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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115430  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  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  2019-12-17  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 goal of the Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study and entry into an interior design career and associated built environment. The qualification enables learners to conduct and report on research under supervision, produce creative solutions to complex design problems and develop and communicate the technical resolution of design problems according to industry requirements. The body of knowledge and core fields that interior designers have to master are:
Human Environment Needs, Interior Construction, Codes and Regulations, Design, Products and Materials, Professional Practice and Communication.

This qualification builds on the broad knowledge base that learners acquired at the undergraduate level, extending their knowledge of the core knowledge area and professional practice. This qualification includes a formal academic research component and areas of critical studies that concern local challenges in the built environment.

The qualification will enable learners to produce creative solutions to complex problems within a specialist area of design, with appropriate related technical and construction resolutions.

Rationale:
Interior Design is an integral component in the built environment, a challenging and expanding field that includes corporate, retail, hospitality, exhibition and residential design.

The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design will prepare learners for research-based postgraduate study or a Professional Master's qualification in the Interior Design and related built environment industries.

Through the development of crucial Interior Design-related skills and competencies, learners will take up a variety of positions in the built environment related explicitly to Interior Design. This qualification will also develop learners to continue their Interior Design studies because of the strong emphasis placed on the development of research skills. It demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. It combines the application of theory and essential research practice to guide learners in the development of design solutions. These solutions are ecologically sound, suitable for the purpose and human needs and solidly grounded in research. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Faculty accepts RPL as an integral part of education and academic practice. All learning has value, and the Faculty accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits, as aligned to the qualifications to promote lifelong learning.

The purpose of the institution's RPL Policy directs the Faculty's RPL procedure, to recognise prior learning. The policy also guides the learners' access into qualifications, to grant advanced placement in qualifications, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as the basis for faculty-specific RPL practices:
  • Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.
  • Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures applied by the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
  • RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements.
  • The basis of RPL is on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
  • Is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-level.
  • Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.
  • Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Art Design and Architecture and
  • The decision of awarding of RPL is by the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture Dean's Committee.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Interior Design 4, 50 Credits.
  • Interior Design Construction and Detailing 4, 30 Credits.
  • Professional Practice 4, 10 Credits.
  • Interior Design Theory and Research Methodology 4, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop creative and innovative solutions to complex interior design problems.
    2. Create a comprehensive set of interior design construction drawings, details and specifications according to sound technological, construction and structural principles.
    3. Act ethically and professionally with an understanding of professional standards and ethical codes of conduct.
    4. Conduct and report research under supervision. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify, analyse and address complex issues by drawing on knowledge and methods of industrial design.
  • Generate multiple creative solutions to complex problems by using design thinking skills.
  • Design solutions demonstrate knowledge of industrial design theory.
  • Produce creative solutions both independently and as members of interdisciplinary teams.
  • Develop and present various design iterations are developed and presented.
  • Communicate the iterations of the design stages and design thinking processes that were incorporated to resolve the design problem.
  • Identify relevant design criteria through a thorough investigative process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and implement construction methods appropriately in the design resolution.
  • Draw details indicate a thorough understanding of the technicalities involved in the construction of interior design schemes.
  • Use construction methods in the resolution of the design reflect sound structural principles.
  • Designs reflect ergonomic-sensibility creating environmental comfort and ease of use for the human inhabitants.
  • Use of environmental and human-made services in the technical resolution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify a topic that is relevant to the profession and suitable for a design investigation and exploration for the execution of the study.
  • Ensure the development and exploration of the design problem and research investigation include a reflection into standards and practices relevant and applicable to the interior design profession.
  • Make decisions and act ethically and professionally in the development and execution of the design problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Implement a research design to investigate a relevant research problem inclusive of project-based and applied research, appropriate to Interior Design.
  • Inform research by interior design theory.
  • Conduct research competently using methodologies appropriate to interior design research.
  • Present research findings and reported according to prescribed academic conventions.
  • Ensure research findings offer creative insights and rigorous interpretations of industrial design problems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment will follow the institutional policy.

    The assessment strategy for all modules in this qualification is a continuous assessment that combines formative and summative assessments. Formative assessment in each of the modules will comprise the completion of individual project tasks, developed and monitored by the project supervisor.

    The summative assessment will be an integrated assessment where the learner demonstrates an integrated understanding of the concepts covered in respective modules. For the Research Methodology, the use of continuous assessment will culminate in the research proposal during the first semester. The outcome of the honours qualification will constitute a design portfolio, which combines theoretical, design and execution of the identified design project. This portfolio of work will assess the learning outcomes in an integrated manner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: England.
  • Institution: University of Edinburgh.
  • Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Interior Design: 4 years.

    The focus and purpose of the qualification compare favourably with this qualification. Internationally the fourth year is integrated into the undergraduate studies and ensures that the knowledge and skills gained in the first three years combine the execution of a final design project (thesis). The module Design and Screen Culture presented at Edinburgh presents an exciting alternative to integrating contemporary visual culture into the qualification.
  • Country: Australia.
  • Institution: RMIT University.
  • Qualification Title: Bachelor of Interior Design Honours: 4-year full-time qualification.

    An honours qualification follows a four year full-time study period which is an undergraduate qualification. This qualification structure is evident throughout Australia, where the fourth-year compares directly to this qualification. The area of specialisation and development of an individual thesis is on the accumulation of skill and knowledge developed from year 1 to 3 overlaps directly with the qualification outline presented.
  • Country: Ireland.
  • Institution: Edinburgh Napier University.
  • Qualification Title: BDes Honours in Interior and Spatial Design: 4-year full-time qualification.
    Although the name of the qualification differs from South Africa, various similarities are evident. The augmentation of the integrated modules approach ensures conceptual, technical and regulatory studies - similar to the method presented in this qualification. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design, NQF Levels 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts and 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.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    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.