SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Interior Design

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
109981	Advanced Diploma in Interior Design
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	2019-07-25	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 facilitate continuing professional development through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in the field of Interior Design. This qualification also prepares a learner for postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in Interior Design, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques in the field of Interior Design.

The following core modules will be presented to align these qualification outcomes with the modules:

Research Methods in Design I: In this module, a learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of a range of applied methods of enquiry in the field of design, and their suitability to specific investigations. This will also include the ability to select and apply a range of applied methods to resolve problems or introduce change within design practice.

Interior Design IV: This module progresses the scope of knowledge in respect of which a learner is able to demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of one or more fields or practices such as planning, design and detailing of complex interiors for residential, commercial, public and private buildings. This will include an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the interior design field, discipline or practice.

Digital Design IV: This module develops the learner's ability to demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in the field of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Virtual Reality (VRAY) and their suitability to specific investigations and the benefits of information-rich models to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.

Interior Design Practice IV: In this module learners will be able to demonstrate an understanding of knowledge, principles and the ability to evaluate types of knowledge within the profession or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights and solutions to problems and issues in interior design.

Further alignment will take place through the one selected elective module. Learners can choose from the following elective modules:

Compact Design IV: In this elective module learners will be able to demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems relating to compact design and apply evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments relevant to the interior design profession and construction knowledge.

Smart and Integrated Technologies IV: In this elective module a learner must be able to understand the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques in the ever-expanding field of smart technologies, materials and digitised communications systems; in the specialised field of interior design.

Eco Interiors and Sustainable Design IV: This elective module develops the ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies within the eco-friendly and sustainable design interior environments to adequately address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing needs of others.

Healthcare Design IV: In this elective module the learner will be able to demonstrate an awareness and ability to respond to challenges that a modern healthcare system experiences, foster collaboration between disciplines and specialisations, and develop innovative models and skills to transform healthcare through design. This is seen as an opportunity to create a new generation of healthcare professionals and designers who can collaborate and work together in identifying problems and creating lasting and tangible solutions.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Interior Design is designed to proactively address the need for specialised knowledge and skills transformation in higher education in terms of Africanisation of the curriculum, Indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), and local and regional art practice within a global context thereby enhancing knowledge of real-world practice as well as employability and opportunities for entrepreneurial practice.

Interior design education in South Africa has historically been a key contributor to the professional team. Qualified learners will be able to work together with Architects, Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Project Managers, Building Contractors and Suppliers of products from the start of a project to its completion. Design flair combined with technical expertise is an integral part of this qualification. Technical drawings or contract documentation as it is referred to in the Built Environment, drawing up of contracts, health and safety, maintenance and compliance, as well as on-site construction, shop-fitting and roll-out management services and the overall administration of the installation or construction are also included.

Businesses have over the years looked up to design to help differentiate its products, services and enhance customer experience. Realised correctly, design can add tremendous value to business and customers alike. The intersection of creativity and commerce is one of the key areas this qualification focuses its attention on, where design is incorporated into business strategies ensuring thinking about the 'why', and not just the 'what' and 'how'.

Interior design has moved from being perceived solely for aesthetic appeal but has evolved into social sciences, business sciences and professional bodies such as the African Institute of the Interior Design profession (IID).

Furthermore, this qualification develops learners' knowledge and skills related to the use of materials, space planning, colour, integration of technical components, aspects of furniture and lighting design and production, from development and management of prototypes through to the final manufacturing process as part of the interior design module. Furniture and lighting design is a skill that needs to be developed in this country and we believe that once the concept of design is adopted in the industry, it will reinvent the way business is done. The industry is becoming more customer-focused and requires innovative and skilled designers to meet customers' needs (the DTI, 2016).

This qualification gives learners the opportunity to combine in-depth theoretical research with creative design and historical knowledge. Learners have the opportunity to examine the cultural and traditional influences of furniture and lighting design in a South African context with more advanced topics such as fabrication, assembly, design management, prototyping, historical research and furniture design detailing. The following core modules will focus on these aspects as well as ensuring an appropriate balance of theoretical, practical and experiential knowledge and skills: Research Methods in Design I, Interior Design IV, Digital Design IV and Interior Design Practice IV. These core modules will be supported by four electives and students will be required to select one of these electives based on their field of interest. These electives are Compact Design IV, Smart and Integrated Technologies IV, Eco Interiors and Sustainable Design IV and Healthcare Design IV.

In the latter part of the qualification, learners will be trained by professionals to gain knowledge and experience in addressing quality control, process planning, costing and supervision skills.

