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:

Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
109278	Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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	2019-07-25	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 reinforce advanced knowledge of Graphic and Communication Design as an exploration of contemporary practise, critical thinking and applying research methods in this specialised are of study.

This would further give the learner the opportunity to develop advanced abilities and expertise required in research and the necessary fields within the design industry. This qualification will enable the learner to re-align and address a human-centred approach to graphic design to keep up with international trends in communication design practice. The qualification retains a vocational, professional and industry specific focus. The qualification aims to develop learners who can demonstrate industry-specific knowledge and focus in order to apply advanced practice-led and based research skills to become successful contributors to the graphic design industry. This qualification exposes learners to.

Rationale:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design will engage students with current developments in graphic, visual communication design practice with key concepts and processes underpinning this constantly evolving sector. Thus, the curriculum design of this qualification aims to give the student advanced, enhanced skills and subject specific specialised knowledge within the field of graphic visual communication design and design research to enable the transition into the Master of Arts in Visual Arts (Graphic Design) after completion. The qualification addresses the present-day needs in the design industry that resulted from technological advances and a reconsideration of the social and sustainable methods of production. These advances require specialists that are capable to deliver visual communication products that are inclusive of a consideration of the human, sustainable and participatory context in the design industry. Benchmarking with national and international institutions identified this qualification as a niche within the South African context.

A focus on entrepreneurship within the research component of the qualification meets contemporary socio-economic demands from the broader creative and media industries that require entrepreneurial service suppliers that can operate in any geographic region.

The qualification is aligned with the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) requirements determined by Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and aims to minimise the gap between the old and new programme and module offerings. This qualification provides vertical and horizontal articulation pathways to learners. Vertical articulation will be possible into a relevant Master of Arts in Visual Arts (Graphic Design) on Level 9. Horizontal articulation will be possible into a relevant Honours professional degree. This qualification enhances and re-enforces the basic research methodologies relevant to graphic visual communication design introduced in the Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of business administration. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis and assessment is done by means of Integrated Assessment strategies as mentioned above. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent-assessors. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance that will be provided. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner. A maximum of 10% per cohort may be admitted to this qualification through RPL.

Entry Requirements:

Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, Level 7.
Or

Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules (120 Credits):

Visual Communication Design 1, 15 Credits.

Visual Communication Design 2, 15 Credits.

Visual Communication Human Perspectives, 10 Credits.

Advanced Theory of Graphic Design 1, 10 Credits.

Advanced Theory of Graphic Design 2, 10 Credits.

Research Methods in Graphic and Communication Design, 15 Credits.

Graphic Design Advanced Production, 20 Credits.

Graphic Design Portfolio Research Project, 25 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate ability to create appropriate solutions to design problems, for commercial and human-centred clients.
2. Demonstrate ability to create effective illustration, advertising, publishing and editorial design, packaging, corporate and information design at a professional level.
3. Investigate necessary and pertinent information involved with the project, and apply relevant information as a design solution.
4. Communicate effectively on an advanced level to various and diverse audiences.
5. Demonstrate implementation of advanced professional and ethical technical requirements in the development of design solutions.
6. Work effectively with others as a member of a diverse design team and independently, organise and add to the creative platform.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:

Understand advanced visual graphic communication.

Apply advanced problem-solving skills in visual and graphic communication.

Implement exploratory and experimental approaches in emerging media and technologies.

Apply and evaluate advanced graphic and visual communication design methods and processes.

Develop critical and conceptual thinking skills in order to communicate visual and graphic communication ideas effectively.

Understand and apply effective graphic and visual communication design principles to diverse audiences.

Apply advanced concepts of reciprocal dialogue and effective listening.

Conceptualise and suggest design solutions with a variety of stakeholders.

Understand and apply relevant social, theoretical and historical contexts to create appropriate solutions.

Develop optimal design solutions whilst considering cultural and social contexts.

Apply technical and professional media specifications in a human-centred context.

Demonstrate an understanding and engagement in human and participatory practice and co-design.

Apply professionalism and ethical considerations in human context.

Identify a design problem based on history and theory of communication design.

Apply research informed solutions to identified design challenges.

Demonstrate and apply knowledge and insight into contemporary graphic design discourse and theory.

Demonstrate an ability to work individually and within a group.

Apply professionalism and ethics based on the history and theories of graphic visual communication design.

Understand the principles of research, such as validity, transferability, rigour, integrity and repeatability.

Apply understanding of various research paradigms, including practice-based research.

Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of a variety of research methodologies.

Establish more detailed knowledge and understanding of methods relevant to graphic visual communication design practices such as human-centred and participatory design, auto-ethnography and practice-based research.

Apply a structured reflection model to investigate own practice.

Understand and implement the processes implicit in developing visual graphic communication outcomes to a project.

Apply advanced technological problem solving skills in visual and graphic communication pre and post-production.

Implement exploratory and experimental approaches and strategies in emerging media and technologies.

