SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
109013	Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-02-13	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 the qualification is to advance learners who can contribute to the economy of South Africa through the visual arts, in that they are trained as jewellers/jewellery designers who can serve and contribute to society in line with social and economic transformation (as it is a more inclusive and diverse student profile), through employment or via entrepreneurial endeavours. They will be empowered with creative and technical skills and abilities: visual and manual skills in jewellery design and manufacture, creativity and innovation, research skills, and conceptual and critical thinking. All these contribute to a vocation or career as a creative or commercial jeweller, and thereby to the jewellery industry and economy of South Africa.

The qualification has practical, intellectual, educational and entrepreneurial applications, and develops the learners' abilities to be employed or work independently in a broad range of jewellery related disciplines.

After completion of this qualification learners can become any of the following, dependent of course on their field of specialisation: CAD designer, advanced bench worker, product developer, setter, enamellist, CAM practitioner, 3D wax printer, artist jeweller, researcher in jewellery, restorer, jewellery retailer, product representative, caster, wax carver, renderer, and model maker, among others.

The qualification serves as a vocation based exit level qualification designed to address jewellery industry related skills, such as designing or manufacturing for a specific market (either bespoke or commercial), and having the techniques, methods and knowledge to respond to trends, or to explore existing sociocultural paradigms, thereby enriching those paradigms. The qualification focuses on facilitating employability in the jewellery industry.

Lastly, by incorporating a component of both practice based and theory based research at an appropriate level, the programme prepares candidates who wish to follow an academic pathway, allowing them to articulate into the Postgraduate Diploma of Fine and Applied Arts (since the Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture is the final Jewellery specific qualification), and thereby ultimately to contribute to the knowledge base and economy of South Africa.

Rationale:
South Africa has an extensive and well established jewellery industry that jewellery graduates can become an active part of. The greater part of the commercial jewellery industry in the country resides in Gauteng. This qualification aims to align the undergraduate and Postgraduate Jewellery Design and Manufacture programmes offered by the Faculty of the Arts in compliance with the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF), as well as of industry, in order to create a coherent pathway for learners wishing to pursue either a vocational or an academic career in this discipline.

The qualification thus allows learners to progress from the Diploma level into the Postgraduate levels, i.e. the proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts, and on to Master's and Doctoral studies.

This qualification is tailored to further training relating to the latest industry developments, and to produce graduates who can contribute to the creative industries as grounded in a South African context, thus contributing to the development of relevant skill, expertise, culture and heritage in the jewellery industry. The qualification has practical, intellectual, educational and entrepreneurial applications, and develops the learners' abilities to be employed or work independently in inter-related Jewellery Design and Manufacture production disciplines. These specialisations may include the following, among others, for example:

Advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacture (CAM).

Alternative jewellery materials.

Advanced jewellery manufacturing techniques.

A jewellery discipline related professional practice module will be included with the aim of providing industry grounded business and entrepreneurial skills to the student who wishes to exit at this level. An advanced theory module will furthermore help to prepare the learner for further research that will be a core aspect of the Postgraduate Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts, into which this programme articulates (since the Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture is the final jewellery specific qualification).

The qualification aims to produce learners who can actively contribute to the economy of South Africa through the beneficiation of our natural resources. They will be aided by their more advanced development of both visual and practical jewellery related skills, as well as their professional abilities and their ability to engage in intellectual, conceptual and critical thinking. 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. The Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture will be ideally placed to help to address this need.

The specialisations planned within the qualification will facilitate the acquisition of vocational skills at a more advanced level than those in the Diploma (as mentioned above) thus increasing the employability of graduates, as well as entrepreneurship. As an undergraduate programme, the Advanced Diploma thus still addresses the development of vocational skills, but at a more focused and advanced level, thereby providing opportunity for the development of advanced technical skill and original product development.

Lastly, this qualification is in line with the objectives of the National Qualification Framework (NQF):

It fits the NQF framework.

It provides access to arts training and allows progression to further training.

It offers skills education to an advanced level sufficient to follow a career or vocation in the South African jewellery industry.

The qualification is in line with government policies to provide the necessary vocational career paths for learners.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Recognition of Prior Learning includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience in the Jewellery field. The applicant will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance will be provided.

