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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Web and User Interface Design Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121177  Higher Certificate in Web and User Interface Design Practice 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (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 0638/26  2026-11-14  2029-11-14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-11-14   2033-11-14  

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 the Higher Certificate in Web and User Interface Design Practice is twofold. First, this qualification is designed to produce learners with foundational theoretical and practical knowledge and skills that will enable them to fill junior roles within several sectors such as junior web designers, junior UX designers, junior UI designers and junior user experience researchers.
Second, the foundational nature of this qualification will provide learners with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques to pursue further higher education studies in fields such as motion and interaction design, graphic design, multimedia design and production, network systems and systems development.

The learning outcomes, curriculum choice, learning and teaching methods, mode of delivery, learning materials, and expected completion time of the Higher Certificate in Web and User Interface Design Practice cater to school leavers' learning needs and professionals who may have a first qualification but are keen to upskill in the field of web and user interface design. The exit level outcomes (ELOs) align with the programme purpose and have been specifically selected to equip learners with the knowledge and skills identified as crucial for entry-level positions in the web and user interface design industry.

This qualification will deliver valuable vocational training with learners attaining technical production expertise in creating user experience maps, user flow diagrams, user personas, user interface designs and interaction and understanding of basic concepts of two-dimensional design such as typography, colour theory and message hierarchy. Learners will further master the fundamentals of essential programming languages, hosting platforms, search engine optimisation and video editing techniques.

Upon completion of the qualification qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a fundamental understanding of the historical and contemporary theoretical context within which branding, web publishing and user interface design practice exist.
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of basic terminology and fundamental processes and practices within the field of digital product design and specifically within the disciplines of web and software application design.
  • Display an ability to use basic techniques to select and present relevant and appropriate source material in response to well-defined website and application software design problems.
  • Create functional pieces of web and software application design, proposals and presentations using standard drawing and visualisation techniques, digital software and hardware for specific media contexts and display devices.

    Rationale:
    Higher education is a significant contributor to the growth of South Africa's economy, providing quality education, upskilling the youth, and providing opportunities to address unemployment in South Africa (South Africa Economic Update, 2019. World Bank).

    For higher education institutions to successfully contribute to the economic growth of the country and respond to unemployment, it is essential to develop programmes that allow access to higher education, and use flexible modes of provision, i.e., open distance learning, and explicitly use vocational qualifications aligned to the industries where significant job growth is expected (Digital 2020 Global Overview Report, 2020 and 2021) (A Technical Report for the 2020 Critical Skills List: Labour Market Intelligence Research Programme, 2020: DHET).

    The introduction of this programme addresses critical focus areas highlighted in the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2013), requiring the development of programmes that increase access, use diverse modes of provision and link education to the workplace.

    The Higher Certificate in Web and User Interface Design Practice aligns with the global digital transformation that has led to a rapid increase of online presence, on various digital platforms. It is estimated that over 4.5 billion individuals utilise the internet, and a significant number also make use of social media platforms (Digital 2020 Global Overview Report, 2020). Careers in digital design and related fields are growing in line with this digitalisation, at a global and continental level. The increasing demand for practitioners in the field necessitates the development of learning programmes that will equip learners with the foundational skills required for entrance into the job market in the broad field of creative media production, with a focus on skills for designing user experiences (UX), website and software user interfaces (UI) and for creating interactive and animated elements within websites and software environments.

    The Higher Certificate in Web and User Interface Design Practice will supply qualified learners to the expanding industry demand in the following entry-level positions:
  • Junior Web Designer
  • Junior UX Designer
  • Junior UI Designer
  • Junior User Experience Researcher

