SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Design Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
109799	Advanced Diploma in Design Technology
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State
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	2019-07-25	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:
Qualifying learners from the Advanced Diploma in Design Technology stream of study will gain exposure to the skills with the aim to make them creative practitioners (whether in fashion, photographic, digital or communication design or visual arts practice) and allied professionals (technicians). They will also gain training on research methodology and conceptual development that will position them for further study opportunities.

Rationale:
This qualification will promote a sound understanding of the selected process of creative production, and thereby enabling learners to have technical and/or technological mastery over production methods whether analogue, digital, and high or low tech. The qualification will provide career opportunities for learners who are likely to pursue careers as creative practitioners or support technicians and in manufacture within the creative industries whether in fashion, photography, illustration, filmmaking, gaming digital and graphic design or visual arts practice.

Furthermore, the qualification encourages learners coming from a broad conceptual understanding of design and studio arts to focus more specifically on a selection of technologies, materials and process the high and lows in which they will specialise. These technologies can be flexibly applied across a range of different creative media, as well as ensuring that that qualifying learners have solid professional practice skills to equip them to apply themselves effectively in their chosen fields. Learners require a year that builds on the structured approach of the undergraduate programmes, while introducing and deepening knowledge and skills required for further study to be adequately equipped for the more independent study and research as required by a Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and ultimately Doctoral programmes. Some learners lean toward creative production informed by stronger conceptual underpinnings while others have a strong inclination toward the technologies employed within the industry.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the RPL policy of the institution.
Provision is made to achieve the qualification in part or as a whole through the recognition of prior learning. Selection of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the RPL policy.
RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The learners are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work and/or learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Humanities for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and/or through prior experience as a practitioner in another field of Design and/or Studio Art.
Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The RPL policy outlines that the holder of a institution qualification certificate must have:

Complied with the admission requirements for the qualification, including the admission requirements of the courses/module prescribed for the qualification:

Been assessed and found competent in all the competences and skills prescribed for the qualification.

Completed more than 50 % of the credits of the prescribed courses/modules for the qualification with the institution; and.

Completed more than 60 % of the credits of the exit or final academic year of the prescribed curriculum for the qualification with the institution".

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:

A 360 Credits Diploma in Design and Studio Art.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:

Research methods and Techniques, 12 Credits.

Ideation and Collaborative Practice in Industry, 24 Credits.

Materials and Methods Proficiency, 18 Credits.

Techniques and Technology Studies, 18 Credits.

Production and Project management, 48 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a well-rounded and integrated knowledge of the qualification and a detailed knowledge of a specialist area.
2. Ability to apply, understand, select, sequence and demonstrate content knowledge according to both the subject and the industry needs.
3. Ability to research and understand their target market and identify how they respond, understand their individual needs, and tailor their product accordingly by applying a range of methods.
4. Communicate effectively in relation to their product(s), in order to mediate design and studio art industry needs and an ability to take decisions and justify those decisions.
5. Ability to communicate with academic/professional discourse.
6. Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry and the ability to unpack its applications and to use available resources appropriately, so as to plan and develop suitable products.
7. Evaluate and understand diversity in the South African context, in order to accommodate industry developments, and identify and solve social problems.
8. Manage processes across variable contexts in order to self-evaluate and solve sequenced real world visual problems with well-structured arguments.
9. Demonstrate sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills in diverse contexts in order to ensure a conducive working environment.
10. Exhibit a positive work ethic, display appropriate values, and conduct themselves in a manner which befits, enhances and develops the design and studio art profession.
11. Critically reflect on their own practice in liaison with their professional community of colleagues and industry in order to constantly improve and adapt to evolving circumstances, while taking accountability for processes used.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply well-rounded and integrated knowledge with regard to a specialist area related to visual communication is applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Describe concepts, principles and theories applicable to the needs of the subjects, specialist areas and industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply and develop tailored specialised products for an identified target market by a range of methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills with the ability to take decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate and apply a sound knowledge of communication skills in the form of proposals and projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry is in the unpacking, planning and development of suitable products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Critically evaluate and use diversity in South Africa is critically to solve social problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate effective management of diverse processes through defining and solving of sequenced real world visual problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Apply sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills to adhere to a conducive working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Recognise and apply positive work ethic and integrated into related activities in design and studio art profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Critically evaluate reflection of own practice through peer review by a professional community of colleagues and the learner demonstrates the ability to take full responsibility for own work.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Similar Design Technology qualifications are offered at the following institutions, all of which regularly rate in the international rankings as preferred providers for the visual and design arts:

Loughborough University - (Leicestershire, United Kingdom (UK)).
(This institution is ranked in the top 10 in each of the UK national league tables).

