SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Visual Communication

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
94158	Diploma in Visual Communication
ORIGINATOR
CTU Training Solutions
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		Visual Arts
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		EXCO 0733/25	2024-06-30	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

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 Diploma in Visual Communication is to prepare learners for dynamic roles in the creative industry, empowering them to design visual content that engages audiences and solves real-world communication challenges. The qualification is designed to equip learners with the creative, technical, and strategic skills required to communicate ideas visually across digital and print media. Through this qualification, learners will gain practical experience in graphic design, digital media, branding, illustration, photography, and motion graphics. They will learn to apply design principles, use industry-standard software, and develop conceptual thinking to create impactful visual solutions.

The target audience includes school leavers, aspiring designers, and creative individuals who are passionate about visual storytelling and want to pursue a career in design, advertising, publishing, marketing, or digital media. Learners will want to complete this qualification to build a strong foundation for a career in the creative industry, enhance their creative problem-solving abilities, and develop a professional design portfolio. The qualification also serves as a stepping stone for further studies in visual communication or related fields. By completing the Diploma in Visual Communication, learners will improve their employability in the design and media sectors, gain industry-relevant competencies, and be prepared to contribute meaningfully to creative teams in a wide range of industries.

The qualification equips learners with the skills to conceptualise, design, and produce visual content that meets industry standards. Upon completion, learners will understand the principles of visual communication, master industry-relevant software, and apply creative thinking to solve real-world design challenges in branding, advertising, social media, publishing, and marketing. This is an occupational qualification that prepares learners for direct entry into the creative industries as graphic designers, digital content creators, brand designers, and visual communicators. After achievement, learners will be able to plan and execute visual communication projects from concept to final production, demonstrating both creative and technical competence. They will be responsible for producing visual solutions that meet client briefs, applying best practices in design, and contributing to professional creative teams. The qualification also supports pathways into further vocational or academic studies in related creative fields, providing a platform for career progression and lifelong learning.

A qualified learner will be able:

To apply creative problem-solving skills to design visual communication solutions that meet client and audience needs.

To demonstrate technical proficiency in industry-standard design software and tools, apply design principles across various media platforms, and communicate effectively through visual storytelling.

Work both independently and collaboratively, managing design projects from concept to completion while meeting deadlines and quality standards. They will display professional conduct, critical thinking, and adaptability in a dynamic creative environment.

To practice ethical and responsible design, considering social, cultural, and commercial contexts in their work.

In addition, Critical Cross-Field Outcomes (CCFOs) such as problem solving, teamwork, self-management, effective communication, interpreting information, and the responsible use of science and technology will be embedded in learning activities, ensuring that graduates are well-rounded professionals ready to contribute to the workplace and society.

Rationale:
The qualification has been developed in response to substantial shifts in the creative industries, particularly the integration of design, digital media, and communication functions. The qualification addresses identified gaps in existing NQF-aligned qualifications, which often isolate these fields and no longer fully align with the demands of an evolving digital economy.
The need for this qualification was confirmed through consultation with industry stakeholders, including employers in the creative, media, and communication sectors. Input from advertising agencies, digital marketing firms, and corporate communication departments consistently highlighted a shortage of professionals with competencies in multidisciplinary visual communication, particularly in digital design, motion graphics, and content creation.

Sector bodies such as the South African Communication Industries Association (SACIA) and MICT SETA have acknowledged these as critical and scarce skills, as reflected in the National List of Occupations in High Demand (2024) published by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

The qualification supports national strategic goals including the Digital Economy Strategy, Creative Industries Master Plan (2022), and the National Development Plan 2030, by enabling inclusive growth and equipping graduates with skills essential for South Africa's digital and creative sectors. The curriculum incorporates elements of ethical communication, sustainable design, and digital responsibility, reinforcing its contribution to a green and socially aware economy.

The qualification is targeted at creatively inclined school leavers, individuals entering or transitioning into the digital design field, and professionals seeking to upskill. Many prospective learners will be drawn from communities where digital and creative skills serve as key pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

The qualification supports both employment and articulation pathways, enabling graduates to:

Access junior to mid-level roles in design, marketing, digital media, and communication.

Enter further study at NQF Level 7 in areas such as Visual Communication, Multimedia Design, or Graphic Design.

Work across creative industries including film, animation, e-learning, and gaming.

Occupational roles aligned to the qualification include:

Graphic Designer

Visual Communicator

Digital Content Creator

Motion Graphics Designer

Brand or Social Media Designer

UI Designer

Multimedia Designer

Illustrator

The Diploma in Visual Communication addresses industry-identified skills gaps, promotes youth employment, supports national development objectives, and provides learners with both workplace relevance and academic progression opportunities.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning:
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access:

Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations, should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules:

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.
Or

National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

Higher Certificate in Graphic Design, NQF Level 5.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:

Art History 1, 15 Credits

Basic Principles of Drawing 1A, 13 Credits

Basic Principles of Drawing 1B,13 Credits

Basic Principles of Marketing 1, 5 Credits

Design Practice I A, 17 Credits

Design Practice I B, 17 Credits

Design Programs 1A,15 Credits

Design Programs 1B, 15 Credits

English Communication, 10 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 180 Credits:

Art History 2, 19 Credits

Design Practice 2A, 20 Credits

Design Practice 2B, 20 Credits

Design Programs 2A, 22 Credits

Design Programs 2B, 22 Credits

Principles of Marketing 2, 3 Credits

Principles of Photography, 6 Credits

Art History 3, 10 Credits

Design Programs 3A, 22 Credits

Design Programs 3B, 20 Credits

Workplace learning, 16 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits:

Design Practice 3A, 27 Credits

Design Practice 3B, 25 Credits

Professional Practice, 8 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical development of art.
2. Adopt principles of marketing in the design industry.
3. Conceive, develop and realise appropriate and innovative design solutions.
4. Demonstrate competence in applying a variety of traditional and digital media to execute design solutions.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of principles of photography.
6. Demonstrate successful development of Interpersonal skills.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explain the art history timeline and its significance.

