SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Diploma in Media and Graphic Design

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
84946	Diploma in Media and Graphic Design
ORIGINATOR
Damelin
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
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 1141/23	2021-07-01	2024-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30		2030-06-30

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 South African media and commercial industries are currently lacking skills of well trained professionals. This qualification will provide learners accessibility into a career within the design sector as well as into the broader commercial sector where design plays a role.

This qualification will help learners to extend their creative thinking, analytical and problem solving skills that underpin a successful design solution whilst building on their experiences in handling the relevant media, techniques and technologies. Learners will be able to work innovatively within the constraints of brief, available resources and technology and the demands of the graphic design industry. It will help learners to prepare for employment in this industry, including advertising agencies, design studios, publishing houses, video and TV production houses, and any company that employs graphic designers.

Besides media and graphic design, the qualification includes learning in broad-based generic management, communication and marketing, which will assist those who wish to grow perform other related business functions as well as design functions.

Rationale:

The Diploma: Media and Graphic Design, NQF Level 6 has been developed to merge the areas of graphic design and media into a holistic qualification. A gap has been identified in the Higher Education domain that brings Media and Graphic Design together as one component, which has resulted in the Diploma: Media and Graphic Design being developed. The objective of this qualification is to present learners with the opportunity to be trained in the fields of Media and Graphic Design with the ultimate goal being to produce employable graduates who will contribute to raising local standards within this dynamic industry.

This qualification is a combination of learning outcomes that has the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with workplace applicable competencies and which will provide the learner with a solid foundation for any future learning endeavours in the media and graphic design industry.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learner is competent in English at NQF Level 4. Competency in Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3 would be an advantage.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The Recognition of Prior Learning process can be used to:

Grant admission to learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.

Grant learners credits towards the achievement of the qualification The Diploma: Media and Graphic Design, NQF Level 6 may be achieved in part through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning.

Access to the Qualification:

To gain access to this qualification learners require:

A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the Higher Education Institution as certified by Umalusi, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised National Senior Certificate (NSC) 20 credit subjects.
OR

A Senior Certificate prior to 2008.

Learners over the age of 23, at registration, who meet the entrance requirements and who would like to enter into, or who have been employed or involved in the Media and Graphic environment, may also be admitted.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

All 20 Components at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 370 Credits are compulsory.

Modules at NQF Level 5: 100 Credits:

End User Computing, 10 Credits.

Business Communication, 15 Credits.

Principles of Marketing, 15 Credits.

Media and Graphic Design 101, 15 Credits.

Design and Drawing Techniques 101, 15 Credits.

Media and Graphic Design 102, 15 Credits.

Design and Drawing Techniques 102, 15 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6: 180 Credits:

Professional Practice, 10 Credits.

Media Law, 15 Credits.

Animation Techniques, 20 Credits.

Media and Graphic Design 201, 20 Credits.

Media and Graphic Design History, 15 Credits.

Design and Drawing Techniques 201, 20 Credits.

Media and Graphic Design 202, 20 Credits.

Design and Drawing Techniques 202, 20 Credits.

Critical Studies, 10 Credits.

Work Integrated Learning, 30 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7: 90 Credits:

Media and Graphic Design 301, 25 Credits.

Design and Drawing Techniques 301, 20 Credits.

Media and Graphic Design 302, 25 Credits.

Design and Drawing Techniques, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Explain and make use of the principles of media and graphic design.

2. Describe and administer the theory, principles and techniques of design and drawing.

3. Explain and execute animation techniques.

4. Identify, implement and manage a critical studies scenario.

5. Use the fundamentals of end-user computing practices.

6. Explain and employ business communication principles, practices and techniques.

7. Identify and explain the concepts and principles in marketing in relation to media and graphic design.

8. Integrate business aspects of media and graphic design to management principles.

9. Demonstrate an understanding of Media Law and its impact on media and graphic design.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

This qualification aims to address all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate an understanding of the historical background indicating the development and changes in media and graphic design.

Conceptualise and visualise media and graphic design with an emphasis on visual problem solving.

Demonstrate an understanding of and apply media, design and advertising concepts in line with a brief.

Develop drawn images utilising various mediums and techniques as well as observations and imagination.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic techniques for the production of communication mechanisms.

Demonstrate an understanding of a broad range of drawn images in various mediums to build a visual vocabulary as a source for communication design.

Demonstrate an understanding of and apply imaging and reproduction techniques involving typography, computers, print, photography and illustration.

Demonstrate an understanding of a broad range of images using observation and imagination.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of art through a variety of 2D and 3D techniques and media.

Reflect self-expression and emotions in animations by way of visualisation and illustration.

Use different 3D materials to develop visual and observational skills through the use of tactile qualities in texture and form.

Explain and apply illustration styles and techniques to animation drawings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify, define, research and relate a historical event in an area of specialisation to the present day.

Evaluate references within the context of an area of specialisation.

Present critical studies according to requirements for area of specialism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Make a distinction between the hardware and software components of a computer used for media and graphic design.

Identify and explain various system and application software programmes related to media and graphic design.

Identify and explain the different primary and secondary storage devices and hardware components, which may be used for media and graphic design.

Explain the purpose and function of operating systems with examples.

Create professional and creative documents using various software programmes.
> Range: Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

Create and give professional slide presentations using PowerPoint or a similar software programme.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Demonstrate an understanding of communication theory, needed as a foundation for effective, formal communication.

