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: 

Advanced Diploma in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110348  Advanced Diploma in Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal 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 core projection of this qualification is visual practice with strong entrepreneurial learning. The qualification aims to provide a learning environment in which innovation, invention and originality can be developed within a range of different, but closely related fashion pathways. The niche area is visual practice.

In addition, the qualification will equip learners with necessary skills to engage with practiced based research and implementation of research methodology. The emphasis is on creative and technical skills, product design research and development, as well as entrepreneurial skills. The learners will be able to understand the professional and ethical responsibilities in the local and global context to initiate and apply it to further research.

Rationale:
The reasoning behind the development of this programme is due to the ever changing consumer needs and new advances in technology, research and development in the fashion sector. This qualification will expose a learner to research and academic report writing. Within the qualification, learners are introduced and exposed to new technology and practices in fashion. The qualifying learners will be able to apply existing and new knowledge through processes of analysis and evaluations in a specialized area of fashion production.

This qualification focuses on the professional and ethical responsibilities in the local and global context to initiate and promote employment opportunities. In addition, the qualification will provide opportunities for growth by widening access through to further studies in the field of Fashion through the introductions of Level 8-10 postgraduate programmes. The qualification provides vertical progression to a Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion 120 Credits on NQF Level 8.

Comparison investigations in were done by consulting national and international Higher Education Institutions. In addition, discussions with relevant stakeholders assisted the department of fashion to develop this new qualification in order to keep abreast with the ideals and outcomes envisioned. The qualification aims to produce a highly skilled competent post graduate learner, analyser, illustrator and designer as well as encouraging entrepreneurial possibilities in the fashion sector. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING (RPL):
The RPL policy provides procedures on how RPL is implemented at the institution.

Evaluation of the applicant's prior learning is accomplished by submission of a portfolio of relevant fashion/clothing 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. Successful assessment enables the applicant to enter the course at an appropriate level. If the RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with full registration.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
The minimum requirement for this qualification is:
  • A 360 Credits Diploma in Fashion or Fashion Design or a relevant qualification at Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Fashion: Portfolio, 50 Credits.
  • Business: Fashion, 30 Credits.
  • Fashion Theory Module 1: Research Methods and Techniques, 20 Credits.
  • Fashion Theory Module 2: Written Report Fashion, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve problems relating to the field of study (Fashion).
    2. Collect, analyse and interpret data.
    3. Develop new competencies through research methodology, writing skills and business and practical innovation.
    4. Demonstrate professionalism through visual and technical communication skills.
    5. Explore fashion related knowledge in a production process.
    6. Understand and apply the ethical responsibility of conducting of research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes1:
  • Apply advanced, specialized knowledge of fashion influences, theory, principles and techniques to identify and solve complex fashion industry related problems.
  • Analyse and interpret literature/data/statistics to solve evidence-based arguments in meeting customer and target market needs.
  • Apply a wide range of advanced technical and technological skills to develop innovative fashion related solutions (e.g. computer aided design, pattern engineering and garment technology) during the creation of a practical project fashion portfolio.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Apply selected theories, methods and procedures to develop fashion related designing and production processes.
  • Collect data through research and investigative processes to develop informed business strategies.
  • Analyse, interpret and reflect on fashion theories, literature and data through analysis and dissemination processes to formulate and provide direction within a fast changing fashion environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Utilise developed knowledge and skills to identify and formulate a problem statement and research methodology and conducting research to investigate a chosen topic.
  • Construct research informed business and practical innovation to resolve fashion industry problems.
  • Write a research report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Produce original fashion concepts, illustrations and designs to communicate with and satisfy changing customer needs and target markets.
  • Communicate own ideas, opinions and arguments using visual media and technology (e.g. story boards, mood boards, presentations, written reports).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Apply knowledge and demonstrating a wide range of design, analysis and research skills required to address fashion design challenges; workshop and production processes.
  • Integrate principles and functions of business management within the clothing industry.
  • Manage and utilise resources to enhance production processes (e.g. creative design, illustration, pattern engineering, garment technology and computer aided technology) and develop entrepreneurial skills for self-employment.
  • Interpret fashion influences and using fashion techniques, principles and processes to design and produce garments and apparel of international quality standards and exhibited as a portfolio of practical work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Applying scientific knowledge and principles to conduct fashion related research.
  • Implementing ethics to ensure credible and professional behaviour.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    Assessment of modules in the Advanced Diploma in Fashion are in accordance with the assessment policy of the institution. The learning guides for the modules contain the module intended outcomes and assessment criteria which must be satisfied in order to pass.