Rhode Island School of Design United States of America (USA).
(This institution was founded in Providence in 1877, which makes it one of the first art and design schools in the USA).

Loughborough University - (Leicestershire, UK).
The Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication (undergraduate course with a four year out) develops students to be visual thinkers who excel in the creative industries. By combining graphic communication and illustration in one degree, the course offers the unique advantage of teaching a specialised skill-set that can be applied to a greater range of industries and technical formats. This degree is a flexible course that can be tailored to your interests, for example in app development, animation, visual identity and branding, illustration, photography, typography and publishing or graphic design in general. This course will develop creative ideas and related visualisation skills, equipping students with the fundamental ingredients to work within their chosen industry to grow as a creative practitioner.

The subjects of the four year out course relates to the subjects of the Advanced Diploma in Design Technology where students are prepared for further studies and upgrading technical and technological skills. The subjects relate as follows: ( Research methods and Techniques Compulsory):

Visual Research in Practice; Introduction to Creative Writing.

Visual Literacy and Collaborative Practice Compulsory Core.

Visual Methods in Practice; Arts Management; Non-Verbal Communication; Industrial Training Placement.

Materials and Methods Proficiency Compulsory.

From Print to Digital; Industrial intelligence in Graphic Communication; Material Culture.

Techniques and Technology Studies Compulsory.

Introduction to Multimodality; also links with From Print to Digital; How does a book work.

Production and Process management Compulsory.

Literature and the Arts; Publishing Revolution; Visual Methods in Art; Arts Management.

The purpose of this qualification:

To develop flexible thought processes including critical, analytical, lateral and sequential design thinking, that afford students opportunities to explore ideas or concepts in depth.

To identify, develop, and synthesize specialist materials, processes and techniques, in relation to studio craft through a range of current and emergent analogue and digital media including opportunities to bring information and ideas together from relevant alternative topics.

To initiate research leading to creative professional practice in Graphic Communication and Illustration.

To prioritise elements of the visual and verbal interface for communications effectiveness; including drawing, typography, sequential and narrative design and emergent media, through research, ideation, communication and elicitation.

To produce expressive, reflective and professional practitioners who understand audience needs.

To discuss and evaluate personal and group outcomes in relation to economic, vocational, ethical, sustainability and global contexts.

The outcomes of this qualification:
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

Experiment with materials, processes and technology.

Employ effective design strategies and methods to express ideas.

Evaluate and negotiate individual and group roles and functions within a range of interdisciplinary practice models as part of their learning community.

Diagnose and solve a variety of visual problems relevant to current and emergent environments and audiences.

Identify design problems and develop and express appropriate practical design solutions.

Produce work that demonstrates critical, creative, technical and practical skills equating with professional and business practice within a global context.

Rhode Island School of Design (USA).
The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Design (undergraduate course) allows students to fully absorb an informed design process that provides lifelong support as they go on to engage in real-world design opportunities. Students gain a thorough understanding of the principles of design, theories of communication and strategies for problem solving.

The subjects of the four year out course relates to the subjects of the Advanced Diploma in Design Technology where students are prepared for further studies and upgrading technical and technological skills. The subjects relate as follows (Advanced Diploma in Design Technology subjects are in the grid):

Research methods and Techniques Compulsory.

Theory and History of Art and Design; Literature.

Visual Literacy and Collaborative Practice Compulsory Core.

Philosophy and Social Studies.

Materials and Methods Proficiency Compulsory.

Techniques and Technology Studies Compulsory.

Design, Technology, Colour and Space.

Production and Process management Compulsory.

Design studio and production.

The purpose of this qualification:

To develop a wide range of media and critical perspectives using critical thinking and analysis.

To initiate verbal communication and an understanding of the value of artistic expression across cultures and technologies.

The outcomes of this qualification:
The qualification educates students to become resourceful designers engaged in reflexive, responsible and sustainable practices. Graduates are prepared to:

Evaluate and critique the effectiveness of visual communication work.

Respond to a communication need by determining an appropriate perspective and following through by form-making using various means: editing, aesthetics and/or appropriation.

Develop and refine personal methods that culminate in a cohesive body of work targeting professional practice, an independent studio practice and/or entrepreneurship.

Work with contemporary and historical tools and software.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, Level 7.

Advanced Diplomas in Jewellery Design and Manufacture, Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology, 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.

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