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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Desktop Publishing and Computer Art 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117891  Higher Certificate in Desktop Publishing and Computer Art 
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (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
Higher Certificate  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-09-29  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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
96714  Higher Certificate in Desktop Publishing and Computer Art  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  128  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification has been developed for the business sector - both small, medium and large enterprises. It aims to equip learners with the necessary competencies to perform professionally as a Desktop Publishing and Computer Artists in the business environment with specific emphasis in the advertising, logo and promotional design, printing and retail media.

Rationale:
This programme addresses human resource development needs of the country.

There is a growing need for competent Desktop Publishing and Computer Artists in a rapidly changing business retail environment, particularly in the advertising and electronic information design environment. There is also a need for wider access to alternative DTP and computer graphic design learning programmes by students who do not meet entry qualifications into Technikon or University programmes. The introduction of the Desktop Publishing and Computer Art Certificate will provide in this specific need. It will open job seeking doors in specific areas such logo design, promotional design, printing and retail media. Since strong emphasis is on the development of a variety of creative skills using the latest technology and software, this programme will add educational value for enrolled students. Increased equity is achieved by giving students from historically disadvantaged communities wider access to such learning opportunities, and thus addressing ethnic imbalances in the student profile of the past. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
The learner entering this programme should have achieved a FET Certificate or equivalent. Knowledge of/and experience in Computer Science as well as Graphic Design is not a required.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The programme recognises and applies the principle of prior learning in various ways. It is structured according to programme modules, starting with the students' current level of knowledge, and adding new knowledge (both in depth and width), learning experiences, understanding and skills. Students are exposed to relevant learning experiences in both formal and non-formal training within the classroom, as well as the real work environment. A specified number of credits are awarded for each module towards fulfilling the requirements of this qualification. Learners may build on this qualification and progress to related specialist training such as Graphic Web Design qualifications.

Students can get access to this programme through recognition of relevant knowledge and skills acquired by:
  • Occupational-related experience in this particular field.
    and/or
  • Gaining credits for a certain part/component of this qualification (in another programme within this Institution, or externally in the same/a similar qualification at an accredited education/training institution.
    and/or
  • An entire qualification after being assessed against the stated learning outcomes applicable to this particular qualification to determine the student's competency.

    The specific form of assessment to determine the level of recognition of prior learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual applicant. In case of the applicant not being able to produce a certificate of credits gained, the assessment will at least involve the presentation of a portfolio of practical work as demonstration of applied knowledge and skills.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Open access. The only applicable entry qualification is a Senior Certificate. Since the language of tuition is English, students should be able to communicate in English. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Learning components:
    Theory, practical application of theory, and experience-based learning (subject and competence-related practical experience in the business environment). Due to the practical nature of this programme, all modules are regarded as core learning.

    Content details (Curriculum):
    Note: All modules are compulsory (Core knowledge). There are thus no elective modules.
  • Macromedia Freehand: (15 Credits).
  • Adobe Photoshop: (23 Credits).
  • Quark Express: (20 Credits).
  • Image Ready: (15 Credits).
  • Corel Draw: (15 Credits).
  • Corel Photo Paint: (15 Credits).
  • Digital Photography: (15 Credits).
  • DTP Theory: (10 Credits). 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    At completion of this qualification, the learner will be able to:

    1. Understand, create and manipulate from the most basic to advanced level the retouching of computer graphics and photographs.
    2. Perform from the basic to the advanced levels the Quark Express Plan, produce and present electronic images and applying them accordingly to different media.
    3. Design and print media for poster, magazine and billboard designs.
    4. Create electronic images and Internet graphics.
    5. Design letterheads, logos and promotional materials for the corporate and business sector.
    6. Manipulate paintings, photographs and bitmap images combined with advanced editing techniques on a professional level that is equivalent to industry requirements.
    7. Understand, use and apply advanced graphic editing techniques.
    8. Understand the physical features and functions of the SRL/digital camera, and apply it to shooting visual images.
    9. Compile a portfolio demonstrating techniques acquired with regards to digital photography that is equivalent to industry requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    In the assessment the following criteria will apply:
    1. Demonstrate mastery of core knowledge, attitudes, and skills in accordance with the level and outcomes of this qualification.
    2. Maintain a balance between theoretical assessment and practical application of knowledge within the world of work.
    3. The weight applicable to theory in comparison to practical knowledge and skills will vary according to the type and level of qualification.
    4. A repertoire of assessment methods will be used relevant to stated learning outcomes, both in specific and cross-field terms. These must include assessment of attitudes, as well as thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
    5. Learners must comply with all requirements and standards related to computer operating practices in the world of work, including accuracy, presentation, and correct data input.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Comprehensive learning assessment is conducted throughout the programme (formative assessment), focusing on both theory and the application of knowledge as well as skills as applied to specific job-related situations and problems such as "computer artists" where they have to integrate theory and practice. This increases the relevancy of training offered by this Institution, and assessment at different learning levels. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The learner having this qualification will be able to apply relevant knowledge, attitudes, and skills as a desktop publishing and computer artist at any level, both within and outside South Africa. The programme is on par with similar international training at for example the University of Malawi Polytechnic College. All software packages applicable to the offering of the qualification are the latest and commonly used in both advertising and information design companies at international level. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Possibilities exist for articulation to other qualifications horizontally, within and external to the Institution, as well as vertically to the next level qualification within and external to the Institution.
  • Horizontal Articulation:
    Horizontal link with Graphic Design Certificate. Students who have passed a certain module at another Institution are given credit after individual assessment, thus enabling him/her to continue in a programme offered at this Institution.
  • Vertical Articulation:
    Students may build on this qualification and progress to further (more advanced) related specialist training such as the Graphic Web Diploma. If such programmes are offered at another Institution a student will be able to enrol in that programme. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation includes both internal and external moderation of assessment, based on the competencies and exit points related to this qualification.
  • Moderation options

    This Institution will apply a system of external peer evaluation conducted every 3-5 years. Suitable experts will be used for moderation of all critical programme components, including outcomes, content, methodology, learning assessment, and use resources (study guides, technology, etc). 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Anyone assessing a student or acting as a moderator for this Qualification must be qualified in his/her specific programme field(s).

    The minimum requirements are:
  • Declared competence in all the stated outcomes for a particular programme sub-field in this qualification.
  • Detailed documentary proof of relevant educational qualification(s).
  • Relevant practical training and experience gained by the applicant (minimum of 2 two years occupational experience).

    When appointing moderators preference will be given to persons with at least two years relevant experience in a training institution. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    This qualification is now offered by Stadio (Pty) Ltd, and no longer by Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd - effective 29 September 2020 

    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. Stadio (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.