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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Design and Studio Art 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91719  Diploma in Design and Studio Art 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
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
Reregistered  SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
65331  National Diploma: Fashion  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 
65314  National Diploma: Clothing  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 
65333  National Diploma: Fine Art  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 
65329  National Diploma: Graphic Design  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 
65330  National Diploma: Photography  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 
65294  National Diploma: Jewellery Design and Manufacture  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The qualification is designed to develop a competent professional with knowledge and skills required for design and/or art related fields and experience in applying such knowledge and skills in the appropriate work place context. This qualification will enable the professional to competently integrate theory, principles, proven techniques, practical experience and appropriate skills to the solution of well-defined and abstract problems in the selected design and/or art fields. Appropriate applied skills in management, professional practice and research are proportionally integrated at all levels, allowing the holder of this qualification to work independently and in a supervisory capacity within a spectrum of visual communication sectors. Therefore, the student will be able to become a reflective practitioner and a life-long student in his or her profession, thereby benefiting the community and society.

The Diploma: Design and Studio Art is to be offered full time over three years. It will engage a number of teaching modes, with emphasis on practical work integrated across a range of visual creative platforms.

Rationale:
The ten sub-critical qualifications offered by the School of Design Technology and Visual Art were reduced to a maximum of two or three articulating qualifications. The former qualifications will fall away with the implementation of the new qualification. This is in keeping with all sectors of the visual communication and arts industries that are moving away from labels of specialisation such as a graphic designer, a web designer, a painter, or a sculptor, to developing a generation of visual communicators/practitioners who can function across the platforms of innovation in, among others, art, filmmaking, clothing construction, design and advertising. During an extensive review process which included research with both past students and current employers, engagement with Art Source consultancy, a single new Diploma: Design and Studio Art has been proposed to the Department of Higher Education and Training. This new Diploma pioneers an innovative type of teaching and learning, not only at the Central University of Technology (CUT), but also in South Africa. It is modelled on global trends for Art and Design Schools.

The qualification is designed in a manner which encourages a broad conceptual understanding of design and studio art applications underpinned by sound knowledge and skills. Students will be able to flexibly apply these across a range of different creative media, as well as be equipped with adequate professional practice and management capabilities in order to apply themselves effectively in their chosen fields.

The qualification provides for the industry's need and the scarcity of professionally qualified "multi-skilled" designers and/or artists in South Africa. The unique offering of this programme will play a crucial role in delivering students that are able to function as entrepreneurs and therefore seek and generate placement in the world of work. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that the learners are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Life-skills at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification can be achieved in part or as a whole through the recognition of prior learning.
    Selection of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) students will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the RPL policy.

    This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and/or through prior experience as a practitioner in another field of Design and/or Studio Art. Providers are required to develop structured and accredited means of the assessment of students against exit level outcomes of the qualification on an individual basis and in accordance with the institutions' accredited RPL policy. Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent assessors.

    Access to the qualification:
    A National Senior Certificate or recognised equivalent, allowing access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    NQF Level 5 Modules:
  • Visual Culture I, 24 Credits.
  • Drawing I, 18 Credits.
  • Professional Practice I, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Imaging I, 18 Credits.
  • 2D and 3D Design I, 24 Credits.
  • Language of Instruction and Communication I, 9 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy I, 6 Credits.
  • Numeracy and Quantitative Literacy, 6 Credits.
  • Personal and Process Competencies, 3 Credits.
  • Management Studies I, 12 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 12 Credits.
    Total 144 Credits.

    NQF Level 6 Modules:
  • Visual Culture II,21 Credits.
  • Drawing II, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Practice II, 21 Credits.
  • Studio Practice II, 42 Credits.
  • Visual Culture III, 24 Credits.
  • Management Studies II, 12 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 24 Credits.
    Total 156 Credits.

