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: 

Higher Certificate: Graphic Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90654  Higher Certificate: Graphic Design 
ORIGINATOR
East London Management Institute 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Graphic Design offered at the East London Management Institute is to provide learners with the opportunity to explore the field of Graphic Design. The qualification will allow learners to enter the Print and Design industry as Junior Designers.

The unique features and elements utilised in the qualification design process as well as content of the qualification, contribute to the ability of the qualification to achieve the stated purpose. The qualification is fundamentally positioned on preliminary communication skills, design principles, techniques and methods, which the qualification group ensures is achieved by all learns at all times. The other essential features are, amongst others, creative independent thinking, the ability to be a self-starter, to have an enquiring mind and to have the ability to transfer skills to unfamiliar and new contexts at the Higher Education entrance level.

The Graphic Design Qualification will present learners with a number of tasks including gathering relevant information, preparing layouts, selecting colour schemes, images and type styles, working with copywriters, arranging elements within the design and helping printers.

Rationale:
The graphic design certificate is the most basic entry into graphic arts education; learners can work in just about any field, at least at an entry-level basis. Graphic designers visually communicate an appropriate message to the right audience. Graphic arts work can be found in nearly every field. It is most often linked to publishing, advertising and communications. Designers work most frequently with images and type, but the graphic arts field has expanded to include work in film, video, flash animation and other new media.

The graphic design field includes numerous jobs: art director, media designer, logo/brand identity designer, multimedia programmer, illustrator for technical publications, photo editor and website designer, to name just a few. After three years or more of on-the-job training, graphic arts certificate recipients can usually move on to these advanced positions, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for this qualification are assumed to have:
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4
  • Capacity to do self study and complete written assignments.
  • Ability to communicate in English (read, write, speak).
  • Ability to manage own time.

    Competency in the use of computers is strongly recommended.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institutional Prior Achievement and Learning Policy addresses the criteria for the application of RPL in terms of articulating learners into the programme.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Access to the Higher Certificate: Graphic Design is granted to all applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements, or who follow the available alternative routes of entry. Applicants who are in possession of a:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC).
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational ( NCV) NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • A foreign qualification that is equivalent to the NSC as determined by SAQA.
    Or
  • Any Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5.
  • Contextual Research I, 15 Credits.
  • Visual Communications I, 10 Credits.
  • Ideas Development I, 10 Credits.
  • Typography, 15 Credits.
  • Animation Principles, 15 Credits.
  • Product Design,15 Credits.
  • New Media Studies I, 15 Credits.
  • Desk Top Publishing I, 10 Credits.
  • Drawing and Illustration, 15 Credits.

    Total Number of Credits = 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Know the main areas, disciplines and practices in the field of Graphic Design.
    2. Communicate information reliably, accurately and coherently using the appropriate format.
    3. Select and apply standard methods and procedures in planning, managing and implementing processes.
    4. Identify and evaluate routine and new problems and devise solutions.
    5. Apply imagination and innovation in the development of a specific project.
    6. Evaluate the design development cycle of a prototype and suggest necessary changes.
    7. Understand different kinds of Graphic Design knowledge systems and their mutual relationships.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification through the Exit Level Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories in Graphic Design.
  • Assess necessary personal and primary information from a variety of sources.
  • Analyse and evaluate written and illustrated studies to formal academic conventions.
  • Identify accurate research in a variety of areas of study using sources effectively.
  • Demonstrate the relationship between historical development and modern practice and principles.
  • Synthesise information from observations and personal or others' ideas.
  • Undertake and produce sufficient research from a variety of external sources.
  • Show a questioning, rationalising approach to personal observations and evaluations of subject matter within a specialist area.
  • Evaluate research and briefly provided an interpretation of secondary source material in a variety of media and applications.
  • Give live oral or digitally recorded presentations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 2:
  • Record valid research and examples of visual communication techniques.
  • Select and show a variety of brainstorming techniques for creative intentions.
  • Apply effective visual communication techniques to creative work.
  • Understand new approaches to developing own work through the application of visual communication techniques.
  • Produce a brief explanation and evaluation of visual communication techniques.
  • Produce a concise evaluation of the use of visual communication in own work.
  • Combine a selection of visual communication techniques that effectively realise creative intentions.
  • Produce justification of the visual communication techniques used in creative work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 3:
  • Use idea generating techniques to originate and develop diverse solutions.
  • Produce effective visual outcomes to meet specific objectives.
  • Use idea generating techniques to originate and develop diverse solutions.
  • Integrate complex ideas that encompass many influences to resolve a coherent portfolio.
  • Record and analysed how specific contexts interact with ideas.
  • Direct media with control and confidence, expressing visual ideas with clarity, simplicity and economy.
  • Use applicable professional presentation techniques effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 4:
  • Record and define typographic terminology.
  • Apply associated technology and terminology in the production of Design work.
  • Analyse and apply measurement systems and grid structures.
  • Utilise historical and contemporary influences to meet specific requirements.
  • Follow and evaluate the production process.
  • Apply practice to meet requirements for readers in a given context.
  • Produce typographic work that demonstrates flexibility of function, legibility, aesthetic values and meaning, as appropriate to specific requirements.
  • Formulate a creative portfolio of typographic work that communicates to a diverse audience.
  • Evaluate own outcomes and proposed refinements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 5:
  • Research and record the phases of the design development cycle.
  • Identify and evaluate design improvements to the production process.
  • Apply the design development cycle in own project work.
  • Apply imagination and innovation to the development of a specified project.
  • Analyse and evaluate the value of the Design development cycle in a commercial context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 6:
  • Evaluate the design development cycle of the prototype and make any necessary adaptations.
  • Apply a task analysis to inform planning for an interactive product.
  • Produce plan detailing the structure of the prototype.
  • Develop the intended interactive media prototype.
  • Identify a product and establish the needs of intended users.
  • Design an interface for the media system.
  • Select and assemble audio and visual components for the prototype.
  • Assemble audio and visual components for the prototype.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level 7:
  • Prepare images, Graphics and text files for use in page layout.
  • Integrate and combine desk top publishing software and text editing software applications to a portfolio of work.
  • Produce a simple range of work using a drawing software application.
  • Design creative and accurate work using desk top publishing software.
  • Digitise and manipulate an abstract range of objects and creative range of images in the correct file format.
  • Evaluate use of own and other's drawing media, materials, techniques and styles.
  • Demonstrate a creative and effective use of visual language in a Graphic Design context.
  • Shown originality and innovation in a portfolio of drawing.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Final Summative Assessment takes place at the end of the year with the objective of providing an opportunity for learners to demonstrate their competency against the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner. It consists of a theory assessment and a practical assessment.

