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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122663  National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-MICT SETA 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Occupational Cert  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  160  Not Applicable  NQF Level 04  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0426/24  2024-08-22  2029-08-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-08-22   2033-08-22  

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
49127  Further Education and Training Certificate: Design Foundation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  141  Complete 
73390  Further Education and Training Certificate: Graphic Web Design and Multimedia  Level 4  NQF Level 04  136  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Graphic Media Designer. Graphic Media Designers create and design digital, traditional or tradigital media content for various mediums such as printed content; and digital platforms such as websites, social media, video, mobile apps, and other digital communication channels.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Determine target market for graphic media and medium preferences.
  • Prepare for production of graphic media mediums.
  • Create and produce graphic media in preferred media for specific purposes, clients, and audiences.
  • Conduct business processes related graphic media creation.

    Graduate attributes:
    A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes:
  • sense of urgency, adaptability
  • effective team player, critical thinking
  • practically orientated, customer focused
  • innovative
  • technology inclined and
  • culturally sensitive.

    Rationale:
    The National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer will provide qualified designers with a wide range of skills, including digital design, typography, branding, and multimedia production, making them versatile and valuable assets in the industry. Designers with this newly developed qualification will be more skilful at using the latest design software and technologies, ensuring the industry stays current and competitive.

    The South African society will benefit from the contribution qualified Graphic Media Designers have on creative expression and cultural representation, reflecting South Africa's diversity and heritage through various design elements. Designers create visually appealing content that contribute to increased visual literacy and communication among the public. The National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer will add to the capacity graphic media designers need to create educational materials and awareness campaigns that inform the public about important issues such as health, safety, and social initiatives.

    Graphic Media Designers, especially those in small businesses or freelancers, contribute to economic empowerment by generating income and fostering entrepreneurship. Visually appealing promotional materials and campaigns enhance sectors such as the tourism sector, attracting more visitors and promoting cultural exchange. They play a vital role in effective branding and design strategies that inform strong brand identities for businesses, increasing customer loyalty and revenue, ultimately contributing to economic stability. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for Access to Training:
    Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a qualification if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a qualification.

    Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

    RPL for exemption
    For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA):
    Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a qualification through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

    A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

    Upon successful completion of the EISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications is approved by the QCTO.
    Entry Requirements:

    Entry Requirements
    An NQF Level 3 qualification. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 216603-001-00-KM-01, Basic Elements and Principles of Design, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-KM-02, Principles of Visual Content Development, Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-KM-03, Principles of Photography & Videography for Visual Content Developers, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-KM-04, Principles of Design Technology used by Visual Content Developers Level 4, 25 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-KM-05, Business communication and administration, Level 4, 10 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 85

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 216603-001-00-PM-01, Assess the Target Market to Determine Media Client, user and Audience Preferences and Requirements, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-PM-02, Conduct Pre-Production Processes in Preparation of Creating Different Media Mediums, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-PM-03, Create and Produce Media in Various Mediums for Specific Purposes, Clients, or Audiences, Level 4, 15 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-PM-04, Conduct Business Supervisory and Administration Functions, Level 4, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 45

    Work Experience Modules:
  • 216603-001-00-WM-01, Assess the Workplace Target Market to Determine Media Client, User and Audience Preferences and Requirements, Level 4, 6 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-WM-02, Conduct Pre-Production Processes in a Workplace in Preparation of Creating Graphic Media Content, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-WM-03, Create and Produce Media in a Workplace in Preferred Medium for Specific Purposes, Clients, or Audiences, Level 4, 10 Credits.
  • 216603-001-00-WM-04, Observe and Report on Business Supervisory and Administration Functions, Level 4, 4 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 30 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to determine graphic media target market preferences.
    2. Conduct pre-production processes for creating graphic media mediums.
    3. Create and produce graphic media content.
    4. Apply business processes related to graphic media content. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO 1: Determine graphic media target market preferences.
  • Analyse, interpret, and confirm client brief and/or marketing strategy that outlines the intended purpose or outcome of graphic media content to be developed by applying standard methods, procedures or techniques for unpacking client need requirements.
  • Gather and interpret digital graphic media content target market preferences data.
  • Analyse required digital media user experience that is required to be created by the graphic media content by gathering and selecting information from a range of sources and by applying basic processes of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
  • Gather and analyse insights on user and client graphical media preferences by applying standard methods, procedures or techniques for unpacking and understanding target audience graphic media preferences.
  • Prepare and present draft graphic media content by addressing the desired outcome of the content to be developed to the client using suitable methods and techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Conduct pre-production processes for creating graphic media mediums.
  • Conceptualise visual media content using media creation tools, techniques, and software to develop pre-production drafts.
  • Select and apply graphic media industry specific pre-production processes, methods, procedures, or techniques.
  • Present and confirm graphic media designs, deployment requirements and resources with clients by using industry specific pre-production processes, methods, procedures, or techniques.
  • Compile graphic media content production plan by applying production planning and organising principles, tools and techniques.
  • Present and sign off the client's graphic media production plan and content by applying relevant methods, procedures, and techniques.
  • Select and apply industry specific pre-production processes, methods, and techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO 3: Create and produce graphic media content.
  • Apply graphic media design concepts, styles, approaches, tools, and techniques to create content.
  • Format and integrate user interface platforms with graphic media content by applying, tools, procedures, and innovative techniques.
  • Apply graphic media content production methods, processes, procedures, and techniques.
  • Apply graphic media content design principles such as composition, colour theory & typography to refine designs applying relevant tools, techniques, and technology.
  • Conduct post-production processes to finalise graphic media content by applying key principles, industry protocols, processes, tools, and techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO 4: Apply business processes related to graphic media content.
  • Apply key terms, rules, concepts, established principles, and theories.
  • Compile reports and other business documentation by applying business communications principles.
  • Organise contracts and projects by applying project, pipeline, and budget management principles.
  • Monitor legal compliance and ethical considerations of a production by using conventions related to intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism, cultural sensitivity, and audience impact.
  • Develop, select and apply business marketing material key terms, rules, concepts, established principles, and theories.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment
    The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

