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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97040  Diploma in Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu University 
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 this qualification is to provide the learner with Fashion Designing/manufacturing skills to enable him/her to enter into the fashion industry. Projects are both theoretical and skills based and students are given an opportunity to make garments with textiles and non-textile materials. The student's portfolio of work will provide the learner with access into the fashion designing environment.

This qualification equips qualifiers with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful practice in the fashion industry.

The qualification specifically aims to:
  • Develop the practical and theoretical skills of learners in producing garments with textiles and non-textile materials.
  • Develop the ability of learners to apply relevant skills, knowledge and attitudes in their chosen area of specialization.
  • Develop an awareness among learners for the need to be sensitive and reflective of issues relating to diversity, inclusivity, cultural values, human rights, gender, Development and change.
  • Develop an understanding among learners for the need for lifelong learning.
  • Assist learners to function better in and contribute to the world of work; function better as a citizen in South Africa and contribute to cultural, social cohesion, environmental and economic development.
  • Develop the capacity of learners to make informed judgments about critical ethical issues.
  • Develop the study skills of learners to enable them to access further study paths education of higher learning.

    The qualification contributes to the national pool of trained fashion practitioners in the areas of fashion design and manufacturing and provide the opportunity to learners to enter the fashion industry.

    Rationale:
    Fashion is identified as a critical priority in South Africa. It plays a vital role in equipping learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, cultural values, and social cohesion in order to be functional in society as a person by contributing to the workforce, community and economy as an entrepreneur.

    This qualification provides learners with foundational learning through the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed for social and economic development. It enables learners to acquire the necessary competencies in order to access further higher education and training, career development and employment opportunities.

    The achievement of this qualification allows learners the following learning pathways:
  • Access academic learning at Level 7 Advanced Diploma.
  • Access occupational specific qualifications either horizontally at Level 6 or vertically at Level 7.

    The qualification aims to equip learners to:
    Develop and apply relevant skills, knowledge and attitudes in the chosen Learning Areas:
  • Function better in and contribute to the world of work.
  • Be sensitive and reflective of issues relating to diversity, inclusivity, cultural values, human rights, gender, development and change.
  • Develop an appreciation for lifelong learning.
  • Function better as a citizen in South Africa and contribute to cultural, social cohesion, environmental and economic development.
  • Make informed judgments about critical ethical issues.
  • Develop study skills to be able to access education of higher learning.

    The following are the possible career options:
  • Designer either freelance or for retail company.
  • Stylist for a magazine. For individual clients or a shop-front stylist for a company.
  • Pattern maker, freelance or for a company.
  • Illustrator, freelance or for a magazine or for a fashion company.
  • Grader, freelancer or for a company.
  • Costume Designer, freelance or for a company.
  • Fashion buyer/assistant buyer freelance or for a company.
  • Merchandiser in a fashion or retail company.
  • Entrepreneurial opportunities in the fashion industry. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the recognition of prior learning and experience. Application for RPL are considered in line with the principles of the South African Qualifications Authority and the institution's RPL policy guidelines. It is undertaken within the context of the institution's commitment to broaden access to higher education. Administrative procedures and stipulated requirements must be complied as part of an applicant's RPL process.

    Entry Requirements:
    National Senior Certificate:
  • Minimum statutory NSC requirements for Diploma entry must be met.
  • NSC achievement rating of at least 3 (40-49%) for English at a Home Language or First Additional Language level.
    Plus
  • An NSC achievement rating of at least 3 (40% - 49%) for Mathematical Literacy.
    Or
  • An NSC achievement rating of at least at least 2 (30-39 for Mathematics or Accountancy. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Clothing Management and Technology I, 6 Credits.
  • Communication I, 4 Credits.
  • Computer Studies I, 4 Credits.
  • Creative Design I, 12 Credits.
  • Drawing/Illustration I, 6 Credits.
  • Garment Technology I, 24 Credits.
  • History of Clothing Design I, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurships I, 4 Credits.
  • Life Drawing I, 6 Credits.
  • Pattern Technology I, 24 Credits.
  • Two and Three Dimensional Studies I, 6 Credits.
  • Technical Drawing I, 6 Credits.
  • Textile I, 6 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing I, 6 Credits.
  • Clothing Management and Tech II, 6 Credits.
  • Computer Studies II, 4 Credits.
  • Creative Design II, 12 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship II, 8 Credits.
  • Drawing/Illustration II, 8 Credits.
  • Garment Technology II, 18 Credits.
  • History of Clothing Design II, 12 Credits.
  • Pattern Technology II, 18 Credits.
  • Pattern Grading I, 6 Credits.
  • Technical Drawing II, 8 Credits.
  • Textile II, 6 Credits.
  • Computer Aided Design and Clothing II, 6 Credits.
  • Clothing Management and Tech III, 6 Credits.
  • Creative Design III, 12 Credits.
  • Drawing/Illustration III, 8 Credits.
  • Garment Technology III, 21 Credits.
  • History of Clothing Design III, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing I, 6 Credits.
  • Pattern Grading II, 6 Credits.
  • Pattern Technology III, 21 Credits.
  • Professional Skills I, 6 Credits.
  • Two and Three Dimensional Studies III, 8 Credits.
  • Technical Drawing III, 8 Credits.
  • Two and Three Dimensional Studies II, 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.
    3. Relate principle and functions of entrepreneurial practices to the clothing sector.
    4. Evaluate and apply historical, social and cultural influences on design. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Design concepts include and resolve technological implementation requirements.
  • Design concepts respond to manufacture planning requirements.
  • Design concepts reflect technological and manufacturing limitations and accommodations.
  • All technological considerations are integrated to achieve an optimal pattern and garment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Design processes and market research using technology are integrated to respond to the specific market requirements.
  • Design presentations incorporating technology address specified requirements.
  • Design concepts and influences are coherently represented in a portfolio showing versatile design capability.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Key entrepreneurial and marketing management factors are identified and evaluated.
  • Work-place product development issues are assessed for opportunities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Social, cultural and historical influences on design trends are evaluated.
  • Information influencing design trends is conceptually represented.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The modules that makes up this qualification are all subject to continuous assessment. There are no "examinations", although each project or assignment is assessed for year-mark purposes. All the practical subjects for this qualification have three year mark assessment sessions during the year, as well as a Final Portfolio display for end of year mark assessment.

    Within the context of an overall Continuous Evaluation Assessment approach the following forms of assessment are used:
    Formative Assessment:
  • Written and oral tests.
  • Evaluation of laboratory practice.
  • Interdisciplinary projects.
  • Group projects.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Controlled projects.
  • Portfolio presentations.
  • Panel assessment of year work.
  • Written tests.

    The assessment of the evidence relates directly to the assessment criteria for each module, supported by the generic grade descriptors. The process of assessment aid effective learning by seeking and interpreting evidence to decide the stage that learners have reached in their learning, what further learning needs to take place and how best to do this. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification can be evaluated and it will be recognized as equivalent with other international programmes in Fashion. Competent recognition bodies such as higher learning institutions are tasked with making such a determination. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Fashion Design, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion, Level 7.
  • Bachelor Degree in Fashion Design, Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Walter Sisulu University 


    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.