this learning qualification. The method of assessments should be appropriate to the teaching mode and the notion of constructive alignment will be applied. Outcomes and assessment criteria will be communicated to students in writing in the study guides and detailed project briefs, and verbally in class. All assessments will be on the appropriate National Qualification Framework (NQF) level, as indicated in the module descriptors.
    The following are all formative assessment methods that are being used in this learning qualification:
  • Projects.
  • Tests.
  • Reflection.
  • Case study investigation.
  • Individual and group assignments.
  • Critique sessions.
  • Presentations.
  • Writing of academic and feedback reports on structured reading.
  • Formative feedback via the criteria and rubrics provided.
  • Summative assessments similar to formats of formative assessments.

    Summative assessment methods, a combination of structured theoretical tests and the writing of academic and feedback reports on relevant case studies or articles will be completed in each theory module. The focus of the tests is to determine the module content knowledge and comprehension and written reports will be used to show the ability to think critically by providing supported arguments through the assimilation of information.

    Summative assessments will be conducted for all practical subjects using given criteria by evaluation of the student's portfolio of evidence. Final evaluation at the end of the academic year will coincide with the structured institutional examination period. Mid-year evaluation of project work will however be used as a formative progress mark. Summative assessments for theory modules may include written projects and exams. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology is comparable to the following international qualifications, based on the qualification content covered and the level of the qualification. In terms of content to be covered, the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology should allow students to do credit transfer to the following international qualifications discussed below.
  • Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology (4 years qualification): Kwantelen Polytechnic University, Canada.
  • Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology (4 years qualification): Ryerson University, Canada.

    The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology compares well with the 4 years Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology offered at Kwantelen Polytechnic University and the 4 years Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Technology offered at Ryerson University - both institutions are based in Canada. The two programmes offer:
  • Industry-focused curriculum, which give students the design skills.
  • Business insight.
  • Marketing practical understanding they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace.

    The fashion dynamics are very similar since most programmes globally rely on the same trendsetters. This proposed Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology will recruit students who have successfully completed relevant fundamental and core modules for 3 years as part of their Diploma (or previously the National Diploma). This therefore compares well with a degree programme offered at Kwantelen Polytechnic University and Ryerson University, with all the core modules covered in all the levels of the programme (1st to 4th year). The common core modules include: Design Studies, Pattern Development and Garment Construction from 1st year to 4th year level. Other modules that compare well include: Textiles, Marketing, History of Fashion and Computer Aided Design. These similarities allow articulation from Advanced Diploma to the degree programmes offered at Kwantelen Polytechnic University as well as Ryerson University, Canada.
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fashion (4 years qualification): The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom (UK).
  • BA in Fashion Design (3 years qualification): The University of Leeds, UK.

    The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology compares well with the 4 years BA in Fashion from The University of Edinburgh and BA in Fashion Design from the University of Leeds - both institutions are based in the United Kingdom. The two programmes offer:
  • Industry-focused curriculum, which give students the design skills.
  • Developing business sense through collaboration.
  • Marketing practical understanding they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace.

    For the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fashion from The University of Edinburgh, there is a very strong focus on collaboration and fewer subjects containing broader scope of content. This aligns well with the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology as the qualification contains only four modules that are intended to combine acquired skills and previously embedded knowledge towards solving complex problems. The BA in Fashion Design from the University of Leeds contain numerous subjects however in contrast, but the scope of content has shifted to include combinations of theory and practice i.e. the modules Patterns and Culture as well as Colour: Art and Science show this combination of different aspects into single modules. This is also on par with the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology as the reduced module offering also focuses on the combination of various aspects embedded within single modules. The BA in Fashion Design also includes a broader introduction to Fashion through a focus on green design, sustainability (as with the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology as well) and photography among others. Despite this, the focus of both qualifications are still well within scope as the core concepts can be identified as concentrating on: Design Studies, Pattern Development and Garment Construction throughout as well as Textiles, Marketing, History of Fashion and Computer Aided Design supported by novel concepts and modules. These similarities allow articulation from Advanced Diploma to the Degree programmes offered at The University of Edinburgh and the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
  • Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design (3 years qualification): Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.

    The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology compares well with the 3 years Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design from Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand. The programme offers (as with the previous qualifications):
  • Industry-focused curriculum, which give students the design skills.
  • Business insight.
  • Marketing practical understanding they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace.

    Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology again recruit students who have successfully completed relevant fundamental and core modules for 3 years as part of their Diploma (or previously the National Diploma). This therefore compares well with a degree programme offered at Auckland University of Technology, with all the core modules covered in all the levels of the programme (1st to 3rd years). The common core modules include: Design Studies, Pattern Development and Garment Construction as well as Textiles, Business/Marketing concepts, Theory and Computer Aided Design/Technology. These similarities allow articulation from Advanced Diploma to the degree programme offered at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand.
  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design (1 years qualification): TAFE South Africa (SA), Australia.

    From all of the qualifications scrutinised for international comparability, the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology compares well with the 1 years Bachelor of Design in Fashion Design from TAFE SA in Australia. The programme offers (as with the previous qualifications):
  • Industry-focused curriculum, which give students the design skills.
  • Business insight.
  • Marketing practical understanding they need to compete in the global fashion marketplace. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor's Degree, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma, Level 8.
  • Bachelor Honours Degree, Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    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.