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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Fashion 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90845  Advanced Diploma in Fashion 
ORIGINATOR
Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design (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
Advanced Diploma  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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to combine the development of knowledge, understanding and skills in a range of specialised fields within the fashion industry. The aim is to provide the learners with a flexible programme of study which will provide the relevant level of knowledge and skills that are needed in the specialised field of fashion in a chosen career path. This qualification aims to meet the specialised needs of specific sectors of the fashion industry and commerce and reflect the knowledge areas expressed in the relevant Quality Assurance bodies, pertaining to higher education and training, as well as the job/national skills market.

Rationale:
This qualification has been developed in response to existing customers' and industry collaborators' needs. The qualification was conceptualised as an intervention to improve competitiveness in a specific niche of the industry. The aim is to educate and train learners in a niche area to add to and create real value for that particular chain, whether it is apparel retail, accessory design and entrepreneurship in fashion or any other specialised field in fashion design. This qualification aims to add to the global competitiveness of South African made clothing, textiles, footwear, leather and leather goods. It is anticipated that potential learners in this qualification will be working or have access to work placement but require a mechanism for the acquisition of relevant knowledge. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners are competent in fashion design skills at NQF Level 6 and have knowledge of research method.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Academy has a Recognition of Prior Learning policy and procedures, which guide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) practices within the institution. Recognition of Prior Learning is regarded as one of the critical mechanisms for achieving redress and equity and accelerating access. This policy and set of procedures can be used for the following purposes:
  • Transfer of credits between programmes or institutions.
    Or
  • Admission to a learning programme where the minimum requirements have not been met (excluding mature age exemption) and the candidate feels that the requirements can be met through Recognition of Prior Learning.
    Or
  • Admission to a learning programme with advanced standing or "Fast-tracking".

    It should be noted that the policy does not accommodate the awarding of an entire qualification on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning and this option would only be considered for inclusion upon review of the policy.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Learners wishing to enrol for this qualification must:
  • Be in possession of a relevant, design related Advanced Certificate, NQF Level 6, Diploma at NQF Level 6 or Occupational Certificate at NQF Level 6.
  • Learners who do not comply with the minimum requirements for admission may be admitted on the basis of the Recognition of Prior Learning.
  • Mature applicants of 23 years and above who do not meet the admission requirements may also be admitted based upon their workplace experience and Academy-specific entrance assessments and interviews. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules are offered at NQF Level 7. There are no elective modules. All modules must be successfully completed.
  • Fashion Design, 20 Credits.
  • Focus on Production, Credits 40.
  • Business Studies, 20 Credits.
  • Research for Practice, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Study Skills, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Solve problems relating to specialised fields within fashion design technology and other processes.
    2. Evaluate and apply historical, social and cultural influences on specialised sectors of fashion design.
    3. Select and apply advanced visual, oral and textual communication techniques prevalent and accepted in specialised fields of fashion design.
    4. Solve specific fashion design problems relating to changes influencing a field of fashion design and textiles/materials. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of primary and secondary investigative research methods.
  • Engage in informed discussion analysing, contextualising and evaluating the results of research.
  • Identify the most appropriate production strategies for the development of the design brief, taking technical factors into account.
  • Produce a case-study report of contemporary practice in industry or commerce.
  • Use selected information to effectively support or refute a proposition/case.
  • Produce visual and written communications that clearly and effectively identify personal positions on differing subjects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate the impact of innovative ideas and divergent thought in terms of their suitability and feasibility.
  • Identify and use a range of techniques and skills to ensure that the work meets the necessary standards.
  • Analyse and discuss any relevant new design trends, developments and techniques which could be exploited in the production of the work and may require adjustment of the brief.
  • Evaluate the design constraints imposed by costing, materials, content, production processes, special awareness and location considerations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Evaluate design concepts and early ideas and their relationship to consumer demand.
  • Apply health, safety and environmental regulations relating to use of materials, processes and technology.
  • Identify the key factors and influences which need to be considered in the product pricing process such as competition, product life cycle, among others.
  • Gather and assess data to evaluate the viability of design concepts.
  • Discuss product availability and distribution activities, relating them to customer demand and product pricing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Prepare and present design options visually and in writing to both designers and non-designers.
  • Describe a product's life cycle.
  • Identify the most appropriate production strategies for the development of the design brief, taking technical factors into account.
  • Exploit materials, processes and technology in terms of creative potential, limitations and suitability for design realisation.
  • Structure and present an argument in support of a design option.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and summative assessment practices will be implemented.

    Formative assessment will be mainly through group discussions, where practical exercises are observed and feedback is given on experiences and presentation of assignments, as well as written reports, some in draft and some in final form, depending on the purpose of the formative assessment opportunity. These assessments will predominantly be used as a form of on-going guidance as well as form of tracking a learner's progress. Summative assessment practices will be implemented to assess the final achievement of outcomes. These will take the form of assignments to be submitted, observation and assessment of practical tasks and presentations. Tests and/or examinations can also be used for certain parts of the work where retention of knowledge or individual and unguided performance needs to be established.

    Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done where applicable by written assignments, tests, practical assessments, portfolios, and case studies. The integrated assessment will help to relate the theory and knowledge to the practical skills needed in the particular sector of the fashion industry. Integrated assessment at this level of qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions in order to achieve specialised competence that is grounded in the current practice of that sector and is coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification. Integrated assessments will allow the judgment of level of quality of the learner's observable performance, as well as the quality, depth and acuteness of the thinking that underpins and informs such performance.

    Assessment tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpins their demonstrated performance in exercises requiring reflection and the critique of their own process. Some assessment practices will be of a more practical nature while others will be of a more theoretical nature, depending on what is being assessed. It is of utmost importance that validity of the assessment is ensured. The ratio between action and interpretation is not fixed, but varies according to the type of module and should be sufficiently varied. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared to qualifications from countries that are leaders in designing and fashion and those with best practices.

    Australia - RMIT University (Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology):

    Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology:
  • Fashion illustrations, trade sketches and begin to understand how to design for fashion ranges in both a commercial and creative ways.
  • Work with specialist fashion design CAD programs such as Illustrator and photo shop.
  • Patternmaking and developing product specifications for fashion garments.
  • Focus on fibres and fabrics as well as understanding the use and care of garments and testing fabrics.

    Electives:
  • Printing or knit in the first semester and then choose to specialise in fashion knitwear or fashion design for the remainder of studies into the second year.

    Practical:
  • Developing skills, working with industry on real projects using computer technology, complex patternmaking and block development skills to produce a range of designs and garments.
  • Undertake courses on researching contemporary fashion designs, developing and presenting design concepts, producing fashion illustrations, production planning processes, and development of design prototypes for either the knitwear or fashion design stream.

    China: BIFT International College Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design:

    Programme:
    This qualification is structured as a two year Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design. Upon successful completion of the Advanced Diploma students may elect to undertake progression studies leading to a Bachelor of Design from Raffles College Pty Ltd, trading as Raffles College of Design and Commerce. Modules include drawing, colour composition, form, pattern making, draping and cutting techniques, to build a firm foundation in fashion design. The main advantage is that the college works very closely with the fashion industry to offer students real-life projects for them to gain experience. The annual graduates' fashion show where final students display their collections is important as a lot of fashion industry people attend the show to scout new talents.

    Malaysia, Tunku Abdul Rahman College: Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design:

    Course summary:
    This qualification is designed to produce fashion designers who are professionally trained with a high level of technical, creative and critical thinking skills. Hence, students will be exposed to hands-on experience to enable them to develop their problem-solving proficiency creatively. The fashion industry exists in an ever-changing, highly proactive, and very exciting world. Successful professionals are able to influence social and cultural change, setting trends in visual and popular culture which may lead to commercial and global success. It encourages students to explore their creativity in problem-solving, organising and managing in designing by integrating it through visual, technical and verbal skills. Those successfully completing may find employment as fashion designer, assistant designer, fashion stylist, pattern maker, pattern grader, fashion retailer and buyer, fashion illustrator, fashion coordinator, textile artist, theatrical costume maker and designer.

    Conclusion:
    This Advanced Diploma in Fashion compares favourably with qualifications offered elsewhere in the world in terms of the content and outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal articulation opportunities:
  • Bachelor of Arts: Fashion Design, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Design, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical articulation opportunities:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours: Fashion, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation practices are aligned with the institution's moderation policy.
  • Moderators will be appointed by Management.
  • Moderators will be fairly selected for their ability, qualification and potential to fulfil the job requirements.
  • Management will approve all Moderator appointments.
  • Moderators will be replaced timeously as and when the need arises.
  • Moderation must be implemented using the formal process and procedure.
  • Moderators are responsible for ensuring that assessment is consistent, accurate and well designed.
  • They must plan and prepare for moderation, develop and maintain moderator reports, conduct moderation, advise and support assessors, report, record and administer moderation and suggest improvements to the system.
  • Moderators are to follow the moderation process and procedures laid down by the relevant Quality Council.

    Criteria for the appointment of Moderators:
    Internal Moderators must:
  • Show evidence of ETD expertise and exposure to moderation practices.
  • Advise assessors and maintain the quality of assessments conducted by assessors.
  • Sample assessments systematically to confirm the quality and consistency of assessment decisions made by assessors.

    External Moderators must:
  • Check the quality and consistency of assessments by structured and systematic sampling.
  • Give advice and comment on internal as well as external moderation processes.
  • Feedback and deliver critique on processes involved with assessment and recording and reporting of assessment processes and results. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators must hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated. Moderators are also required to have more than two years' teaching experience. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer. 

    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. Elizabeth Galloway Academy of Fashion Design (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.