Demonstrate an understanding of the skills required for effective communication through a variety of modes.
> Range: Oral, written and electronic communication.

Organise, conduct and report on meetings in a business environment.

Use appropriate graphic media to complement or substitute other vehicles of communication.

Demonstrate an understanding of the role of effective communication in a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Explain product development, naming and promotion in relation to media and graphic design.

Explain a marketing campaign in relation to campaign concepts and execution.

Explain advertising within media and graphic design.

Explain the use of emerging technologies and electronic media for computer generated imagery and design using appropriate applications.

Explain the marketing needs for corporate positioning and branding in terms of meeting a brief.

Explain audience measurement and consumer behaviour processes in relation to media and graphic design.

Explain media and sales management with examples of their use in media and graphic design practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Explain the role of management in business organisations.

Communicate professionally with stakeholders.

Create and maintain a client relationship.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Explain the South African legal structure including court proceedings as it applies to media and graphic design.

Explain the principles of communications law.

Explain censorship, control of publications and the dissemination of information as it applies to media and graphic design.

Explain legal prescripts in terms of their impact on media and graphic design.
> Range: Copyright, advertising, broadcasting, entertainment, telecommunications and electronic media (cyberspace).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

A general comparison with similar programmes internationally revealed that the range of competencies in this qualification is well articulated worldwide. The Diploma in Media and Graphic Design, Level 6 compares favourably with these programmes and should articulate well into these programmes.

Comparisons of this qualification have been made with qualifications of the following institutions:

Huddersfield University - United Kingdom (UK): BA Honours in Graphic Design. This comprises the following subjects:

Year 1:

Conceptual Design.

Typography and Layout Design.

Introduction to Digital Technology.

Creative Thinking.

Researching the User.

Business/Marketing Issues.

Visual Culture.

Year 2:

Design Projects.

Digital Image Development.

Design Management.

Promotional Strategies.

Year 3:

48 Week Work Placement.

Year 4:

Major Design Projects.

Research Report.

Professional Development with Business Planning.

The Diploma: Media and Graphic Design, Level 6 compares very well with this Honours Degree, as many of the components are similar, despite differently worded titles. However, the one major difference is the 48 Week Work Placement and the Research Report.

University of Gloucestershire, UK, offers a Graphic Design Honours Degree, with Modules at Levels 4, 5 and 6.

Level 4 Modules:

Ideas and Connections.

Ideas for Print.

Ideas for Moving Image.

Typographic Ideas.

Self-expression.

Graphic Design History.

Skills Development Workshops.

Level 5 Modules:

Music, Image and Identity.

Reading Animation.

Advertising, Branding, Packaging Concepts.

Typography.

Print.

Self-authorship.

Moving Image.

Professional Industry Practice.

Innovation and Incorporation.

Level 6 Modules:

Self Initiated Design/Portfolio.

Industry Awards.

Exhibition Design and Self Promotion.

Major Research Project.

These Modules are comparable with the Diploma: Media and Graphic Design, Level 6 and offer the same spread of learning. This Honours Degree also contains practical work throughout so learners get hands on experience. Once again however, the one major difference is the University requires the learners to complete a Major Research Project in the final year.

The Monash University, Australia campuses, offer a Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) Course.

Year 1:

Design studio 1.

Digital processes for art and design.

Drawing.

Introduction to art and design health and safety.

Introduction to design history and theory.

Photomedia imaging.

Graphic design studio 2.

Typography 1.

Year 2:

Electronic design.

Graphic design studio 3.

Methods of production.

Digital imaging.

Critical issues in design.

Graphic design studio 4.

Year 3:

Project planning and professional practice for design and multimedia.

Graphic design studio 5.

Contemporary discourse in design.

Graphic design studio 6.

The Monash University Bachelor of Design (Visual Communication) Course, articulates well with the Diploma: Media and Graphic Design, Level 6. It does however also offer some input into health and safety issues. Both the Monash Degree and the Diploma: Media and Graphic Design, Level 6 provide valuable learning in the discipline of digital design.

Conclusion:

The Diploma: Media and Graphic Design, Level 6 compares well to its counterparts internationally and comprises a range of learning components which are closely linked and supported by theory and practical work.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Vertical Articulation:

This qualification articulates vertically with a Bachelor of Technology: Graphic Design, NQF Level 7.

Horizontal Articulation:

The qualification will articulate horizontally with other specialist areas offered at Diploma level, for example:

Diploma: Graphic Design, NQF Level 6.

Diploma: Graphic Design and Web Development, NQF Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

The assessment of the learners' work will be moderated both internally and externally to ensure consistency and reliability as well as fairness and validity in any particular assessment cycle.

Internal Moderators:

The role of internal moderation is to ensure that assessments, at course level, are conducted appropriately and fairly and are a valid indication of a learner's performance. Feedback on internal moderation is provided to respective parties and academic staff across the campuses.

External Moderators:

These are appointed to examine the exit level subjects of a qualification. Moderators that meet the requirements are approved by Damelin. External moderators report on the consistency and fairness of assessment, the assessment process, the overall standard of work and the standard of work in relation to other courses of the same nature.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessor for this Qualification should:

Hold a relevant qualification at least at NQF Level 7.

Have workplace design experience in the media industry.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

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.

Damelin