SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Arts: Graphic Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
59849  Bachelor of Arts: Graphic Design 
ORIGINATOR
General SGB 02 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
The individual Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary for each Learning Programme recorded against this qualification is shown in the table at the end of this report.  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Design Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The purpose of the Graphic Design programme is to provide learners with an opportunity to gain valuable and specialised design, technical and software knowledge, skills and practical experience in the field of Graphic Design. The first two levels of study focus on introducing the learner to the basic principles of Graphic Design and then developing their theoretical knowledge and practical skills in relation to these principles. In Level 3, the emphasis is on the advanced development and application of the learner's previous design and conceptual skills, using specialised high-end software, in a practical environment. Thus the Programme aims to produce qualifying learners with appropriate knowledge and skills that will enable them to choose from a range of career options in the field of Graphic Design, including Graphic Designer, Graphic Artist, Layout Artist, Animation Artist, Webpage Designer, Art Director and Creative Director.


Rationale

We believe that the Graphic Design Programme provides a different and needed model of higher education in this discipline, some of its characteristics being:
  • As well as providing the students with a solid grounding in the academic theory underpinning the main concepts of the field of Graphic Design, the curriculum includes a substantial practical experience, including 'real-life' experience of working in the industry.
  • Also included in the curriculum are a range of relevant, more generalised modules which aim to broaden the knowledge base of Graphic Design students. Such modules include English, General Psychology, Introduction to Business Management and Journalism, Gender and Race.
  • Coupled with the curriculum model described above, the classes are small and thus the resulting staff : student ratio makes it possible for students to receive individual and specialised attention.

    The result is a well-rounded graduate who, on successful completion of the curriculum, has the option either of entering the world of work immediately, or of continuing with further study in the field of Graphic Design.

    Further, the programme contributes to regional and national goals in a variety of ways, including:
  • Broadening access to and success in higher education through flexible entry and fixed exit standards.
  • Recognition of multiple exit points.
  • Recognition of prior learning.
  • Inclusion of certain generic competencies.
  • Encouragement of social responsibility.
  • Ensuring that students will be employable on graduation, but at the same time will have the knowledge base to continue with further learning. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    A Matriculation (Grade 12) certificate, or equivalent qualification, is the minimum requirement for admission. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The BA (Graphic Design) programme is offered as a 3-year degree programme with 2 lower level exit points as follows:
  • A student who successfully completes Level 1 of the curriculum, and who exits from the programme at that point, will be awarded a Certificate in Graphic Design.
  • A student who successfully completes Levels 1 and 2 of the curriculum, and who exits from the programme at that point, will be awarded a Diploma in Graphic Design.

    It is important to note that the Graphic Design Programme is structured in such a way that, as well as constituting Levels 1 and 2 of the degree programme, the curricula for the Certificate and Diploma constitute genuine stand-alone qualifications.

    It should also be noted that a student who registers for the Graphic Design Programme will receive only one qualification, that is the highest level qualification for which he/she has completed the requirements.

    Further, the curriculum has been structured in such a way that learners, who have qualified with a diploma at another institution, and industry practitioners, who wish to upgrade their skills, may apply to study the Level 3 curriculum as a stand-alone diploma. Such learners, who successfully complete the requirements for the Level 3 curriculum, will not be awarded the degree but rather the Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design. Learners in this category will be required to prove their competency before they are admitted to the course. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit-level outcomes are divided into generic competencies, fundamental competencies and those core to the Graphic Design Programme, as follows:


    Generic competencies
  • The ability to work as a member of a team.
  • The ability to collect, analyse and present information.
  • A knowledge of the use of technology.
  • The ability to use technology and other methods of presentation for communication purposes.
  • The ability to identify and suggest possible solutions to a problem.
  • The ability to organise work requirements so as to meet set deadlines.


    Fundamental competencies

    Journalism, Gender and Race
  • An understanding of the ways in which the media communicates images of culture, gender and race.

    General Psychology
  • An understanding of basic theories and principles of psychology, including memory, personality, and therapies.

    English I
  • Competence in effective composition and prose style.
  • Skills in reading, comprehension and critical analysis.

    Business English
  • The ability to communicate in English in a business-orientated environment.

    Introduction to Business Management
  • An understanding of the relationship between a business and its environment, the different functions of an enterprise, and the necessary requirements for starting and managing a small business.

    History of Art and Design
  • An understanding of the basic history of art and design during the late 19th and 20th centuries, how previous designers and design movements impact modern design and art movements, and the relevance of drawing from past art and design movements for inspiration and guidance.


    Core competencies

    Design I
  • An understanding of the process and basic elements associated with design, and the relevance of basic design theory in all applications of graphic design.

    Copy Preparation for Reproduction
  • An understanding of the production process of printed matter, including the variety of techniques, processes and materials used in the print industry, and the basic history of print and reproduction.

    Introduction to Photography
  • An understanding of the basic elements and process of photography, both digital and traditional photography, and the history of photography.

    Drawing I
  • An understanding of the principles of drawing, including composition, balance, line quality, texture, form and various drawing techniques.

    Storyboards for Film, TV and Audiovisuals
  • An understanding of the various techniques used for the preparation and executing of storyboards.

