Higher Certificate in Interior Design and Decorating

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners to successfully enter the field of interior designing. Study material is set-out in clear modules according to the particular theme. Therefore, this learner friendly material assists learners to master the contents in a comfortable, understandable and highly effective method. This further allows learners to reach the outcomes of each module. As the outcomes are clearly listed in each of the modules covering historical information as well as current trends (e.g. available software, etc), the learner can evaluate himself/herself with regard to competence to complete assignments or gain entry for examinations. All marks allocated contribute to a participation mark determining a final mark towards the end of the year of study.

Furthermore, the qualification is designed in such a manner that learner assistance from lecturers on campus is readily available via e-mail, ordinary mail, fax or telephonically. These measures ensure that each learner has the opportunity to fully own the facts regarding each module and achieving all outcomes as stipulated.

Our assessment methods and clear feedback assist learners to overcome misunderstanding regarding the work. We further make use of ITV (instructional television) to allow the learner to benefit from visual explanation by the relevant lecturers.

Rationale

This Certificate allows access to the field of interior decorating for learners who communicate visually, artistically and are explorative. The field of interior decorating is not limited to advertising, designing and decorating. Nearly all fields and corporate businesses currently employ interior decorators to create a comfortable environment to enhance sales and client satisfaction. This improves, for example, the shopping experience of the client, which is beneficial to any business or industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Any prospective learner may apply for recognition of prior learning for this qualification as the Academy has a comprehensive RPL policy and procedure in place.

Entry Requirements

Learners enrolling for the qualification must have a

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

Or

• Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption.

Or

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

This qualification consists of 20 compulsory modules of 6 Credits each at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• History of Interior Design.
• Style.
• Design Principles and Design Elements.
• Colour.
• Plan of Action.
• Lighting.
• Wall finishes and Paint Effects.
• Flooring.
• Textiles.
• Window treatments.
• Architectural Wall Details, Finishes and Ceilings.
• Soft Furnishings.
• Artwork, Framing and Hanging.
• Plants and Planters.
• The Living Room.
• Bedrooms.
• Kitchens.
• Bathrooms.
• Accessories and Styling.
• Building a Home.

1. Identify, interpret and apply the different design principles, elements and use of colour to integrate the history of interior design into one's own unique style.
2. Effectively analyse, plan and illustrate the interior of a room in terms of lighting, wall finishes, paint effects, flooring, use of textiles and window treatments.
3. Describe, interpret, plan and effectively incorporate architectural wall details and finishes, soft furnishings, artwork, framing and plants into a designed living room.
4. Effectively plan and illustrate the decoration of certain rooms in a house by integrating all previous Exit Level Outcomes.

• Range: Bedrooms, kitchens and bathroom.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The history of interior design is explained and demonstrated.
• The various styles of interior design are implemented in own personal style.
• The different design principles and design elements are explained, demonstrated and implemented in own design.
• The science, theory and properties of colour are explained and effectively used in own design.
• The intended room is surveyed, drawn to scale and budgeted for.
• Realistic time frames and effective management skills are demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The physiological and psychological effects of lighting are interpreted and incorporated into own design.
• Lighting as a design medium is illustrated.

> Range: To include the primary sources of light, the application of various types of designed lighting in residential and commercial interiors.

• The dual role of paint, i.e. covering and creativity, is demonstrated and incorporated into own design.

> Range: Painting techniques, effects, finishes and textured wall finishes.

• The vast array of flooring options available is explained and effectively implemented into own design.

> Range: Natural, man-made, carpets, marble, porcelain, wood, sisal and brick.

• The various methods of fabric construction, types of weaves, printing and dyeing techniques are explained and identified.
• The different types of window treatments must be explained and applied.
• The mechanics of window hardware and calculation quantities of fabric are identified, effectively calculated and incorporated into one's own design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The shell of a room is decorated in a particular style or theme.

> Range: To include painting, textiles, wall finishes and decorative mouldings.

• Soft furnishings are chosen, selected and effectively placed to create a comfortable and friendly environment.
• The artwork, framing and hanging of finishing touches, plants and planters are selected and effectively incorporated into own design.
• Elements comprising the decoration of a living room are identified, analysed and integrated into own design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The effective designing and decoration for bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms are planned and illustrated.
• The interior of the home is sufficiently accessorised.
• A proper budget is set and adhered to throughout the project.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments for this qualification are based on the qualification and module outcomes. The assessment for each module requires learners to submit projects for evaluation. This will assess the learner's ability to interpret information and implement it in practice.

Formative and Summative Assessment

Learner competency is assessed through presentation of completed projects, written assignments and research papers.