SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Fashion

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
110040	Advanced Diploma in Fashion
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula 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	2019-07-25	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 the qualification is to develop learners who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the field of Fashion with a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship. The qualification is designed to meet the requirements of a specific niche in the labour market. The qualification is suitable for continuing professional development and provides an in-depth, systematic understanding of specialised theory and practice in fashion design.
The qualification aims to encourage fashion entrepreneurs by preparing learners to be problem finders and problem solvers, and who will be able to work independently as fashion design entrepreneurs. Learners will specialise in the field of fashion and demonstrate an understanding and application of crucial fashion terms and concepts. The qualification is developed to advance the knowledge literacy and problem-solving skills within the context of a fashion entrepreneurial rationale.
Qualifying learners will be able to identify research gaps in the market, apply design knowledge, skills and practice to an individually designed range, enhanced and gain skills enable learners to act professionally and ethically in the workplace.

Rationale:
There is an increasing awareness that fashion designers need to adopt a thinking style that reflects an intellectual integrity when designing objects, services and systems. These interests should include sustainability (environmental), social development and social upliftment.
Therefore, industry insiders and educationalists alike acknowledge the importance of equipping designers with the appropriate competencies and qualifications. Designers must have the ability to develop a strong brand, market search for South African designer's clothes, and reliability of delivery on-time.
Stakeholders in the fashion industry, have indicated the need these qualifications to support the following areas of education and development:

Grow the brand 'South Africa' in general in particular as a cultural and economic hub.

Grow small businesses and fill employment vacancies in the manufacturing and retail sectors and grow small businesses.

Promote entrepreneurial activities.

Be part of a growing awareness of the unique nature of South African design through the inputs of a class of more specialised fashion designers.

Ensure competitiveness against overseas imports by raising our graduate skills level in the field of computer aided design and manufacture.

Be able to work with other design sectors such as jewellery, textile and the arts and crafts to raise the profile of our creative industries.

Help beneficiate the countries fashion textile industry.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In keeping with national policy frameworks and the institution's mission and vision, widening of access is promoted through Recognition of Prior Learning. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against a qualification or part thereof.
The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/or formal learning. The RPL process also includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries.

Entry Requirements.
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Diploma in Fashion.
Or

A 360 Credits Diploma in Fashion.
Or

An equivalent qualification in Fashion Design or related field of study.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits:
Compulsory Modules: 120 Credits.

Methodology for report writing, 20 Credits.

Fashion Entrepreneurship, 25 Credits.

Visual Research and Development, 25 Credits.

Fashion Design, 25 Credits.

Fashion product and development, 25 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify and solve complex design problems in an innovative manner through the application of integrated disciplinary knowledge and critical and conceptual thinking skills.
2. Apply advanced design process methodologies to solve complex fashion design problems.
3. Demonstrate appropriate integrated knowledge in the Fashion discipline in the application to research and design projects.
4. Display the ability to work and act in an ethical and professional manner in both design and research and take full accountability for her/his actions and work.
5. Demonstrate the ability to function as an independent individual who takes full responsibility for own decisions and actions and display an ability to self-direct own learning needs.
6. Display the ability to actively participate in collaborative activities through the use of communications skills, using appropriate academic, professional and occupational discourses.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the critical concepts, principles and theories of the practice of fashion design.

Demonstrate innovative design conceptualisation and product development.

Write reports that show awareness of historical and contemporary fashion influences and the ability to critically evaluate fashion related literature.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Display problem-solving ability and advanced design methods and competence in the use of advanced design applications, processes and technologies in solving complex fashion design problems.

Produce a capstone project consisting of a professional portfolio and a collection of fashion products that displays the learner's personal style and fashion brand.

Solve complex problems by applying 'evidence-based' solutions relevant to the field of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Demonstrate the ability to use design principles.

Show an understanding of sophisticated product development practices such as fabric manipulation techniques, pattern and garment construction methods.

Use technologies to create and produce a professional collection of fashion products that displays the learner's personal style and fashion brand.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Act ethically and professionally by creating and producing a professional portfolio.

Display a collection of fashion products that shows an understanding of environmental and social requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate management skills and work effectively as an individual designer as well as a team member within a commercial design and/or retail context.

Provide effective leadership in project work.

Show initiative for own learning and development.

Organise, delegate and coordinate activities towards achieving goals within allocated budget and time.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Work collaboratively with peers through the execution of written and practical work.

