SAQA

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.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122229	Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion
ORIGINATOR
Villioti Fashion Institute (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy)
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		EXCO 0922/24	2024-03-07	2027-03-07
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-03-07		2031-03-07

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 this qualification is to provide an alternate option for passionate learners which, on completion, will see them prepared for further study locally or globally or within a specialisation area of the industry.
This qualification prepares learners for study that is specialised, research-based and grounded in theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The motivation for this qualification is to prepare learners for a specialist career in fashion or further academia and study in the field of fashion.

A qualifying learner will be able to combine and strengthen their knowledge in a chosen discipline within the total fashion industry, as well as develop research capacity within the appropriate methodologies of that discipline. This will be achieved through the conducting of supervised research to produce a mini dissertation evidencing their chosen specialisation. The qualification's structure will provide a depth of theory and level of application needed for a post-graduate level mini dissertation, provided by the core disciplines of Fashion Business Thinking and Fashion Theory and Culture, as well as a fundamental course in Research Methodology.

Fashion Business Thinking will support learners in analysing and criticising how global fashion is responding to the critical and interconnected issues facing contemporary society, including shifting consumer behaviours, ethical concerns, and environmental challenges. Fashion Theory and Culture will guide learners in researching and identifying key historical and contemporary themes related to global fashion consumption and its links to personal identity. Research Methodology will provide learners with the tools to conduct initial research and develop a research proposal to position the research topic within the fashion context.
In line with this qualification being research-based, learners will be given the opportunity to implement a mini dissertation with consideration to the research strategy, formulation of the findings and establishing opportunities for further research.

This qualification is industry-led, career-readying, and learners will be prepared for a higher level of specialisation that is relevant to the graduate's aptitude and planned career trajectory, as well as opening the avenues of further study or a career in academia. It will similarly provide a bridging pathway to other industries relating to fashion and design based on the learner's specialisation.

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

Conduct initial research and develop a research proposal to position the research topic within the fashion context.

Implement a research strategy according to a plan to formulate findings and establish opportunities for further research.

Analyse and criticise how global fashion is responding to the critical and interconnected issues facing contemporary society, including shifting consumer behaviours, ethical concerns, and environmental challenges.

Research and identify key historical and contemporary themes related to global fashion consumption and evaluate its links to personal identity.

Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to the context of the fashion industry and fashion research.

Rationale:
The rationale for this qualification is to respond to the need that has been reviewed by leading experts in the field of fashion education, including Steven Faerm, Gene Lakin, Dr Cindy Ramhurry, Massimo Cassagrande as well as other fashion education scholars/academics. This feedback has been integrated into the qualification structure.

As an identified priority growth area by the National Planning Commission for the Department of The Presidency in their 2030 National Development Plan, the clothing and textile sector requires talented and motivated creative individuals. This qualification equips learners with the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and values required by people working in the field of fashion. This qualification serves to meet the growing local demand for quality education with a workplace focus on fashion and related fields.

The need for this qualification has been identified in relation to learners, and the local and global fashion industry. There is a noticeable increasing trend in the number of this institution's learners progressing to further study. There is a high desire to maintain the throughput development of foundational fashion knowledge and skills, as well as an additional offering to meet the demand for post-graduate study, that exists. Learners would be able to successfully complete their post-graduate qualification in a familiar environment and with familiar support structures to improve their potential for academic success.

Furthermore, the industry needs to include the professional development of employees and upskilling requirements of qualified staff. Many local fashion companies are advertising for roles with requirements specifying higher levels of qualifications or the potential to study further during employment. This is seen as an opportunity for the nurturing and development of future employees as academics. Through this qualification, learners will benefit from the deepening of research capacity and provide a platform for further development.
This qualification offers a planned and purposeful set of learning outcomes that will prepare learners for entry into any of the sub-sectors of the fashion industry and further learning in this learning pathway.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is 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.

RPL for exemption of 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:

Advanced Diploma in Fashion, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Fashion, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits.

Research Methodology, 10 Credits.

Research Project, 30 Credits.

Fashion Business Thinking, 40 Credits.

Fashion Theory and Culture, 40 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conduct initial research and develop a research proposal to position the research topic within the fashion context.
2. Implement a research strategy according to a plan to formulate findings and establish opportunities for further research.
3. Analyse and criticise how global fashion is responding to the critical and interconnected issues facing contemporary society, including shifting consumer behaviours, ethical concerns, and environmental challenges.
4. Research and identify key historical and contemporary themes related to global fashion consumption and evaluate its links to personal identity.
5. Communicate consumer-related issues, innovative solutions, and research findings to a range of audiences in writing and orally in an academically correct and professional manner, using different types of media and technologies.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.

Gather and review primary and secondary research and evaluate information against own opinion.

Combine and integrate researched information in an appropriate presentation method.

Define the function and structure of a research proposal and evaluate and formulate the sections of the research proposal in relation to the research title and questions.

Pose concise and sufficient research questions, and stipulate and justify an appropriate research paradigm.

Plan an effective research methodology according to the requirements of an arts-based empirical study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.

Collect and evaluate literature for relevance to the argument context and justify and summarise it concisely.

Coordinate justified literature according to the flow and context of the argument.