Thereafter, learners can enter the industry with a blend of research, aesthetics, presentation skills, report writing, innovation, the ability to source, specify and track design products and sourcing of new innovative products and practical skills to find exciting careers in:

Residential and Commercial design.

Office/Corporate design.

Community and Education.

Health Care.

Retail, Exhibition, Events Planning and Design.

Hospitality and Leisure.

Facilities Manager.

Signage/Way Finding designer.

Property Manager.

Lead Technician.

Concept Designer.

Architectural Drafting.

Visual Merchandiser.

Architectural and Interior Design Consultancies.

Furniture and Lighting Manufacturing.

Project Manager.

Shop Fitting.

Furnishing Department of Retail Stores.

Independent Interior Design Practice.

This will be followed by a full client specification together with a list of suppliers and contractors. The intention is to provide and display the relevant interior design skills necessary to progress to the Postgraduate studies.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Institution adheres to the RPL policy which provides for learners from other universities as well as mature learners with practical experience related to Interior Design to enter the qualification main stream by undergoing the RPL process. Enrolment into the Interior Design qualification has, historically, indicated that most of the applicants are directly from the Diploma stream and very few enter this qualification as mature learners. This trend is expected to change due to the nature of the Advanced Diploma that aims to upskill current Interior Design practitioners. Not more than 10% of learners in the qualification will gain access through RPL.

This Recognition of Prior Learning will allow:

Accelerated access.

Obtaining of up to 50% of the credits in this Qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement into this qualification is:

An appropriate Diploma at Level 6.
Or

A Bachelor's Degree at Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules:

Research Methods in Design I, 20 Credits.

Interior Design IV, 50 Credits.

Digital Design IV, 10 Credits.

Interior Design Practice IV, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, 10 Credits (select one module):

Compact Design IV, 10 Credits.

Eco Interiors and Sustainable Design IV, 10 Credits.

Healthcare Design IV, 10 Credits.

Smart and Integrated Technology Design IV, 10 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify, analyse, evaluate and critically reflect on and address complex integrated Interior Design problems in a multidisciplinary context by applying evidence-based and theory-driven arguments.
2. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate Interior Design key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules such as planning, design and detailing of complex interiors for residential, commercial, public and private buildings in the field of Interior Design and the built environment.
3. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate digital design terms, concepts, facts and principles to demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of inquiry in the field of building information modelling (bim) and virtual reality (VR) and their suitability to investigate and the benefits of information-rich models to resolve problems.
4. Research, evaluate and demonstrate types of knowledge ethically within the profession to a range of audiences offering creative insights and solutions to problems and issues in Interior Design management and practice.
5. Identify, analyse, evaluate and demonstrate an understanding of smart materials and technologies and their application potential and installation requirements on a variety of design concepts by changing the way we work and live by saving time and opportunities for growth, innovation and knowledge creation.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and an understanding of collaborative, interactive and innovative workspaces and environments in a multidisciplinary context by applying evidence-based, theory-driven arguments to create meaningful relationships between people and the products and services used.
7. Visualise, demonstrate and apply in a self-critical manner, learning strategies within the eco-friendly and sustainable design interior environments to effectively address sustainability.
Research, synthesise and prototype a solution to healthcare Interior Design.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Clearly communicate with the target audience by using Interior Design as a medium.

Understand and use terminology relevant to the field of Interior Design and the built environment.

Apply theoretical or scientific concepts to practical Interior Design projects.

Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and answer a creative design brief.

Demonstrate the ability to use a variety of mediums and tools to present a complete Interior Design presentation.

Demonstrate professional etiquette and be able to professionally communicate with industry members and peers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Identify, analyse and solve complex design problems by applying appropriate design methods and techniques.

Demonstrate the ability to communicate concepts, ideas and information in a visual, written and spoken form.

Evaluate, select and apply appropriate design methods and techniques to create an Interior Design solution.

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of Design on society and physical environment.

Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve design problems consistent with academic learning achieved.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Digitally visualise and manipulate Interior/Architectural environments through virtual reality technology.

Simulate real-world scenarios.

Make use of advanced Computer Aided Drafting software tools to draw fully detailed floorplans, elevations, sections and detail drawings of their design projects.

Document, visualise and simulate a design project.

Make use of advanced editing commands when working on his/her drawings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Document, visualise and simulate advanced design projects by generating two and three-dimensional graphics by means of Building Information modelling (BIM) software/tools.

Produce working drawings that consist of appropriate drafting principles applied in the form of a set of contract documentation.

