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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Arts in Graphic Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97140  Master of Arts in Graphic Design 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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
Master's Degree  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 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 
The qualifying learner can conduct independent research under appropriate supervision in the field of visual communication and contribute to knowledge production in that field. The research problem, its justification process and outcome is reported in a dissertation which complies with the generally accepted norms for research at that level. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Bachelor in Technology Degree: (BTech): Graphic Design.
  • National Higher Diploma: Graphic Design. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    N 

    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 
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the field/area of investigation.
  • Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.

    Specified Level:
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of relevant knowledge in the selected field/area of research. (F, E) (20 Credits) (Level 8).
  • Demonstrate understanding of the chosen field. (F, E) (20 Credits) (Level 8).

    2. Select the appropriate research method for the investigation. (F, E) (20 Credits).
  • Apply appropriate methodology correctly in the research process. (F, E) (20 Credits).
  • Apply research tools effectively and correctly in the research process. (F, E) (40 Credits).

    Critical Outcomes:
    a) Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made;
    b) Working effectively with others as a member of a team;
    c) Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively;
    d) Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information;
    e) Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and / or written persuasion;
    f) Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others;
    g) Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation
    h) Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making the learner aware of the importance of:
    i) Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
    ii) Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
    iii) Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
    iv) Exploring education and career opportunities.
    v) Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    1.
    a. The listed and cited literature of the literature of the literature survey and the exposition of the research reflects familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
    b. Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained and juxtaposed correctly in oral presentations and the written record of the research.

    2.
    a. The use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/casual analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written record of research.
    b. The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal.
    c. The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
    d. Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
    e. Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and includes a range of media.
    f. Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation and the production of the dissertation.
    g. The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
    h. The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analysis are valid.
    i. Language and numeracy skills are applied clearly and correctly in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Research dissertation:
    Presentation of methodology, analysis and research findings. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation within the Doctorate of Technology Degree: Graphic Design. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External moderation as approved by Senate. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    In accordance with S.E.R.T.E.C. requirements. 

    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. Nelson Mandela 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.