SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Certificate in Art and Design

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
121378	Higher Certificate in Art and 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
Higher Certificate	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 05	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 1221/24	2024-01-30	2027-01-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-01-30		2031-01-30

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 Higher Certificate in Art and Design is to provide graduates with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in the field of visual art and design or in a related field. This qualification will assist learners in gaining professional and technical competencies which will contribute towards being responsible creative design practitioners, who understand the difference and application between freedom of expression and professional communication within the visual field of Design.

The qualification aims to provide a bridge into the industry; to develop professional design practice across the various industries that require designers, and to cultivate professional junior designers who can enter the workforce and grow exponentially due to the holistic approach of the course. This will ensure an elevation of the standards of designers in general, and the overall image of the profession. The qualification will offer 4 definite streams for relevant design career opportunities: Graphic Design, Digital Design, 3D, and Photography. The core modules will be facilitated to all learners and are therefore compulsory, whereas the other modules will be optional, depending on the stream chosen.

Within each of the streams, the core modules prepare the learners with the professional aspects of being a designer in today's day and age, as the learners are expected to implement learned concepts into briefs that replicate real-world projects.
Modules that are concerned with specific streams ensure that the learners are then prepared for the world of work within that career, by providing the extra relevant information required within that field of design.
Above all, learners will be prepared to not only be employable but also to be able to run their own freelance business with the skills learned, thereby making them able to contribute to the economic growth of the country at large.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the history of art direction and graphic design, the various theories of the brand communication industry, its disciplines and associated media and production theory.

Utilize a variety of media, tools and techniques to express design ideas and communicate information visually.

Schedule and manage a simple design project.

Rationale:
There are many graphic designers in the world; many of whom are self-taught due to financial restrictions. This leads to an entry-level designer who is not equipped with all the necessary competencies to develop further and prove themselves early on in their career. The qualification aims to provide a solid foundation for learners in this situation by providing the necessary skills within a one-year period that will allow the learner access to proper and professional employment but also allow the learner to pursue their studies further at a later stage when they are financially stable.

Furthermore, in 2017, research suggests that 802 630 part-time and full-time candidates sat for the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations, and only 38.24% had achieved admission to the bachelor's degree. Those who do not have the bachelor's degree admission requirements need to be given access to lifelong learning for holistic personal development, which this qualification will provide. This will ultimately allow learners to articulate into the degree programme or the world of work if they so choose.

This qualification will assist learners in gaining professional and technical competencies which will contribute towards being responsible creative Design Practitioners, who understand the difference and application between freedom of expression and professional communication within the visual field of Design.

The qualification aims to provide a bridge into the industry; to develop professional design practice across the various industries that require designers, and to cultivate professional junior designers who can enter the workforce and grow exponentially due to the holistic approach of the course. This will ensure an elevation of the standards of designers in general, and the overall image of the profession.

The qualification will offer 4 definite streams for relevant design career opportunities, namely, Graphic Design, Digital Design, 3D and Photography. These core modules form the foundation of all design careers and will be provided through facilitated and experiential learning to all learners. They are therefore compulsory, whereas the other modules will be optional, depending on the stream chosen.

The qualification embeds throughout the programme, the development of key skills, attributes and strengths required by 21st century employers.

Finally, the qualification has been designed with the national priorities as stated in the National Plan for Higher Education (Ministry of Education, 2001) in mind. These include:

Producing learners who can contribute to economic growth,

Achieving equity through increased participation and encouraging diversity,

Providing people with indispensable high-level skills,

Being the dominant producer of new knowledge,

Providing opportunities for social mobility.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which applies to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption from modules:

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

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

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher certificate studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 75 Credits:

Professional Development, 15 Credits.

Contextual Studies, 15 Credits.

Individual Project (Pearson-set, 15 Credits.

Techniques and Processes, 15 Credits.

Design Software, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 30 Credits (select two modules from the following options)

3D Practices, 15 Credits.

Computer-aided Design, 15 Credits.

Lighting for Photography, 15 Credits.

Photographic Practices, 15 Credits.

Typography, 15 Credits.

Graphic Design Practices, 15 Credits.

Screen-Based Practices, 15 Credits.

Digital Design Practices, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 15 Credits (select one module from the following options):

Packaging Design, 15 Credits.

Printmaking, 15 Credits.

Visual merchandising, 15 Credits.

Communication in Art and Design, 15 Credits.

Visual Narratives (Storyboards), 15 Credits.

Principles of Life-drawing, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes
1. Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the history of art direction and graphic design, the various theories of the brand communication industry, its disciplines and associated media and production theory.
2. Utilize a variety of media, tools and techniques to express design ideas and communicate information visually.
3. Schedule and manage a simple design project.
4. Use various software packages to produce graphic design executions.
5. Generate advertising in various formats for various media, for advertising campaigns.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explain how symbols, illustration, advertising, and typography developed.

