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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Leadership 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118641  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Leadership 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
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
Registered  SAQA 137/22  2022-02-03  2025-02-03 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-02-03   2029-02-03  

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 Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Leadership serves to consolidate and deepen learners' expertise in design leadership and develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of design leadership. This qualification follows an inter-disciplinary approach that is relevant to different design disciplines, these include strategic design, experience design, digital design, graphic design, communication design, multimedia design and game design. The qualification is designed with a balance of discourse, theoretical and creative components that facilitate the deepening of design knowledge and academic growth.

The qualification encompasses the use of human-centred design approaches such as interactions and experiential design, the convergence of design and new technologies, as well as the overlap between design, brand and business to explore the creation of innovative design solutions to complex problems that are of economic, environmental and social value. The research component provides learners with the research skills to generate evidence-based foundations for design solutions within their own field and area of interest.
This qualification aims to develop learners' ability to manage themselves and teams and, plan and develop complex design solutions as creative directors, senior designers or design entrepreneurs.

Upon the completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Evaluate and apply theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field, discipline or practice; and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
  • Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
  • Analyse the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a design leadership practice.
  • Identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to a field, discipline or practice.
  • Conduct research that can inform the design process and outcomes as well as explore problems and complex issues pertaining to the broad discipline of design.
  • Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts.

    Rationale:
    Design is the link between creativity and innovation, it is the planning and development process where abstract ideas are transformed into desirable services and objects. Design is not limited to aesthetics but is linked to functions, human experience, sustainability, reliability, services, strategies, quality and productivity (Ico-D, 2011:021-22; Brown, 2008). The paradigm shift in the role of design, and the designer specifically, has rendered the need for designers with advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of foresight, problem-finding abilities and evidence-based approaches (Norman, 2016; Muratovski, 2015). The widened scope of design necessitates the development of suitable qualifications that will equip the current design graduate with the knowledge and skills to work and lead in the overlap between brand, business, technology and creative processes.

    Knowledge in the field of leadership and management is expanding continually. New challenges are emerging that needs research for resolution and insights. This means that researchers in the field of education leadership and management need to be developed. The academic Postgraduate qualifications develop research capacity through its qualification purpose and design. Learners that progress through the academic post-graduate qualifications in education develop different levels of research knowledge and skills. This qualification focuses on developing knowledge and skills in conducting education research that will lead onto further research development in the Masters and Doctoral qualifications. It includes theoretical engagements in education leadership and management, located within historical and current literature, to provide learners will a well-rounded knowledge base to identify potential areas of educational research and to conduct such research agendas with a small scale doable and feasible time frame and scope. The competence derived from such research activities will enable the learner to progress into a Master's qualification to further develop their research knowledge and skills that will all them to contribute to further development in educational leadership and management. This qualification is therefore best suited for the learning and development needs of learners seeking to specialise in design leadership or prepare for research-based postgraduate studies.

    The career opportunities available are across many domains within all sectors, including among others:
  • Senior graphic designers
  • Creative directors
  • Art directors
  • Senior digital designers
  • Design entrepreneurs
  • Design strategists
  • Design consultants
  • Design managers 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The RPL assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of the policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

    RPL for Access:
    Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:
  • Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.
    OR
  • Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
  • In instances where RPL is applied for the purposes of access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

    RPL for credits:
    Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.
    OR
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Interior Design, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Art and Design, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts: Graphic Design, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Design, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field at 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, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Design Leadership, 20 Credits.
  • Design Strategy and Management, 20 Credits.
  • Solution Design, 20 Credits.
  • Collaborative Design, 20 Credits.
  • Research, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Engage with advanced inter-disciplinary theories and discourse in the broad fields of design and design leadership.
    2. Plan, develop and evaluate strategic, innovative design solutions for complex design problems that are guided by evidence and ethical considerations in multifaceted and diverse contexts.
    3. Conduct research that can inform the design process and outcomes as well as explore problems and complex issues pertaining to the broad discipline of design.
    4. Learn independently and in a self-critical manner to develop competencies suitable for life-long development in design and design leadership. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse the reciprocal relationship between design practices, design leadership and entrepreneurship and innovation are theoretically analysed.
  • Examine issues in design practices, opportunities and challenges common to both South African and international contexts critically.
  • Investigate current leadership approaches in design-led organisations.
  • demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of a field, discipline or practice; an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field, discipline or practice; and an understanding of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop strategic, creative and innovative design solutions based on research and evidence.
  • Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to specific contexts.
  • Demonstrate the ability to operate effectively within a system, or manage a system based on an understanding of the roles and relationships between elements within the system.
  • Apply and understand the inherent complexity of design as part of a larger system.
  • Demonstrate an awareness of economic and environmental factors as part of design planning.
  • Apply and understand the relationship between humans and design outcomes to design solutions.
  • Apply knowledge of the ethical requirements and value systems pertaining to design solutions in the design solutions and rationales.
  • Understand and apply the interdisciplinary nature of design and the role of other disciplines such as brand and business to project planning.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Report secondary research by means of a literature study that argues the research problem.
  • To interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.
  • Analyse primary research data to produce research findings and interpret with insight.
  • Conduct disciplinary appropriate research ethically under supervision.
  • Write a research report that reflects the research conducted and that provides meaningful recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply innovative and rational problem-solving techniques to various contexts.
  • Construct a Portfolio of Evidence that can be used for future reference and development.
  • Evaluate personal learning needs to facilitate collaborative learning processes.
  • Demonstrate the ability to 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.
  • Develop skills as design and team leader in formal or self-employed, entrepreneurial areas.
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply, in a self-critical manner, learning strategies that effectively address his or her professional and ongoing learning needs and the professional and ongoing learning needs of others. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Leadership is comparable to the following international qualifications:

