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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120725  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design 
ORIGINATOR
EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher 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  Visual Arts 
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  EXCO 0512/22  2022-11-22  2025-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-21   2029-11-21  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
90541  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced knowledge, skills and applied competency in the field of Graphic Design practice. This qualification aims to produce learners who are equipped with advanced thinking skills, technical mastery and a thorough understanding of professional practice. Furthermore the learner should be equipped with appropriate research and academic knowledge that will have applicability in the field of Graphic Design.

Rationale:
The Bachelor of Arts Honours: Graphic Design provides learners with the opportunity to develop specialised skills pertinent to the current job market. It will assist the learners improve their employability in industry and enhance their existing skill sets, as well prepare them for further studies. In South Africa, individuals with Postgraduate Degrees in Graphic Design are scarce; the Honours Degree therefore provides a viable option for individuals who wish to advance their practice and their careers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learner is competent in:
  • Communication at the required NQF Level.
  • Previous experience in Graphic Design.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The principles of RPL are subscribed to, and will be implemented in a flexible manner.

    Through evaluation by a specifically constituted RPL committee, learners' competencies will be assessed to determine whether they are eligible for access to, advanced placement in or have provided evidence that the stated competence of the qualification has been achieved through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

    Learners may also be given credit through RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria specified for that module.

    Applications for credit via the RPL mechanism are reviewed by the RPL committee at Midrand Graduate Institute, which allows for uniform and consistent application of the RPL policy.

    Prior learning is recognised in the following ways:
  • A learner, who has completed a specific module/subject at Midrand Graduate Institute, may apply for credit for that module/subject.
  • A learner, who has completed the equivalent of a specific module/subject either at Midrand Graduate Institute or at another recognised higher education institution, may apply for exemption from that module/subject.
  • In the case of a practically orientated module/subject, a learner who is able to demonstrate appropriate competence may be granted exemption from that module/subject.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • A recognised and relevant undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree: Graphic Design.
  • A recognised equivalent Degree.
  • Mature age applicants.
  • Applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications.
  • Applicants with previous tertiary experience will be considered individually by the Dean.
  • Recognition of Prior Learning. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Bachelor Arts Honours: Graphic Design comprises four compulsory modules.

    Modules:
  • Research Design, NQF Level 8, 13 Credits.
  • Design Theory and Trends, NQF Level 8, 24 Credits.
  • Research Dissertation, NQF Level 8, 42 Credits.
  • Portfolio and Internship, NQF Level 8, 59 Credits.
    Total credits required: 138. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and analyse the various research methodologies and techniques currently applicable to graphic design.
    2. Conduct research and communicate this effectively.
    3. Demonstrate an in depth understanding of a specialisation in Graphic Design.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The Critical Cross-Filed Outcomes are addressed throughout the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Select an appropriate method and procedure for area of specialised investigation that will accommodate both the portfolio and dissertation.
  • Communicate and motivate the choices, methods and processes, both intellectual and practical and explain relevance within the contemporary context of culture and design.
  • Source, adapt and generate new ideas about design form, functions and methods.
  • Compile a multi-media presentation that exhibits competence in academic methods.
  • Apply key intellectual tools to own design practice and contemporary issues and imperatives.
    > Range: Research, critical thinking, logic, analysis, interpretation and comparison.
  • Write a research proposal.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of academic research, with a specific focus on art and design.
  • Demonstrate an in depth understanding of an identified area of specialisation in Graphic Design.
  • Apply appropriate research methods for identifying, gathering and interpreting existing and new knowledge.
  • Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information for research.
  • Write a journal article indicating ability to apply curriculum content to personal and professional output.
  • Write up the research in an academically acceptable format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of academic research, with a specific focus on the visual arts.
  • Generate ideas, concepts, proposals, solutions and designs, independently and/or collaboratively, in response to self-initiated activity within the identified area.
  • Apply appropriate advanced technical skills, technologies and research methods for identifying, gathering and interpreting existing and new knowledge in the development of design solutions.
  • Contextualise the practical portfolio by linking it to own written dissertation, current thinking and practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Midrand Graduate Institute practices an integrated system of assessment, in terms of which learners are assessed on an ongoing basis. Both formative and summative assessment methods are used. Learners are required to complete class tests, assignments (including practical work and projects) and examinations, the results of which count towards the final mark for each module. The components of the final mark are determined separately for each module.

    The lecturer/s responsible for a particular module is/are appointed as internal examiner/s for that module. Internal examiners are responsible for marking of all assessments related to the module for which they are responsible. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to qualifications from countries that host the latest trends and practices in this discipline.

