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: 

Diploma in Interior Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96982  Diploma in Interior Design 
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 purpose of the Diploma in Interior Design is to introduce students to a range of skills and knowledge associated with the broader field of Design and the Built Environment and with a specialisation in the Interior Design discipline that functions within this field. The focus is on developing graduates with broad knowledge and skills within the Interior Design Industry. The graduate will be competent in resolving a broad range of Interior Design problems and provide creative and technical solutions that meet national building regulation requirements. The creative design process concentrate mostly on presenting relevant practical solutions of two- dimensional and three-dimensional design problems, primarily in the built environment. Graduates will have the competence to apply creativity, problem-solving, specialised knowledge and management principles to the practical implementation of a wide range of Interior Design solutions.

Rationale:
The Department of Interior Design at University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been offering premier Interior Design programmes and is well established as a leader in the field. There is a constant demand for competent Interior Designers in the Interior Design Industry, Furniture Design Industry, and Building/Architectural Industry. The Interior Design Industry contributes to the development of the economy of South Africa through the enhancing of environments, both functionally and aesthetically encouraging both productivity and healthy working and living spaces. Strong design industries enable South Africa to become more competitive in international markets. High academic standards are maintained and attention is given to teaching and learning strategies that are appropriate to the individual learning needs of students.

The Department's experience in offering both undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes is evident in that lecturers are suitably qualified and experienced to offer an undergraduate Diploma programme. The Diploma in Interior Design articulates into a Bachelor of Technology (BTech) programme and with the proposed phasing out of the latter qualification will articulate with the Advanced Diploma. The qualification will enable the graduate to be a Designer with specialised technical and design skills in the Interior Design profession. The Designer will be competent in resolving a broad range of Interior Design problems and provide creative and technical solutions that meet national building regulation requirements.

In order to offer a programme that addresses the requirements of the profession, the Department has maintained membership and association with both national and international design and specifically interior design forums. In South Africa, the professionalisation of the Interior Design profession has been spearheaded by the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID) since 2007. Students that exit with a Diploma programme can register as Professional Interior Designers. The programme offers students interested in pursuing a career in design and in particular in Interior Design. On completion of the qualification the student will be able to register with the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professions (IID). 

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 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.
  • Recommended to Senate by the Faculty Board for approval.

    Entry Requirements:
    A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum APS-score of 18 with Mathematics or 19 with Mathematical Literacy and who fulfil the minimum rules of access, as stated in AD1: General Faculty Regulations.

    These entry requirements are aligned to entrance requirements as stated in the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF).

    Selection Criteria:
    Candidates are selected by means of an entrance assessment consisting of the following:
    1. An interview.
    2. A written component.
    3. Submission of a portfolio (see Faculty Information Brochure www.uj.ac.za/fada), and
    4. A practical assessment testing two and three-dimensional skills. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules for this qualification are compulsory.

    First Year modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Interior Design Construction 1, 16 Credits.
  • Drawing for Design 1, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Interior Design Practice 1 (1st Semester), 8 Credits.
  • Interior Design Technology 1, 16 Credits.
  • Form and Colour 1, 16 Credits.
  • Graphic Interpretation 1 (1st Semester), 8 Credits.
  • Interior Design 1, 24 Credits.
  • Theory of Materials and Finishes 1 (2nd Semester), 8 Credits.
  • Contextual Studies 1, 12 Credits.
    Total credits: 120.

    Second Year modules at NQF Level 6:
    Interior Design Construction 2, 16 Credits.
    Professional Interior Design Practice 2 (1st Semester), 8 Credits.
    Interior Design Technology 2, 16 Credits.
    History of Art and Design 2, 16 Credits.
    Interior Design 2, 28 Credits.
    Theory of Materials and Finishes 2 (2nd Semester), 8 Credits.
    Presentation Techniques 2, 12 Credits.
    Theory of Design 2 (2nd Semester), 8 Credits.
    Technical Services 2 (1st Semester), 8 Credits.
    Total credits: 120.

