Advanced Diploma in Studio Arts

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma in Design and Studio Art requires learners to build on the structured approach of the undergraduate qualification (Diploma in Design and Studio Art), while introducing and deepening knowledge and skills required for further study.

Learners of a three-year undergraduate Diploma do not have enough theoretical grounding to conceive research problems. The Advanced Diploma in Design and Studio Arts will prepare learners for independent study and research.

The Advanced Diploma in Design and Studio Arts will solidify learning with focus on ensuring that their skills and conceptual development will be built adequately and therefore will prepare learners for further (research- based) study.

Upon qualifying graduates with the Advanced Diploma in Studio Practice

• Will gain exposure to skills with the aim of making them Creative Practitioners.
• Have the requisite professional and business/entrepreneurship/collaborative practice skills which will enable them to manage the business side of their creative careers.
• Will also gain training on research methodology and conceptual development that will position them for further study opportunities.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Studio Arts is designed in a manner which encourages a broad conceptual understanding of design and studio arts, which can be flexibly applied across a range of different creative media, as well as ensuring that graduates are equipped with solid professional practice skills and apply them effectively in their chosen fields. It provides for specialisation in specific areas of Studio Practice as well as exposure to critical thinking in the field and collaborative practice.

Learners who specialise in Studio Practice are likely to pursue careers as creative Practitioners (whether in fashion, photography, digital design, graphic design or visual arts practice).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Provision is made to achieve the qualification in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning. Selection of Recognition of Prior Learning learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the RPL policy of the institution.

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work and/or learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Humanities for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and/or through prior experience as a practitioner in another field of Design and/or Studio Art. Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The RPL policy outlines that the holder of a University qualification certificate must have:

• Complied with the admission requirements for the qualification, including the admission requirements of the courses/module prescribed for the qualification.
• Been assessed and found competent in all the competences and skills prescribed for the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement to this qualification is a Diploma in Design and Studio Art, Level 6.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

• Research methods and Techniques, 12 Credits.
• Studio Intensive, 24 Credits.
• Community Collaborative Practice, 18 Credits.
• Social Design and Design Citizenship, 18 Credits.
• Critical Studies, 48 Credits.

1. Demonstrate well-rounded and integrated knowledge of the qualification and detailed knowledge of a specialist area.
2. Apply, understand, select, sequence and demonstrate content knowledge according to both the subject and the industry needs.
3. Research and understand the target market and identify how they respond, understand their individual needs, and tailor their product accordingly by applying a range of methods.
4. Communicate effectively in relation to their product(s), in order to mediate design and studio art industry needs and an ability to take decisions and justify those decisions.
5. Communicate with academic/professional discourse.
6. Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry and the ability to unpack its applications and to use available resources appropriately, so as to plan and develop suitable products.
7. Evaluate and understand diversity in the South African context, in order to accommodate industry developments, and identify and solve social problems.
8. Manage processes across variable contexts in order to self-evaluate and solve sequenced real world visual problems with well-structured arguments.
9. Demonstrate sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills in diverse contexts in order to ensure a conducive working environment.
10. Exhibit a positive work ethic, display appropriate values, and conduct themselves in a manner which befits, enhances and develops the design and studio art profession.
11. Critically reflect on own practice in liaison with their professional community of colleagues and industry in order to constantly improve and adapt to evolving circumstances, while taking accountability for processes used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply well-rounded and integrated knowledge with regard to a specialist area related to visual communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Ensure concepts, principles and theories applicable to the needs of the subjects, specialist areas and industry are met.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop and apply tailored specialised products for an identified target market by a range of methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills and demonstrate the ability to take decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate and apply sound knowledge of communication skills in the form of proposals and projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry in the unpacking, planning and development of suitable products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Critically evaluate and use diversity in South Africa to solve social problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate effective management of diverse processes through defining and solving of sequenced real world visual problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Effectively apply sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills to adhere to a conducive working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Recognise, apply and integrate positive work ethic into related activities in design and studio art profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Critically evaluate and reflect of own practice through peer review by a professional community of colleagues and demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for his or her work.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, visual diaries, journals, field work and the assessment of competence through simulated and actual work integrated learning. This variety of assessment methods helps to increase assessment opportunities and encourage academic success of the learners. It also provides the opportunity for all learners to excel in one or more methods of assessment creating a culture of success. We encourage continuity and alignment across the different modules which include the integration of principles into Studio Practice. These practices ensure reliability and validity in assessment.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated Exit Level Outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training within the learning programme or though experience that complies with the stated Recognition of Prior Learning policy.