Diploma in Fashion

Purpose

The qualification will produce graduates who are competent in analysing and monitoring design processes to meet market demands. They will be able to adopt advanced production technology methods to ensure cost-effectiveness in relation to cost and manufacturing. The graduate will be provided with a range of skills and knowledge associated with the broader field of design with specialisation in the discipline of fashion design. The focus in the Diploma is on the creative design process and technologies, which allow the graduate to interpret the changing influences in the fashion system in a commercial environment.

The teaching and learning processes commence at elementary level in the first year and progress to the advanced third year level. The programme provides students with a number of options to pursue a career in the various aspects of the fashion system, including in patternmaking, garment construction, grading, creative design in 2 and 3 dimensional illustration. The qualification will enable the Diploma in Fashion graduate to act as a designer with specialised technical and design skills in the Fashion Design profession. The designer will be competent in resolving a broad range of fashion design problems in a competitive local and international fashion industry.

Rationale

The qualification is part of the University's offering of skills-based education in the field of Fashion Design and Fashion Production, and is aligned to the employment needs of the South Africa fashion sector. The creative industries are significant contributors to the South African economy, and Fashion is a growing sector in the creation of employment opportunities.

In order for graduates to compete and make a valued contribution in such a dynamic industry, it is essential that individuals are able to continually develop and demonstrate their creative expertise as well as acquire effective business acumen and creative skills. The Diploma in Fashion is designed to maximise the students' creative and cognitive potential in a chosen related specialist area to enable effective and successful service delivery or expansion and development in the fashion industry. Graduates can pursue careers as creative design industry such as working as designer-practitioners, establishing their own businesses, working in studio practice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Through RPL students may gain access, advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at University of Johannesburg (UJ).

RPL in the case of students not complying with the formal admission requirements will be

• Conducted in accordance with the RPL policy and guidelines of UJ.
• Based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience.
• Considered only where prior learning corresponds with the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level.
• Conducted in terms of applied competencies relevant to the duration, content and outcomes of the module and qualification.
• Considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Academic Planning and Quality Committee of the Faculty; and
• Recommended to Senate by the Faculty Board for approval.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement to this qualification is

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC).

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits

• Garment Technology 1, 20 Credits.
• Pattern Technology 1, 20 Credits.
• Production Environment Studies 1, 8 Credits.
• Textile Studies 1, 8 Credits.
• Computer Studies 1, 8 Credits.
• Communication and Human Resources 1, 8 Credits.
• Two and Three-dimensional Design 1, 8 Credits.
• Creative Design and Technical Drawing 1, 20 Credits.
• Drawing and Illustration 1, 12 Credits.
• Theory of Clothing 1, 8 Credits.

Second year

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 120 Credits

• Pattern Technology and Grading 2, 28 Credits.
• Computer Pattern Making 2, 8 Credits.
• Garment Technology 2, 20 Credits.
• Production Environment Studies 2, 8 Credits.
• Business Studies 2, 8 Credits.
• Two and Three-dimensional Design 2, 8 Credits.
• Creative Design and Technical Drawing 2, 20 Credits.
• Drawing and Illustration 2, 12 Credits.
• Theory of Clothing 2, 8 Credits.

Third year

Compulsory Module at Level 6, 120 Credits

• Computer Pattern Making 3, 8 Credits.
• Garment Technology 3, 20 Credits.
• Pattern Technology and Grading 3, 28 Credits.
• Production Environment Studies 3, 8 Credits.
• Business Studies 3, 8 Credits.
• Two and Three-dimensional Design 3, 8 Credits.
• Creative Design and Technical Drawing 3, 20 Credits.
• Drawing and Illustration 3, 12 Credits.
• Theory of Clothing 3, 8 Credits.

1. Solve advanced problems relating to pattern and garment technology in the design process.
2. Relate design with technology in order to respond and interpret changes influencing fashion in the commercial environment.
3. Relate principle and functions of business management to the clothing sector.
4. Apply basic research methodology.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Successfully adopt and apply advanced production technology methods to specific styles and fabrication in order to achieve required quality standards of the garment.
• Successfully apply technology Computer Aided Design (CAD) to pattern making and grading.
• Produce patterns and garments in line with client specifications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Integrate the design process with merchandising and marketing.
• Produce fashion presentation boards to the specific requirements of a client.
• Integrate fashion concepts and influences to produce a design portfolio showing strong personal direction.
• Apply computer technology to technical drawing, illustration and fashion designs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify the principles and concepts of human resources and their function in the clothing industry.
• Assess the economic viability and financial management of a small business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply data gathering skills with analytical and summative research projects.
• Develop an investigative proposal on an area of personal choice.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

• Written tests.
• Oral tests.
• Oral presentations.
• Assessment of design projects.

Summative Assessment

• Written examinations.
• Portfolio examinations.
• Elementary research and essays.
• Assessment of group projects.