Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced knowledge, skills and applied competency in the field of Graphic Design practice. This qualification aims to produce learners who are equipped with advanced thinking skills, technical mastery and a thorough understanding of professional practice. Furthermore the learner should be equipped with appropriate research and academic knowledge that will have applicability in the field of Graphic Design.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Arts Honours: Graphic Design provides learners with the opportunity to develop specialised skills pertinent to the current job market. It will assist the learners improve their employability in industry and enhance their existing skill sets, as well prepare them for further studies. In South Africa, individuals with Postgraduate Degrees in Graphic Design are scarce; the Honours Degree therefore provides a viable option for individuals who wish to advance their practice and their careers.

It is assumed that the learner is competent in

• Communication at the required NQF Level.
• Previous experience in Graphic Design.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The principles of RPL are subscribed to, and will be implemented in a flexible manner.

Through evaluation by a specifically constituted RPL committee, learners' competencies will be assessed to determine whether they are eligible for access to, advanced placement in or have provided evidence that the stated competence of the qualification has been achieved through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

Learners may also be given credit through RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria specified for that module.

Applications for credit via the RPL mechanism are reviewed by the RPL committee at Midrand Graduate Institute, which allows for uniform and consistent application of the RPL policy.

Prior learning is recognised in the following ways

• A learner, who has completed a specific module/subject at Midrand Graduate Institute, may apply for credit for that module/subject.
• A learner, who has completed the equivalent of a specific module/subject either at Midrand Graduate Institute or at another recognised higher education institution, may apply for exemption from that module/subject.
• In the case of a practically orientated module/subject, a learner who is able to demonstrate appropriate competence may be granted exemption from that module/subject.

Access to the Qualification

• A recognised and relevant undergraduate Bachelor of Arts Degree: Graphic Design.
• A recognised equivalent Degree.
• Mature age applicants.
• Applicants with non-South African school-leaving qualifications.
• Applicants with previous tertiary experience will be considered individually by the Dean.
• Recognition of Prior Learning.

The Bachelor Arts Honours: Graphic Design comprises four compulsory modules.

Modules

• Research Design, NQF Level 8, 13 Credits.
• Design Theory and Trends, NQF Level 8, 24 Credits.
• Research Dissertation, NQF Level 8, 42 Credits.
• Portfolio and Internship, NQF Level 8, 59 Credits.

Total credits required: 138.

1. Identify and analyse the various research methodologies and techniques currently applicable to graphic design.
2. Conduct research and communicate this effectively.
3. Demonstrate an in depth understanding of a specialisation in Graphic Design.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The Critical Cross-Filed Outcomes are addressed throughout the qualification.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Select an appropriate method and procedure for area of specialised investigation that will accommodate both the portfolio and dissertation.
• Communicate and motivate the choices, methods and processes, both intellectual and practical and explain relevance within the contemporary context of culture and design.
• Source, adapt and generate new ideas about design form, functions and methods.
• Compile a multi-media presentation that exhibits competence in academic methods.
• Apply key intellectual tools to own design practice and contemporary issues and imperatives.

> Range: Research, critical thinking, logic, analysis, interpretation and comparison.

• Write a research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate an understanding of academic research, with a specific focus on art and design.
• Demonstrate an in depth understanding of an identified area of specialisation in Graphic Design.
• Apply appropriate research methods for identifying, gathering and interpreting existing and new knowledge.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information for research.
• Write a journal article indicating ability to apply curriculum content to personal and professional output.
• Write up the research in an academically acceptable format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of academic research, with a specific focus on the visual arts.
• Generate ideas, concepts, proposals, solutions and designs, independently and/or collaboratively, in response to self-initiated activity within the identified area.
• Apply appropriate advanced technical skills, technologies and research methods for identifying, gathering and interpreting existing and new knowledge in the development of design solutions.
• Contextualise the practical portfolio by linking it to own written dissertation, current thinking and practice.

Integrated Assessment

Midrand Graduate Institute practices an integrated system of assessment, in terms of which learners are assessed on an ongoing basis. Both formative and summative assessment methods are used. Learners are required to complete class tests, assignments (including practical work and projects) and examinations, the results of which count towards the final mark for each module. The components of the final mark are determined separately for each module.

The lecturer/s responsible for a particular module is/are appointed as internal examiner/s for that module. Internal examiners are responsible for marking of all assessments related to the module for which they are responsible.