    United Kingdom: University of Bedfordshire - Bachelor Arts (Honours) Graphic Design:
    The qualification places particular emphasis on the social and environmental impact of design and explores the role of the artist and designer. Learners are engaged primarily in resolving practical design problems in the studio. This work is underpinned by theoretical seminars, lectures and workshops.

    Stages one and two promote visual communication skills with studio activities and seminars, giving a solid grounding in core practical and theoretical skills. Creativity and significant specialist skills and knowledge within the chosen Bachelor Arts course are developed.

    Progress through the course to stages two and three increasingly focuses on the chosen specialisation. Experience will be gained in professional practice, including how to market self in readiness for careers in independent and commercial graphic communication.

    This course recognises the increasing information flow in the current world and the possibilities that digital media has created for producing, distributing and publishing graphic work. The course makes learners aware of the changing significance of design in society, placing emphasis on the social, cultural and environmental aspects of design, and the designer as a maker of meaning in visual form.

    Course Content:
  • Cultural design context.
  • Creative typography drawing, photography and software such as Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator and Fontlab.
  • Editorial design; art direction.
  • Printmaking and book binding.
  • Design for communication technologies such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
  • Working in a motion capture lab.
  • Narrative and sequential-based storytelling.
  • Professional practice.

    Malaysia: University of Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) - Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Graphic Design and Multimedia:

    Learning Outcomes:
    At the end of the programme learners should be able to:
  • Demonstrate an ability to apply fundamental concepts, theories and application of art, design and multimedia tools in a design project.
  • Apply creative and technical skills to plan corporate and product campaigns using competitive design and multimedia solutions.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in using computers, perform design and multimedia work using relevant design and multimedia software.
  • Incorporate social and cultural elements to design and present it in a manner that will be accepted by a multi-cultural society, such as the Malaysian society.
  • Demonstrate professional, ethical values in handling legal and social issues in the society.
  • Think creatively, critically and analytically to provide effective design and multimedia solutions.
  • Work effectively as an individual or as part of a team and demonstrate managerial, organisational leadership, good decision making and time management skills.
  • Demonstrate basic entrepreneurial skills and adopt lifelong learning attitudes to meet challenges of the national creative industry.

    Subjects:

    Year 1:
  • Computer Graphics.
  • Creative Communication Design I.
  • Colour Studies.
  • Digital Photography.
  • Drawing I.
  • Drawing II.
  • Typography Studies.
  • Visual Communication.
  • Communicative English.
  • English for Mass Communication.
  • Sun Zi's Art of War and Business Strategies.
  • Team-building and Leadership Skills.

    Year 2:
  • Animation.
  • Creative Communication Design II.
  • Creative Thinking and Idea Generation.
  • Digital Imaging.
  • History of Art and Design I.
  • History of Art and Design II.
  • Illustration.
  • Interactive Multimedia I.
  • Interactive Multimedia II.
  • Creative Communication Design III.
  • Time Based Media.
  • Visual Design.

    Year 3:
  • Advanced Animation.
  • Art Law and Cyber Law.
  • Digital Audio and Video.
  • Industrial Training.
  • Final Project I.
  • Final Project II.

    Electives:
  • English for Pronunciation and Speaking.
  • Creative Writing Skills.
  • English Vocabulary.
  • English Grammar in Context.
  • Introduction to Advertising.
  • Principles of Marketing.
  • Creative Strategy for Advertising.
  • Fundamentals of Psychology.
  • Advertising Copywriting.
  • Introduction to Sociology.
  • Media Planning.
  • Public Speaking.
  • Organisational Psychology.

    Conclusion:
    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design compares favourably with BA (Honours) Graphic Design and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Graphic Design and Multimedia in terms of the practical and theoretical components. While Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design focuses more on research and practical components, Bachelor Arts (Honours) Graphic Design focuses more on the social and environmental impact of design and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Graphic Design and Multimedia focuses on creative communication, management and entrepreneurial skills. Thus this Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design compares favourably with other international qualifications but gives the learner an advantage of articulating to a Master's level with the introduction of research. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertically with the Master of Technology: Graphic Design at NQF Level 09.

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any relevant Bachelor of Arts Honours at NQF Level 08. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All final assessments at all levels of the curriculum are moderated by academic staff of public higher education institutions or by appropriately qualified industry practitioners.

    An external examiner is appointed in respect of each module. Prior to every examination session, a copy of each examination paper, together with a marking memorandum and course outline, is sent to the relevant external examiner for moderation. Once the examination papers have been marked by the internal examiner, a sample pack for each module/subject is sent to the relevant external examiner. In the case of practical assessments, external moderation takes place on campus. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All external examiners must have the following attributes:
  • Appropriate academic qualifications and/or practical experience.
  • Subject expertise in the field in question.
  • Previous experience as an external examiner in an equivalent programme. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher 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.