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Media Design School
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Design
    Duration: 30 weeks
    NQF Level: NZQF Level 8 (120 Credits)
    Entry requirements:
    A relevant degree qualification (or relevant professional experience specialising in creative technologies).
    Plus, provide evidence that can undertake self-directed investigation (provide portfolio/show-reel of creative/technical work or employer statements).
    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification is intended for those with an undergraduate degree who wish to develop and update their strengths across the digital design spectrum as well as develop analytical design thinking and build creative technological skills in an innovative environment.

    This qualification aims to provide learners with an articulation pathway for postgraduate Master's studies in design. On completion, learners are equipped with the knowledge and skills to interpret, analyse and critique design principles and create new interdisciplinary design strategies.

    Possible career pathways for graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma in Design include both strategic and design positions within design studios, companies and consultancy agencies:
    Design Project Manager; Systems Designer; Merchandising and Branding
    Developer or Strategist; Sustainability Designer; Interactive Designer; Mobile Technologies Designer; User Experience Designer; Design Analyst; Screen Designer; Digital Animator; Information Designer; Product Designer and Developer; Service Designer; Transmedia Designer; Packaging Designer; Secondary Design Teacher; Design Consultant; Design Manager.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following four compulsory modules:

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Design Research: Connecting Texts, Deciphering Context, 30 Credits.
  • Interdisciplinary Design Project: Emerging Contexts, 30 Credits.
  • Contemporary Design Issue: Creative Futures, 30 Credits.
  • Special Topic Project: Creative Entrepreneurship, 30 Credits.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications have the same NQF Level 8 and 120 credits
  • This qualification is comparable to the South African qualification as it incorporates contemporary philosophies of technology and theories of practice and research.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of South Australia
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours)
    Duration: Standard two semesters full-time or equivalent. Maximum four semesters (one-year full time).
    Entry requirements:
    This course is open to learners who have completed a degree in the Faculty of Arts and Design with a grade point average of 5.0 or higher, or learners from a three-year degree in a related discipline with a relevant major, in which they received a grade point average of 5.0 or higher.

    Purpose/Rationale;
    This qualification aims to introduce learners to high-level research and provide learners with the required knowledge and skills to engage in rigorous research and analysis in the art and design fields. On enrolment, learners frame and develop their own research project, this encompasses producing a research outcome that responds to an identified research question/s and project aims and objectives.

    On the completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate advanced theoretical and technical knowledge and skills, including interpreting and communicating research outcomes.
  • Explore and analyse research principles and methodologies to identify, plan and manage an independent research project, developing new knowledge in their discipline with intellectual autonomy.
  • Evaluate and position their research and practice with agility, critical reflection and ethical awareness, collaborating with industry, community, and allied professionals where appropriate.
  • Investigate diverse and/or experimental research practices and imperatives.

    Career opportunities:
  • Filmmaker
  • Media advisor
  • Writer
  • Graphic designer
  • Multimedia artist
  • Product designer
  • Museum curator
  • Policy advisor
  • Researcher

    The Bachelor of Art and Design (Honours) degree provides learners with the skills necessary to engage in rigorous research and analysis in the art and design field. It can be used in preparation for postgraduate and PhD studies, or for research or leadership roles in the dynamic and creative visual arts and design industries.


    Qualification structure;
    The qualification has 36 units comprising:
  • Research Methods
  • Research Practices
  • Honours Research Studies accompanied by a written exegesis or a scholarly thesis.