    NQF Level 7 Modules:
  • Professional Practice III, 18 Credits.
  • Studio Practice III, 42 Credits.
    Total 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate a fundamental subject knowledge of design and studio art.
  • Assess the application of subject(s), and select, sequence and pace content according to both the subject and the industry needs.
  • Interpret target market and identify how to respond, understand the individual needs and tailor the product accordingly.
  • Communicate effectively, in general and in relation to own product(s), in order to mediate design and studio art industry needs.
  • Analyse and design studio art industry and unpack its applications using available resources to plan and develop suitable products.
  • Evaluate diversity in the South African context, in order to accommodate industry developments and identify and solve social problems.
  • Manage projects across variable contexts in order to define and solve sequenced real world visual problems.
  • Demonstrate entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills in diverse contexts in order to ensure a conducive working environment. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Fundamental knowledge with regard to areas related to visual communication is demonstrated.
  • Concepts, principles and theories applicable to the needs of the subjects are described and explained.
  • Products for a chosen target market are developed.
  • Effective management of diverse projects is demonstrated through the solving of visual problems.
  • Positive work ethic is integrated into related activities in design and studio practice.
  • Knowledge of the design and studio art industry is applied and evaluated in the unpacking, planning and development of suitable products.
  • Critical reflection on own practice is evaluated through peer review.
  • Effective management of diverse projects is demonstrated through defining and solving of recognised sequenced real world visual problems.
  • Sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills are effectively applied to adhere to a conducive working environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods, for example, written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, visual diaries, journals, field work and the assessment of competence through simulated and actual work integrated learning.

    The qualification will be awarded to a student who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated Exit Level Outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training within the learning programme or through experience that complies with the stated Recognition of Prior Learning policy. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Loughborough University - (Leicestershire, UK):

    Undergraduate Programme:

    Fine Art:
    The development of contemporary Fine Art practice, through inclusive pathways which embrace the fields of Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture and New Media form part of the curriculum. This programme gives students the opportunity to develop their knowledge and understanding of fine art practice through a diverse and challenging taught programme. Furthermore, the following will be incorporated: seminars, individual tutorials, group critique, lectures and workshops, students will engage in lively discussions underpinning practical studio work. The programme provides spacious studios and excellent workshop facilities for painting, for woodworking, welding and bronze casting, for stone carving and resin mould making. There are excellent facilities for papermaking, intaglio processes, mono-printing, silkscreen and lithography. There is also a fully-equipped Art and Design computer suite for digital video, sound generation and 3D modelling, and provision for large-format digital printing, web design, photo-manipulation and desktop publishing software.

    Entry prerequisites: Undergraduate Programme: Fine Art
    Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 3 years full-time 6 years part-time.
    UCAS Code: W100 BA/FA Applications to the above programmes are required to have completed a pre-Degree course prior to entry. This is usually a post A-level Foundation/BTEC National Diploma course.

    Career Prospects: Undergraduate programme: Fine Art
    A number of students go on to take up on postgraduate places in Art and Design subjects, Art Therapy, Teacher training and courses including the Royal College of Art, the Royal Academy, Wimbledon and the University for the Arts. Other students have entered an extraordinary broad range of other professional occupations in the film industry, the BBC, Madame Tussauds, Christies and John Galliano Studios for example.

    Graphic communication:
    This qualification explores the fundamentals of graphic communication in your first year of study. Students are assisted to develop as an individual and a designer with an effective and personal approach to the solving of problems. Students develop a range of creative idea generating skills. From the start students are encouraged to develop both individual leadership and team-working skills. In the first year students are encouraged to work freely throughout an exciting array of briefs that includes print, filmmaking, typography, ambient media, advertising and graphic theatre. In the second year students are encouraged to sample a wide range of specialisms including corporate identity, editorial and book design, packaging and information graphics, all deployed across a range of media. In the third year students are helped by the staff to plan a programme of study that sets you on a path of personal future development, be it entry into industry or into postgraduate education.

