SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Design

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111176	Postgraduate Diploma in 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
Postgraduate 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 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-16	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 Postgraduate Diploma in Design aims to empower local and international design industries by providing a qualification to produce multi-skilled learners with specialised skills in critical thinking and research. The qualification will prepare learners for access across a variety of design disciplines with opportunities to deepen professional and vocational practice and scholarship in the design industry. Through greater theoretical rigour within an elected discipline specificity, as well as inter-and multi-disciplinary options, the Postgraduate Diploma in Design enhances reflective and reflexive practice across multimodal and practice-led modes of enquiry.

Learners will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge of design industry regulations and practice, as well as the analysis of Design as a cultural phenomenon.

Learners will be able to apply practical and theoretical skills towards professional practice through the development of analytical and critical thinking skills within design.

These skills will be acquired through a mini research project under supervision in order to address the skills relating to further research, namely: the ability to formulate a researchable problem statement; the ability to find relevant information pertaining to the research project in question; the ability to communicate findings in a scientific and systematic way, whilst acknowledging sources of information, ideas, and theoretical frameworks. The intensified research focus allows learners to proceed to the Master's qualification.

Learners furthermore produce a body of work commensurate with the skills levels (conceptual a well as practical), appropriate to a Postgraduate Diploma. The theory/practice ratio of the Postgraduate Diploma is 60/40.

The following core modules will assist in reaching these goals:

Transdisciplinary Design Studies: This module enables a learner to demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in transdisciplinary design, an area at the forefront of the field of design; an understanding of the theories, methods and techniques relevant to design, and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a transdisciplinary context.

Design Project: This module focuses on theoretical knowledge and understanding of multi-, interdisciplinary and/or trans-disciplinary fields relating to the broad range of creative industries implied by the field of Design.

Research Methods in Design II: This module introduces learners to research methods and strategies with particular reference to design, so that the learner may engage with research work related to their creative practice.

These core modules will be complemented by eight elective modules. Learners must select two of these electives based on their previous qualification:

Fashion Design Practice: This module relies on the embedded knowledge related to and including design theories and practical principles relevant to the multi-disciplinary field of Fashion and Apparel design practice.

Fashion Design Technology: This module becomes a continuation of the design process and will include the patterning and construction processes towards the completion of the final products.

The purpose of the qualification is to produce learners who will be equipped to integrate traditional and new technologies and techniques to address design problems in a transdisciplinary teamwork environment in order to build the multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary skills necessary for a career in the rapidly changing creative industries. Learner Designers incorporate high use of new techniques and technological processes into the various aspects of their design process:

Integrated Communication Design Practice: This module relies on the embedded knowledge related to and including design theories and practical principles relevant to the multi-disciplinary field of Integrated Communication Design.

Integrated Communication Design Technology: This module is the continuation of the integrated communication design process and will include the technological processes towards completing the final product.

Commercial Photography Practice: This module relies on the embedded knowledge related to and including design theories and practical principles relevant to the multi-disciplinary field of Commercial Photography.

Commercial Photography Technology: This module is the continuation of the Commercial Photographic process and will include the technological processes towards completing the final product.

Interior Design Practice: This module relies on the embedded knowledge related to and including design theories and practical principles relevant to the multi-disciplinary field of Interior Design.

Interior Design Technology: This module is the continuation of the interior design process and will include the technological processes towards completing the final product.

Rationale:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design addresses the need of the ever-changing design industry by functioning as a multi-and/or interdisciplinary qualification. This need was identified through consultations with our advisory board. The impact of the 4th industrial revolution on the field of design is undisputed, where darkrooms and lithographic process are replaced by digital and often automated systems. To avoid learners being trained for obsolete career paths in the future, this Diploma focuses on developing a transdisciplinary approach to the world of work thereby enhancing the employment prospects of learners from this qualification.

Thus, the primary purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Design is to enable working professionals to undertake advanced transdisciplinary reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and design research methods in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Commercial Photography or Integrated Communication Design. This qualification will demand a high level of conceptual/theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a context in Fashion Design, Interior Design, Commercial Photography or Integrated Communication Design in order to undertake professional or highly-skilled work as required by the Design industry.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Design furthermore provides the opportunity for specialisation within the broader disciplines of Fashion Design, Interior Design, Commercial Photography or Integrated Communication Design, respectively, whilst addressing the following skills and abilities:
knowledge literacy -that is, the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and evaluate knowledge; the systematic application of specialised techniques toward solving unfamiliar problems; the systematic application of a body of knowledge to solve abstract problems relating to the specialisation in question; the ability to critically reflect on ethical issues pertaining to the learner's field of specialisation; contribution to the knowledge economy and the creative industries through the production and communication of information.