    Third Year modules at NQF Level 6:
    Interior Design Construction 3, 28 Credits.
    Professional Interior Design Practice 3 (1st Semester), 8 Credits.
    History of Art and Design 3, 16 Credits.
    Interior Design 3, 36 Credits.
    Presentation Techniques 3, 16 Credits.
    Theory of Design 3 (1st Semester), 8 Credits.
    Technical Services 3 (1st Semester), 8 Credits.
    Total credits: 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop a brief in consultation with the client to enable the design process.
    2. Apply the creative process to the practical solution of two-dimensional and three-dimensional design problems, primarily within the environment of buildings.
    3. Apply suitable technology in the practical application of Interior Design.
    4. Effectively communicate with clients, relevant authorities, contractors and other professionals, using appropriate media.
    5. Manage the practice of Interior Design under supervision. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Design brief is adequately defined, analysed and the needs are prioritised.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Appropriate design problems within the sphere of Interior Design are effectively solved and presented.
  • Planning and three-dimensional realisation are effectively solved.
  • Details are done to visually and practically reflect the concept of the design.
  • Effective visual and written presentations are done.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Designs are executed to reflect sound structure and construction, selection of appropriate materials, environmental and man-made services.
  • Design problem solutions incline towards ergonomic sensibility in order to add to the comfort of the users.
  • Elementary working drawings are executed to reflect sound construction, structure and selection of appropriate materials, environmental and manmade services.
  • Design problems are solved displaying optimum advantage of positive climatic conditions as well as effective countering of negative climatic conditions being taken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A set of drawings to include plans, elevations, sections, axonometric or isometric drawings and/or perspectives are executed to convey the design solution to the client.
    > Appropriate media, including Computer Aided Design (CAD), are chosen and used to present the specific design.
    > Models to a specific scale are executed to simulate the design.
  • Working drawings and details are executed using appropriate media, including CAD. These drawings must be suitable for submission to relevant authorities and other professionals.
  • Specifications both on drawings and separately are done to enable tenderers to tender.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Drawings are done at a level that will be acceptable for submission to relevant authorities.
  • Designs are executed to comply with the National Building Regulations.
  • The appropriate contract for the specific design has been chosen.

    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 
    Australia:
    RMIT University offers a Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration.

    Although shorter in duration, this programme has a lot in common with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Diploma in Interior Design. This programme enable student to articulate to Degree programme also offered in the institution. The programme is described as a practical industry-relevant programme that will develop high-level documentation and technical skills that will enable the graduate to interact with both residential and commercial clients. This focus aligns with the programme as presented in the UJ Diploma programme, however greater focus is given to higher levels of technical execution due to additional third year component.

    Canada:
    British Columbia Institute of Technology School of Construction and the Environment offers a Diploma of Interior Design.

    The Diploma in Interior Design is designed for students seeking a career in residential and commercial interior design fields. The Diploma focuses on commercial design including hospitality, offices and retail environments.

    Students will study advanced design theory, commercial space planning, sustainability practices, codes and barrier-free compliance, lighting, design history, advanced Two-Dimensional (2D) and Three-Dimensional (3D) visual communication, critical reading and writing, construction drawings, millwork and furniture design. Students will gain hands-on experience in the Joinery shop to expand their understanding of millwork details and assembly. Students will achieve both a strong academic and technical foundation on completion of this program.

    Students learn from industry-based faculty and develop extensive practical skills for rewarding careers. All students intending to continue to the Bachelor of Interior Design must first complete the Diploma in Interior Design.

    In conclusion the graduate will develop:
  • In this dynamic, practical, industry-relevant program 2D and 3D design skills will be developed and the decorative aspect of design.
  • The development of high-level documentation and technical skills in order to present ideas to both residential and commercial clients in a professional brief.
  • Projects are themed around exploration into colour, material and finishes, interior construction techniques, soft furnishings, fabrics and furniture, based on historical and contemporary styles and trends.
  • As studies progress a deeper understanding of commercial and residential interiors, spatial layout, furnishings and decorative treatments and the documentation process will be developed.
  • Knowledge and skills will expand allowing one to create and communicate design concepts, evaluate design briefs and apply basic business skills to domestic and commercial projects. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation to the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Interior Design; horizontal articulation is possible within cognate qualifications. 

    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.