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 Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123001  Bachelor of Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
Design Academy of Fashion (Pty) Ltd (The) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2033-11-21  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the Bachelor of Fashion is to equip learners with a comprehensive and integrated understanding of the fashion industry, encompassing design, business, and operational concepts at various levels of complexity. This qualification is designed to meet the national and global demand for fashion professionals who are not only creative and technically skilled but also knowledgeable about sustainable and ethical practices within the industry.

The qualification aims to develop graduates who can contribute meaningfully to the fashion industry by combining a solid foundation in fashion design with a deep understanding of the industry's business and operational aspects. Learners will gain expertise in garment construction, pattern engineering, fabrication, and styling, all within a commercial and sustainable context. They will also develop critical skills in textile development and usage, applying these to the design process while prioritizing sustainability in fabric sourcing and production. At all levels, learners are introduced to leading technology and innovative approaches.

A thorough understanding of fashion history is emphasized, as it enables learners to analyse and critically approach the past, present and future needs of society in relation to fashion. Furthermore, learners will gain an understanding of the social and cultural implications of fashion, and how it relates to culture, class and dress in society. It is important to note that cultural sensitivity is a crucial aspect of fashion design, and the qualification will emphasize the importance of creating designs that are respectful and inclusive of diverse cultures. Especially from within an African context, learners are pointed towards an African design ethic with the underlying academically sound study of culture and dress in society.

Further to the above, learners will gain knowledge of fashion business, production processes, and technical skills associated with operations management, including project and supply chain management. It is important to note that sustainable practices will be emphasized throughout the course, from textile sourcing and production to operations and retail management, ethical considerations and consumer behaviour.

The qualification emphasizes the importance of research and data analysis, by providing learners with knowledge of qualitative research methodologies and quantitative forecasting techniques, and how to apply them within the fashion context. The goal is to enable each learner to achieve their full potential and actively engage in the fashion industry, with a strong focus on sustainable and ethical practices.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Critically analyse, develop and communicate design concepts in the area of fashion design by utilising advanced principles, techniques and technologies relating to fashion design and trend forecasting.
  • Apply industry-standard software and tools to develop drawings and patterns to industry standards from first principles to complex solutions in design, patterns and garment technology.
  • Interpret and apply 2- and 3-dimensional drawings and use analytical skills to produce technically engineered apparel and related products within the garment technology and clothing production fields.
  • Critically analyse, evaluate and apply principles of textile technology and the technical properties of various fabrics while considering sustainability principles in fabric sourcing, fashion design and production.

    Rationale:
    This qualification is designed to address the evolving demands of the fashion industry, and it was developed in response to the growing need for highly skilled professionals capable of navigating the complexities of both local and international fashion markets. The demand for fashion experts who possess advanced knowledge, research capabilities, and a focus on innovation, sustainability, and individual expression has been consistently voiced by industry stakeholders. Learners with higher qualifications will enter the fashion industry better equipped to conduct research and actively promote innovation, sustainability and the need for individual expression. Rapid changes in technology have necessitated efficient and productive organisations which are economically sound.

    After graduation learners will be able to combine theory, practice and business needs with the necessary knowledge, to be able to become effective and efficient participants in the fashion industry. The qualification goes beyond the development of simple production processes and products and aims to empower learners to achieve excellence in all aspects of the fashion industry.

    The industry of fashion globally spans numerous economic sectors has a profound impact on today's society and employs millions of people globally. Fashion incorporates the production of fibres, textiles, apparel and home products, sporting products and various others for consumers around the world. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the global impact of the fashion industry is at the core of the Bachelor of Fashion.

    In addition to having a thorough focus on a global fashion industry, the local South African fashion industry is also diverse and the positions available to learners within the industry are varied, therefore the qualification provides advanced skills that will lead to the competitiveness of the South African environment, and ultimately contribute to its economic growth.

    The R-CTFL (Retail Clothing Textile, Footwear and Leather) Value chain master plan of 2030 focuses on reviving and developing South Africa's clothing and textile industry by addressing key challenges such as declining production, job losses, and erosion of the country's competitive advantage. The Bachelor in Fashion aligns with this master plan by providing learners with the necessary skills for success within the fashion industry, promoting sustainable and responsible practices, fostering innovation, developing a more informed and conscious workforce, and addressing the business and operations management aspects of the fashion industry.

    In short, the qualification is aimed at nurturing and producing specialists with a strong grounding in design principles, and organisational, and communication skills. The learners will be taught to master a wide range of technical and physical skills, which they will use to create highly creative and original solutions for complex design problems. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    Access to the Bachelor of Fashion is allowed via Recognition of Prior Learning for candidates who do not hold an appropriate entrance qualification, but who can demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification. Such applicants may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior learning for the achievement of the qualification if they can demonstrate evidence of experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination thereof). RPL applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, and candidates will only be admitted at the institution's discretion in accordance with the institution's RPL policy.