Structured means for the assessment of the level of achievement (practical as well as theoretical) of individual applicants against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification will be performed in-line with the RPL Policy of the institution, on a case-by-case basis. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the applicant, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the applicant with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

No more than 10% of the enrolments for this qualification will be via an RPL route.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements are:

An appropriate Diploma.
Or

Equivalent qualification in a relevant field at Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7, totalling 120 Credits:

Advanced Jewellery Practice, 50 Credits.

Research Methods in Fine and Applied Arts, 20 Credits.

Advanced Jewellery Theory, 20 Credits.

Professional Jewellery Practice, 30 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge and understanding of a range of methods, materials and techniques relating to the chosen discipline/s embedded in the programme.
2. Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise and create/develop jewellery designs or products.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories relating to the chosen discipline/s and the ability to apply this knowledge to complex practical and theoretical problem solving.
4. Demonstrate the ability to gather, process, analyse, synthesise and contest information; develop and communicate ideas and arguments in an appropriately academic register; and show awareness of knowledge as contestable.
5. Professionally engage with businesses and enterprises relating to the chosen discipline/s with a view to entrepreneurial innovation.
6. Maintain a professional profile and standing in the industry on various platforms.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of accountability and professional and ethical conduct relating to the chosen discipline/s as well as to academic integrity.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Specialised knowledge and control of relevant methods, materials and techniques is demonstrated through the conceptualisation and production of Jewellery Design or products.

The expressive potential of methods, materials and techniques of the chosen discipline/s are identified and explored.

Studio practice that demonstrates specific disciplinary knowledge, originality and competence in jewellery design and manufacture.

Refine cross disciplinary practices, show innovation, experimentation and the potential to generate new knowledge will be demonstrated.

Show the ability to position and implement a chosen practice/s within a relevant creative sector, industry context or setting.

Demonstrate technical and formal expertise in the selection of materials, processes, methods, finish, presentation, in relation to the theme/content.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Conceptual development of source material and iconography into a jewellery piece range is demonstrated through creative experimentation.

Products suitable for the commercial or creative jewellery industries are produced independently.

Original thought and judgment with a view to creating innovative, marketable products is demonstrated in applying appropriate techniques and technology.

The knowledge of contemporary issues and trends within an area of disciplinary specialisation or creative sector will be displayed.

The ability to translate innovative ideas into finished works and appropriately present a body of jewellery pieces that shows evidence of an authentic approach will be shown.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Problem-solving skills are applied to critically evaluate creative processes in studio practice.

The ability to reflect and investigate when creative problems, questions and challenges that arise will be demonstrated.

The refinement of ideas and extensive experimentation for the further exploration of concept and process will be demonstrated.

Initiate cross disciplinary connections and explore a range of methods, materials and techniques relating to the chosen idea and discipline/s.

An awareness of the importance of safe working practices will be demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

A deepened knowledge and understanding of theory and discourses relating to the fine/applied arts is demonstrated in a series of structured theory-based assessments.

Existing visual and applied arts practice is philosophically and critically appraised and contextualised in terms of postcolonial, post-African, feminist and IKS theoretical frameworks.

Assessments in the form of critical commentaries on current debates and discourses in the fields of fine/applied arts are conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Activities such as exhibitions, marketing, and advertising are planned, organised and managed responsibly and effectively within a jewellery context.

Entrepreneurial/small business opportunities are identified and documented and their educational and career potential explored.

Design, technical and business skills, together with an understanding of professional practice, are demonstrated in assignments/projects/exhibitions within the area of jewellery design and manufacture.

Market trends and existing merchandising are evaluated to identify opportunities for self/employment within the jewellery industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

A professional profile on various platforms, such as in a webpage and/or blog, in social media, and in print, is successfully managed in order to enhance the learners' professional standing in the industry.

A visual catalogue (digital or print) of the candidate's work is created in order to attract funding, commissions, clients, potential collaborators, or the support of a gallery or business.

Present a professional catalogue that explains the chosen theme and its relevance, discusses working processes, materials, techniques and presentations in terms of their contribution to the overall intention and meaning of the work, and contextualisation in relation to contemporary art and discourse.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Ethical academic conduct regarding plagiarism and the development of original argument/s is demonstrated in a series of structured assessments.

