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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96980  Diploma in Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
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
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 will produce graduates who are competent in analysing and monitoring design processes to meet market demands. They will be able to adopt advanced production technology methods to ensure cost-effectiveness in relation to cost and manufacturing. The graduate will be provided with a range of skills and knowledge associated with the broader field of design with specialisation in the discipline of fashion design. The focus in the Diploma is on the creative design process and technologies, which allow the graduate to interpret the changing influences in the fashion system in a commercial environment.

The teaching and learning processes commence at elementary level in the first year and progress to the advanced third year level. The programme provides students with a number of options to pursue a career in the various aspects of the fashion system, including in patternmaking, garment construction, grading, creative design in 2 and 3 dimensional illustration. The qualification will enable the Diploma in Fashion graduate to act as a designer with specialised technical and design skills in the Fashion Design profession. The designer will be competent in resolving a broad range of fashion design problems in a competitive local and international fashion industry.

Rationale:
The qualification is part of the University's offering of skills-based education in the field of Fashion Design and Fashion Production, and is aligned to the employment needs of the South Africa fashion sector. The creative industries are significant contributors to the South African economy, and Fashion is a growing sector in the creation of employment opportunities.

In order for graduates to compete and make a valued contribution in such a dynamic industry, it is essential that individuals are able to continually develop and demonstrate their creative expertise as well as acquire effective business acumen and creative skills. The Diploma in Fashion is designed to maximise the students' creative and cognitive potential in a chosen related specialist area to enable effective and successful service delivery or expansion and development in the fashion industry. Graduates can pursue careers as creative design industry such as working as designer-practitioners, establishing their own businesses, working in studio practice. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Through RPL students may gain access, advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at University of Johannesburg (UJ).

RPL in the case of students not complying with the formal admission requirements will be:
  • Conducted in accordance with the RPL policy and guidelines of UJ.
  • Based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
  • Considered only where prior learning corresponds with the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level.
  • Conducted in terms of applied competencies relevant to the duration, content and outcomes of the module and qualification.
  • Considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Academic Planning and Quality Committee of the Faculty; and
  • Recommended to Senate by the Faculty Board for approval.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement to this qualification is:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Garment Technology 1, 20 Credits.
  • Pattern Technology 1, 20 Credits.
  • Production Environment Studies 1, 8 Credits.
  • Textile Studies 1, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Studies 1, 8 Credits.
  • Communication and Human Resources 1, 8 Credits.
  • Two and Three-dimensional Design 1, 8 Credits.
  • Creative Design and Technical Drawing 1, 20 Credits.
  • Drawing and Illustration 1, 12 Credits.
  • Theory of Clothing 1, 8 Credits.

    Second year:
    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Pattern Technology and Grading 2, 28 Credits.
  • Computer Pattern Making 2, 8 Credits.
  • Garment Technology 2, 20 Credits.
  • Production Environment Studies 2, 8 Credits.
  • Business Studies 2, 8 Credits.
  • Two and Three-dimensional Design 2, 8 Credits.
  • Creative Design and Technical Drawing 2, 20 Credits.
  • Drawing and Illustration 2, 12 Credits.
  • Theory of Clothing 2, 8 Credits.

    Third year:
    Compulsory Module at Level 6, 120 Credits:
  • Computer Pattern Making 3, 8 Credits.
  • Garment Technology 3, 20 Credits.
  • Pattern Technology and Grading 3, 28 Credits.
  • Production Environment Studies 3, 8 Credits.
  • Business Studies 3, 8 Credits.
  • Two and Three-dimensional Design 3, 8 Credits.
  • Creative Design and Technical Drawing 3, 20 Credits.
  • Drawing and Illustration 3, 12 Credits.
  • Theory of Clothing 3, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve advanced problems relating to pattern and garment technology in the design process.
    2. Relate design with technology in order to respond and interpret changes influencing fashion in the commercial environment.
    3. Relate principle and functions of business management to the clothing sector.
    4. Apply basic research methodology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Successfully adopt and apply advanced production technology methods to specific styles and fabrication in order to achieve required quality standards of the garment.
  • Successfully apply technology Computer Aided Design (CAD) to pattern making and grading.
  • Produce patterns and garments in line with client specifications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Integrate the design process with merchandising and marketing.
  • Produce fashion presentation boards to the specific requirements of a client.
  • Integrate fashion concepts and influences to produce a design portfolio showing strong personal direction.
  • Apply computer technology to technical drawing, illustration and fashion designs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify the principles and concepts of human resources and their function in the clothing industry.
  • Assess the economic viability and financial management of a small business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply data gathering skills with analytical and summative research projects.
  • Develop an investigative proposal on an area of personal choice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment:
  • Written tests.
  • Oral tests.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Assessment of design projects.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Written examinations.
  • Portfolio examinations.
  • Elementary research and essays.
  • Assessment of group projects. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares with the following international qualifications:

    Country: Australia, Melbourne.
    Institution: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University.
    Qualification Offered: Advanced Diploma (including Diploma) of Applied Fashion Design and Technology.

    Area of specialisation: Development of technical, creative and practical expertise in a career in fashion.
    Duration: 3 years full-time.

    Country: Australia, Queensland:
    Institution: Technical and Further Education (TAFE) - Queensland.
    Qualification Offered: Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology.
    Area of specialisation: Design, manufacturing or retail areas of the fashion industry.
    Duration: 85 weeks.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: Manchester Metropolitan University.
    Qualification Offered: Bachelor of Arts (BA) Honours (Hons) Clothing Design and Technology.
    Area of specialisation: Technology, design and management within the fashion industry.
    Duration: 4 years.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: London College of Fashion.
    Qualification Offered: Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma (Fashion Business) which progresses into a variety of Foundation Degrees within specialised areas of the fashion business.
    Area of specialisation: Entry preparation into higher education, focusing on Fashion Marketing, Buying, Merchandising and Fashion Business Integrated industry learning.
    Duration: One year full-time/Two years full-time. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Similar National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 qualifications which are in a similar field or cognate discipline.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Technology in Fashion or an Advanced Diploma in Fashion or a cognate discipline. 
    		•

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.