    The following RPL scenarios are allowed for by the institute:
    RPL for access:
    RPL processes designed to grant such access, an RPL application is evaluated against the entry requirements of the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
    Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. In this instance, the learner must 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 credits:
    To provide for the awarding of credits for, or towards, a qualification, applicants may be exempted from certain credits that are normally required as part of the qualification, based on the evaluation of informal and non-formal learning. Learners may 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.

    The RPL Application Process:
    A formalised RPL assessment application and assessment process is in place to evaluate the knowledge and skills of such applicants. Applicants are required to provide evidence in the form of a portfolio of evidence 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. The portfolio of evidence serves as a compilation of different types of evidence which relate to the work being assessed and could include evidence from the applicant's work situation, earlier vocational situations, informal pursuits or experiences.

    The Institute allows for Credit Accumulation and Transfer, permitting learners to move between qualifications and institutions within curricular requirements. The institution recognizes that credits for incomplete qualifications may be applied towards a different qualification at the same or another institution. Applicants seeking advanced entry into this qualification may transfer credits from previously completed formal learning after evaluation. Based on the evaluation of formal learning, credits of certain learning sections, modules or subjects formerly and formally accomplished by the candidate, may be transferred to this qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor degree studies
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) NQF Level 4 qualification, granting access to Bachelor degree studies
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Fashion, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following modules at NQF levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.
  • Fashion Design 1, 18 Credits.
  • Illustration & Colour Theory 1, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Illustration & Design 1, 8 Credits.
  • Patternmaking 1, 15 Credits.
  • Garment Construction 1, 15 Credits.
  • Marketing & Advertising 1, 16 Credits.
  • Theory of Clothing 1, 16 Credits.
  • Textile Studies 1, 16 Credits.
  • Communication 1, 4 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at NQF Level 6, totalling 120 Credits.
  • Fashion Design 2, 18 Credits.
  • Illustration & Colour Theory 2, 10 Credits.
  • Digital Illustration & Design 2, 10 Credits.
  • Patternmaking 2, 15 Credits.
  • Garment Construction 2, 15 Credits.
  • Retail Planning & Buying 1,18 Credits.
  • Theory of Clothing 2, 18 Credits.
  • Fashion Forecasting and Trend 1, 12 Credits.
  • Life Skills 1, 4 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.
  • Fashion Design 3, 40 Credits.
  • Garment Engineering 1, 40 Credits.
  • Micro-Business Management 1, 10 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning 2, 10 Credits.
  • Theory of Clothing 3, 12 Credits.
  • Fashion Forecasting and Trend 2, 6 Credits.
  • Life Skills 2, 2 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically analyse, develop and communicate design concepts in the area of fashion design by utilising advanced principles, techniques and technologies relating to fashion design and trend forecasting.
    2. Apply industry-standard software and tools to develop drawings and patterns to industry standards from first principles to complex solutions in design, patterns and garment technology.
    3. Interpret and apply 2- and 3-dimensional drawings and use analytical skills to produce technically engineered apparel and related products within the garment technology and clothing production fields.
    4. Critically analyse, evaluate and apply principles of textile technology and the technical properties of various fabrics while considering sustainability principles in fabric sourcing, fashion design and production.
    5. Apply advanced business principles and strategies to research, analyse and apply to fashion entrepreneurship, marketing, branding, and retail management within the fashion industry.
    6. Conduct independent research, analyse data and contribute to the knowledge of global fashion trends to inform and improve fashion design developments, in order to become proficient in the field of fashion research and trend forecasting.
    7. Research, analyse and evaluate local and global history, environment, and culture to inform fashion design, producing innovative and sustainable apparel that reflects current global trends and anticipates future innovations in the industry, thus becoming a proficient fashion designer and fashion analyst.
    8. Evaluate and update personal and professional development goals and strategies according to the evolving fashion industry.
    9. Communicate effectively and manage and lead diverse teams and other professionals in the fashion industry. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct primary and secondary research and analysis to conceptualize and develop fashion design ideas that are innovative and relevant to current and developing global fashion trends and technologies.
  • Apply various techniques, tools and skills to communicate design concepts, such as illustrations, sketches, technical drawings and emerging technologies.
  • Present cohesive design collection concepts to a panel of industry-related professionals and receive feedback.
  • Incorporate market-related feedback and industry insights into final design concepts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Illustrate proficiency in using industry-standard design software.
  • Create accurate, detailed and advanced technical drawings, specification sheets and patterns, for garment collections.
  • Apply measurements and grading techniques to ensure that patterns are correctly scaled and proportioned.
  • Utilize technical drawings and garment patterns to create a collection of garments that are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Engineer advanced technical patterns to accurately create apparel for a fashion market.
  • Interpret 2-dimensional drawings for advanced pattern and garment construction
  • Utilize advanced garment technology skills to accurately construct completed 3-dimensional garments utilizing all technical manufacturing tools needed for premium quality finishes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse the properties and characteristics of different fabrics, such as natural fibres, synthetic fibres, and blends.
  • Analyse the structural and performance properties of different fabrics, such as heat resistance, weather performance, sport and specialized uniform performance requirements.
  • Analyse the impact of dyeing and finishing on the properties and characteristics of fabrics.
  • Select appropriate fabrics for different garment styles, designs and ultimate functions.
  • Apply technical textile knowledge to create garments that are functional, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Consider and apply sustainability principles in fashion design, fabric sourcing and production decisions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply critical thinking techniques to research, understand and analyse the key elements of fashion business and marketing, such as retailing, branding, promotion, and e-commerce.
  • Create business plans, case studies and research projects to critically evaluate business strategies and complex issues in the industry.
  • Develop and execute a marketing plan for a fashion collection.
  • Create and manage budgets and pricing structures for fashion collections.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply understanding of the key principles of research and data analysis.
  • Create original research projects that contribute to the body of knowledge in the broader field of fashion.
  • Apply quantitative and qualitative research methodology to research future global fashion and fashion-related trends.
  • Conduct qualitative and quantitative research on current local and international trends, consumer preferences, and industry best practices.
  • Use research and data analysis to inform and improve relative fashion designs to intended markets.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Conduct research, understand and analyse the cultural, historical and social context of fashion and its impact on society through research essays, presentations and projects.
  • Evaluate global fashion trends and issues and show an understanding of the environmental impact of the fashion industry and the importance of sustainable practices.
  • Apply sustainable practices to the design and production process.
  • Create designs that are socially and culturally aware and ethically produced.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Reflect and update personal and professional development goals within the fashion industry.
  • Adapt and grow in a multifaceted and constantly evolving world and industry with a commitment to life-long learning and professional development.
  • Analyse and apply evidence-based solutions to complex problems in the evolving fashion industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Lead and manage teams to effectively achieve common goals.
  • Communicate effectively with diverse groups in a professional context.
  • Communicate effectively with team members and industry professionals through group projects and workplace simulations.
  • Lead a team to develop and execute a fashion collection.
  • Manage and delegate tasks effectively to ensure that projects are completed on time and to a high standard. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institution name: Queensland University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design
    Duration: Three years