Learners of the Postgraduate Diploma in Design are equipped to: follow a research track in further studies; exit to become specialist practitioners in their fields; exit to train others in their field of specialisation.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Design allows for the integration and application of research, concept development, design development, product development and all the relevant processes related to these steps into a single project focus. Relying on the skills gained at undergraduate level, the Postgraduate learners will display their ability to build independently on a single design focus. A cohesive understanding and integration of design, business and marketing strategies related to the design focus and the theoretical underpinning of all the related processes will see the learner compiling a professional body of work and related academic output. Upon completion, exit criteria will require the learner to exhibit the body of work produced throughout the duration period to a panel from the industry.

The purpose of the qualification is to produce learner who will be equipped to integrate traditional and new technologies and techniques to address design problems in a transdisciplinary teamwork environment in order to build the multi-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary skills necessary for a career in the rapidly changing creative industries. Learner Designers incorporate high use of new techniques and technological processes into the various aspects of their design process.

The underlying characteristic of this qualification is to also focus on teamwork, which is led by industry structure. The future projection of skill development of an individual is not primarily shaped by them but their specialist skill is dependent and influenced by a team of people working together in order to adapt to an ever-changing work environment. They must be able to identify problems and solve it through adequate solution processes.

This qualification is not only provides an opportunity to further develop a learner's design skills but also for the learner to build a body of work for use when seeking employment with future employers, as a starting point for their own business or as an articulation point into further studies. This qualification allows a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence as well as the ability to relate knowledge to a range of contexts in order to undertake professional or highly-skilled work. This will be done through the following core modules: Transdisciplinary Design studies, Design project and Research Methods in Design II. These core modules will be supported by eight electives and learners will be required to select two of these electives based on their field of previous qualification. These electives are Fashion Design Practice, Fashion Design Technology, Integrated Communication Design Practice, Integrated Communication Design Technology, Commercial Photography Practice, Commercial Photography Technology, Interior Design Practice and Interior Design Technology.

Additionally, the Postgraduate Diploma will also prepare the learner for an academic career, should they choose to use it as an articulation point into the Master of Art and Design or a related Master's qualification. The qualification will incorporate supervised investigative research and reporting.

After completion of the Postgraduate Diploma in Design, learners will be able to either broaden their vocational career through entering the industry or pursue a career in academia through Postgraduate studies at the Master's level.

Academic staff who are already in posts across the four areas of specialisation (Fashion Design; Integrated Communication Design; Commercial Photography; and Interior Design) will develop the learning materials for this qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the RPL learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. RPL follows policy and procedures and is implemented accordingly by means of the Integrated Assessment mentioned below.

Learners are informed regarding the RPL processes as well as being provided with support and guidance. Care is ensured that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not as onerous as to prevent a learner from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification or as an entrance assessment. If the learner can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit for this qualification, the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner.

The Policy on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applies and may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme. The Postgraduate Diploma in Design may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning processes.

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

Advanced Diploma in Commercial Photography, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Integrated Communication Design.

Advanced Diploma in Interior Design, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Technology in a cognate field, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 60 Credits:

Transdisciplinary Design Studies, 20 Credits.

Design Project, 20 Credits.

Research Methods in Design II, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, 60 Credits (Choose two):

Fashion Design Practice, 30 Credits.

Fashion Design Technology, 30 Credits.

Integrated Communication Design Practice, 30 Credits.

Integrated Communication Design Technology, 30 Credits.

Commercial Photography Practice, 30 Credits.

Commercial Photography Technology, 30 Credits.

Interior Design Practice, Credits, 30 Credits.

