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:

Certificate: Graphic Design

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
48845	Certificate: Graphic Design
ORIGINATOR
Eduvos (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Midrand Graduate Institute and later to Pearson Institute of Higher Education)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National Certificate	Field 02 - Culture and Arts		Design Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	131	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 0480/09	2009-07-01	2012-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2012-06-30		2014-06-30

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 Midrand Graduate Institute's Graphic Design programme is to provide learners with an opportunity to gain valuable and specialised design, technical and software knowledge, skills and practical experience in the field of Graphic Design. The first two levels of study focus on introducing the learner to the basic principles of Graphic Design and then developing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in relation to these principles. In Level 3, the emphasis is on the advanced development and application of the learner's previous design and conceptual skills, using specialised high-end software, in a practical environment. Thus the Programme aims to produce qualifying learners with appropriate knowledge and skills that will enable them to choose from a range of career options in the field of Graphic Design, including Graphic Designer, Graphic Artist, Layout Artist, Animation Artist, Webpage Designer, Art Director and Creative Director.

Rationale

We believe that the Graphic Design Programme at Midrand Graduate Institute provides a different and needed model of higher education in this discipline, some of its characteristics being:

As well as providing the students with a solid grounding in the academic theory underpinning the main concepts of the field of Graphic Design, the curriculum includes a substantial practical experience, including 'real-life' experience of working in the industry.

Also included in the curriculum are a range of relevant, more generalised modules which aim to broaden the knowledge base of our Graphic Design students. Such modules include English, General Psychology, Introduction to Business Management and Journalism, Gender and Race.

Coupled with the curriculum model described above, the classes are small and thus the resulting staff : student ratio makes it possible for students to receive individual and specialised attention.

The result is a well-rounded graduate who, on successful completion of the curriculum, has the option either of entering the world of work immediately, or of continuing with further study in the field of Graphic Design.

Further, the programme contributes to regional and national goals in a variety of ways, including:

Broadening access to and success in higher education through flexible entry and fixed exit standards.

Recognition of multiple exit points.

Recognition of prior learning.

Inclusion of certain generic competencies.

Encouragement of social responsibility.

Ensuring that students will be employable on graduation, but at the same time will have the knowledge base to continue with further learning.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

A Matriculation (Grade 12) certificate, or equivalent qualification, is the minimum requirement for admission. In order to determine the curriculum for which a student may register, the Midrand Graduate Institute Points System applies:

Applicants with Matriculation exemption and a minimum of 17 points may be admitted to the 3-year degree programme.

Applicants with a Matriculation certificate and a minimum of 17 points may be admitted to the 2-year diploma programme. A student who successfully fulfils all the requirements for the diploma programme and who achieves the required academic standard, may proceed to Level 3 of the degree programme.

Applicants with a Matriculation certificate and between 14 and 16 points may apply in writing to the relevant Faculty Head for admission to the programme.

Mature Age applicants or applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications or with previous tertiary experience will be considered individually by the Faculty Head.

Applicants may be required to complete a practical entrance assessment as part of the admission process.

An applicant who has successfully completed a relevant Diploma qualification at a recognised and reputable design school, or who has appropriate industry experience, may be admitted to the Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design programme. Applicants in this category will be required to submit a portfolio for assessment prior to their admission.

Recognition of prior learning

Prior learning is recognised in the following ways:

A student, who has completed a specific module/subject at Midrand Graduate Institute, may apply for credit for that module/subject;

A student, who has completed the equivalent of a specific module/subject either at Midrand Graduate Institute or at another recognised higher education institution, may apply for exemption from that module/subject;

In the case of a practically orientated module/subject, a student who is able to demonstrate appropriate competence may be granted exemption from that module/subject;

An applicant who has successfully completed a relevant Diploma qualification at a recognised and reputable design school, or who has appropriate industry experience, may be admitted to the Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design programme.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The BA (Graphic Design) programme is offered as a 3-year degree programme with 2 lower level exit points as follows:

A student who successfully completes Level 1 of the curriculum, and who exits from the programme at that point, will be awarded a Certificate in Graphic Design.

A student who successfully completes Levels 1 and 2 of the curriculum, and who exits from the programme at that point, will be awarded a Diploma in Graphic Design.

It is important to note that the Graphic Design Programme is structured in such a way that, as well as constituting Levels 1 and 2 of the degree programme, the curricula for the Certificate and Diploma constitute genuine stand-alone qualifications.

It should also be noted that a student who registers for the Graphic Design Programme will receive only one qualification, that is the highest level qualification for which he/she has completed the requirements.

Further, the curriculum has been structured in such a way that learners, who have qualified with a diploma at another institution, and industry practitioners, who wish to upgrade their skills, may apply to study the Level 3 curriculum as a stand-alone diploma. Such learners, who successfully complete the requirements for the Level 3 curriculum, will not be awarded the degree but rather the Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design. Learners in this category will be required to prove their competency before they are admitted to the course.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit-level outcomes are divided into generic competencies, fundamental competencies and those core to the Graphic Design Programme, as follows:

Generic competencies

The ability to work as a member of a team.

The ability to collect, analyse and present information.

A knowledge of the use of technology.

The ability to use technology and other methods of presentation for communication purposes.

The ability to identify and suggest possible solutions to a problem.

The ability to organise work requirements so as to meet set deadlines.

Fundamental competencies

Journalism, Gender and Race

An understanding of the ways in which the media communicates images of culture, gender and race.

General Psychology

An understanding of basic theories and principles of psychology, including memory, personality, and therapies.

English I

Competence in effective composition and prose style.

Skills in reading, comprehension and critical analysis.

Business English

The ability to communicate in English in a business-orientated environment.

Introduction to Business Management

An understanding of the relationship between a business and its environment, the different functions of an enterprise, and the necessary requirements for starting and managing a small business.