Implement and present a research plan and analyse the data.

Formulate conclusive findings against research questions, reflect and implement own learning and research process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.

Evaluate fluctuating consumer behaviours, ethical concerns, and environmental challenges.

Solve problems using practical creativity by applying critical thinking strategies.

Analyse and criticise how the global fashion industry reacts to and communicates issues facing contemporary society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.

Investigate the meaning of dress and its relationship to the body.

Evaluate the theories of gender, sexuality, and the politics of identity within the context of fashion.

Analyse the social and economic histories of making and consuming clothing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.

Apply appropriate citation and referencing in areas of specialisation.

Comply with intellectual and copyright requirements when incorporating ideas from others.

Present and discuss fashion-related aspects and needs, using different types of media and technologies.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: Singapore
Name of the institution: LASALE College of Arts
Qualification title: MA Design
Duration: One year
Credits: 180

Entry requirements:

Bachelor's degree

Purpose:
The qualification seeks to challenge those who want to be challenged to break out of conventional sociocultural and design thinking practices to mould new ways of imagining the world that are inspirational, applicable, and communicable. The qualification encourages learners to explore the impossible, question design principles and propose new solutions. With this qualification, a learner will form part of a new generation of research-based creators, innovators and inventors engaged in design research and practice through critical analysis, collaborative engagement, and intellectual argument.

Learners will be encouraged to explore complex research themes and topics through contextual modules, design methodologies and interdisciplinary design labs. Artistic, design and industry experts will provoke their critical thinking to identify problems and formulate solutions, increasing their agility to perform across the roles of thinker, researcher, strategist, and innovator.

Modules:

Design Lab 1:

Design in Context and Integrated Design Practice

Critical Discourse in Design.

Design Lab 2: Design Synthesis and Hypothesis.

The Agora.

Final Research compares with Research Project.

Similarities:

The LASALE and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over one year and have 180 credits.

Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.

Both qualifications are research-led, they share a similar module as follows, Final Research comparable to Research Project.

The LASALE qualification will encourage learners to explore complex research themes and topics through contextual modules, the artistic, design and industry experts will provoke their critical thinking to identify problems and formulate solutions, increasing their agility to perform across the roles of thinker, researcher, strategist, and innovator.

Similarly, learners of the SA qualification will be prepared for a specialist career in fashion or further academia and study in the field of fashion, the research methodology will provide learners with the tools to conduct initial research and develop a research proposal to position the research topic within the fashion context.

Difference:
The LASALE qualification can also be completed over two years.

Country: Australia
Institution Name: RMIT University
Qualification title: Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours)
Duration: One year
Credits: 120
AQV: 8

Entry requirements:

Australian three-year bachelor's degree in fashion design
Or
Equivalent overseas qualification

Purpose:
In this honours degree, a learner will have the opportunity to expand their fashion design knowledge, refine their vision, further research their design practice, and pitch their work to industry.
Learners will extend their design, communication and presentation methods and strategies for fashion garments, products, accessories, objects, artefacts, materials, spaces and experiences of and for the body, they will undertake extensive research, apply learned skills and techniques to a major project, reinforce their vision and position within fashion, and work closely with industry throughout.

They will be guided through advanced learning and studio practice and execute work that aligns with industry and cross-disciplinary projects and ideas. Upon successful completion of this qualification, a learner can continue their studies in the Master of Fashion (Design).

Course structure:

Modules:

Fashion Practice Research Strategies.

City Campus.

Advanced Fashion Materials, Techniques and Expressions.

Fashion Design Honours Project compares with Research Project.

Fashion Design Honours Research compares with Research Methodology.

Assessment Methods.

Written Assignment

Seminar Presentation

Thesis or Project Work

Student-Designed Assessment

Similarities:

The RMIT and South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed a bachelor's degree in the relevant field.

Both qualifications are offered over one year, with 120 credits at level 8 of the qualifications' framework of their respective countries.

The purpose of both qualifications is in alignment, the RMIT offer learners opportunities to expand their fashion design knowledge, refine their vision, their further research design practice, pitch their work to the industry undertake extensive research, apply learned skills and techniques to a major project, reinforce their vision and position within fashion, and work closely with industry throughout.

Similarly, the SA qualification is industry-led, career-readying, learners will be prepared for a higher level of specialisation that is relevant to their aptitude and planned career trajectory, as well as opening up the avenues of further study or a career in academia. It will similarly provide a bridging pathway to other industries relating to fashion and design based on the learner's specialisation.

Both qualifications offer learners an opportunity to undertake extensive research, they share similar modules, such as Fashion Design Honours Project comparable to Research Project and Fashion Design Honours Research comparable to Research Methodology.

Both qualifications use similar assessment methods.

Both qualifications articulate vertically into a master's degree in the related field.

Difference:
The RMIT qualification has core and elective modules, whereas the SA qualification only offers compulsory modules.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Design, NQF Level 8

Bachelor of Consumer Sciences in Fashion Retail Management, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Applied Arts in Fashion, NQF Level 9.

Master of Arts in Fashion and Textile, NQF Level 9.

Master of Visual Arts in Fashion, NQF Level 9.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

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.	Villioti Fashion Institute (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy)