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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma: Graphic Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
35968  Diploma: Graphic Design 
ORIGINATOR
Rosebank Business College 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 5  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 EXCO 0415/23  2021-07-01  2023-04-18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-04-18   2028-04-18  

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 aim of the Diploma in Graphic Design is:
  • to equip the learner with the theoretical background and practical know-how of graphic design skills to enable the learner to function well at entry level in a creative business environment.
  • To provide the learner with web development and applicable graphic software skills to design and publish web pages and graphics at entry level
  • To provide the learner with a foundational knowledge of business, marketing and project management skills to facilitate self -employment and freelancing opportunities within the industry.

    Rationale for the qualification:

    In order to create opportunities for individuals with an artistic and creative flair, wishing to apply their creative skills in entering the job market in the field of information technology, the diploma in graphic design provides a suitable background and knowledge base to enhance employability through the addressing of equity in the workplace environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The qualification assumes that the learner is competent in the language of instruction of the provider and that the learner has passed grade 12 in the secondary school phase or an equivalent NQF level 4 qualification through involvement in the industry.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    It is the policy of Rosebank College to recognize prior learning. In the evaluation of qualifications obtained Syllabus content and currency of the qualification is taken into consideration. Credits for subjects to a maximum of on third of the qualification offered can be provided after the evaluation of the qualification by the following the procedure as indicated:

    1. The registration of the qualification will be scrutinized. In the event of the qualification being registered,
    2. Syllabus overlap will be investigated in conjunction with the subject lecturer. In the event of a positive comparison in content,
    3. The matter will be referred to the quality assurance committee who will,
    4. Decide on a final recommendation and decision
    5. A copy of the decision will be kept on record with the learner`s academic and administrative record.

    PLEASE NOTE A National policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning is in a developmental phase. Rosebank College will finalize an internal policy to meet the requirements of RPL as soon as the necessary information is made available in the training end education sector. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Learning outcomes:

    The planned combination of learning outcomes are integrated with critical cross-field outcomes for this qualification.

    Practical Competencies

    The learner will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the processes involved in communication by integrating knowledge gained in the correct and effective use of oral and written communication in the correct and applicable format.
    2. Demonstrate effective use of computer skills through the use and manipulation of operating systems and systems application software for the creation, record-keeping and retrieval of different types of communication on advanced level.
    3. Demonstrate the application of web development and design principles and practices in the planning and development of a web site containing text and graphics according to specified needs and requirements.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and the application of competencies in the use of application software for the design of a web site.
    5. Demonstrate ability in the creative design of text and graphic material for a specific concept, product or service according to specific requirements.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge of management with specific emphasis on planning, coordination implementation and control associated with the planning, execution and control of a project.
    7. Present proof of the ability to gather and assess project related information.

    Foundational Competencies

    The learner will be able to:
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the importance of Communication as an interactive tool in the business and IT environment and effectively utilizing communication skills for the gathering, compiling and editing of information linked to the planning, design, implementation and coordination of an Internet based communication environment project.
    2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of web development and design and maintenance of a web site.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of the development of art and the impact of developments in this area on graphic design in particular.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of organizational design and the principles of management in the business environment.
    5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of typography in the selection of text in the planning and design of a web site.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of basic photographic skills.
    7. Demonstrate understanding of the principles of marketing with specific emphasis of the application of marketing principles in the Internet and web publishing environment.