    The theory assessment takes the form of an examination paper and assesses the learners on their knowledge and comprehension attained throughout the year. The practical assessment takes the form of a practical Design Brief and assesses the learners' ability to work under pressure and satisfy all the necessary requirements with limited preparation time. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications in terms of the range of competencies in the modules offered.

    The Santa Monica College in the United States of America (USA) offers a Certificate in Graphic design.

    A Certificate of Achievement is granted upon completion of the 40 required units listed under:

    Graphic Design: (40 units).
    Required Courses: (29 units).

    Learners should take:
  • Graphic Design 18, Introduction to Graphic Design Applications (3).
  • Graphic Design 31, Graphic Design Studio 1 (2).
  • Graphic Design 33, Typography Design 1 (2).
  • Graphic Design 34, Publication and Page Design I (3).
  • Graphic Design 38, Digital Illustration I (4).
  • Graphic Design 41, Graphic Design Studio II (2).
  • Graphic Design 51, Graphic Design Studio III (2).
  • Graphic Design 64, Digital Imaging for Design (3) (same as ET 37).
  • Graphic Design 66, Web Design 2 (3) (formerly ET 14) (prerequisite: GRDSN 64 or ET 37).
  • Photography 1, Introduction to Photography (3).

    Select additional courses to total 40 units from the following:
  • Entertainment Technology 34, Web Animation I (3).
  • Graphic Design 21, Electronic PrePress and Publishing (3).
  • Graphic Design 35, Drawing for Graphic Design (2).
  • Graphic Design 43, Typography Design 2 (2).
  • Graphic Design 44, Publication and Page Design 2 (3).
  • Graphic Design 50, Graphic Design Portfolio Preparation (2).
  • Graphic Design 54, Digital Illustration II (3).
  • Graphic Design 65, Web Design I (2).
  • Graphic Design 67, Web Design 3 (3) (prerequisite: GRDSN 66, ET 34).
  • Graphic Design 71, Motion Graphics (3).
  • Graphic Design 90 A, B, C, Internship (1, 2, 3).

    The University of Calgary in Canada, offers a Certificate in Graphic Design, which comprises of the following modules:
  • Adobe Photoshop Advanced.
  • History of Design ART.
  • Graphic Design I ART.
  • Basic Drawing ART.
  • Adobe Illustrator Advanced.

    Conclusion:
    The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is comparable to the two qualifications cited above in terms of the content and standard. Graphic designers design and produce artwork for a variety of printed material, including logotypes, stationary, brochures, advertising, packaging, book covers and many other types of projects. This field also includes signs, architectural graphics and film, television, video and computer-related imagery. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with any similar Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with the Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design at NQF Level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    In the case of the Graphic Design qualification all assessments (Design Briefs, tests and exams) are moderated internally by an internal moderator. Internal moderation takes place after the first semester and is executed by means of a representative sample from which the quality of the learners' work can be determined with the largest possible margin of accuracy. External moderation takes place at the end of the year where the internal and external moderator will jointly assess and moderate all aspects of the qualification delivery. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators must hold a qualification at least one level above the qualification being assessed or moderated. Moderators are also required to have more than two years' teaching experience. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by peer. 

    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. East London Management Institute 


    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.