    This qualification is suited for matriculants interested in art or drawing, creative thinking, or computer-aided design, who wish to pursue further higher education studies but do not qualify for diploma or bachelor's degree entry. This qualification is also suitable for learners seeking to enter the broader creative media industry in entry-level positions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 140 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 140 Credits:
  • Academic Literacy, 14 Credits.
  • Introduction to Visual Product Design and Brand Communication, 14 Credits.
  • Design Theory and Techniques, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Programming Languages, 12 Credits.
  • Web and App Design, 18 Credits.
  • Digital Production 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Digital Production 1B, 20 Credits.
  • Web and App Design 2A, 15 Credits.
  • Web and App Design 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Illustrate a fundamental understanding of the historical and contemporary theoretical context within which branding, web publishing and user interface design practice exist.
    2. Apply knowledge and understanding of basic terminology and fundamental processes and practices within the field of digital product design and specifically within the disciplines of web and software application design.
    3. Use basic techniques to select and present relevant and appropriate source material in response to well-defined website and application software design problems.
    4. Identify appropriate methods, procedures, and techniques for solving well-defined website and application software design problems.
    5. Create functional pieces of web and software application design, proposals and presentations using standard drawing and visualisation techniques, digital software and hardware for specific media contexts and display devices
    6. Exhibit the ability to work collaboratively and professionally with peers and effectively manage time and resources to meet deadlines. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the key historical events that signified the beginning of the modern internet.
  • Illustrate a fundamental understanding of the important technical breakthrough that led to key developments in how media is used on web pages and branding, and how branding decisions are made in an online marketing context.
  • Display a basic understanding of how differing global, regional, and national approaches to visual and product design and branding impact contemporary web and software application design.
  • Identify and select examples of successful commercial contemporary web and application designs and describe the context in which they succeed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and describe the purpose and use of primary web development programming languages.
  • Utilise the essential functions of appropriate industry-standard screen layout design software and website content management software.
  • Display fundamental knowledge of design thinking frameworks when used to solve basic web and software application design problems.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of standard processes used when discussing a solution to a web or software application design problem.
  • Utilise core terminology when describing the functionality of a web or software application design.
  • Identify and describe the various stages involved in designing the visual components of a website or software application interface.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Create a basic visual presentation of research conclusions that form part of the rationale for a web or software application design project.
  • Produce a web or software application design solution set against well-defined tasks that display a basic understanding of the social and commercial context of web and software application design, trends, styles, and history of the discipline.
  • Apply basic knowledge and understanding of brand communications about web or software application design in each practical project.
  • Apply basic knowledge and understanding of web and software application design history in each practical project.
  • Differentiate between good and bad web or software application design solutions in a familiar commercial context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply knowledge and respond to a web or software application design brief and follow a simple design process from ideation to finished execution.
  • Deliver a basic presentation of a project rationale and utilise mind-mapping and scamping/sketching to create original concepts and approaches to web design projects.
  • Apply visual languages to create designs that express a concept using typography, video, photographic imagery, colour, shape, line and form and animated representations of information or interactive design elements.
  • Apply competence in line with industry expectations of entry-level web and software application designers.
  • Apply basic web design principles and software application design in practical assignments in various commercially relevant media formats.
  • Produce basic written and visual presentations of completed web or software application design projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Create basic digital artwork using appropriate software and the correct technical specification for the required media and at a level of accuracy associated with current junior industry practitioners.
  • Effectively show an ability to produce basic digitally prepared artwork in various file formats and understand their purpose and technical parameters.
  • Apply knowledge and manage digital design workflow using best practices for storage and archival, version control and file naming conventions.
  • Interpret and utilise fundamental industry terminology when describing the technical attributes and requirements of a range of production-ready artwork.
  • Show understanding of the function and purpose of contemporary digital collaboration and file-sharing platforms.
  • Utilise observational and analytical drawing techniques.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of form, line, colour, light and shade in drawings.
  • Apply fundamental knowledge of typography and message hierarchy.
  • Communicate ideas, and processes effectively through visual media and quality presentations of drawing and visualisations.
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Indicate a fundamental understanding of project planning and management.
  • Illustrate an ability to maintain professional standards of time management and understand the value of meeting deadlines in a commercial context.
  • Display understanding and utilise discipline-specific fundamental terminology and appropriate, professional language when communicating with other designers and team collaborators.
  • Effectively employ general communication skills required to contribute to peer reviews and to communicate with industry practitioners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: University of the Highlands and Islands
    Qualification Title: Higher National Certificate in Digital Design and Web Development
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
    General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level.

    Purpose:
    The Higher National Certificate in Digital Design and Web Development will give learners professional knowledge in the development of interactive and digital media products. It provides an up-to-date qualification within an ever-changing industry. With digital media becoming an essential aspect of marketing and communications, having skills in a wide area of disciplines will help learners to build their careers.

