Diploma in Graphic Design

Purpose

The Diploma in Graphic Design provides a vocationally oriented qualification that develops graduates or learners capable of solving real-world communication challenges through visual design. Learners acquire focused disciplinary knowledge in branding, typography, digital media, and strategic communication, combined with practical design skills applied through simulated and industry-based projects.

The qualification integrates Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and applied professional practice, enabling learners to gain first-hand experience of industry workflows, client briefs, and collaborative design processes. By combining theoretical principles with practical application and workplace exposure, graduates develop the creative, strategic, and technical competence required to operate effectively in professional contexts from the outset. They exit with a portfolio demonstrating readiness for employment in studios, agencies, digital media companies, or freelance practice, as well as for progression into advanced design studies.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Solve complex visual communication problems through research, design thinking, and concept development.
• Apply design principles, aesthetics, and theory to create meaningful graphic solutions across print and digital media.
• Use industry-standard digital tools and production techniques to deliver professional outcomes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the graphic design industry, including ethical, social, and business considerations, including pricing and operations.
• Work collaboratively and manage projects to meet client needs, deadlines, and quality standards.

Rationale

The graphic design industry is a driver of economic, social, and cultural innovation in South Africa and globally. As businesses, communities, and organisations increasingly rely on visual communication, there is a growing demand for graduates who can deliver professional, socially conscious, and digitally fluent design solutions. This Diploma equips learners with the technical, strategic, and creative capabilities to respond to these demands while preparing them for diverse career opportunities in studios, agencies, digital media companies, or independent practice.

This qualification addresses national and industry priorities by

• Employability: Developing graduates who can conceptualise, execute, and deliver graphic design solutions across media platforms, with immediate readiness for professional roles.
• Entrepreneurship: Supporting the development of freelancers and SMMEs within the communication design sector, strengthening South Africa's creative economy.
• Professional practice: Embedding Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) and real-world projects that simulate client briefs, agency dynamics, and collaborative workflows.
• Access and inclusivity: Broadening participation in the design industry, enabling learners who may not yet be ready for degree-level study to enter higher education and industry simultaneously.
• Innovation and social relevance: Cultivating designers who are not only technically competent but also socially conscious, able to address issues of sustainability, inclusivity, and cultural relevance in their work.

Through the integration of disciplinary expertise, workplace experience, and applied impact, the Diploma in Graphic Design develops graduates who are work-ready, society-ready, life-ready, and challenge-ready, while also providing articulation opportunities into advanced design studies.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which allows applicants to gain access to or receive credits for the qualification based on prior formal, informal or non-formal learning. RPL may be applied for access, module exemption, or full/partial credit. Evidence must demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes equivalent to the qualification requirements.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations, should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

Or

• National Vocational (Certificate), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Visual Communication, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 and 6, totalling 360 credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 132 Credits.

• Digital Navigation, 4 Credits.
• Communication Fundamentals, 4 Credits.
• Design Thinking Fundamentals, 4 Credits.
• Global Citizenship, 4 Credits.
• Critical Thinking, 4 Credits.
• Personal Development, 4 Credits.
• Leadership Programme, 6 Credits.
• WIL, 6 Credits.
• Graphic Design Computer Applications 1, 12 Credits.
• Graphic Design Skills Application 1, 12 Credits.
• Design Principles, 9 Credits.
• Graphic Design Influences, 9 Credits.
• Typography, 9 Credits.
• Visual Studies 1, 9 Credits.
• Graphic Design Applications 1, 12 Credits.
• Image Making 1, 6 Credits.
• Conceptual Studies, 6 Credits.
• Graphic Design Industry 1,12 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 228 Credits

• Professional Communication, 6 Credits.
• Applied Design Thinking, 6 Credits.
• WIL Preparation, 16 Credits.
• WIL Practice, 8 Credits.
• > WIL Preparation, 8 Credits.
• WIL Practice, 28 Credits.
• Graphic Design Computer Applications II, 12 Credits.
• Graphic Design Skills Application II, 12 Credits.
• Computer Applications III, 12 Credits.
• Graphic Design Skills Application, II 12 Credits.
• Reprographics, 8 Credits.
• Graphic Design Influences II, 8 Credits.
• Visual Studies II, 8 Credits.
• Graphic Design Applications II. 24 Credits.
• Graphic Design Applications III, 36 Credits.
• Graphic Design Industry II, 24 Credits.

1. Solve complex visual communication problems through research, design thinking, and concept development.
2. Apply design principles, aesthetics, and theory to create meaningful graphic solutions across print and digital media.
3. Use industry-standard digital tools and production techniques to deliver professional outcomes.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the graphic design industry, including ethical, social, and business considerations, including pricing and operations.
5. Work collaboratively and manage projects to meet client needs, deadlines, and quality standards.
6. Manage own learning, by identifying, evaluating, and addressing his or her learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to facilitate collaborative learning processes. Take responsibility for his or her work, decision-making, and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Define design problems using strategic and contextual analysis.
• Conduct user-focused research and translate insights into design briefs.
• Generate original, feasible, and relevant design concepts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Select and apply typography, imagery, layout, and colour with intent.
• Demonstrate understanding of visual hierarchy and information design.
• Justify design decisions through theoretical and contextual frameworks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Produce technically accurate and reproducible digital artwork.
• Integrate software tools across platforms for design execution.
• Apply prepress and digital output standards.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Evaluate design work against industry standards and target audiences.
• Integrate sustainability, ethics, and cultural sensitivity.
• Demonstrate understanding of roles, workflows, pricing strategies, and business operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Develop timelines and allocate tasks effectively
• Engage in constructive critique and collaborative development.
• Document process and outcomes for client communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Organise and manage own time and learning, working effectively with others, communicating effectively.
• Use technology, understanding problem-solving functions within multiple contexts; participating as an ethical and responsible citizen in the life of local, national, and global communities, and being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

Integrated assessment

Assessment is project-based and integrated across modules. Learners demonstrate applied competence through briefs that simulate professional practice. Formative assessments include peer critique, reflections, and reviews. Summative assessments include portfolio reviews, presentations, and capstone projects. Work-integrated learning is assessed via supervisor feedback, student reflections, and evidence of deliverables. Each subject has several assessment opportunities linked to the credits of the subject. Assessments have clearly stated assessment criteria. Learners are given resubmission and supplementary opportunities aligned with the institution's assessment policy.

Formative assessment

Formative assessments take place during learning and take the form of individual and group written and practical projects, verbal and visual presentations, and Formative Automated Assessments (FAA).

Learners receive feedback during and after formative assessments and have an opportunity to implement feedback.

Summative assessment

Summative assessments take place at the end of learning and include portfolios, presentations, and capstone projects.