Higher Certificate in Graphic Design

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is designed to develop knowledge and skills required to enter a career in graphic design. The qualification further assists in the development of academic skills empowering learners to further their education in higher education. The qualification is focused on the development of knowledge and skills in design, drawing and software application that will provide a balanced set of skills required for entry level positions in the graphic design industry. The qualification further assists in the development of the learner's academic skills through engagement with theory that underpins the development of practical projects.

The qualification provides learners the opportunity to develop their skills in conceptual development, drawing, software application and research. The qualification further engages learners with relevant theory that underpins practical development and strengthens academic skills.

Rationale

There are limited options for school leavers wanting to pursue a career in graphic design if they do not have the means or the desire to study towards a three-year qualification. The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design provides an option of completing a one-year qualification that will provide learners with the necessary knowledge and skill to access entry level positions or learner ships in the field of graphic design.

Higher Education Institutions offering a registered qualification in graphic design generally requires learners to demonstrate fundamental art skills as part of their acceptance criteria. School leavers interested to pursue a career in graphic design may not have been engaged in formal art tuition before and is at a distinct disadvantage in gaining access to these higher education qualifications.

Learners will be prepared to take up entry-level positions in the graphic design industry or enter into further tertiary studies in a related discipline.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied for by learners who do not possess the above admission criteria. Admission of learners per qualification through a RPL route will be considered for intake to the qualification. This qualification may be obtained in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Selected learners may be granted access to the qualification without the pre-requisite academic learning through

• Examination of their curriculum vitae (CV).
• Interviews to establish readiness, maturity and academic abilities.
• Entrance test to establish whether prior learning is of a standard to manage with the academic requirements of the Higher Certificate.
• Letters of recommendation from colleagues or peers.

The RPL process may further be applied to award academic credits for learning successfully completed for accredited academic qualifications at other registered Higher Education Institutions. Academic credits may only be awarded if similarities between learning outcomes, levels and learning material are determined between learning completed and modules presented in this qualification.

Learners applying for Recognition of Prior Learning must do so in accordance with the RPL policy of the organisation.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

• Art History 1,15 Credits
• Design Programs 1a,15 Credits.
• Design Programs 1b,15 Credits.
• English Communication,10 Credits.
• Drawing Fundamentals,12 Credits.
• Drawing Application,13 Credits.
• Graphic Design Fundamentals, 20 Credits.
• Graphic Design Application, 20 Credits.

1. Apply conventional artist media in drawing accurate representations of objects or subjects.
2. Analyse and interpret visual stimuli.
3. Develop appropriate visual solutions to design problems rooted in basic research.
4. Execute design ideas in a professional manner using industry standard software.
5. Communicate design solutions in a clearly articulated and academically acceptable manner through verbal as well as written modes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply drawing principles and elements in the act of drawing.
• Plan and draw an accurate representation of an object/subject.
• Apply artist media in an expressive manner.
• Apply a variety of making techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify in chronological order key moments in the development of art from pre-history up to the end of the eighteenth century.
• Identify thematic and stylistic features associated with specific time periods or art movements.
• Analyse and interpret artwork in terms of context, content and form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Conduct research and extrapolate key research findings.
• Apply steps in the design process.
• Develop innovative design solutions rooted in basic research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply relevant tools, menus and processes correctly to achieve specific design requirements.
• Create and manipulate digital images effectively.
• Create final art for publishing purposes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Present design solutions in verbal as well as in written form.
• Present design solutions in a professional manner.
• Structure the presentation in a professional and academically acceptable manner.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the teaching and learning process. It is designed to support the teaching and learning process and is developmental in nature. It is a learning opportunity that assists in planning future learning, which indicates the learners' strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback to the learners. The Formative assessments are made up of theoretical assignments, practical projects and tests. The credit value of each module determines the number of formative assessments to be completed. The average of these formative assessments constitutes the semester mark that counts 60% towards the final mark.

Summative assessment refers to assessment that is used for making a judgement about the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes. Such assessments are carried out at the end of a module. Summative assessment at the institution is normally in the form of traditional examination. The examination could be made up of a variety of assessment methods. This examination counts 40% towards the final mark.