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: 

Advanced Diploma in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94947  Advanced Diploma in Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Town College of Fashion Design (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 Diploma  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 07  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   2031-06-30  

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 qualification is structured so that learners can develop detailed knowledge of an area of practice that they choose to specialise in. They will be able to select and apply a range of methods to solve theoretical and practical problems and introduce change within the selected career path. Learners will be able to develop the capacity to communicate their ideas in well-formed arguments, using appropriate fashion discourse and will be encouraged to explore ethical and professional dilemmas within this sector.

This qualification also prepares learners for continuing their study through the deepening of knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in fashion, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

Rationale:
This Advanced Diploma in Fashion qualification has been developed in response to employers and employees of the Cape Town Fashion Council for the current and future need of competent fashion specialists. This qualification responds to these needs by providing learners with the opportunity to select and specialise in one of the numerous career paths within the field of fashion. Learners will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitude and values to contribute positively to the advancement of the fashion industry in South Africa. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has adopted the principles formulated by SAQA into the policy; that there should be no repetition of learning outcomes achieved through formal, non-formal and informal learning, including:
  • Current and relevant working experience.
  • Formal education and training programmes.
  • Experiential or workplace learning.
  • Informal study for recreational/personal interest purposes.
  • Company/industry based training.
  • Working with experts.
  • Life experience.

    The institution applies RPL for access: to determine by means of assessment, an appropriate level of access to learning or teaching programme for an individual.

    RPL for credits: to grant an individual access to a qualification at an NQF level that is higher than a qualification already obtained, awarding credits for a part of a learning programme for which an individual is registered on a basis of RPL.

    RPL principles adopted by the institution:
  • The assessment of learning for the purpose of RPL must always adhere to the Assessment Policy of the institution.
  • The precise nature of an RPL application will depend on individual circumstances and applicants will be assessed on a case by case basis.
  • The programme offerings may be achieved in part through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning.
  • The RPL procedure is administered and assessed by suitably qualified and experienced staff.
  • Learners who are granted RPL exemptions are monitored for a suitable period of time in order to assess learner success and the effectiveness of the RPL procedures.
  • The RPL procedures are reviewed regularly and recommendations for improvement are submitted for approval to the Academic Board.

    Entry Requirements:
    For admission, learners need to have a Diploma (360 Credits, NQF Level 6) or a Bachelors' Degree (NQF Level 7) in cognate field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises 4 compulsory modules at NQF Level 7, totalling 120 Credits:
  • Internship, 40 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Contextual Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct oneself professionally and ethically in a variety of contexts and take responsibility for and critically evaluate own decisions and actions when working independently and collaborating with others.
    2. Identify, analyse, critically reflect on and address complex problems within the fashion sector.
    3. Collect, organise, analyse, and critically evaluate relevant information when researching social, economic and cultural influences on the fashion sector.
    4. Apply and evaluate principles, methods, techniques and discourse in an area of fashion specialisation when creating an innovative body of work. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Own performance is critically evaluated and reported upon when working independently.
  • The ability to collaborate effectively within a team is critically evaluated and reported upon.
  • Knowledge of fashion theories, principles and techniques is applied and used when working in context and when making decisions about improvements.
  • Conducting oneself professionally is shown and responsibility for personal work, decision-making and for the use of resources is taken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate arguments and evidence to address a relevant problem within the fashion sector is used.
  • Evidence of a clear definition, critical analysis and understanding of a chosen research subject area is presented.
  • Literature is critically analysed and concepts are communicated clearly and logically.
  • Findings are communicated using appropriate language, referencing techniques and layout.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Relevant information is collected, organised, and critically evaluated.
  • The influence of related disciplines on the development of the fashion sector is analysed.
  • The influence of prominent fashion designers on the development of the fashion sector is analysed.
  • Social, economic and cultural influences on the advancement of the fashion sector are discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A detailed analysis of the chosen market is conducted and informed recommendations are made regarding a suitable marketing strategy.
  • A detailed business plan is prepared demonstrating viability of chosen concept.
  • A chosen area of research is interpreted and creatively applied when developing a design product and portfolio.
  • Appropriate methods and techniques are analysed and applied to visually communicate an innovative design concept.
  • The final product in terms of fitness for purpose, creativity and quality of manufacture is critically evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment shall be focused on ability of the learners to apply their understanding and practical skills to creatively solving design briefs. Knowledge, understanding and practical skills will be assessed in an integrated way, during the process of the training, and shall be designed to assist them in applying their knowledge and skills to the completion of the practical briefs.

    Assessment strategies and procedures should be in alignment with the purpose and Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparability study was conducted by analysing the purpose of the following international qualifications:
    Melbourne Fashion Institute, in Melbourne, Australia offers the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design. This qualification provides advanced creative, technical, design and business training for the fashion industry. The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design has been created for people seeking careers as fashion designers, stylists, couturiers, graphic designers, product developers and people wanting to establish their own fashion business or work in the business side of a fashion company. The course is industry specific and includes theory, practical work, industry and trend research, trade skills, guest speakers, industry visits and small pesonalised groups.

    The Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design is being offered at Raffles Design International in Mumbai, India. This qualification enables the learner to have an in-depth understanding of subject which involves both creativity and use of technology. The modules have been carefully designed to enable learners to understand design concepts, various processes in between leading to the final production.

    Conclusion:
    From the above information collected from the two international institutions, it is evident that the international qualifications compare favourably with that of this qualification in terms of the purpose of each of the qualifications. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Upon successful completion, the learner may articulate horizontally to a:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Design at NQF Level 7.

    Vertically:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Cape Town College of Fashion Design (Pty) Ltd 


    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.