Higher Certificate: Art and Design

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to assist learners access a Higher Education qualification at NQF Level 5, in the Art or Design field, or enter into learnerships or entry-level positions within the art industry. The qualification therefore focuses on knowledge and skills in design, drawing, communication, creative writing and conceptual development.

This qualification offers a balanced combination of theory and practical skills which are incorporated throughout the qualification. The qualification introduces learners to creative thinking, visual conceptualisation, theory and basic research and communication abilities; then requires them to apply the knowledge through practical projects. The ability to develop concepts that are unique, creative and applicable is central to any field of Art and Applied Arts.

The curriculum has been designed to support the achievement of the outcomes related to this qualification by the incorporation of the different skills learned in different modules in the various practical projects. All theory and practical work completed is presented in a portfolio which will be submitted at the end of the qualification.

Rationale

To provide learners with little or no prior experience in the Arts, with an opportunity to embark on studies in this field and to pursue a career in the Arts or Applied Arts; this foundation qualification on art and design will provide learners with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in Art or Applied Art. The module combination assists learners in developing their skills in art design, creation, communication and visual studies which will provide them with the appropriate skills and foundational knowledge to enter into tertiary studies in art and design. Qualifying learners would be able to take up entry-level positions or learnerships in the art industry in a variety of creative art, design or visual communication jobs, or enter into further tertiary studies in Art or Applied Art.

The admission requirements to art qualifications in Higher Education institutions in South Africa necessitate prior knowledge in art, which knowledge is presumably obtained at secondary education level. However, many learners wanting to study art or applied arts at tertiary institutions without formal art tuition at a secondary level do not have access to this field. Public and private providers of qualifications in Art and Applied Art will, in general, accept learners into their qualifications based on art skills and National Senior Certificate results. If any or both of these two requirements are not met, the learner may not be afforded the opportunity to further their studies in the selected field.

It is assumed that the learner would be competent in the language of instruction (English at NQF Level 4) and the theoretical knowledge and understanding accomplished at that level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can achieve this qualification in part, through RPL. The institution's RPL policy and Academic Credit and Qualification Completion policy guide this process. Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process. The learner can then be given access to the qualification and can acquire credits for some of the modules.

Access to the Qualification

Access to this qualification is granted to all applicants who meet the minimum entrance requirements or through the alternative routes of entry. Applicants who are in possession of:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to a Higher Certificate.

Or

• A National Certificate Vocational (NCV).
• Learners who have attained the age of 23 and have three years work experience in the Art and Design industry and are competent in English can access the qualification.

OR

• Have achieved access through Recognition of Prior Learning.

This qualification requires six compulsory modules and one elective module, totalling 122 Credits, at NQF Level 5.

Compulsory Modules (totalling 116 Credits)

• Foundation Communication, 10 Credits.
• Foundation Drawing, 10 Credits.
• Conceptual Development Techniques, 6 Credits.
• Foundation Art and Design Theory and Research, 18 Credits.
• Foundation Design, 36 Credits.
• Visual Studies, 36 Credits.

Elective Modules (choose one)

• Creative Writing, 6 Credits.
• Mathematical Application, 6 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to observe objects and draw a reasonable likeness of the object.
2. Demonstrate a basic ability to critique visual art by applying basic analytical concepts and interpreting the findings.
3. Conduct basic research and extrapolate information in an academically accepted manner.
4. Demonstrate the ability to develop visual solutions to basic design problems.
5. Demonstrate the ability to apply traditional artist media in a variety of designs.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

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

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and apply drawing principles and elements to given scenarios or examples.
• Provide evidence where objects and models are accurately represented and identified on a two dimensional surface.
• Explore different techniques in mark making as a fundamental element of graphic art by using dry monotone media.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify historical art movements up to the 16th century.
• Classify and compare examples of art objects based on a stylistic analysis.
• Perform basic analysis and interpretation of visual art according to provenance, context, content and form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Acquire relevant information on art forms and applications from academically accepted sources.
• Assess information for validity, reliability and accuracy.
• Evaluate, synthesise and present information required for the completion of an assignment in an academic manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify the basic design requirements appropriate to related sub-disciplines such as graphic design, fashion design and interior design.
• Identify and implement the various steps in the design processes of various sub-disciplines.
• Develop and explain visual solutions rooted in basic research verbally and via presentations.
• Use creative techniques to develop unique basic solutions to stated design problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply basic techniques in the use of conventional paint and sculptural media.
• Identify and describe the characteristics and applications of various artist media.
• Create basic artwork in both 2 and 3 dimensional media.
• Produce examples of art works using various traditional and non-traditional artist media.

Integrated Assessment

This qualification will use both formative and summative assessment to assess the competencies of the learners. This integrated assessment will be in the form of tests, assignments, case studies and a portfolio of artwork. All assessment opportunities will be internally and externally moderated. The external moderator will not be affiliated with the Institute and must at least have a relevant art and design Degree or an equivalent qualification.