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 in Multimedia Design and Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48445  Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production 
ORIGINATOR
City Varsity (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
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 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 EXCO 0417/23  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 
The purpose of the qualification is to provide a qualification at NQF Level 5A and 5B in the field of Graphic Design, Desk Top Publishing and New Media Design. Learners will gain theoretical knowledge and a practical skill base enabling them to seek careers and employment as designers of multimedia presentations, websites, print media, 2D and 3D animation for new media and advertising.


Rationale for the qualification

The programme aims to contribute a high standard of young professionals to the growing demands for skilled designers in the New Media industry. There is a need within industry for designers with a strong working knowledge of computer based design skills that are kept constantly updated as the technology in the workplace advances. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that a learner entering the programme leading to this qualification has a High School education to the level of Matriculation. Learners should have competency in basic computer skills, literacy in English and practical experience in Art or Design subjects.


Recognition of prior learning.

Any learner wishing to enter the programme at first year entry level may show a portfolio of Art or Design work or Computer studies that relates to the field of digital design.

Any learner wishing to enter the programme at second year level may show a portfolio of design work and demonstrate an ability in computer based design applications. A qualification from another course within the field of Desk Top Publishing and new Media may be assessed as worthy of the standard of learning at a first year level and may be deemed acceptable for the learner to enter the course at second year level. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
N/A 

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
Graphic design Module outcomes:
  • Learners demonstrate at a professional level, the ability to conceptualise and produce design solutions for print media, websites and multimedia CD ROM.
  • Learners will create a web site, book cover and inside spreads, personal Corporate Identity, retail Corporate Identity, packaging, type face design, logo design, posters, storyboards for film title sequences.

    Digital design Module outcomes:
  • Learners demonstrate a design and technical ability in computer applications at a professional level using Macromedia Freehand, Adobe PhotoShop, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Macro media Flash, Macromedia Director, Quark Xpress, 3D StudioMax, SoundForge.
  • Learners produce a corporate website, a personal website, a static site and an animated site. Learners produce 2D and 3D animations, creating a 3D model in an environment. Learners produce an interactive multimedia product or service presentation. Learners produce their own digital portfolio CV as a multimedia presentation.


    Scripting Module outcomes:
  • Demonstrate a technical ability in programming for the Web using HTML, XML, DHTML, JAVA Script, ASP.
  • Learners produce code and scripting for webpages with interactive forms, data base, links.


    Component 1:Competencies relating to basic computer literacy

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to demonstrate the skill of using a PC for the following:
  • Saving data in various formats
  • Accessing data from the network and server
  • Use of windows NT
  • Use of the Internet for research
  • Use of e-mail
  • Basic word processing skills


    Component 2: Competencies relating to basic technical ability in digital design applications.

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Demonstrate the skill of the following computer applications for graphic design.
  • Macromedia Freehand
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Macromedia Dreamweaver
  • Macromedia Director
  • Sound Editing


    Component 3: Competencies relating to basic technical ability in graphic design.

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Apply the theory of graphic design to print and digital media
  • Demonstrate the skill of typography, layout, composition to information design
  • Apply the theory of colour to graphic design
  • Demonstrate the skill of combining colour and form to information design.


    Component 4: Competencies relating to basic technical ability in Scripting.

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Apply the theory of Web design for Internet
  • Demonstrate the skill of creating a website using the following Internet coding language and programs: HTML, XML, DHTML, JAVA Script, ASP, CSS.


    Component 5: A choice is given between DTP/Web design or Comprehensive Multimedia or professional application of digital design software.

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Apply the theory of graphic design for print and digital media
  • Demonstrate the skill of the following computer applications for graphic design, new media design and animation at an intermediate level.
  • Macromedia Freehand
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Macromedia Dreamweaver? Macromedia Flash
  • Macromedia Fireworks
  • Macromedia Director
  • Quark Xpress
  • SoundForge
  • 3D StudioMax


    Component 6: Competencies relating to the professional application of graphic design elements.

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Apply the theory of graphic design for print and new media design.
  • Demonstrate the skill of typography, layout, composition and colour to design at an intermediate level.
  • Demonstrate an ability to produce creative and conceptual design solutions.


    Component 7: Competencies relating to general communication theory.

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Apply the theory of media communications: journalism, advertising, PR, marketing, Internet communication.
  • Demonstrate the skill of writing a magazine article
  • Demonstrate the skill of creating an advertising campaign
  • Demonstrate the skill of marketing a new product or service.
  • Demonstrate the skill of internet research.


    Learners produce a Portfolio containing design based projects that have been created using Multimedia applications. Learners produce an A3 portfolio containing hand rendered designs and prints of computer based designs and also an interactive digital portfolio on CD ROM. Learners produce a printed business card, letterhead and printed Curriculum Vitae. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Assessment for Scripting:
  • Weekly projects with a practical outcome. Test each term on specific program script.

    Assessment for Digital design (Computers):
  • Weekly exercises in software being taught, termly test and projects with a practical outcome.

    Assessment for Graphic design:
  • Projects with practical outcome demonstrating creative ability.


    Integrated Assessment

    Integrated assessment provides learners with an opportunity to display an ability to integrate practical performance, actions , concepts and theory across unit standards to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of this qualification. Methods of assessment used are: practical projects, research assignments, examinations, reflection on learning ( a visual diary is kept by each learner) and interviews.

    Each learning programme within multimedia has a class time test once each term of at least 2 hours. Tests are a written report or a practical computer skill based test.

    A policy of continuous assessment is implemented whereby all tests, projects and assignments contribute to a final mark each term.

    Final assessment for each year end is conducted as an interview with the learner and his/her portfolio of work and a panel of lecturers and the Head of Department.

    Year Mark is calculated as an aggregate of four completed terms and marks accrued each term.
    Final mark and graduation is calculated on the complete body of work produced in the final year. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Courses internationally that offer a comparable programme of Multimedia Design learning, leading to a certificate or degree qualification.

    San Fransisco State University USA
    msp.sfsu.edu
    Certificate qualification

    Monash University, Melbourne AUS
    artdes.monash.edu.au
    BA Multimedia

    University of Huddersfield UK
    hud.ac.uk
    BA Multimedia Design

    University of Gloucestershire UK
    chelt.ac.uk
    BA(Hons) Multimedia Design

    School of Design and Manufacture UK
    dmu@ac.uk
    BA (Hons) Multimedia Design

    MIME - Masters in Immersive Mediated Environments USA
    MIME.indiana.edu
    Undregraduate degree in Multimedia Studies

    CityVarsity is continually comparing its courses to international equivalents to facilitate articulation as well as to attract foreign students. The Diploma in Multimedia Design has attracted numerous foreign students over the past few years and we currently have international exchange programmes in place. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for professional practise across the Graphic design New Media and Desk Top Publishing Design industries. It is intended to provide a high standard of junior design professional that articulates with a range of qualifications in the Graphics, New Media, Television and Advertising Industries. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Selected industry practitioners are invited to view a cross section of student portfolios each year to validate the standards achieved by graduating students.

    The moderators must be in possession of an applicable qualification, at least one level higher than the level within which the assessment is taking place, and must have the necessary minimum industry experience as determined by the Head of department. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

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

    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. City Varsity - Cape Town 
    2. City Varsity - Johannesburg 


    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.