    Reflexive Competencies

    The learner will be able to:
    1. Identify and explain the role, purpose and application of communication in the business environment with specific emphasis on the sourcing and navigation of information in the terrain of web development projects
    2. Apply relevant computer knowledge in the web development and graphic design environment by incorporating various software application skills.
    3. Plan, coordinate, implement and control a project through the integration of various skills components.
    4. Demonstrate understanding of the business management environment in the assessing of needs, requirements, organizational structures in terms of a web development project in a business environment.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The qualification contributes to the development of competencies linked to critical cross-field outcomes including:
  • Communication
    A strong emphasis is placed on business communication skills in the programme through the lecturing of Business Communication theory and the application of skills.
  • The use of Science and Technology
    Learners are provided with a sound foundation in terms of computer literacy and fundamental web development and design competencies to be utilized in the application of skills obtained in the more theoretical components of the programme.
  • Problem solving
    Problem solving skills are developed through the completion of various assignments and programme related activities where learners are expected to address practical problem scenarios relevant to the content of the programme.
  • Working with others
    In addition to individual input learners are also expected to develop group interaction skills through the completion of assignments in group context. The practical exposure to group dynamics will be utilized effectively in the promotion of a culture of teamwork often expected in employment situations.
  • Organizing and managing oneself
    Organizational and planning skills are developed in the execution of progamme related activities with specific skills through the project management component of the programme.
  • Critical thinking skills
    Learners are required to apply knowledge gained in practical scenarios linked to programme content in order to promote initiative and problem solving skills in the workplace.
  • Understanding the world as a set of related systems
    The programme contributes to the enhancement of employability of the individual in the employment market as the necessary theoretical and practical skills foundation is developed for career path development in the employment sector 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Formative and summative assessment is used to gauge the learner`s performance. Learners are continuously assessed via practical, group and class assignments, essays, presentations, and tests. Integrated assessment is done by means of a 3 hour written examination and practical assignments at the end of each semester.

    Learners are expected to demonstrate knowledge and skill through:

    i. The correct and effective use and application of verbal and non-verbal communication and communication formats accepted in the business environment by incorporating theoretical understanding of the principles and models of communication.

    ii. Showing a good understanding of the requirements, use and application of computer literacy skills associated with the creation, recording, storing and accessing of information, the creation and maintenance of records for navigation in web development.

    iii. The demonstration of knowledge and understanding of the history and development of art within the context of web communication.

    iv. Demonstrating understanding and consideration of the relevant factors impacting on web development and design project in the business environment.

    v. Demonstrating knowledge and the application of skills for the design, layout, programming, testing, publication and maintenance of a web page containing text and graphic components.

    vi. Demonstrating knowledge of photographic theory and procedures.

    vii. Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the principles of marketing

    viii. Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of organizational design and management fundamentals

    ix. Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the principles and procedures of managing a project.

    x. Demonstrating knowledge and understanding of the principles of typography and the design and creation of graphic material for incorporation and manipulation in a web page publication.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Learners are assessed on a continuous basis throughout the academic period and can only gain access to the examination if they meet the requirements stipulated for each section of the programme. Theoretical knowledge and the application of knowledge are measured against the identified outcomes by means of content driven projects, assignments, class presentations and practical work. This is supplemented by assessment through theoretical and practical class tests and examinations.

    The assessment of the programme is governed by the Rosebank College Rules and Regulations. In the programme and study units offered at the College, no learner is provided with access to the examination unless he/she, in the specific academic period:
  • Received tuition for the subject as a registered learner at the College;
  • Has achieved, at a specified date, the completion of a specified amount of work, assignments and continuous assessment marks as demanded in the prescribed syllabus of the programme or study unit as a calculated mark for the academic period.
  • Met a minimum of 80% class attendance as required by the College and verified by formal class attendance registers as kept by the College for the academic period.

    To enable learners to track their performance against the set criteria, a weighting document is provided to each learner at the onset of the academic period for the programme. The advantage of the system is that learners are fully aware of their responsibilities at the onset of the programme and are fully informed of the performance requirements for each subject and the programme in a transparent manner. The "weight" or value of each assessment for a specific section of the programme is provided and all marks towards the attaining of the qualification is calculated as per the indicated procedure as depicted on the weighting document for the programme.

    The following additional regulations govern the standard, quality assurance, integrity, operational conduct and quality assurance maintenance of learner assessment:

    Setting of class tests

    The language of the papers set for class tests and assessment will be in the same language as the instruction/training was given.

    Class tests for individual subjects is set by an identified lecturer at the College in accordance with the syllabus content and requirements of the programme. In the event of more than one class being offered for the specific subject, input from all the lecturers are obtained to ensure that the standard of assessment is maintained. The programme coordinator will ensure that input is received from all relevant lecturers at the sites of delivery.

    A test bank is available as a frame of reference and can be utilized by all lecturing staff at the College.

    Setting of assignments

    It will be expected of learners to complete assignments in the same language as the instruction/training was given.

    Assignments are set at the discretion of the lecturer with the agreement that it must focus on the outcomes and where possible the practical application of knowledge gained.