Critically reflect on own actions and decisions using appropriate standards of acceptable performance as a professional fashion designer.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods.
Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing student learning and provides students with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. Formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study in this qualification, it will consist of a variety of tasks such as problem-solving individual and/or group assignments and projects, case studies, portfolio development, class discussions, field trip reports and studio work.
Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing learner's attainment against the learning outcomes of the programme and subject(s). Summative assessments usually consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including written tests, reports and examination. In this qualification, it will consist of written assessments in the form of written class tests and examination conducted during and at the end of the academic semester/year as well as portfolio assessments.
Learners will be assessed holistically using project reports, a portfolio of evidence and an oral presentation related to the needs and requirements of industry.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

An international comparative analysis was conducted to determine the extent qualifications and subject structures compare with similar offerings at similar institutions. The international comparative analysis include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable HE institutions internationally (and nationally); the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of programme design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

The international comparability study included the following institutions and programmes:
Kingston University, London, UK - BA (Honours) Fashion.
Curtin University, Perth, Australia - Fashion is offered as part of a BA Arts with a Graduate Certificate which could lead to a Master's degree.
University of Arts, London, UK - Central St Martins - Following on from a three year BA Fashion Design a student could enrol for BA (Hons) leading to a Master's degree.

These three programmes were selected as they are rates high in quality of education and have strong industry relevance.

The international comparability analysis indicated that the qualification design and subject content of the Advanced Diploma in Fashion underpinned by the Diploma in Fashion compares well with those offered elsewhere.

All these institutions offer a Bachelor's Degree (NQSF 7) and the Advanced Diploma in Fashion will progress the Diploma in Fashion (NQSF 6) to an equivalent qualification.

3.1 Rationale for benchmarking to proposed institutions and qualification:
Institution Name & Qualification.
Kingston University, London - BA (Honours).
www.kingston.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/fashion/
Qualification: Fashion BA (Hons) degree.

Rationale for comparison to proposed qualification:
The qualification focuses on evolution and radical change in design. It further explores how design is influenced by cultural, social, critical and historical studies. Learners will develop their own signature style, experimenting across sketch work, 2D to 3D, knitwear and digital print in Kingston School of Art's workshops and dedicated fashion design studios.

Curtin University, Pert
https://study.curtin.edu.au/offering/course-ug-bachelor-of-design--b-design/:
Qualification: Bachelor in Design.
Duration: 3 years, Full time.

This qualification allows learners to tailor their degree to suit their career aspirations by studying a chosen design major in combination with another design major or minor/s.

This flexibility enables more competitiveness in the graduate job market.

Learners learn through project-based activities, collaborating with students from other disciplines, and use industry standard equipment, technologies and media platforms.

3.2 Evaluate and compare aspects of the curriculum:
The proposed Advanced Diploma, at course, structural and content level, was benchmarked against the Kingston University, London - BA (Honours) Fashion, Curtin University, Perth - Fashion which is offered as part of a BA Arts and University of Arts, London - Central St Martins - a three year BA Fashion Design. The institutions selected focus on applied research, global competitiveness and societal relevance within the field of design.

Institution, Course, Level, Duration, Credit Value
Kingston University, London - BA (Honours).
www.kingston.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/fashion/
Qualification: Fashion BA (Hons) degree.

This course is a three year programme. At the end of Year 2, students have the opportunity to take a year out to undertake study abroad and gain work experience overseas.

The modules included are:
Year 1:
Design Process 1.
Design Product 1.
Professional Practice 1.
Design, Style and Image: Themes in Fashion History.

Year 2:
Design Process 2.
Professional Practice 2.
Design Product 2.
Critical Issues in Fashion: Research and Practice.

Year 3:
Design Process 3.
Final Major Project.
Dissertation: Research and Reflection.

Curtin University, Perth,
Qualification: Bachelor in Design.
Duration: 3 year, Full time.
Specialise in an area that inspires the student:
Animation and Game Design.
Digital Design.
Fashion Design.
Graphic Design.
Photography.
Complete Degree Structure.

Each option is subject to availability.
Option 1: a second major:
With this option students benefit from studying two design majors in equal depth, graduating with a double major.

Option 2: two minors:
Study up to two minors in design. This option allows students to gain expertise in two additional areas of design to complement your chosen major. It also enhances a skill set providing flexibility to work across multiple disciplines.

Option 3: minor and electives:
The choice to study a design minor with electives from business or arts to diversify the skill set. This option allows students to customise their degree to stand out from the crowd, enhancing employability.

Option 4: electives:
Complement the major with elective minors within or outside the field of design, which diversifies the skill set and enhances employability.

In summary:
The proposed Advanced Diploma in Fashion qualification closely reflects the structure of the internationally benchmarked qualifications. Noteworthy is the built-in flexibility towards the changing world of Design on the global scene, the opportunity to reflect on the Creative Design process and the vision towards the complexity of interaction and user-centeredness.

All programmes offer a combination of course work and research activities informing practical, professionally focused and research-based learning. Hence assessment methods will be varied and may include written projects, video presentations, physical artefacts, computer generated models, oral presentations, etc.

All qualifications have a strong focus on external links and partners in the research projects. It can be expected that the Advance Diploma in Fashion will offer very similar learning opportunities compared to the benchmarked qualifications but with a strong local flavour based on community development.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.
Horizontal articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design Level 7

Vertical articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Design Level 8

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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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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