Recognise and describe key movements and developments in art history.

Apply knowledge of art history to the research, development, and presentation of an academic article.

Identify and analyse art history influences within design contexts.

Identify artists and artworks associated with specific art movements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Explain processes and terminologies used in marketing

Develop a basic marketing plan

Discuss target audience identification in the context of the design approach and media use

Identify and explain contemporary approaches to marketing

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Extrapolate key information from research findings to inform the development of design solutions.

Develop design solutions that are conceptually and stylistically aligned with project specifications.

Create and execute design solutions in a stylistically and conceptually innovative manner.

Present design solutions in a professional and industry-appropriate format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Execute design solutions using relevant digital media in a professional manner

Effectively manipulate and develop imagery using industry-relevant software packages

Produce finished art for publishing

Design solutions are effectively adapted for application to a variety of print and digital media

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Define and explain photographic terminologies and processes.

Operate photographic equipment and apply basic processes to produce imagery across different genres.

Generate original photographic content for use in visual communication contexts.

Manipulate photographic content using digital tools and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Analyse own behaviour in managing interactions across different social and professional situations.

Apply creative forms and processes that promote self-esteem and self-reliance.

Explore and develop social and interactive skills through engagement and practice.

Demonstrate reflection on restorative influences to support self-awareness and self-definition.

Integrated Assessment:
The assessment process will comprise formative and summative assessment methods. Integrated assessment will provide learners with an opportunity to demonstrate practical performance and understanding of concepts and theory across the Exit Level Outcomes to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

The Formative assessments are made up of theoretical assignments, practical projects and tests. The credit value of each module determines the number of formative assessments to be completed. The average of these formative assessments constitutes the semester mark that counts 60% towards the final mark.

Summative assessments:
The examination could be made up of a variety of assessment methods. This examination counts 40% towards the final mark.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Comparable qualifications in Visual Communication are offered internationally, including the Diploma in Design for Communication and Experiences from the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS) and the BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design / Visual Communication from the United Kingdom. These qualifications align with the South African (SA) qualification in terms of exit-level outcomes, curriculum structure, and progression pathways.

Similarities:

The UAS diploma, registered with Skills Future Singapore, focuses on strategic, reflective, and systems-oriented design education, equipping learners to address complex design challenges through communication design.

Both qualifications reflect internationally relevant models of visual communication education.
In terms of duration and credits, both qualifications are three-year programmes with a notional credit value of 360 and are comparable to NQF Level 6.

Curricula across both qualifications share common subject streams. UAS modules such as Craft, Techniques and Technologies, and Studio focus on developing conceptual and technical design skills through both traditional and digital media. These align with SA qualification and project-based modules, which similarly integrate software skills and conceptual development.

Assessment in both qualifications is primarily project-based, combining practical work with theoretical grounding to support creative and critical development. Both qualifications also support vertical articulation into Bachelor's degree programmes and prepare graduates for entry into the design industry.

Differences:
In contrast, CTU's qualification takes a vocational and practice-driven approach, preparing learners to create effective and engaging visual content for the creative industry.
Despite slight differences in educational emphasis, the qualifications share substantial alignment in learning outcomes, structure, and progression, confirming the SA qualification's comparability with established international benchmarks in the field.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design / Visual Communication, offered in the United Kingdom and registered with the Office for Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual), is comparable to the South African qualification.

Similarities:

Both curricula include comparable modules such as Typography, Branding and Identity, and Digital Design Practices, which align with the Design Practice module. Each qualification also includes a Professional Practice component that prepares learners for engagement with industry. Furthermore, Pearson's Contextual Studies module compares favourably with Art History module, as both develop critical and analytical skills for evaluating visual content.

Assessment in both qualifications combines written and practical assignments, integrating theory with applied project work to promote creative and critical development. Both qualifications enable vertical articulation into Bachelor's degree programmes and support entry into the design and creative industries.

The Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design / Visual Communication and the Diploma in Visual Communication are comparable in purpose, curriculum content, assessment approach, and progression opportunities.

Differences:
While the Pearson qualification emphasises professional readiness and academic access, and the SA qualification focuses on practical design problem-solving and creative empowerment, both share the common purpose of developing adaptable design professionals equipped for industry and further academic progression.

The Pearson qualification is a two-year programme comprising 240 credits at RQF Level 5, whereas the SA qualification is a three-year programme consisting of 360 credits at NQF Level 6. Despite this difference in structure, the two qualifications demonstrate strong alignment in terms of subject streams and learning outcomes.

Despite differences in duration and credit structure, both qualifications equip learners with the creative, technical, and analytical skills required for entry into the design industry and further academic study, confirming strong international alignment in visual communication education.

The SA qualification demonstrates strong international comparability with leading qualifications such as the Diploma in Design for Communication and Experiences from the University of the Arts Singapore and the Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design / Visual Communication from the United Kingdom. Despite structural and contextual differences, all three qualifications align in terms of purpose, curriculum focus, assessment methodology, and progression pathways. Collectively, they prepare learners for meaningful participation in the global design industry and provide access to further academic study, confirming the SA qualification's alignment with international benchmarks in visual communication education.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal, vertical, and diagonal articulations are possible with this qualification.

Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Visual Communication Graphic Design, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Visual Communication, NQF Level 7

Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication, Degree at NQF Level 7

Diagonal Articulation:

Advanced Occupational Certificate: Media/Programme Content Production Manager, NQF Level 6

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

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 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.

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