Diploma in Fashion

Purpose

The Diploma: Fashion was developed in response to the need for well qualified, passionate individuals with a desire to work within the South African and international fashion industry. The qualification guides learners through a development path which makes provision for an understanding of the industry at progressive levels of cognitive complexity. Creativity and artistic flair is incubated, promoted and protected within the safe learning environment. The learners are provided with foundational skills of Garment Construction at its simplest level - Textile studies, Pattern Engineering and an understanding of the History of Fashion and Design concepts which lead to superior knowledge of construction and finishing techniques which will enable the learner to stand out from the crowd. The qualification incorporates a comprehensive overview of the world of business at all levels, in order to ensure that learners have a good grasp of the realities of the business environment. The qualification is designed to enable each learner to achieve his or her optimal potential and engage actively and progressively within the design field.

Rationale

The Fashion Industry is one of the largest in the world; it spans numerous economic sectors and has a profound impact on today's society. The industry employs millions of people around the world. Fashion incorporates the production of fibres, textiles, apparel and home fashion products, sporting products and various others for consumers around the world. The technological advancements in the development of textiles by association and fashion, enable science to push the boundaries.

The dynamic and ever developing industry has a broad employment base including Couture and Commercial Designing, Fashion Marketing, Buying, Fashion Business Management, Fashion Merchandising, Clothing Production, Trend Forecasting, Costume Design - theatre, film and television, Fashion Illustration, Fashion Journalism, Fashion Styling, Curation in fashion museums, Garment Technology, Pattern Engineering, Millinery, Embellishment Designing, Fashion Event co-ordination, Hi tech Product Designing, Accessory Designing. This exciting and economically vibrant industry requires professional and highly skilled people in each link in the fashion chain.

Highly skilled fashion experts are sought after by the industry locally and internationally. The depth of the programme is an enabler through the solid foundation or base which the qualification provides. The demands for technologically advanced and eco-friendly products increase daily; the need for the fashion industry to remain at the forefront of world developments is essential. Creative minds which think 'out of the box' need to be harnessed, honed, and the creative facets of their potential challenged and stretched to produce new and innovative products for the consumer market.

It is assumed that the learner entering this qualification will have the following

• Knowledge, comprehension and application of language at NQF Level 4 or equivalent.
• Competence in the language of instruction.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Diploma: Fashion, NQF Level 6, allows for open access and may be achieved in part or wholly through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning. Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this qualification.

Access to the Qualification

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a pass in the English language, granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• An appropriate equivalent qualification at NQF Level 4 with a pass in the English language.

Or

• Via Recognition of Prior Learning of the adult's competency in order to widen access to the Higher Education qualification.

Or

• A mature learner may access the qualification based upon their workplace experience.

The qualification is made up of 372 Credits. Learners must achieve 120 Credits at NQF Level 5, 177 Credits at NQF Level 6 and 75 Credits at NQF Level 7.

NQF Level 5 Modules

• Garment Construction 1, 15 Credits.
• Finishing Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Pattern Engineering 1,15 Credits.
• Design Concepts 1, 15 Credits.
• Textile Theory 1, 14 Credits.
• History of Fashion 1, 12 Credits.
• Capstone A, 10 Credits.
• Visual studies 1, 12 Credits.
• Business Studies and Management 1, 12 Credits.

Total: 120 Credits.

NQF Level 6 Modules

• Garment Construction and Finishing, 20 Credits.
• Pattern Engineering 2, 15 Credits.
• Design Concepts 2, 15 Credits.
• Textile Theory 2, 10 Credits.
• History of Fashion 2, 15 Credits.
• Trend Forecasting 1, 15 Credits.
• Capstone B, 10 Credits.
• Visual Studies 2, 10 Credits.
• Business Studies and Management 2, 12 Credits.
• Capstone C, 15 Credits.
• Visual Studies 3, 15 Credits.
• Fashion Events, 15 Credits.

Choose 1

• Millinery (Elective), 10 Credits.
• Styling (Elective), 10 Credits.

Total: 177 Credits.

NQF Level 7 Modules

• Design Concepts 3, 30 Credits.
• Trend Forecasting 2, 15 Credits.
• Business Studies and Management, 15 Credits.
• History of Fashion 3, 15 Credits.

Total: 75 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of historical context of the fashion industry and its modern day influence.
2. Distinguish between textiles and construction techniques appropriate for specific products.
3. Apply forecasting techniques to analyse trends in the fashion industry.
4. Draw, render and present artistic representations in both freehand and electronic format.
5. Compare between various textiles and garment construction techniques.
6. Apply the principles of business management associated with operations, marketing, accounting, human resources, information technology and entrepreneurship within the fashion industry.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The Critical Cross-Fields are dealt with throughout the qualification.

The Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated way

• Basic garment construction techniques are practiced and cutting methodologies applied.
• The basic theory and methodologies associated with pattern making are applied in the construction of a garment.
• The foundations of finishing and embellishment are conceptualised and developed for advanced application of embellishments for use on various fashion products.
• The fundamental design techniques and skills required to create an inspired fashion collection or product range are applied through the incorporation of various methods of designing.
• Fabric types and their origins, including man-made and natural fabrics and consider them for different uses are explained.
• The impact of Ancient History on modern day fashion and explain the history of fashion and the beginnings of the idea of 'Haute Couture' and 'Pret-a-port�r' are explained.
• The impact of developments in the Middle Ages, Renaissance and the Industrial Revolution are applied to modern day fashion.
• Fashion illustrations are rendered, impressive visual presentations are created and high quality flat, technical drawings are produced.
• The various advanced methods of design are introduced and the process of translating high concept design ideas into a successful fashion collection or product range is explored.
• The role of Fashion Forecasting in the textile and apparel industry is explained and the 'zeitgeist' (spirit of the time) is explained.
• Engineering techniques to conceptualise, implement, market, present and control product development are explained.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way.

Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

Assessment should ensure that all Exit Level Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are evaluated. The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are implicit in the learning and assessment programmes are designed to extend and further reflect integration.