    Entry prerequisites: Undergraduate Programme: Graphic communication.
    Bachelor of Arts (Honours) 3 years full-time 6 years part-time.
    Applications to the above programmes are required to have completed a pre-degree course prior to entry. This is usually a post A-level Foundation/BTEC National Diploma course.
    Career Prospects: Undergraduate programme: Graphic Communication.
    The Graphic Communication programme builds on its strong industrial and academic reputation to introduce students to the contemporary demands of communication media. Graduates not only work for leading international agencies and design groups, but increasingly seek to establish their own agency-based practices and creative units with continued and sustained success.

    USA, The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire, Diploma in Studio Arts.

    With a Diploma in Studio Arts at The Art Institute of California - Inland Empire, sudents will typically have chosen two disciplines from the range of art and design media available, including painting, photography, graphic design, computers in design, textiles and surface design, printmaking, ceramics, sculpture and video, exploring different techniques and modes of creativity to develop your own styles and techniques. Students will typically have studied a critical theories module in which they will have examined the theoretical and historical background to one of the chosen disciplines, considering the social, political and philosophical context of the medium and its leading exponential figures.

    Commercial Photography (D):
    The Commercial Photography programme teaches composition, lighting, and equipment use. Darkroom techniques, colour, and design are explored both on location and in a studio. Students develop business skills as they fine-tune their eye for detail. Students will become familiar with the intricacies of photography for commercial purposes. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as technician, photographer's assistant, digital-imaging artist, product or still-life photographer and photo re-touch professional.

    Animation Art and Design (AAA):
    In the Animation Art and Design programme, students learn to conceive and design 2-D and 3-D images using both traditional and digital techniques. Students alter, manipulate, and reconstruct characters to interact with audio and video elements. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as storyboard artist, character designer, special effects artist, background painter, clean-up artist, 3-D character animator, modeller, and video postproduction artist.

    Fashion Design (BS):
    In the Fashion Design programme, students develop skills in design and patternmaking. Students learn both traditional and computer-generated design as they develop own sense of design and style. Graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment such as costume designer, assistant fashion buyer, fashion designer, or seamstress.

    Conclusion:
    Based on the information presented from the various international Higher Education Institutions, this qualification is well-rounded as it is designed within a framework from which students and lecturers can tailor the offerings to address specific student's interests. The qualification compares favorably with international qualifications in terms of the aspects of the qualification included in Diploma in Design and Studio Art, but differs in that it has incorporated the separate specialities into one qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Diploma: Fashion Design, NQF Level 6, 360 Credits

    This qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Bachelor of Arts: Design: Communication Design, NQF Level 7, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation:
    Summative assessment papers are subject to moderation. All moderators (internal and external) are identified in the Programme, approved by the Faculty Board and then appointed by the Assessments and Graduation Section. Internal moderators will be used for modules at levels I, II whilst for exit level modules (III), external moderators will be used. All procedures are followed strictly as stipulated by institutional policies and procedures. In the Design and Studio Art programme, moderators are appointed that have both occupational experience and a degree of educational experience. The moderator assists the institution in conducting a fair and reasonable assessment for a course module against three criteria: Firstly, whether the assessments are spread evenly and fairly over the syllabus and the specified outcomes of the course/module; secondly, whether the awarding of marks by the examiner/assessor in the memorandum or assessment scheme is fair for the amount of work and time involved in completing the model answer or practical assignment; and thirdly, whether the language usage is correct and there are no obvious ambiguities. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification replaces the following qualifications:
  • National Diploma: Fashion; 65331, Level 6, 360 Credits.
  • National Diploma: Clothing; 65314, Level 6, 360 Credits.
  • National Diploma: Fine Art; 65333, Level 6, 360 Credits.
  • National Diploma: Graphic Design; 65329, Level 6, 360 Credits.
  • National Diploma: Photography 65330, Level 6, 360 Credits.
  • National Diploma: Jewellery Design and Manufacturing; 65294, Level 6, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.