    Entry requirement:
  • 12th Grade

    Purpose/Rationale
    The qualification is a comprehensive program designed to equip learners with the necessary skills and knowledge for a successful career in the fashion industry. This qualification typically combines theoretical studies with practical applications, allowing
    learners to explore various aspects of fashion design, including garment construction, textile technology, and fashion marketing.

    Course structure
    Modules
  • Design Fundamentals
  • Textiles and Materials, comparable to Textile Studies
  • Pattern Making and Garment Construction
  • Fashion Illustration, comparable to Illustration & Colour Theory
  • Fashion Marketing and Branding:
  • Fashion Design Studio, comparable to Fashion Design
  • Impact Lab: Society and Systems
  • Emerging Design Technology
  • Design Consequences

    Similarities:
  • The Queensland University (QU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over three years and accept learners who have completed a grade 12 learning.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Fashion Illustration, comparable to Illustration & Colour Theory and Fashion Design Studio, comparable to Fashion Design.
  • The SA qualification provides learners with expertise in garment construction, pattern engineering, fabrication, and styling, all within a commercial and sustainable context.
  • The QU qualification combines theoretical studies with practical applications, allowing
    learners to explore various aspects of fashion design, including garment construction, textile technology, and fashion marketing.
  • Both qualifications aim at providing learners with a successful career in the fashion industry.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution name: The New School of Parsons
    Qualification title: Bachelors of Fashion Design
    Duration: Four years
    Credits: 120

    Purpose/Rationale
    The Bachelor of Fashion Design aims to develop learners' design-thinking and creative problem-solving strategies, while they are learning to create innovative, sustainable, ethically made fashion for the global market. In addition to their subject matter, this institute's focus on sustainability and teaching learners ethical design compares well to the proposed qualification.

    Course structure
    Modules
  • Integrative Studio
  • Space/Materiality
  • Drawing/Imaging
  • Design Studio
  • Visual Communication, comparable to Communication.

    Similarities:
  • The New School of Parsons (NSP) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered at a bachelor's degree level.
  • The NSP develop learners' design-thinking and creative problem-solving strategies, while they are learning to create innovative, sustainable, ethically made fashion for the global market.
  • The SA qualification will develop critical skills in textile development and usage, applying these to the design process while prioritizing sustainability in fabric sourcing and production.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Visual Communication, Communication, Design Studio, Fashion Design and more.

    Difference:
  • The NSP qualification is offered over four years and consists of 120 credits, whereas the SA qualification is offered over three years and consists of 360 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Design, NQF level 7
  • Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design, NQF level 7
  • Bachelor of Arts in Applied Fashion Retail, NQF level 7

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Design, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design

    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. Design Academy of Fashion (Pty) Ltd (The) 


    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.