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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97395  Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
FEDISA (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours 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 08  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:
Upon completion of the qualification the learner will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the fashion industry both at a national and global scale.
  • Apply theories, research methodologies, and data collection techniques relevant to the field of Fashion focussing on Trend Forecasting, Sustainability and Merchandising.
  • Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to the context of the fashion industry and fashion research.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion aims to develop learners for both the South African and global fashion industry in order for them to be able to make an economic contribution in their respective fields. In addition, it has become apparent that with the rapidly changing pace of the design industry on a global scale, a higher level of understanding is required by learners hoping to lead the industry into the future beyond mere manufacturing processes. Learners now require a deeply rooted and comprehensive understanding of the generation, mediation and application of new knowledge and thought processes. Thus this qualification is structured to not only develop the learners' higher order thinking skills but also to contribute to the national goals articulated in the Education White paper pertaining to the development of higher order thinkers, both in South Africa and the global arena.

    In consultation with the various stakeholders such as professional designers, retailers, stylists, forecasters and fashion media, it has become apparent that the fashion industry will benefit from a superior interrogation of the relevant subject matter, commensurate with the outcomes of an Honours' Degree. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is applied to learners who can demonstrate proficiency in a) the whole qualification; or b) any module contained therein. Learners may be granted exemption from the qualification or part qualification and receive credits for the same, after the successful submission of assessment outputs consistent with the RPL policy and practices of the institution.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Fashion or Fashion Design. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
    Modules at NQF Level 8,120 Credits:
  • Integrated Research Methodology, 14 Credits.
  • Fashion and Textile Design, 16 Credits.
  • Manufacturing and Distribution, 16 Credits.
  • Fashion Marketing, 16 Credits.
  • Fashion Retail, 16 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning 8 Credits.
  • Mini-dissertation, 34 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the fashion industry both at a national and global scale.
    2. Apply theories, research methodologies, and data collection techniques relevant to the field of Fashion focussing on Trend Forecasting, Sustainability and Merchandising.
    3. Demonstrate critical awareness of the need to act ethically and exercise judgement and take responsibility within own limits of competence. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The impact of global economic dynamics on manufacturing and distribution in the industry is analysed.
  • The impact of global and national politics and mercantile law on fashion merchandising is critically reviewed.
  • The impact of social, cultural and psycho-social dynamics on marketing and advertising in the fashion industry is analysed.
  • Theories, philosophies and discourse on augmented reality and its role in transforming marketing and advertising in the fashion industry are interrogated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Research methodologies and techniques relevant to the field of fashion and research in the creative industries are applied.
  • Extensive, relevant and critical review of pertinent literature related to fashion theory is demonstrated.
  • Action research in an actual industry setting is conducted and findings are documented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The ethics in supply-chain practice are analysed.
  • Effective methods of communicating ethics are developed.
  • Outcomes and consequences of unethical and ethical practice are identified and used.
  • The motivations and roles of consumers in the ethics discourse and practice are analysed and understood.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous assessment is carried out and every assignment is considered for evaluation. The various modules that constitute the qualification dictate the nature of the assessment, which in the full spectrum will include long essays, seminar papers and a mini-dissertation. The final mini-dissertation is therefore reflective of such academic achievement in its summative assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Royal College of Art, at the University of Hertfordshire in the United Kingdom offers a Bachelor of Marketing in Fashion Honours which is designed for learners interested in a career in the fashion industry. Learners will be ideally placed for jobs such as merchandising, fashion-buying, advertising or promotions. This qualification provides learners with an integrated understanding and with a perspective on the application of culture, context and professional practice in the fashion industry. The qualification offers a foundation in business, economics and quantitative techniques and develops the interpersonal skills necessary for a successful career, as well as integrating the principles of marketing within the fashion industry. By the end of the qualification learners will have:
  • Acquired theoretical and practical knowledge and skills required by the fashion industry.
  • Critical and analytical problem solving skills and general transferable skills (interpersonal skills, teamwork, etc.).
  • A broad range of related employment opportunities.

    The Istituto Marangoni in Milan (Italy) that has now opened branches in Paris, London and Shangai offers a B.A honours in Fashion Design. The qualification equips learners with many abilities in the field of fashion such as responding to changing needs in the fashion industry. Learners will be able to make informed decisions based on an informed analysis of materials and fabrics in connection with art, marketing and fashion. The learner will be able to satisfy the needs of the target market, while respecting the brand image and in keeping with trends. The qualification assists learners in predicting trends and tendencies. Upon qualifying the learner will be in a position to:
  • Understand the process of fashion design and develop creative abilities, both intellectual and technical, to be able to operate in the fashion industry.
  • Develop the ability to compare and communicate ideas and information in the context of the various roles in the fashion industry.
  • Demonstrate a professional approach which denotes the ability for problem solving, conclude and sustain an appropriate professional thesis for setting up a business.

    Conclusion:
    The comparative analysis done indicates that this qualification compares favourably with other international qualifications in terms of the purpose and learning outcomes of the qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification may provide the following possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Business Management at NQF Level 8.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Marketing at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Technology in Fashion at NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Fashion Design at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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. FEDISA (Pty) Ltd 


    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.