    Upon completion of this qualification learners will be able to:
  • Develop a wide range of transferable skills in a number of key disciplines including, graphic design, 2D animation, web design, application and games development, audio/video production, and programming.

    Qualification Structure:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Digital design and web development compares with Design Theory and Techniques.
  • Digital graphics fundamentals.
  • User interface design compares with Introduction to Programming Languages.
  • Developing software: introduction compares with Introduction to Visual Product Design and Brand Communication.
  • System development: user-centred design.
  • Teamwork in computing compares with Professional Practice.
  • Web technologies 1: HTML and CSS.

    Similarities:
  • The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and the South African qualification (SA) are both offered over one year.
  • Both UHI and SA qualifications accept learners who completed the highest school living certificate.
  • The two qualifications are comparable in the focus of foundational knowledge, skills, and competencies. > The blend of modules builds a foundation from which learners may consider their choice of employment or a further study pathway.
  • Both UHI and SA qualifications have similar modules such as Digital Design and Web Development, Professional Practice, Introduction to Visual Product Design and Brand Communication and Introduction to Programming Languages.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Torrens University Australia
    Qualification title: Diploma of UX and Web Design
    Duration: 18 months full-time, 2 years part-time, 12 months accelerated

    Entry requirements:
    Year 12 (Australian secondary school certificate) or equivalent
    Or
    Successful completion of a Vocational qualification (AQF Level 4)
    Or
    Successful completion of a Higher Education qualification

    Purpose:
    The Diploma of UX and Web Design course develops learners' understanding of web-based design and development. The course combines practical coding and digital media skills with human-computer interaction, user behaviour, user experience and psychology, along with information and media theory, and the study of professional practice in interaction design workplaces.

    Upon completion, a learner can begin an entry-level career or continue studying at bachelor's degree level.
    This course combines practical coding and digital media skills with the study of human-computer interaction, user behaviour and user experience, along with media theory and professional practice. During the diploma, learners will learn the fundamentals of digital design, including all leading software, contemporary UX practices and methodologies and the psychology behind digital interaction and decision-making.

    Qualification Structure:
    Core Module:
  • Design Context compares with Web and App Design.
  • Design Studio

    Specialisation modules:
  • Interaction Design compares with Design Theory and Techniques.
  • Typography
  • Digital Design Foundations compares with Introduction to Visual Product Design and Brand Communication.
  • JavaScript Fundamentals compares with Introduction to Programming Languages.
  • Data Visualisation.
  • Visual Language of Design compares with Web and App Design.
  • Beyond the Creative Industries.
  • Work Integrated Learning compares with Professional Practice.
  • Digital Portfolio and Showreel.
  • UX Fundamentals.

    Learning outcomes:
  • Specialise in cutting-edge interactive design work for using programming and artistry.
  • Develop practical skills in web and mobile design and development.
  • Learn a range of practical coding and digital media skills.
  • Specialise in UX to craft compelling interactive experiences for web and mobile.
  • Work with industry-standard creative processes, advanced challenges, and briefs.

    Similarities:
  • The Torrens University Australia (TUA) and the South African (SA) qualifications accept learners who have passed year 12 or vocational certificates at NQF Level 4.
  • The two qualifications share similar modules such as Web and App Design, Professional Practice, Introduction to Programming Languages and Introduction to Visual Product Design and Brand Communication.
  • Both the TUA and the SA qualifications have a similar purpose which is to develop learners' understanding of web-based design and development. They both aim to deliver valuable vocational training with learners attaining technical production expertise in creating user experience maps.
  • Both TUA and SA qualifications enable learners with opportunities to enter an entry-level career or to continue studying to pursue further higher education studies that will lead to Diploma or bachelor's degree entry.
  • Both qualifications are suitable for learners seeking to enter the broader creative media industry in entry-level positions.

    Differences:
  • The TUA qualification can be completed over eighteen months, two years or over one year, whereas the SA qualification is only offered over a one-year. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Print Design and Publishing, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Art Direction and Graphic Design, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Advertising and Integrated Communication Practice, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Graphic Web Design, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Network Systems, NQF level 6.
  • Diploma in Visual Communication Design, NQF level 6.
  • Diploma in Systems Development, NQF level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design, NQF level 6.
  • Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Information Technology in Web Design and Development, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Information and Communication Technology: Business Development Consultant, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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. Boston City Campus (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.