    Types of tests/assignments/projects/case studies:
  • Individual assignments.
  • Practical evaluation.
  • Presentations.
  • Projects.
  • Continuous assessment.
  • Portfolio presentation.
  • Group/Peer and individual critiques.
  • Critique and simulation.
  • Document investigation and research.

    Formative and summative assessment:
    Both formative and summative assessment are integral components of all modules within the programme and have application to continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence.
    Formative assessment will be mainly through:
  • group discussions.
  • practical exercises and feedback.
  • presentation of assignments.
  • written reports.

    Summative assessment:
  • Assignments.
  • Observations.
  • Assessment of practical tasks.
  • Continuous Assessment modules a portfolio of evidence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of South Wales
    Qualification: A Honours in Fashion

    As with the international qualification mentioned, this qualification is an innovative course which give the learner the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required in order to develop strong entrepreneurial skills for self-employment, as well as the transfer of skills to others. International Fashion courses that were compared are leaders in designing and fashion and those with best practices.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.
    Qualification: Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Fashion illustrations, trade sketches and begin to understand how to design for fashion ranges in both a commercial and creative ways.
  • Work with specialist fashion design CAD programs such as Illustrator and photo shop.
  • Patternmaking and developing product specifications for fashion garments.

    Practical skills:
  • Developing skills, working with industry on practical projects using computer technology, complex patternmaking and block development skills to produce a range of designs and garments.
  • Development of the relevant practical skills related to business and project management which will be directed at fashion entrepreneurship.
  • Understanding research methods in order to research contemporary fashion designs, developing and presenting design concepts, producing fashion illustrations, production planning processes, and development of design prototypes fashion design stream.

    Country: China
    Institution: BIFT International College
    Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design
    The qualification is structured as a two-year course. Upon successful completion of the Advanced Diploma learners may elect to undertake progression studies leading to a Bachelor of Design from Raffles College Pty Ltd, trading as Raffles College of Design and Commerce. Different modules are included in the course as follows: drawing, colour composition, form, pattern making, draping and cutting techniques, to build a firm foundation in fashion design. The core advantage is that the college works very closely with the fashion industry to offer learners a better understanding of the world they live in, so that they become socially responsible citizens with international perspectives. The annual graduates' fashion show where final learners display their collections is important as a lot of fashion industry people attend the show to scout new talents.

    Country; Malaysia
    Institution: Tunku Abdul Rahman College
    Qualification; Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design

    The qualification is intended to produce fashion designers who are professionally trained with a high level of technical, creative and critical thinking skills. Learners will be exposed to hands-on experience in order to enable them to develop their problem-solving proficiency creatively. The fashion industry exists in an ever-changing, highly proactive, and very exciting world. Successful professionals are able to influence social and cultural change, setting trends in visual culture which may lead to commercial and global achievement. It inspires learners to explore their creativity in problem-solving, organising and managing in designing by integrating. On completion of this qualification, learners will be an efficient, competent and accurate analyser through visual, technical and verbal skills and may find employment as fashion designer, assistant designer, fashion stylist, pattern maker, pattern grader, fashion retailer and buyer, fashion illustrator, fashion coordinator, textile artist, theatrical costume maker and entrepreneur.

    In conclusion, this qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered elsewhere in the world in terms of the content and outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Design, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • 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: 
     
    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. Vaal 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.