Learners demonstrate awareness of the importance of accountability and professional and ethical conduct, of a principled understanding of and engagement with industry, and awareness of the social and ecological impact of their choices.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessments are structured in order to determine whether the aims/envisaged outcomes of the qualification are being achieved. Various types of formative and summative integrated assessments are used in every module of the programme, against specific criteria appropriate to the subject and level. These include:

Portfolio assessment.

Practical workbook assessment.

Project assessment.

Written assignments.

Written tests.

Written examinations.

Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, which is ensured by the use of group critiques; assessment by marking panels; use of examiners, second examiners and moderators; and external moderation of exit level subjects. Assessment should ensure that all the outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner.

Assessment is both formative and summative. Feedback is given to learners on the technical quality and originality of the jewellery products that they produce. Continuous assessment may be applied in face-to-face contact with learners, portfolios, written assignments, written tests, case studies and case presentations, peer group evaluation, and competency evaluations of art making skills. The assessments address the range of practical, applied, and reflective competencies.

Tests, theoretical and practical assignments and summative evaluations are planned and equally distributed over the academic year. At least two main tests are conducted per semester in theory subjects, and in addition panel evaluations of practical work take place at least once a semester. Smaller class tests, assignments, tutorials, practical tests and reports are implemented at the discretion of individual lecturers, using given criteria.

Assessment is based on assessment criteria relevant to the learning outcomes for every module. These are communicated to learners in the study guide for every module. Every assessment method has an assessment tool, such as a memorandum, clearly formulated criteria, a rubric, etc. Marks are strictly allocated according to the assessment tool, to ensure the accuracy, consistency and credibility of results regardless of the assessor.

Lecturers keep records of assessment and monitoring in the individual module files, and assessment data on the institution's Information Tracking System (ITS). The Departmental Administrator is the custodian of all examination results in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts (under which the Jewellery Programme falls). Student performance data is analysed regularly to identify areas for improvement and intervention.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares favourably with the following qualifications:
Australia, Melbourne Polytechnic offers Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design. This is a 2 year course that covers largely the same content as this qualification. The qualification focuses on further developing key hand-working skills learnt in the Diploma and provides tuition in advanced jewellery-making techniques, and introduces high-level technical jewellery-making skills to promote individual attainment. The course culminates in a graduate exhibition where students showcase their talent and jewellery designs to industry specialists, peers, family and friends".

Similarities in approach between the two qualifications:
As undergraduate programmes, both the Institution and Melbourne Advanced Diplomas address the development of vocational skills, but at a more focused and advanced level, thereby providing opportunity for the development of advanced technical skill and original product development. The qualification is aimed at learners who wish to deepen their excellence in skills and processes.

United States of America, Rochester Institute of Technology offers Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, Metals and Jewellery Design. The qualification focuses on fostering a learning environment in which learners are exposed to and learn about metalsmithing techniques and design. Learners have the opportunity to learn about hollowware, jewelry, sculpture, and furniture within the metals environment. Distinguished faculty assist learners in building skills for life after graduation, such as soldering, fabrication, stone setting, silversmithing, forging, and casting. Learners also develop drawing and rendering skills in order to enhance their design ideas and artistic methods. During the final year, students culminate their studies by presenting their work in a senior exhibition. Students develop a strong body of work, a portfolio, and a resume, which assists them in a successful transition towards achieving their professional goals and objectives.

Conclusion:
It seems that most international jewellery institutions present classes or workshops on various jewellery techniques for a number of weeks by industry professionals or visiting Professors. Other jewellery institutions centre more on the design of artistic jewellery and the technology used to create these pieces. However, the fact that our resourcing of high tech equipment is difficult due to cost implications, impacts the level of technology that we are able to teach.

This qualification seems to be a more comprehensive course, focusing more on the skills and techniques needed to create fine jewellery. This qualification is more holistic and although the main focus is on the production of fine jewellery, artistic jewellery is also produced. Compared to other institutions, the jewellery programme offered at the Institution does focus more on the practical aspects of the course, which is more beneficial to the learners in terms of job prospects within the South African jewellery industry.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Fine Art, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts at Level 8, or with other related qualifications.

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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