Develop and communicate the construction methods, materials and finishes of a complete Interior Design project.

Identify and apply the relevant construction methods and details with an emphasis on Interior Design. The student must be able to specify and apply alternative construction methods and materials with an emphasis on Interior Design.

Demonstrate the appropriate use of materials and service installations (Plumbing, Drainage, Electrical and Ventilation systems) with an emphasis on Interior Design.

Apply principles governing South African Bureau of Standards (SABS), South African National Standards (SANS) and National Building Regulations (NBR) to the relevant Interior Design project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Identify and apply the relevant construction methods and details with an emphasis on smart materials and technologies in Interior Design and the built environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Communicate in a professional context with the viewer/audience by using Interior Design as a medium.

Use terminology relevant to Interior Design and the built environment.

Apply theoretical or scientific concepts to practical Interior Design projects and products.

The learner must be able to demonstrate the ability to evaluate and answer a creative design brief.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Visualise eco-friendly and sustainable designed interiors as part of a network of interconnected environs, re-imagining a community as a living, self-sustaining organism or residential and public spaces, embracing more conscious building practices, sustainable procurement of materials, local initiatives, application of smart materials and technologies and the inclusion of off the grid energy sources with self-sufficient interiors, human to nature connection, bio-mimicry and the ability of an interior to increase human health and well- being.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Understand behavioural economics and how to apply them to design projects to gain multi-professional perspective and collaboration and the value of design in solving healthcare challenges in a broader society and South African context.

Understanding the role of physical products and the environment in shaping people's behaviour.

Integrated Assessment:
A combination of formative and summative assessment methods is applied in this qualification. The method of assessments should be appropriate to the teaching mode and the notion of constructive alignment will be applied. Outcomes and assessment criteria will be communicated to learners in writing in the study guides and detailed project briefs, and verbally in class. All assessments will be on the appropriate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level, as indicated in the module descriptors. The following are all formative assessment methods that are being used in this learning programme:

Individual assignments.

Presentations.

Group projects.

Questions on structured reading (for theory subjects).

Practical evaluations.

Formative feedback on case studies which will be developed using the criteria and rubrics provided.
After each formative assessment opportunity, learners will be required to self-reflect on the outcome of their assessment, which will encourage them to look at their own work critically and elucidate on areas of excellence as well as those requiring improvement. Learning is therefore supported by clarifying short-comings in the tests, assignments, presentations and practical's, as well as ways in which to improve on future outcomes.

As summative assessment methods, three structured theoretical tests will typically be written in each theory module. The focus of these tests is on determining the module content knowledge and comprehension. Furthermore, an examination will be written in each of the theoretical modules. The focus of the examination is on the integration of knowledge and skills and will consist of 1 x 3-hour theoretical paper.

Summative assessments will be conducted for all practical subjects using given criteria at the end of each term, culminating in a final evaluation at the end of term 4 (October/November).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Advanced Diploma in Interior Design is designed on the basis of comparability to courses provided at both local and international institutions, relating to their content, level and credit weight. The course structure relates to practices found in both local and international higher education institutions.

In terms of content the Advanced Diploma in Interior Design should allow students to do credit transfer to the following international institutions:

Sydney Design School African Union (AU).

Holmesglen (AU).

Design Institute of San Diego United States of America (USA).

University of Nevada (USA).

Australia, Sydney Design School, Advanced Diploma of Interior Design.
Sydney Design School offers a relative comparison as it also prepares students for work in commercial Interior Design or like departments in Architectural firms through an intensive practical course. Course work and electives include commercial and residential subjects and projects that enhance and continue the application of design principles and drafting techniques learnt in the Diploma. The software programmes used in the course, Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and REVIT, are also comparable and compatible with industry requirements locally.

Advanced Diploma of Interior Design (MSF60113), Holmesglen Victoria, Australia.
Holmesglen offers a similar framework of practical subjects and projects, it emphasis developing skills in researching and analysis that address client needs and spatial planning problems, in residential and commercial builds. The framework of a project is based on assimilation of a client brief and analysis thereof continuing in to the final design and production of working drawings and schedules. Holmesglen further emphasises building communication skills for use when working on site with builders and contractors, a comparative concept is evident in Interior Design Practice.

Interior Design Degree (Four Years), Design Institute of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA.
The Design Institute of San Diego requires students to select at least one elective as a component of the Interior Design major. The electives run in conjunction to the core subjects and interrelate directly with one another, similar to the concept evident in this programme, as the project within the elective is developed through application of the core subjects.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts in Design, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Design, 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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