    Guidelines are provided in the syllabus. Lecturers are encouraged to ensure that practical application of skills across the programme is incorporated for example, a Business Communication assignment could be prepared on Computer, utilizing the practical application of both the subject`s content and the content of the computer literacy module in the programme.

    In the event of more than one class being offered for a specific subject, input is obtained from all the lecturers by the Programme Coordinator to ensure that the group completes the same standard of assignment ensuring the maintenance of the overall standard of assignments at the sites of delivery.

    Marking of class tests and assignments

    Lecturers mark the class tests and assignments according to the Master Memorandum set for the assignment or test. The procedures linked to appeals and the availing of final results and qualifications are followed explicitly. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Rosebank College endeavors to ensure that all qualifications offered, compares well with industry standards and requirements on a national and international level. All Information Technology components of the programme were compared with international standards. Business related components were gauged against compared with programmes with international recognition. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The programme articulates vertically with programmes such as IT programming as offered on NQF Level 5 by Varsity College and College Campus and articulates horizontally with programmes on NQF Level 6 such as the National Diploma in Advertising as offered by the IMM and an Visual Arts Degree as provided by a number of Public Providers on NQF level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External examiners and moderators are appointed to validate Learner assessments. The appointment of individuals in this capacity is governed by specific regulations and individuals are selected for appointment against the set of criteria.

    Curriculum Vitaes of the potential candidates are scrutinized and qualifications as well as industry and academic experience in the subject field are evaluated. Individuals are contacted for a personal interview and are contracted for their services linked to their area of expertise.

    Recommendation of a moderating body:

    The qualifications and experience required from external examiners and moderators with regard to this programme:

    The selected individual will meet the following minimum requirements to be appointed as an external examiner/moderator:
  • The individual should not be an active lecturer at Rosebank College.
  • The individual should have lecturing and assessment experience in the field of tertiary education.
  • The individual must have at minimum a NQF level 6 qualification, but preferably a NQF level 7 qualification in the subject for which the paper is set.
  • The individual should be familiarized with the syllabus content and required outcomes of the syllabus
  • The individual must have relevant practical working experience in the field of study.

    In the validation of the assessment it is the responsibility of the individual to:
  • Scrutinize the standard of the paper in accordance to the syllabus of the subject.
  • Ensure that the outcomes requirements are assessed adequately and in a fair manner.
  • Ensure that all questions included in the paper meet the requirements of clarity and that no ambiguous interpretations will occur
  • Ensure that academic and the application of academic knowledge are adequately tested.
  • Scrutinize the memorandum to be used for the marking for accuracy of all papers written for the specific subject.

    Evaluation context of external examiners and moderators.

    External examiners and moderators contribute predominantly to the quality assurance process through input delivered on the standard of examinations utilized at the end of the academic period which depends on whether the subject is offered is assessed as a year course or semester course.

    Rosebank College has included the training of assessors in accordance with the National Unit Standards for Assessors in the 2002-2003 Workplace Skills Plan in order to move towards the development of registered assessors as part of our continuous Quality Assurance Management planning. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    The required qualifications of assessors

    The selection and appointment of assessors are governed by the Rosebank College rules and regulations. Assessors for specific subjects included in the programme are required to meet the criteria:
  • The individual must have at least a NQF level 6 qualification in the subject for which the paper is set.
  • The individual must be au fait with the syllabus content and required outcomes of the syllabus.
  • The individual must have relevant lecturing experience in the subject.
  • The individual must preferably have practical working experience in the field of Study.

    It is the responsibility of the individual to:
  • Draft the paper in accordance to the syllabus of the subject.
  • Ensure that the outcomes requirements are assessed in the paper.
  • Ensure that the paper is constructed in a fair manner to test the appropriate content.
  • Draft the Master memorandum to be used for the marking of all papers written for the specific subject. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    The language primarily used for instruction at Rosebank College is English. However, due to the Linguistic profile of the majority of our learner population multi-lingual academic staff may address concepts in a Learner`s mother tongue should the need for clarification arises.

    The Language policy of the institution makes provision for the acknowledgement of the diversity of the official languages of the Republic of South Africa. It encourages a culture of language upgrade and inclusivity within the framework of the reality that a good command of the English language, regardless of the individual`s language of cultural preference, is an advantage. 

    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. Rosebank Business College 


    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.