Interior Design Technology, 30 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in transdisciplinary design, theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques with an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a transdisciplinary design context from the basis of one of the elective disciplines (Interior Design, Integrated Communication Design, Commercial Photography or Fashion Design).
2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in transdisciplinary design and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production in a transdisciplinary design context from the basis of one of the elective disciplines.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in transdisciplinary design from the basis of one of the elective disciplines.
4. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate in transdisciplinary design in relation to one of the elective disciplines.
5. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems in relation to one of the elective disciplines.
6. Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation and management processes in transdisciplinary design in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues from the basis of one of the elective disciplines.
7. Present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context of transdisciplinary design from the basis of one of elective disciplines.
8. Operate effectively within a system, or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
9. Apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies which effectively address the learner's professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others.
10. Take full responsibility for his or her work, decision-making and use of resources, and full accountability for the decisions and actions of others where appropriate.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply transdisciplinary design theories creatively and competently to solve complex design problems in the elected discipline.

Apply transdisciplinary design research methodologies competently to solve complex design problems in the elected discipline.

Apply transdisciplinary design methods competently to solve complex design problems in the elected discipline.

Demonstrate transdisciplinary design techniques within the elected discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in the elected discipline.

Interrogate knowledge and processes of knowledge production in the elected discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Transfer appropriate standard procedures in a transdisciplinary design context to unfamiliar problems in the elected discipline.

Transfer appropriate standard processes or techniques in a transdisciplinary context to unfamiliar problems in the elected discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify, analyse and address abstract problems.

Draw the body of knowledge within the elected discipline.

Draw methodologies within the elected discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Identify ethical issues in the elected discipline.

Conduct critical reflection in relation to different ethical value systems in relation to the elected discipline.

Demonstrate judgements in decision making during problem-solving and design are ethical and within acceptable boundaries of current competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Formulate creative responses to solve problems through critical review of information gathering processes in relation to the elected discipline.

Formulate creative responses to solve problems through critical review of data synthesis processes in relation to the elected discipline.

Formulate creative responses to solve problems and through critical review of evaluation and management processes in relation to the elected discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Present professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences.

Demonstrate creative insights to solve problems within the context of the elected discipline.

Formulate rigorous interpretations and solutions for problems in relation to the elected discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate understanding of operational and management roles and relationships within the elected disciplines.

Operate effectively within the systems of the elected disciplines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Manage learning needs in a self-critical manner.

Identify learning strategies that effectively address professional learning needs of the learner.

Apply learning strategies that effectively address professional learning needs of the learner and others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Undertake full responsibility for work undertaken in the elected discipline.

Take full responsibility for decision-making related to the use of resources in the elected discipline.

Take full accountability for decisions and actions of others where appropriate.

Integrated Assessment:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Design qualification predominantly favours reflective, reflexive and applied enquiry towards learning. The ratio of experiential and praxis-oriented assessments ensure that every module is incorporating a practical application underpinned by theoretical investigation/enquiry. Further, the assessments reflect the multimodal and experiential learning modes applied within the qualification.

To ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved the types of integrated assessment used to provide formative and summative assessments of respective modules in the qualification are listed below. These are determined by specific criteria appropriate to the module, as well as to National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 Level Descriptors. This integrated assessment approach will ensure the validity and reliability of the process. Outcomes and assessment criteria will be communicated to learners in writing in the study guides, detailed project briefs, as well as verbally in class.

All assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable to ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way. In alignment with the university's policies, these assessment practices are ensured using group critique sessions; assessment by marking panels; use of internal examiners, second examiners, as well as external moderation of these exit level modules.

Assessment processes should ensure that all the Exit Level Outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner. Credit is assigned for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Formative assessments include feedback discussions in class to clarify and promote continued self-awareness and development. The lecturer, the peer group, as well as the individual will do baseline and observation assessment on a continual basis. Each learner will be required to journal their project planning and developmental processes and will have the opportunity to discuss their work in class to discover where more research is needed and to resolve any technical/interpretative difficulties that may arise. All assessments will be followed by critical discussion based on the marking rubric and include self-feedback.
For summative assessments, a detailed and discipline-specific rubric will be utilised.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The purpose is to ensure that the qualification/s and training offered in South Africa is and internationally comparable. The following institutions have been compared:

Graduate Diploma Fashion Design Technology.
University of The Arts London.
Qualification Summary:
This qualification allows learners to develop your skills in creative fashion design technology, which will facilitate progression to MA study or into employment. The Graduate Diploma Fashion Design Technology is a one-year qualification designed for learners who wish to further develop and consolidate the principles of a United Kingdom (UK) design process experience in order to prepare for relevant Mater of Arts (MA) progression. Independence will provide a framework for the qualification, from being directional and unique in the choice of your research paths to being eloquent in the dissemination of your ideas for potential MA applications and proposals.