    Integrated Summative Assessment
    An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared with the following international qualifications:

    Australia
    The Certificate IV in Design is offered by Australian City Design College that exposes learners to creative design thinking and focusses on working with a range of traditional and digital design processes to create design projects in a studio-based environment.

    The following topics are covered:
  • Produce computer-aided drawings.
  • Explore the use of colour.
  • Generate design solutions.
  • Interpret and respond to a design brief.
  • Apply critical thinking skills in a team environment.
  • Source and apply information on the history and theory of design.
  • Contribute to health and safety of self and others.
  • Integrate colour theory and design processes.
  • Realise a creative project.
  • Build simple websites using commercial programmes.
  • Create visual design components.
  • Use typography techniques.
  • Develop and refine illustrative work.
  • Research and apply graphic design techniques.

    The qualification is designed as a one-year programme. Entry requirements to the qualification is a secondary study equivalent to an Australian Year 12 qualification with English proficiency.

    Similarities
    The programme content is similar to the National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer developed in South Africa, focussing on creative design thinking and working with a range of traditional and digital design processes to create design projects. Aspects such as visual design principles, illustration techniques, brief interpretation and creativity are covered in both qualifications.

    Differences
    The Australian qualification does not cover business acumen principles. It has a module covering building websites using commercial programmes, which is not covered in the South African qualification. Basic webpage design is covered by Short Courses in the South African environment. The South African qualification has lower admission requirements.

    United Kingdom (UK)
    Blackpool and the Fylde College in the United Kingdom offers a Certificate in Art and Design (Graphic Design and Illustration). The first year of the programme Higher National Certificate Level 4 that covers all aspects of the visual arts, with core skills being developed and refined across the visual arts as part of a cluster, giving learners a broad and comprehensive experience. Learners could choose to proceed with a second year at Higher National Diploma Level 5.

    The content covers the following range of graphic media design content:
  • Professional Development.
  • Contextual Studies.
  • Graphic Media Design Techniques and Processes.
  • Communication in Art and Design.
  • Graphic Design Practices.
  • Surface Design.
  • Visual Narratives.
    The UK based course also places a high premium on innovation and creativity.

    The course is offered as a one-year programme. Leaners must submit completed studies which are evaluated to determine the UCAS Tariff points. A minimum of 48 points are required as entry for the Certificate in Art and Design (Graphic Design and Illustration), which is a relative low entry requirement.

    Similarities
    The content covers a similar range of graphic media design scope to the National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer. The high premium placed on innovation and creativity, is also a critical aspect of the newly developed South African qualification. The South African qualification has a similar focus on graphic media design techniques and processes, design practices, and visual narratives to that offered in the UK qualification. The qualification offered in the UK has a low entry level requirement, which is like the National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer NQF Level 4 requirement.

    Differences
    The National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer has a specific focus on business acumen, which is not covered in the Certificate in Art and Design (Graphic Design and Illustration).

    Conclusion
    The topics or content and focus of the National Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer compares favourably with the two international qualifications used for the comparability study. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Quality Controller, NQF Level 4.
  • National Certificate: Vocational: Management, NQF Level 4.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Higher Occupational Certificate: Advertiser, NQF Level 5.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Graphic Design, NQF Level 6.
  • Higher Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    Qualifying for External Assessment:
    To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

    Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
    None.

    Criteria for the accreditation of providers:
    Accreditation requirements, against which Skills Development Providers (SDP) and Assessment Centres, will be accredited, is found in the Curriculum Document, as listed below:

    The curriculum title and code: Graphic Media Designer: 216603-001-00-00.

    Encompassed Trade:
    None.

    Assessment Quality Partner (AQP):
    Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority (MICTSETA). 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.