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: 

Master of Arts in Graphic Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117769  Master of Arts in Graphic Design 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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 primary purpose of this Master of Arts in Graphic Design by coursework and mini-dissertation is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of Graphic Design at an advanced level. Learners will be trained to reflect critically on the praxis Graphic Design and to be able to deal with complex issues within the field both systematically and creatively, design and critically appraise research, make a sound judgement using data and information at their disposal and communicate their conclusions clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Through this qualification, learners who have already acquired a 4-year or Honours Degree in the field of professional graphic design, or equivalent qualification, will undertake advanced study towards an industry-based Master's Degree in the field of graphic design.

Rationale:
This qualification will create opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, valuable economic activity and contributions to the community in the fast-developing design industry in South Africa through advanced education and study.

The qualification will supply South Africa with developing graphic designers who have the necessary theoretical background and are capable of practical skills, with specialisation and craftsmanship in a recognised sub-discipline within the design industry. This will further contribute to the expansion of the leadership base for innovative and knowledge-based economic and scholastic activity in the country.

This qualification is further intended to educate and train researchers to actively and appropriately contribute to the development of new knowledge in the field of Graphic Design as it provides an opportunity for the articulation to doctoral studies in the field. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements, RPL may be used to grant access to the qualifications. RPL will be applied according to the Recognition of Prior Learning, credit accumulation and transfer, and assessment (CHE 2016) and the institution RPL policy. The process will be managed by the Faculty of Humanities.

The Faculty of Humanities will ensure that quality assurance processes that address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems) are implemented; and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place. Learners will be assessed against NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Four-year Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design or related field, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design or related field, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Design Theory and Research Methodology, 36 Credits.
  • Graphic Design: Process, 36 Credits.
  • Graphic Design: Practical Portfolio, 48 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a depth of knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding and the ability to apply knowledge and skills to the solution of abstract and complex problems in the field of Graphic Design.
    2. Advanced understanding of research methodologies and the logic of the scholarly argument.
    3. Collect, synthesise and evaluate information and concepts at highly abstract levels and make sound evaluations based on independently generated criteria.
    4. Demonstrate mastery of the literature and state of research in a specific area, and the ability to analyse, present and challenge scholarly positions.
    5. Plan, resource and manage and optimise all aspects of a research process.
    6. Show high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity, and adaptability, to the ethical implications of research, as well as professional standards of conduct.
    7. Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
    8. Work in a disciplinary and/or inter-disciplinary manner as a member of a team, group, organisation or community.
    9. Demonstrate the effective utilisation of technology for strategies aimed at the development of knowledge and problem-solving in the field of graphic design.
    10. Communicate effectively with people of all target groups, using visual and linguistic skills. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner against Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Identify a research topic and conduct basic research using applicable qualitative, quantitative or a combination of both research methods and submit a research report in a mini-dissertation format.
  • Apply in research, the advanced, subject-oriented and theoretical paradigms that inform the visual arts and design disciplines.
  • Identify a research problem (or the analysis of visual or design artefacts) and develop a research proposal under the supervision of a supervisor.
  • Select appropriate and subject-oriented philosophical themes within a specific field of specialisation in graphic design and apply both orally and in written form.
  • Present both a visual and written report that reflects practice-led research methods.
  • Successfully and independently complete the design process and the resolution of the design problem from its conceptualisation up to the final reproduction, which in effect, would imply the analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the creative process.
  • Apply and verbally communicate the theoretical aspects of the skills required in design practice.
  • Compile a final, professional portfolio that represents a variety of design products.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment will be undertaken through written assignments and seminar presentations during the year in the modules. In some modules, Formative Assessment will include portfolios, practical evaluations and a research proposal.

    Learners will be assessed summatively at the end of their study by submitting a practical portfolio, process documentation regarding the practical portfolio, as well as a mini-dissertation on discrete research that was conducted under supervision. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable to similar qualifications offered by institutions in Hungary and England.

    Hungary:
    This qualification is similar to the Master of Arts in Graphic Design offered by the Budapest Metropolitan University in terms of the following:
    Both qualifications share similar aims with a particular focus of developing graphic designers who can react to real situations with creative and artistic insight, who within their field can imagine and create high-standard work. However, the Master of Graphic Design offered at the Budapest Metropolitan University is intense on coursework with a heavy focus on producing qualifying learners with a career prospect in graphic arts (as Individual Artist, Art Director, Graphic Designer at creative agencies, Illustrator, Image Editor, Art director, Typographer, Web-designer in online and printed medium designer studios, creative-executive enterprises) whereas this qualification is more tuned to developing researchers in the field of Graphic design.

    Both qualifications are offered in a course duration of one-to-two years full-time and qualifying learners can articulate to a doctoral qualification. However, in terms of admission requirements, they differ. Whilst the Master of Graphic Design offered at the Budapest Metropolitan University accepts learners with a bachelor from other fields in their admission requirement, this qualification only accepts learners with a four-year Bachelor Degree in Graphic Design that exits at Level 8.

    It can be concluded that this Master of Arts in Graphic Design compares favourably with the Master of Arts in Graphic Design offered at the Budapest Metropolitan University. However, this qualification is unique as its design is greatly influenced by the South African context.

    England:
    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the Manchester Metropolitan University in terms of similar interest (purpose) in the advanced exploration and application of the principles of graphic design within the context of research and professional development. This is translated into the curriculum design of both qualifications which incorporate some coursework and research. Both qualifications have a similar course structure and articulate to a doctoral qualification. As in this qualification, the Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Art Direction is made up of four units totalling 180 Credits. Both qualifications have research methodologies components designed to help learners acclimatise to the challenges of Master-level research and practice, enabling learners to identify and describe a clear direction for their Postgraduate design study.

    Despite these similarities, both qualifications are designed taking full consideration of the relative contextual drivers which are unique to the nations and institutions. In terms of entry requirements, both qualifications share similar entry conditions and are offered in the course duration of 1-to-2 year full-time. Whilst this qualification considers a four-year Bachelor Degree that exits at Level 8 or a relevant Bachelor Honours Degree, the Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Art Direction offered at the Manchester Metropolitan University accepts an undergraduate UK Honours Degree or international equivalent or a Degree-equivalent Postgraduate Diploma or a professional qualification.

    It can be concluded that this Master of Arts in Graphic Design compares favourably with the Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Art Direction offered at the Manchester Metropolitan University. However, this qualification is unique as its design is greatly influenced by the South African context. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in History of Arts, Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Graphic Arts, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Social Science, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Graphic Design, Level 10. 
    		•

    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. North West University 


    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.