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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Applied Arts in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96829  Master of Applied Arts in Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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 educates and trains researchers who contribute to the development of knowledge. Learners can reflect critically on theory and its application; design and critically appraise research; make sound judgements using data and information; demonstrate self-direction; and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

The learner accredited with this qualification can conduct independent research in a specialised field of clothing or fashion and contribute to knowledge production in the chosen area. The research problem, its justification process and outcome is through a dissertation report, which complies with generally accepted norms at this level.

The qualification prepares learners for life-long learning, supports traditional fashion design and promotes a spirit of enquiry, reflection and evaluation. The qualification provides the learner with an in-depth understanding in an area of specialisation; it provides upward mobility in industry-related employment; and an alternate career path in academia.

Rationale:
The current trend in the fashion/clothing industry increases integration of fields and education takes into account not only the technological developments and skills necessary for their use but also the intellectual and critical skills necessary for a successful solution of design problems. It includes the business and entrepreneurial skills necessary to innovate in business.

The Department of Fashion and Textiles does not affiliate to any professional body. However, the industry's needs guide the qualification through a group of stakeholders that make up our Advisory Board Committee. This committee comprises of fashion/clothing manufacturers, retailers, SMMEs and alumni that the department interacts with on an annual basis through guest lectures, site visits and advisory board meetings. These organisations provide ongoing support in the form of sponsorships, and the industry experts advise us through the external moderation process.

The qualification supports the traditional design and develops in learners a culture of continual learning to achieve their full intellectual and human potential. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners can be admitted to the qualification if evidence that the stated competence of the required entrance qualification/s achieved through experience, previous studies and other learning, that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible and applicable to all learners. The purpose of the institutional RPL policy is to:
  • To provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
  • To facilitate access and admission to learning qualifications within education and training and career paths.
  • To accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • To promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
  • To outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at this institution.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in South Africa is critical to the development of equitable education and supports the transformation of the education and training system of the country. The institution strives to build a viable, sustainable and credible system to implement RPL.

    The institution's policies and procedures encourage the Recognition of Prior Learning through a process of assessment, in which the learner's experience receives evaluation for correspondence with learning outcomes of the modules for which the learner wishes to gain credit. The learner demonstrates competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the specific qualification. Prior learning can include formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Evaluation of the learner's prior learning includes submission of a portfolio of relevant fashion/clothing design work and other information; by interview; and if necessary by the completion of projects or exercises to provide evidence of competences. A dedicated RPL officer in collaboration with the HoD and relevant specialist lecturers oversees the process and aligns with the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Successful assessment enables the learner to enter the qualification at an appropriate level. It ensures that academic staff are fully aware of the learner's level of experience before he/she joins the qualification. The process thus supports the learner and enables staff to provide appropriate guidance.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Design, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.
    2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Survey the listed and cited literature survey and ensure the exposition of the research reflects familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
  • Analyse, explain and juxtapose the models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Justify the use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis is fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written record of research.
  • Identify, define and detail the research problem clearly in the research proposal.
  • Ensure the stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
  • Demonstrate logical interpretation of data to ensure it reflects a clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
  • Use information sources correctly and appropriately and includes a range of media. Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data analysis, data presentation, and the production of the dissertation.
  • Apply the appropriate mathematical and statistical methods correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
  • Ensure the inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analysis are valid.
  • Apply language and numeracy skills effectively and correctly in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
  • Literature review.
  • Portfolio synopsis and methodologies.
  • Written and oral presentations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The comparability exercise attempted to situate Fashion Design in the broader context of higher education internationally. The decision was supported by analysing the qualifications at other international institutions where the general trend was to offer a one or two-year qualification in specialised areas of design and technology. This qualification is comparable to qualifications from countries that are leaders in designing and fashion and those with best practices. At the University of Namibia, they offer Fashion Studies as an 'applied art' subject, which is part of a 4-year Bachelor of Arts qualification.

    Institution: Dublin Institute of Technology.
    Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Buying and Management.
    Duration: 1-year qualification (Block 1-60 credits and Block 2-60 Credits).
    Comparability: The design reflects the educational requirements and learning opportunities necessary to succeed as a fashion buyer in today`s competitive environment.
    Modules:
  • Principles of Fashion Buying 1.
  • Materials and Fabrics.
  • Sociology of Fashion.
  • Finance for Non-Financial Managers.
  • Marketing Luxury Brands.
  • Retail Merchandising Analytics.
  • Fashion Buying 11.
  • Store Environment.
  • Fashion Public Relations.
  • Communications.
  • Retail Operations Management.
  • International Fashion Retailing.

    Institution: London College of Fashion.
    Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Fashion Management.
    Duration: 1-year qualification (Unit I- 60 Credits- 15 weeks and Unit 2- 60 Credits- 15 weeks)
    Comparability: The qualification emphasises the importance of sustainability and ethics within the fashion industry when responding to consumer behaviour and demand. The qualification explores Business and management theories and combines with practical applications.
    Modules:
  • Fashion Contexts,
  • Fashion Organisation,
  • Fashion Communication,
  • Final Major Project.

    Institution: Central Saint Martins.
    Qualification: Graduate Diploma in Fashion.
    Duration: 1-year qualification.
    Comparability: It produces mature and sophisticated designers equipped to work in and design for the international market.
    Modules:
  • Diagnostic: Research and Creative Development.
  • Final Project and Portfolio: Development and Resolution.

    This comparison of a variety of qualifications is to ensure this qualification is both relevant and aligned to international standards in terms of content and outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Fashion and Textile, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Visual Arts in Fashion, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Art and Design, NQF Level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Visual and Performing Arts, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.