As part of the London College of Fashion/University of the Arts London (LCF/UAL) Postgraduate network, you will have the opportunity to meet likeminded designers from a wide range of backgrounds. Learners will leave the qualification with an understanding and confidence in both conceptual and realistic fashion design outputs having studied in a city known for nurturing new talent. Learners will progress from the qualification with a portfolio and realised design work to support future development. Some learners study on the Learner Diploma to further their knowledge and skills before moving into industry.

Graduate Diploma in Design.
University of Technology Sydney.
Qualification Summary:
It enables learners to explore design issues under the supervision of a practice leader, to learn new strategies and the application of research and theory. It supports best practices in Postgraduate design education through learning and research strategies that critically examine design practice. Learners of this qualification are leaders in design and related industries through their expertise in product and service development. They are able to utilise strategic processes, creative tools and research skills for innovation in design. The qualification provides a suite of subjects for Postgraduate designers in the areas of interaction, strategy and enterprise, lighting design, techno-textiles, and text and image. Common subjects explore related conceptual challenges and questions of visual expression in the quest to develop useful, usable and resonant designs. These include understanding and articulating the importance of user experience; the role of design in humanising information; the aesthetic and conceptual dynamics of effective communication; strategic thinking; and aspects of design management, branding and communication.

Graduate Diploma Interior Design.
University of The Arts London.
Qualification Summary:
This qualification provides learners with the skills and experience required for a career in the field of interior design or further study at MA level. Learners can expect: to develop a flexible, open-minded approach to thinking about interior design or critically engaging with contemporary design approaches; to connect with interior design in a variety of ways such as designing, writing, visual communication and research; to explore the possibility of making narratives from interior design; to develop an open way of thinking about interior design, and give learners the opportunity to critically engage with contemporary design approaches; to design small-scale interiors and explore new opportunities within existing architectural spaces; to be assigned a personal tutor who supports your development. Many of our learners go on to further study qualifications in interior design and other related disciplines.

Design and Applied Arts (Interior Design) Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip).
University Of Wolverhampton.
Course Summary:
This qualification will provide learners with the opportunity to mature into a self-confident, independent thinker. Learners will equipped with the skills and attributes that will assist learners in realising your creative ambition. The course will provide you with the time and expertise to refine your ideas and enhance your professional skill in order to practice your chosen applied art or design specialism within the broader creative arena. The focus of Postgraduate study in Design and Applied Arts is to consider your current and past practice and recognize the opportunities that exist for research, material investigation and professional development. The aim is to provide a framework that will guide your enquiry within the subject specialism. Employment opportunities include: Self-employment: Learners can be business-owners, or as a sole trader or freelance designer.

Digital and Visual Communications (Design for Advertising) PGDip.
University of Wolverhampton.
Qualification Summary:
This qualification is designed to develop the learners creative and intellectual abilities through the investigation of a bespoke project aligned to your own particular interests and aspirations. The qualification is intended to promote 'Thinking practitioners' who will be well positioned to take advantage of the opportunities available within the growing global industry of Digital and Visual Communication. The qualification attracts learners from all over the world as well as from the UK. Current learners hail from China, India, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Germany and Greece. This qualification has a truly international perspective reflecting the global nature of the visual communications sector. This exciting qualification focuses on the creative approach important to you, allow you to develop your interests and expertise in your preferred area within digital media and visual communications.

Media Production: Animation PGDip.
University of Salford.
Qualification Summary:
This qualification is suitable for those who are a learner or professional with animation experience, the qualification will equip learners with a deeper understanding of animation technology and the production process. This qualification will develop skills and understanding of animation production, 3D-animation systems and related technologies.

The vocational nature of the qualification lends itself to coursework assessment. This typically includes the design and production of animation or graphic products requiring technical and creative skills. Technical reports and case studies form the assessment of underpinning modules. Learners from the qualification may find employment in animation production at companies including Frame store, London, and Weearemi, Manchester. The qualification has strong links with industry leaders, including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Independent Television (ITV), and regional and national media companies.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor Honours Degree in Fashion Design, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8.

Bachelor Honours Degree in Integrated Communication Design, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor Honours Degree in Commercial Photography, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor Honours Degree in Interior Design, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Design, NQF Level 9.

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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