    Delivery mode:
    Flexible: The unit combines online study with optional on-campus, face to face activities.

    On Campus: The unit is delivered on-campus and face to face, supplemented with online content. Most classes are run on weekdays and during business hours

    Similarities:
  • Both qualification have similar duration, purpose/rationale, articulation and content modules.
  • This qualification is comparable to the new qualification as it incorporates a research component that prepares learners for further postgraduate studies in the art and design fields.
  • Both qualifications utilize online blended learning approach.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: London College of Communication
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Management
    Credits: 360
    Duration: three years
    Enyry requirements:
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, or other art or design courses.
  • BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects: Art and Design, Information Technology & Computing, Media)

    Rationale:
    The qualification offers a creative and experiential approach to the study of design, problem-solving, business and leadership, global cultures, innovation and sustainability. The institution applies design thinking to live industry collaborations, addressing complex problems with empathy, insight, collaboration, agility, ethics and contextual intelligence. Design management plays a strategic role in shaping better futures.

    The focus of the qualification is on developing leadership and entrepreneurial mindsets, emotional intelligence and design competencies especially to support final year learners. Design thinking involves an approach to innovation and problem solving that takes into account "the needs of people, the possibilities of technology and the requirements for business success" (Tim Brown, IDEO).

    Real-world multidisciplinary design projects - work with a diverse team of industry active educators, professionals, creatives, external collaborators and visiting practitioners.
    Strong industry links - recent project briefs from design and branding agencies, non-profit organisations, research, strategy and marketing departments, start-ups, financial tech companies and competitions.

    Upon completion, learners will be able to:
  • Appreciate, critically explore, interrogate and challenge the status quo of the subject through independent and collaborative enquiry.
  • Embed internationalisation in the curriculum by developing partnerships and exchanges with institutions in other countries, building on global links established through research and external examining activities and by creating opportunities for cultural exchange, shared intelligence and collaborative projects.
  • Address sustainability and ethics relating to the processes, production, distribution and reception / consumption of design in different contexts.
  • Articulate, communicate and address Wicked Problems and develop inclusive, stakeholder-centred and participatory approaches to design-led problem-solving and innovation.
  • Co-designe projects by creating learning environments in studios and workshops where learner work with staff sharing experiences as partners in the learning process.
  • Develop research, analytical, communication, design, business and management competencies that are directed towards diverse design management roles and careers in a wide range of sectors.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification is three years, levels 4-6. Each year requires learners to achieve 120 credit points. Similar to the South African qualification, the qualification consists of the following second and third year compulsory modules:

    Year One:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 4, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Design Management, 20 Credits.
  • Creative Industries and Economy, 20 Credits.
  • Design Principles, 20 Credits.
  • Contextual and Theoretical Studies 1, 20 Credits.
  • Locating Design Management Practices, 40 Credits.

    Year Two:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Professional Practices, 20 Credits.
  • Design Management and Change, 20 Credits.
  • Design Thinking and Doing, 20 Credits.
  • Contextual and Theoretical Studies 2, 20 Credits.
  • Marketing Communications and Cultures, 20 Credits.
  • Interdisciplinary Projects and Practices, 20 Credits.

    Year Three:
    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Contextual and Theoretical Studies 3, 40 Credits.
  • Leadership and Futures, 20 Credits.
  • Major Project, 60 Credits.

    Learning and Teaching Methods:
  • Studio-based learning activities.
  • Workshop and seminar learning.
  • Lectures/large group learning.
  • Academic tutorials 14.
  • Self-directed learning.
  • Co-design and co-curation.
  • Outside speakers and visits.
  • Assessed assignments.

    Assessment methods
  • Practical project work and digital activities.
  • Prepared writing.
  • Oral presentation.
  • Personal presentations of prepared work.
  • Simulations and role-plays.
  • Workshop based activities.
  • Written research projects.


    Similarities:
  • Both the Qualith African qualification and UK qualification have similar entry requirements, purpose/rationale, content modules, and assessment methods.

    Differences:
  • The qualification takes three years to complete while the South African qualification is tudied over a period of one year.
  • The qualification has 360 credits whereas the South African qualification has 120 credits.
  • The qualificationis registered at NQF Level 7 while South African qualification is registered at NQF Level 7.

    Conclusion:
    Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and addresses the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Interior Design, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication Design, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Design, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Interior Design, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design, NQF Level 8.
  • Pograduate Diploma in Visual Communication Design, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Design, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Creative Brand Leadership, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Art 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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.