    Graphic Design Studio I
  • An understanding of the application of design theory, including illustration, conceptualising, layout, logo and corporate identity.

    Beginning Typography Design
  • An understanding of basic typography, its history, use and application within design.

    Graphic Design on Computers
  • An understanding of the processes and methods of basic computer generated imagery, and industry standard design packages.

    Marker Techniques
  • An understanding of marker techniques used for the preparation and executing of storyboards.

    Graphics for Film, TV and Audiovisuals
  • An understanding of illustration, design and conceptualising for television and film.

    Design II
  • An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the application of design and advertising theory in modern- day industry.

    Applied Colour and Design Theory
  • An understanding of the application of colour theory, associations and significance of colour, and the visual relationships of one specific colour to the next.
    Graphic Design Studio II
  • An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the application of design and advertising theory in modern day industry, and conceptual and aesthetic considerations applying to modern design.

    Digital Imaging
  • An understanding of sound programming principles, and the design principles involved in the software development lifecycle.
  • Practical application of Javascript and HTML.

    Animation Workshop
  • An understanding of film theory and its application to animated productions.
  • An understanding of the requirements of an animator in the industry.

    Intermediate Typography Design
  • A sound knowledge of all the type families and their history, the technical classification of type, and publishing fonts on the internet.

    Graphic Design Studio III
  • An understanding of the importance of technological and hand skills, as well as conceptualisation abilities in graphic design.

    Graphic Design Portfolio Preparation
  • An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the software used in the compilation of a digital portfolio, and what makes up an exciting and stimulating portfolio.

    Computer Publication Design
  • An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the software used in computer publication, and the impact of the internet on modern computer publication.

    Computer Design
  • An understanding of certain elements of the advanced application of design theory, including the software used in computer design, and the impact of the internet on modern design.

    Advertising Practical
  • An understanding of copywriting and art directing.

    Design III
  • An understanding of advanced design theory and contemporary design.
  • Skills in the advanced application of design software (Photoshop, Freehand, Quark).
  • Skills in the application of advanced design in an industry environment.

    Advertising Theory
  • An understanding of the theory of advertising, and the role of advertising in society, with specific reference to South Africa.

    Copywriting
  • An understanding of the structure of an advertising industry, and the role of the copywriter within such an industry.

    3D Animation
  • An understanding of the processes and methods of computer-generated imagery, industry standard animation packages, and the techniques used in character animation, special effects and game development.

    Mutimedia Applications
  • An understanding of the digital and multimedia environment.
  • An understanding of the technical considerations necessary for proper application of multimedia design.
  • Skills in the application of multimedia software packages.

    Web Design
  • An understanding of the internet.
  • Skills in the application of web design software (Dreamweaver and Flash), and in HTML programming.
  • Skills in he application of multimedia and web design software in an industry environment.

    Drawing III
  • An understaindign of the processes and methods used to produce drawings of a mature and professional standard. 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Generic competencies
  • Group projects and assignments.
  • Tests, assignments and examinations.
  • Class and Project presentations.
  • Class and Project presentations.
  • Case-study based tests, assignments and examinations.
  • Deadlines set for various assessment components.

    Fundamental competencies
  • Tests, assignments and examinations.

    Core competencies
  • Practical assignments and tests. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    To our knowledge, with the exception of one instance, this Programme has not been assessed internationally. However, given that:
  • The curriculum incorporates the latest trends and practices in the discipline,
  • Well-qualified academics and industry practitioners act as external examiners and moderators of the Programme,

    We have no reason to doubt that the quality and content of our Programme would meet international standards.

    Details of the instance that we are aware of where the Programme was assessed internationally are as follows: a student who transferred to Santa Monica College, California, having completed Levels 1 and 2 of our Graphic Design Programme, was given full exemption by Santa Monica College for all relevant modules that she had completed at the institution. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    With regard to vertical articulation, a student who wishes to proceed to postgraduate studies at another higher education institution, having completed the Graphic Design Programme, should be able to do so based on the knowledge and skills acquired during the course of the programme, provided, of course, that his/her academic performance has been of the required standard. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    All final assessments at all levels of the curriculum are moderated by academic staff of public higher education institutions or by appropriately qualified industry practitioners. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This qualification has been derived from a provider-based qualification, in order to record Learning Programmes against it. 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Originator Pre-2009
    NQF Level
    NQF Level Min Credits Learning Prog End Date Quality
    Assurance
    Functionary
    NQF Sub-Framework
    48842  Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design  Eduvos (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Midrand Graduate Institute and later to Pearson Institute of Higher Education)  Level 6  NQF Level 07  524  2016-09-28  CHE  HEQSF 
    59870  Bachelor of Arts: Graphic Design  Design School Southern Africa, The (Pretoria and Johannesburg branches)  Level 6  NQF Level 07  360     CHE  HEQSF 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THESE LEARNING PROGRAMMES: 
    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.
     
    LP ID Learning Programme Title Accredited Provider
    48842  Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design  Eduvos (Pty) Ltd (previously known as Midrand Graduate Institute and later to Pearson Institute of Higher Education)  



    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.