SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Clothing and Textile Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118427	Postgraduate Diploma in Clothing and Textile Technology
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
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	2021-11-18	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 equip the learner to 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 to the clothing and textiles sector. The qualification will strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the field of clothing and textile.

There is an emphasis on developing the ability to formulate and resolve more complex theoretical and critical thinking problems through the selection and use of clothing and textile-related research and analytical methods, tools and techniques. The following objectives will be met:

To improve the level of critical thinking skills and knowledge base in clothing and textile to be more competitive in the labour market locally, regionally and nationally thereby improving employability and the level of expertise.

To provide an opportunity for specialisation in clothing and textile which will also address the shortage of critical and scarce skills in the country in this field. The specialisation includes product performance and control as well as smart, green and sustainable textile technology and innovation, advanced supply chain processes related to clothing and textile.

To produce competent professional clothing and textile specialists who are academically and technically equipped.

Rationale:
The qualification aims to supply the industry with textile and garment specialists who are capable of incorporating innovative, sustainable and cleaner production technologies in the workplace. The purpose of the qualification is to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the field of clothing and textile. It is to enable learners to undertake advanced reflection and development through a systematic approach towards current thinking, practice and research methods within clothing and textile and related fields which contributes to the industry locally and globally.

Clothing and textile experts or specialists work independently as well as provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of products in the clothing and textile field. They are employed by retailers, sourcing companies, manufacturers of clothing and textile products, consulting firms, governments and a wide range of testing companies verifying the authenticity and functionality of the products both for mainstream use and for use in the new environmentally friendly and sustainable products made by these industries.

This qualification is a national collaboration between the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA), Advisory Committee to the Department of Clothing and Textiles CPUT, The Technology Station Clothing and Textiles (TSCT) CPUT, and other Universities of Technology (UoT) offering Clothing and Textile related qualifications, and the manufacturing and retail employer sector. On a national level, education and employment strategies are influenced by the millennium goals which focus on developing skills and competencies that enable learners to capitalise on career opportunities to assist with economic growth.

A major focus of the qualification aims to prepare and equip s learners to capitalise on both work and entrepreneurial opportunities in this specific sector. Therefore, learners have the opportunity to directly contribute to the requirements of economic growth and alleviate unemployment through clothing and textile business, leadership and entrepreneurship. The work in the field of clothing and textile education also underpins the strategic purpose of the Department of Trade and Industry: Empowerment and Enterprise Economic Division "in the creation of economic opportunities for enterprises, previously disadvantaged citizens and underdeveloped regions" (DTI, 2010).

The qualification provides capacity, relevance and expertise within the niche areas of clothing and textiles. It is an industry, with many varied career path prospects. From the previous learners tracking, industry engagement and benchmarking exercises, these career paths most commonly include the following:

Internal and external sourcing coordinators.

Product technologist (garment/ textile).

Department head.

Product developers.

Assistant buyer.

Merchandiser (junior/ senior).

Industry engagement and feedback have been taken into account emphasising the need for such a qualification. The department has particularly built partnerships with leading global institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, that offer clothing and textile qualifications. Where there is a chance of institutional collaboration in the form of guest lectures to facilitate as well as evaluate learner performance on a global level. This will act as a means of sharing and supporting knowledge development through teaching exchanges, visits abroad, community engagement, and probable collaborative research projects.

The qualification is aligned with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) which demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge and technology to a range of contexts to undertake professional or highly-skilled work. This qualification will allow for the flexibility of career choices for learners as clothing and textile specialists, through personal growth and job advancement within and across the clothing, textile and retail sectors. This is in line with the call for innovation made by the South African Technology Innovation Agency and the FP&M SETA's documented statement that Materials Engineering Technologist (OFO 214908) is a scarce skill in the sector (FP&M SETA: Demand of Skills and Scarce- and Critical Skills, 2018).
Studying at a higher educational level will not only enhance the knowledge and skills of the individual but also contribute towards the development of society. It supports learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to enable occupational and social mobility.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is applied following an institutional RPL policy. The RPL process 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.

RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and/or credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

A learner applying for advanced standing for RPL will require experience in a specialised field within the clothing and textile pipeline. As the qualification focuses on specialised knowledge, the departmental unit is required to be representative of the varied specialised fields ranging from textiles, manufacturing and retail-oriented fields.

Assessment of RPL will comply with faculty and institution policy and principles. If the applicant is not deemed to be a feasible RPL application, he/she is notified in writing and advised on alternative options, candidates may appeal against all aspects of the RPL process.

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

Advanced Diploma in Clothing and Textile Technology at NQF Level 7, granting access to postgraduate studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

Sustainable Clothing and Textile Technology, 26 Credits.