Demonstrate knowledge of advanced graphic and visual communication design methods and processes and its application within design industry.

Develop a number of graphic visual communication design projects.

Implement graphic visual communication human-perspectives.

Apply and utilise appropriate research strategies and methods.

Consider and present ethical and professional principles within the project.

Present a graphic design portfolio project.

Integrated Assessment:
Formative Assessment: A combination of assessment tools (tests, individual and group assignments, presentations, case studies and projects) are utilised to monitor learner progress on a continuous basis. Feedback is provided within seven working days and underperforming learners are provided with an opportunity to be re-assessed after receiving detailed feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Summative Assessment: An integrated portfolio is used at the end of a semester to evaluate the achievement of learning outcomes. Unsuccessful learners have a second opportunity to submit the portfolio. All summative assessments are moderated externally.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design was compared to similar qualifications at international institutions.

Loughborough University in the United Kingdom offers a four year undergraduate programme in Graphic Communication and Illustration (http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/graphic-communication-illustration/).

Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours (Hons) in Graphic The BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication and Illustration is a flexible course that can be tailored to learner interests, whether those are in computer-aided design, hand-drawn illustrations, app development, computer game development, or visual branding. The potential is vast, with final projects having previously included; corporate advertisement campaigns, children's book illustrations, websites, smart phone and tablet apps, brochures, computer games, illustrated comics, puppet animations, and animated films, amongst others.

Modules include:
Visual Research in Practice, Visual Methods in Practice, drawing: Discourses and Debates Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art and Design, Content and Context: Society, Culture and Economy, Visual Culture: Histories and Theories, Locating Practice: Interpreting Environment and Audiences and Directions in Graphic Communication and Illustration Practice, Art and Design Dissertation, Destinations in Graphic Communication and Illustration Practice. The course is assessed through coursework, using significant methods to encourage students to develop a broadly relevant set of skills and competencies for both industrial practice or further study.

Methods include: practical projects, industrial and self-generated project work for defined user groups, technical demonstrations and training, elicitation tools, development drawing, visual research skills, essays/reflective work, seminar participation, in-class presentations, contextual research projects, workbook/log books, group work and peer assessments, an industrial report or dissertation.

Exposure to a range of visual and contextual methods of communication builds effective and professional skill-sets for maximum employability. In the Postgraduate arena Loughborough University offers specialised units in Sustainable and User-Centred design. The aim is to facilitate the integration of sustainable practices into design, resulting in improvements in overall environment performance and quality of life.

As in the Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design a mini-dissertation/research report as well as a focus on societal issues are included. The Focus of the Postgraduate Diploma is to empower the student with suitable knowledge in order to seamlessly transition in to the Master of Arts in Visual Arts (Graphic Design). As with the Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design proposed this is a 120 Credits programme.

2. Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Melbourne, Australia offers an undergraduate Bachelor's in Graphic and Communication Design as well as a vocational programme entitled Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design (https://www.rmit.edu.au/study-with-us/levels-of-study/vocational-study/Diplomas/c5359). The Advanced Diploma may articulate into the Bachelor's (Honours) programme in Graphic and Communication Design.

The Advanced Diploma of Graphic Design National is a one-year Diploma that combines communication, design, technology and business to develop strong technical expertise in finished art and design concept development, as well as in-depth knowledge of the design process. This Diploma explores many forms of visual and graphic communication, including: illustration, digital design, typography, calligraphy and lettering, packaging design, books, advertising and publicity material.

Learners become competent in industry standard software including in Design, Illustrator and Photoshop. The learning and teaching approach of this qualification is modelled on how one would work in a commercial design studio. Through lectures, workshops, presentation and group discussions, learners will learn from experienced staff and will be treated as a junior designer. Teachers are globally connected and divide their time between teaching and working in industry. Learners interact with key people from Australian and international companies on commercially related projects during the program, as well as undertaking work experience. Full-time learners are expected to attend approximately 20 hours of classes over four days and undertake approximately 15 hours of extra study and research per week. Most classes are held in computer labs to simulate industry processes. There are often concentrated periods of out-of-class work when assessments are due. It is recommended that potential learners own a computer, preferably an Apple Mac, which is the industry standard. Please note that this is a recommendation but is not a requirement, as learners have access to computer labs on campus.

The Bachelor of Design (Communication Design) focuses on print, packaging, book, digital and screen-based design. This qualification brings together visual communication and strategy to develop a sophisticated practice suited to creative and business professions. The qualification combines a laboratory and studio model of study with state-of-the-art resources to help learners demonstrate the ability to establish a reputation and future career.

Big issues in contemporary media and communication are studied and expanded by learners' abilities to further investigate the chosen specialisation using sophisticated research and project skills. Learners will demonstrate advanced conceptual abilities through project outcomes, examined by key industry and academic leaders.

As in the Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design programme learners engage with various aspects of graphic, visual communication design including typography and packaging.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Arts in Visual Arts (Graphic Design), Level 9.

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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