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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123905  Higher Certificate in Design 
ORIGINATOR
Academic Institute of Excellence (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 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
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
Registered  EXCO 0429/25  2025-02-04  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
97900  Higher Certificate in Design Thinking  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to lay a foundation in the broad principles and practices of design. The qualification introduces learners to creative and visual thinking, design thinking and the design process, visual communication methods, professional practice and the analysis and critique of design solutions. It offers an integrated combination of conceptual and applied skills and prepares learners to become flexible, problem-solving thinkers outside the boundaries of a single design discipline.

Upon qualifying the learner will be able to:
  • Understand simple academic texts, formulate arguments and communicate in an academically acceptable manner.
  • Interpret, analyse and critique design with reference to visual culture.
  • Schedule and manage a simple design project.
  • Utilise a variety of media, tools and techniques to express design ideas and communicate information visually.
  • Apply design thinking and the design process in order to generate solutions to basic design problems.

    Rationale:
    The qualification caters for learners who have completed their National Senior Certificate with entry into Higher Certificate qualifications. Learners of the Higher Certificate are expected to enter the art or design industry in junior positions, or continue with further study in Degree or Diploma qualifications. As such, the qualification functions to widen access to higher education qualifications at level 6 and higher while providing at the same time a stand alone vocational-based qualification producing employable learners.

    The knowledge and skills taught are fundamental to many visual and creative professions, and graduates will be able to transfer these to a variety of design specialisations, including visual communication design, interior design, product design and environmental design. Additionally, the qualification focuses on learners' command of the English language, particularly in academic reading and writing pertinent to visual culture and design theory. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning will make provision for admission into the qualification based on the qualifications and experience other than those noted in the admission criteria. Learners who have gained knowledge either non-formally or informally will undergo an RPL assessment, with the aim of confirming that the learner satisfies the learning assumed to be in place. The learner's artistic ability and English skills will be assessed by relevant qualified academics.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirement is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with endorsement to enter Higher Certificate Studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) [NC(V)].
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.
  • Design, 30 Credits.
  • Communication 30 Credits.
  • Professional Practice 30 Credits.
  • Critical Studies 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply design thinking and the design process in order to generate solutions to basic design problems.
    2. Utilise a variety of media, tools and techniques to express design ideas and communicate information visually.
    3. Schedule and manage a simple design project.
    4. Interpret, analyse and critique design with reference to visual culture.
    5. Understand simple academic texts, formulate arguments and communicate in an academically acceptable manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The context of simple design problems is investigated and researched.
  • Different visual thinking tools (such as mind-mapping and sketching) are used to shape design problems.
  • A range of creative techniques (such as brainstorming and lateral thinking) are employed to generate multiple design concepts.
  • Original and innovative design solutions that reflect an appropriate use of the design elements and principles are generated.
  • Appropriate materials, production techniques and processes required to implement design proposals are investigated.
  • The design process is reflected upon and proposed design solutions are evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A wide range of drawing techniques are employed in order to produce observational drawings, create images and express concepts.
  • A variety of media is used to represent 2 and 3 dimensional design concepts (for example, painting, pen and ink, digital techniques, Marquette).
  • Different types of visualisation methods (such as graphs, diagrams, models, collage) are used to communicate information visually.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The milestones / deadlines in a project's lifespan (such as briefing, research, ideation, presentation, feedback, and final presentation) are adhered to.
  • Steady and regular progress in the completion of design solutions is shown.
  • Appropriate use of resources (such as teaching material, recommended references, the library, and expert advice) are sought and made.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The design and visual culture theory is understood and appropriate vocabularies are used correctly.
  • Design examples are analysed and interpreted in relation to a range of social, cultural, technological and historical contexts.
  • Design examples are evaluated and critiqued according to function, aesthetic, context and resolution.
  • Critical reflections on the ways in which design can be used to challenge or reinforce social, cultural, environmental and ethical issues are explained.

    Integrated Assessment:
    In accordance with the institution's Assessment Policy, assessments integrate knowledge, skills, attitudes, which comprise the applied competence. Assessments will include both formative and summative assessment.

    The learners' projects will be marked throughout the year for formative and continuous assessment. They will then be required to resubmit a portfolio of all their work at mid-year and end-of year for summative assessment which will be assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Higher Certificate in Design Thinking compares to other international qualifications, specifically the one year foundation courses found in the United Kingdom and other commonwealth countries where such qualifications function as preparatory qualification for university-level education in art and design Degree qualifications.

    Leeds College of Art in the United Kingdom delivers such a one year qualification, a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, which has similar aims and objectives to those provided by the Higher Certificate in Design Thinking. It is intended to enable learners to progress to the Degree qualifications of their choice at the institution and stresses "problem solving, idea generation and critical thinking". Learners "develop a position of independence" and "devise and undertake a significant project in the final stage of the course" which is comparable to the final elective studio project provided by this qualification. Additionally, the qualification provides a component of "research and reading" that introduces learners to the "breadth of art and design" as with Critical Studies component of the Higher Certificate in Design Thinking.

    Similarly, the Design Certificate Qualification is offered by Parsons Design School based in New York.
    Designers will learn about current technologies and be aware of the rapidly changing image market. The classes will emphasise design and creativity while providing intensive technical training.

    Learners will be:
  • Introduced to visual communication concepts and tools, the fundamentals of typography design and layout, as well as digital skills.
  • Allowed to develop the essential design skills to produce graphics for print, advertising, corporate identity, and other media.
  • Discovering colour and its implications for designers and artists.
  • Able to look at colour harmony and the way colours interact, as well as colour qualities and combinations.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the above cited international qualifications in terms of the competencies that the learners will achieve upon completion. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    In vertical articulation, completion of the qualification may allow for entry to the Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design at NQF Level 6.

    In horizontal articulation, completion of the qualification may enable the learner access to the Certificate in Design Techniques at NQF Level 5 or Higher Certificate in Art and Design at NQF Level 5. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    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. Academic Institute of Excellence (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.