Advancement in Innovative Textile Products and Processes, 26 Credits.

Research Methodology and Projects 1, 24 Credits.

Technical and Smart Textile, 22 Credits.

Advanced Supply Chain Processes in Clothing & Textiles, 22 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an in-depth (advanced) understanding of principles of sustainable practices in Clothing and Textiles.
2. Apply advanced knowledge in innovative technologies to existing clothing and textiles practices, concepts and theories to effect improvements.
3. Review, validate and develop specifications and standards for specialised textile products and processes.
4. Design and develop a process, procedure or product related to the clothing and textile industry.
5. Evaluate and critique the various supply chain processes in clothing and textile technology
6. Identify, plan and execute a research project in clothing and textiles.
7. Communicate academic work convincingly in written, visual, electronic and verbal forms, including the use of software systems and processes appropriate to the clothing and textile industry.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Outline and evaluate sustainable processes in clothing and textile technology.

Validate the sustainability standards in clothing and textile technology.

Critique and develop benchmarks to international sustainable clothing and textile standards

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Appraise and formulate concepts and theories on innovative products and processes to reduce the industry's impact on the natural, economic and social environment.

Identify innovation in design with the purpose of longevity, biodegradability, resource efficiency, elimination of toxicity and good ethical production processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify, analyse and develop specialised textiles; such as eco textiles, smart textiles, functional textiles and technical textiles.

Evaluate and review the smart material design and development methods, standards and processes critically.

Design and develop specifications for a new product(s) of clothing or textiles from reviewed data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Evaluate and re-engineer improvements to selected clothing or textile products for the same or different target market.

Develop specifications for replication of the selected clothing or textile product.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Identify and analyse the supply chain processes in clothing and textile technology.

Gather, review and evaluate textile related technologies and solutions to ensure smooth functioning of intricate and complex processes.

Critique the various purchasing, logistics and operations management paths that affect the efficiency of the supply chain.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Develop a research proposal in response to an identified problem in the sustainable clothing and textile area.

Conduct a literature survey, do experiment trials, evaluate and interpret results and structure them in the form of a research project.

Conduct experimental trials, collect and scientifically interpret data within the context of sustainable and innovative products and processes in clothing and textiles.

Apply correct instruments and equipment to collect both production and research data relevant to the clothing and textile industry to be assessed with scientific-practical parameters, data collection and statistical analysis.

Resolve the research problem using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.

Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Prepare professional presentations, technical reports, proposals, portfolios of evidence, designed products/artefacts using relevant industry and academic tools.

Use the online learner management platform to facilitate group communication, self-study and peer evaluation effectively.

Participate in scheduled discussions with supervisor/lecturer about the management and execution of assignments and integrated research projects.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: Australia
Institution: RMIT University, Melbourne Qualification Title: Bachelor of Textiles (Design) (Honours)
Levels: Honours
Credits: 96
Duration: 1-year full time
Entry requirements: Completion of an Australian three-year bachelor degree in Textile design (or equivalent overseas qualification) with an overall grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0 out of 4.0.

Country: Hong Kong
Institution: Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles
Levels: Honours
Credits: 63-75
Duration: 2 years full time
Entry requirements: An Associate Degree or a Higher Diploma in Fashion and Textile Studies, or the equivalent (e.g. fashion, textiles, design or merchandising) is required.

Country: United States of America
Institution: The State University of New York, Fashion Institute of Technology(FIT)
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Textile Development and Marketing
Levels: Honours
Credits: 62.5
Duration: 1 /2-year full time
Entry requirements: An associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college in a program that is equivalent to the FIT Associate in Applied Science (AAS) programme.

Each of these countries has different academic standards, cost of living and other factors that impact the duration of the honours level of study and hence the variation in completion of the qualification. The South African qualification is intended to be offered one-year full time as well as two years part-time.

Modules:
Other than Hong Kong Polytechnic University, where the focus is quite broad seeing that they are the biggest clothing and textile hub in the world, the modules offered in the South African qualification is similar to the other international institutions mentioned here. The course design has been drawn up keeping the global perspective, recent and future advancements as well as the environmental factors. Topics such as sustainability, smart textiles, innovation in textile and clothing, supply processes are not only taught globally but the knowledge of the same is highly recommended by national and international companies in the field of Clothing and Textiles.

Exit Level Outcome:
Similarly, FIT, New York, has similar ELOs to the South African qualification which alludes to sustainability, product knowledge, technology, and research which the learner further demonstrate in the form of outcomes to achieve the AAC.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Consumer Science in Clothing Management in Retail Management, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Consumer Science in Clothing Management, NQF Level 9.

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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