Identify and compare the study of different important periods that launched new eras.

Describe and evaluate the seven brand communication disciplines, how technology has changed design and advertising and possible developments in the future of design technology.

Describe the roles, responsibilities, and functions in a creative studio.

Describe the components of a creative brief and show knowledge of their order, definitions, and functions.

Illustrate knowledge of the components of the media and their functions and uses.

Explore and discuss the colour systems, sizes, formats, and paper types used in art direction and graphic design.

Assess the various types of printing and the pre-production requirements.

Describe the various formats and sizes of print media.

Illustrate knowledge of fonts and font families, types, history, and software.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Employ a wide range of drawing techniques to produce observational drawings, create images and express concepts.

Use a variety of media to represent 2- and 3-dimensional design concepts such as painting, pen, ink, digital techniques, and Marquette.

Use different types of visualization methods such as graphs, diagrams models, and collages to communicate information visually.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Adhere to the milestones/deadlines in a project's lifespan such as briefing, research, ideation, presentation, feedback, and final presentation.

Show steady and regular progress in the completion of design solutions.

Apply appropriate use of resources such as teaching material, recommended references, the library, and expert advice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply knowledge and skills in computer operation and maintenance for use in graphic design.

Illustrate understanding and knowledge of Mac operating systems and associated software, freeware, stock vector and photographic and font libraries.

Apply competence in an efficient system of file naming, storage and archiving.

Create various or different file formats.

Illustrate aptitude in the fundamentals of digital design and production methods and systems using the relevant design software packages.

Digitally design and produce ideas and designs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply knowledge and understanding of typography in advertising.

Apply knowledge and use of various illustrative techniques, in rendering advertising ideas.

Use the principles of layout design to create visual concepts which engage an audience.

Render ideas as advertising for different media using the principles of different disciplines.

Use concepts, visual, communication and rendering skills to present advertising ideas and finished executions.

Create advertising campaigns.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: The United Kingdom (UK)
Institution: University of Arts, London College of Communication
Qualification Title: Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Duration: one year full-time.

Purpose/rational
The Foundation Diploma is designed to prepare learners for specialist undergraduate degrees in art and design subjects. It's a year of exciting projects, new faces and experiences that will inform your future study, career and creative life.

Entry requirements
All classes are conducted in English. If English isn't your first language, you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:
IELTS level 5.0 or above, with at least 4.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our English language requirements).

Qualification structure
The course is divided into 4 curriculum areas, each with its specialist pathways.

Fashion and Textiles.

Fashion and Textiles

Textile Craft

Art

Painting

Sculpture

4D photography and time-based media.

Drawing and conceptual practice

Communication.

Graphic design compares with Graphic Design Practices.

Illustration

Fashion communication

Film and animation

Design.

Architecture and spatial design

Jewellery, footwear, and fashion accessories

Product design and ceramics

Design for theatre screen and performance

Qualification progression

Undergraduate degree.

Similarities

United Kingdom (UK) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered for one year full-time.

UK and SA qualifications share a similar purpose which is to prepare learners for specialist undergraduate degrees/qualifications in art and design subjects.

UK and SA qualifications share a similar module such as Graphic Design Practices.

Both UK and SA qualifications progress to an undergraduate qualification.

Country: Canada
Institution: Georgian College Applied Arts and Technology (GCAT)
Qualification Title: Certificate in Art and Design Fundamentals
Duration: One year full-time

Entry requirements
Art and Design Fundamentals admission requirements

OSSD or equivalent with:

Grade 12 English (C or U)

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Apply the elements and principles of design to create effective compositions.

Employ environmentally sustainable design practices such as sourcing products locally or ethically and reducing the environmental footprint when solving design problems.

Use the design process to execute two and three-dimensional design projects from concept to finished work using a wide range of materials, processes, and techniques.

Apply basic entrepreneurial principles and strategies to the art and design environment.

Observe and adhere to protocols and procedures for health and safety in the art and design studio environment.

Modules

Graphic Design Studio compares with Graphic Design Practices.

Deas and Imagery.

Design Fundamentals.

Introduction to Digital Photography, compares with Photographic Practices.

Color and Design.

Fundamentals of Drawing.

Understanding Art and Design.

Similarities

Georgian College Applied Arts and Technology (GCAT) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Grade 12/ Senior certificate.

Both GCAT and SA qualifications are offered for one year full-time.

GCAT and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Graphic Design Studio and Introduction to Digital Photography.

Both GCAT and SA share similar exit-level outcomes which are to apply, employ and observe protocols and procedures for health and safety in the art and design studio environment.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

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

Higher Certificate: Photography, NQF Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Graphic Design, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts in Design in Digital Media, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design, NQF Level 7.

Diagonal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Design Thinking Innovation Lead, NQF Level 4.

MODERATION OPTIONS

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.	EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd)