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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90627  Diploma 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
Diploma (Min 360)  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 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Diploma: Fashion was developed in response to the need for well qualified, passionate individuals with a desire to work within the South African and international fashion industry. The qualification guides learners through a development path which makes provision for an understanding of the industry at progressive levels of cognitive complexity. Creativity and artistic flair is incubated, promoted and protected within the safe learning environment. The learners are provided with foundational skills of Garment Construction at its simplest level - Textile studies, Pattern Engineering and an understanding of the History of Fashion and Design concepts which lead to superior knowledge of construction and finishing techniques which will enable the learner to stand out from the crowd. The qualification incorporates a comprehensive overview of the world of business at all levels, in order to ensure that learners have a good grasp of the realities of the business environment. The qualification is designed to enable each learner to achieve his or her optimal potential and engage actively and progressively within the design field.

Rationale:
The Fashion Industry is one of the largest in the world; it spans numerous economic sectors and has a profound impact on today's society. The industry employs millions of people around the world. Fashion incorporates the production of fibres, textiles, apparel and home fashion products, sporting products and various others for consumers around the world. The technological advancements in the development of textiles by association and fashion, enable science to push the boundaries.

The dynamic and ever developing industry has a broad employment base including Couture and Commercial Designing, Fashion Marketing, Buying, Fashion Business Management, Fashion Merchandising, Clothing Production, Trend Forecasting, Costume Design - theatre, film and television, Fashion Illustration, Fashion Journalism, Fashion Styling, Curation in fashion museums, Garment Technology, Pattern Engineering, Millinery, Embellishment Designing, Fashion Event co-ordination, Hi tech Product Designing, Accessory Designing. This exciting and economically vibrant industry requires professional and highly skilled people in each link in the fashion chain.

Highly skilled fashion experts are sought after by the industry locally and internationally. The depth of the programme is an enabler through the solid foundation or base which the qualification provides. The demands for technologically advanced and eco-friendly products increase daily; the need for the fashion industry to remain at the forefront of world developments is essential. Creative minds which think 'out of the box' need to be harnessed, honed, and the creative facets of their potential challenged and stretched to produce new and innovative products for the consumer market. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learner entering this qualification will have the following:
  • Knowledge, comprehension and application of language at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
  • Competence in the language of instruction.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The Diploma: Fashion, NQF Level 6, allows for open access and may be achieved in part or wholly through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning. Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a pass in the English language, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • An appropriate equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4 with a pass in the English language.
    Or
  • Via Recognition of Prior Learning of the adult's competency in order to widen access to the Higher Education qualification.
    Or
  • A mature learner may access the qualification based upon their workplace experience. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification is made up of 372 Credits. Learners must achieve 120 Credits at NQF Level 5, 177 Credits at NQF Level 6 and 75 Credits at NQF Level 7.

    NQF Level 5 Modules:
  • Garment Construction 1, 15 Credits.
  • Finishing Techniques, 15 Credits.
  • Pattern Engineering 1,15 Credits.
  • Design Concepts 1, 15 Credits.
  • Textile Theory 1, 14 Credits.
  • History of Fashion 1, 12 Credits.
  • Capstone A, 10 Credits.
  • Visual studies 1, 12 Credits.
  • Business Studies and Management 1, 12 Credits.
    Total: 120 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 Modules:
  • Garment Construction and Finishing, 20 Credits.
  • Pattern Engineering 2, 15 Credits.
  • Design Concepts 2, 15 Credits.
  • Textile Theory 2, 10 Credits.
  • History of Fashion 2, 15 Credits.
  • Trend Forecasting 1, 15 Credits.
  • Capstone B, 10 Credits.
  • Visual Studies 2, 10 Credits.
  • Business Studies and Management 2, 12 Credits.
  • Capstone C, 15 Credits.
  • Visual Studies 3, 15 Credits.
  • Fashion Events, 15 Credits.
    Choose 1:
  • Millinery (Elective), 10 Credits.
  • Styling (Elective), 10 Credits.
    Total: 177 Credits.

    NQF Level 7 Modules:
  • Design Concepts 3, 30 Credits.
  • Trend Forecasting 2, 15 Credits.
  • Business Studies and Management, 15 Credits.
  • History of Fashion 3, 15 Credits.
    Total: 75 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of historical context of the fashion industry and its modern day influence.
    2. Distinguish between textiles and construction techniques appropriate for specific products.
    3. Apply forecasting techniques to analyse trends in the fashion industry.
    4. Draw, render and present artistic representations in both freehand and electronic format.
    5. Compare between various textiles and garment construction techniques.
    6. Apply the principles of business management associated with operations, marketing, accounting, human resources, information technology and entrepreneurship within the fashion industry.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The Critical Cross-Fields are dealt with throughout the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way:
  • Basic garment construction techniques are practiced and cutting methodologies applied.
  • The basic theory and methodologies associated with pattern making are applied in the construction of a garment.
  • The foundations of finishing and embellishment are conceptualised and developed for advanced application of embellishments for use on various fashion products.
  • The fundamental design techniques and skills required to create an inspired fashion collection or product range are applied through the incorporation of various methods of designing.
  • Fabric types and their origins, including man-made and natural fabrics and consider them for different uses are explained.
  • The impact of Ancient History on modern day fashion and explain the history of fashion and the beginnings of the idea of 'Haute Couture' and 'Pret-a-portr' are explained.
  • The impact of developments in the Middle Ages, Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution are applied to modern day fashion.
  • Fashion illustrations are rendered, impressive visual presentations are created and high quality flat, technical drawings are produced.
  • The various advanced methods of design are introduced and the process of translating high concept design ideas into a successful fashion collection or product range is explored.
  • The role of Fashion Forecasting in the textile and apparel industry is explained and the 'zeitgeist' (spirit of the time) is explained.
  • Engineering techniques to conceptualise, implement, market, present and control product development are explained.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way.

    Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

    Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the learning and assessment programmes are designed to extend and further reflect integration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    United Kingdom: London Crown College (LCC) - Diploma in Fashion Design:
    The course aims to provide a fundamental educational basis for those considering a career in fashion and design. A key benefit of the course is that a structured programme is followed that enables application of learning to real situations.
    The general course outline is as follows:
  • Design.
  • Sewing Skills.
  • Pattern Construction.
  • Specialisation 3.
  • Specialisation 4.

    Australia, Sunshine Coast Institute of TAFE - Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology:

    Requirements:
  • Equivalent of Australian Year 12 or mature aged applicants selected according to eligibility and merit, vocational experience, previous study and personal competencies. A folio is required for admission to this course.
  • International English Language Testing System IELTS academic module score of 5.5 with no individual score less than 5.
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language TOEFL - score of 530 PBT or 197 CBT.

    Course content and delivery:
  • Students are guided through basic sewing techniques all the way to designing and assembling stunning garments for the catwalk.
  • The course is conducted in purpose-built design studios, cutting rooms, screen printing areas and sewing rooms. Training is provided in a simulated workroom environment using industrial sewing machines and cutting equipment. The programme includes activities in sewing, illustration, garment design and production, pattern-making, computer aided pattern-making.
  • Students have the opportunity to showcase their work at The Annual Sunshine Coast TAFE fashion parade, as well as also having the opportunity to submit entries to the Australian Fashion Design Awards (AFDA).
  • In the first year students learning sewing, construction and design techniques, culminating in their participation in the end-of-year fashion parade.
  • In their second year students learn advanced construction techniques and each student produces their own fashion range. Second year students organize the end-of-year parade.

    Conclusion:
    This Diploma in Fashion compares favourably with these international qualifications, as they all include content such as sewing, cutting, garment design and production and design techniques. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Diploma: Fashion Design, NQF Level 6.
    This qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Arts: Fashion Design, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Formative assessment will be conducted internally with internal moderation being conducted.
  • Moderation must include external moderation of assessments at exit point of the qualification. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold a relevant qualification at least at NQF Level 6.
  • Have workplace experience in a relevant field. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. Villioti Fashion Institute (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Spero Villioti Elite Design Academy) 


    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.