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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Interior Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109281  Advanced Diploma in Interior Design 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-03-08  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 provide intellectual enrichment by producing Interior Design graduates with a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in Interior Design. Graduates will demonstrate advanced technical skill, time management skills, ability to work both collaboratively and independently, and be able to collect, analyse and critically evaluate visual and written information in a manner which develops feasible solutions to a broad range of identified problems using associated digital technologies whilst satisfying all national building regulations.

The qualification has been designed to provide advanced skills in the practice of, and research into Interior Design namely, professional practice, Interior Design construction codes and regulations, knowledge of products and materials.

Rationale:
At present a Bachelor of Technology (Level 7) in Interior Design is offered at the institution and is providing graduates for local and international industry. By continuing to offer an alternative Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) aligned qualification in Interior Design, the The need for professionals within the built environment is identified as a scarce skill in the Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA) (2014:104) who lists draughtsperson as a specific scarce skill. A graduate from this qualification is qualified to register as a professional draughtsperson with SACAP, thereby supporting the development of a scarce skill. This situation indicates a need for the development of an Advanced Diploma programme in this discipline. The Advanced Diploma in Interior Design will thus provide sustainable employment within both the Interior Design and Architectural professions, and, most importantly allow for a higher category of registration within the proposed SACAP framework. For this reason, it is important that the Advanced Diploma is developed to align with the IID's preferred competencies to meet the requirements for professional status.

The qualification is designed to produce graduates who are sensitive to cultural, environmental and social issues, and who participate in society as responsible global citizens with an appreciation for lifelong learning. The qualification will also prepare learners for further study at Postgraduate Diploma and Master's level. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Institutional policies and procedures encourage the Recognition of Prior Learning through a process of assessment, in which the applicant's experience is evaluated for correspondence with learning outcomes of the modules for which the applicant wishes to gain credit. The purpose of the RPL policy is to:
  • To provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
  • To facilitate access and admission to learning programmes within education and training and career paths.
  • To accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • To promote and facilitate lifelong learning.

    The candidate is required to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the specific qualification. Prior learning may include formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Evaluation of the applicant's prior learning is accomplished by submission of a portfolio of relevant Interior Design work and other information; by interview; and if necessary by the completion of projects or exercises to provide evidence of competences not otherwise clear. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Modules:
  • Interior Design Research Practices, 20 Credits.
  • Interior Design, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Professional Practice for Interior Design, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Interior Construction Codes and Regulations, 40 Credits.
  • Products and Materials, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply feasible, critical and innovative solutions to Interior Design problems.
    2. Access, process and manage information in order to conduct research and integrate knowledge to an applied practice within Interior Design.
    3. Communicate and visually present complex technical designs effectively in oral, visual and written form to diverse audiences using appropriate levels of technology.
    4. Apply statutory regulations and knowledge of advanced building systems to Interior Design practice.
    5. Apply professional ethics and practice to a variety of contexts ensuring responsibility for, and management of, their own learning. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Investigate the interior design problem using appropriate research methods, identifying key issues, problems, targets, objectives and costs, whilst acknowledging social, cultural and economic factors within a given theme.
  • Analyse and interpret information in order to formulate findings which are used to inform Interior Design concepts, work plans, strategies, or other solutions.
  • Design Interior strategies, using innovative and creative approaches.
  • Investigate human and built environment relationships within a given theme informed by various cultural, environmental and social contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Access, process and manage information using research methods appropriate to interior design.
  • Analyse complex precedent studies in order to formulate design criteria for an identified problem.
  • Investigate applied practices, including visual, textual and verbal forms.
  • Analyse information in reference to current Interior Design theory in order to develop feasible findings applicable to the given theme.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Communicate complex arguments using appropriate visual, oral and writing forms, using live and technologically mediated skills to a variety of audiences.
  • Awareness of the importance of context through acknowledging social, ethical and cultural issues in formulating responses.
  • Use Appropriate advanced interior design terminology.
  • Apply forms of professional communication effectively and clearly through written, visual, and live presentations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of construction methods, standards, fixtures, fittings, finishes and materials related to the built environment.
  • Develop durable, feasible and context responsive interior design construction details.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of advanced technological aspects of building services.
  • Apply appropriate National legislations and building regulations to practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and application of complex factors regarding project administration, documentation, legislations, professional licensing, legal responsibilities, certification and registration.
  • Practise ethical autonomy in all professional documentation and associated design work.
  • Document costs, contracts, timeframes and other business aspects of a project accurately and as appropriate.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the contents of various building contracts used within the built environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Both Formative and Summative Assessments are employed in this qualification. Formative Assessment is used to support teaching and learning and assists in planning future learning engagements. It is used to identify the student's strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback on academic progress during the development of concepts. Summative Assessment is used to determine student competency and is typically scheduled at the end of a section of learning which results in credit being rewarded and reported.

    A range of assessment methods are used with a range of assessment instruments, such as, but not limited to:
  • Face to face contact with learner: Live, regular formative feedback with individuals and groups.
  • Assignments: Problem solving activity with stipulated guidelines and clear structure presented orally or in writing. Research reports which are writing intensive can be formatively supported through the Faculty of Arts and Design Writing Centre.
  • Case Studies: A description of an experience, which can be written or orally presented in groups or individually.
  • Project Brief: An investigation into an identified issue with a practical outcome, developed under supervision with support. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The general trend from international institutions is to offer a three-year qualification, of which the majority of institutions classify as Bachelor of Arts Degrees in Interior Design or Interior Architecture and then followed by an Honours and sometimes Master's programme. As a result, internationally comparable qualifications have been analysed in order to ensure that this qualification is both relevant and aligned to international standards in terms of content and outcomes.

    The following international qualifications were compared to this qualification:
  • The Advanced Diploma in Interior Design offered at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia is described as building on breadth and depth through advanced skills and knowledge of the interior built environment.
  • The Advanced Diploma of Interior Design offered at the Technical and Further Education (TAFE) in Australia focusses on specialist design areas such as building for people with disabilities, the aged or adaptive re-use projects. This qualification is used to develop breadth, depth and complexity of skills and knowledge for interior design. Graduates must produce designs which meet the purpose, efficiency, comfort, safety and aesthetic requirements of their specific context.
  • The Advanced Diploma in Interior Design offered at the University of Hong Kong (HKU) Space in Hong Kong focusses on conceptual analysis and creative problem solving. The duration of the qualification is 15 months and is offered in a variety of ways to suit individual's needs. The modules include; Concept Exploration, Computer-aided design (CAD) for Interiors, Advanced Design Project, Design Management and Professional Practice and Interior Design Studio.
  • This qualification is aligned to these international qualifications in terms of subject allocation, theoretical content and through the teaching and learning strategies. The qualification is also aligned with the Interior Design body of knowledge as defined by Martin and Geurin (2010). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Fine Art, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Art and Design, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design at 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.