History of Art and Design

An understanding of the basic history of art and design during the late 19th and 20th centuries, how previous designers and design movements impact modern design and art movements, and the relevance of drawing from past art and design movements for inspiration and guidance.

Core competencies

Design I

An understanding of the process and basic elements associated with design, and the relevance of basic design theory in all applications of graphic design.

Copy Preparation for Reproduction

An understanding of the production process of printed matter, including the variety of techniques, processes and materials used in the print industry, and the basic history of print and reproduction.

Introduction to Photography

An understanding of the basic elements and process of photography, both digital and traditional photography, and the history of photography.

Drawing I

An understanding of the principles of drawing, including composition, balance, line quality, texture, form and various drawing techniques.

Storyboards for Film, TV and Audiovisuals

An understanding of the various techniques used for the preparation and executing of storyboards.

Graphic Design Studio I

An understanding of the application of design theory, including illustration, conceptualising, layout, logo and corporate identity.

Beginning Typography Design

An understanding of basic typography, its history, use and application within design.

Graphic Design on Computers

An understanding of the processes and methods of basic computer generated imagery, and industry standard design packages.

Marker Techniques

An understanding of marker techniques used for the preparation and executing of storyboards.

Graphics for Film, TV and Audiovisuals

An understanding of illustration, design and conceptualising for television and film.

Design II

An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the application of design and advertising theory in modern- day industry.

Applied Colour and Design Theory

An understanding of the application of colour theory, associations and significance of colour, and the visual relationships of one specific colour to the next.
Graphic Design Studio II

An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the application of design and advertising theory in modern day industry, and conceptual and aesthetic considerations applying to modern design.

Digital Imaging

An understanding of sound programming principles, and the design principles involved in the software development lifecycle.

Practical application of Javascript and HTML.

Animation Workshop

An understanding of film theory and its application to animated productions.

An understanding of the requirements of an animator in the industry.

Intermediate Typography Design

A sound knowledge of all the type families and their history, the technical classification of type, and publishing fonts on the internet.

Graphic Design Studio III

An understanding of the importance of technological and hand skills, as well as conceptualisation abilities in graphic design.

Graphic Design Portfolio Preparation

An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the software used in the compilation of a digital portfolio, and what makes up an exciting and stimulating portfolio.

Computer Publication Design

An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the software used in computer publication, and the impact of the internet on modern computer publication.

Computer Design

An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the software used in computer design, and the impact of the internet on modern design.

Advertising Practical

An understanding of copywriting and art directing.

Design III

An understanding of advanced design theory and contemporary design.

Skills in the advanced application of design software (Photoshop, Freehand, Quark).

Skills in the application of advanced design in an industry environment.

Advertising Theory

An understanding of the theory of advertising, and the role of advertising in society, with specific reference to South Africa.

Copywriting

An understanding of the structure of an advertising industry, and the role of the copywriter within such an industry.

3D Animation

An understanding of the processes and methods of computer-generated imagery, industry standard animation packages, and the techniques used in character animation, special effects and game development.

Mutimedia Applications

An understanding of the digital and multimedia environment.

An understanding of the technical considerations necessary for proper application of multimedia design.

Skills in the application of multimedia software packages.

Web Design

An understanding of the internet.

Skills in the application of web design software (Dreamweaver and Flash), and in HTML programming.

Skills in he application of multimedia and web design software in an industry environment.

Drawing III

An understaindign of the processes and methods used to produce drawings of a mature and professional standard.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Generic competencies

Group projects and assignments.

Tests, assignments and examinations.

Class and Project presentations.

Case-study based tests, assignments and examinations.

Deadlines set for various assessment components.

Fundamental competencies

Tests, assignments and examinations.

Core competencies

Practical assignments and tests.

Integrated assessment

Midrand Graduate Institute practices an integrated system of assessment, in terms of which students are assessed on an ongoing basis. Students are required to complete class tests, assignments (including practical work and projects) and examinations, the results of which count towards the final mark for each module. The components of the final mark are determined separately for each module.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

To our knowledge, with the exception of one instance, this Programme has not been assessed internationally. However, given that:

The curriculum incorporates the latest trends and practices in the discipline,

Well-qualified academics and industry practitioners act as external examiners and moderators of the Programme,

We have no reason to doubt that the quality and content of our Programme would meet international standards.

Details of the instance that we are aware of where the Programme was assessed internationally are as follows: a student who transferred to Santa Monica College, California, having completed Levels 1 and 2 of our Graphic Design Programme, was given full exemption by Santa Monica College for all relevant modules that she had completed at Midrand Graduate Institute.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

With regard to vertical articulation, a student who wishes to proceed to postgraduate studies at another higher education institution, having completed the Graphic Design Programme at Midrand Graduate Institute, should be able to do so based on the knowledge and skills acquired during the course of the programme, provided, of course, that his/her academic performance has been of the required standard.

In terms of horizontal articulation:

A student who transfers to another programme within Midrand Graduate Institute will be given credit for relevant modules successfully completed towards the Graphic Design Programme;

Students who, having completed certain modules in the Graphic Design Programme at Midrand Graduate Institute, wish to transfer to another tertiary level institution, are able to apply successfully for exemption from relevant modules on the basis of modules passed at Midrand Graduate Institute.

One of the objectives of our rigorous external moderation and examination procedure, and of our ongoing interaction with academic staff of other tertiary level institutions, is to ensure that the content and standard of our curriculum is such that our students will have the opportunity for both vertical and horizontal articulation, both within and outside of Midrand Graduate Institute.

MODERATION OPTIONS

All final assessments at all levels of the curriculum are moderated by academic staff of public higher education institutions or by appropriately qualified industry practitioners.

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.

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.

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