Master of Applied Arts in Fashion

Purpose

The qualification educates and trains researchers who contribute to the development of knowledge. Learners can reflect critically on theory and its application; design and critically appraise research; make sound judgements using data and information; demonstrate self-direction; and continue to advance their knowledge, understanding and skills.

The learner accredited with this qualification can conduct independent research in a specialised field of clothing or fashion and contribute to knowledge production in the chosen area. The research problem, its justification process and outcome is through a dissertation report, which complies with generally accepted norms at this level.

The qualification prepares learners for life-long learning, supports traditional fashion design and promotes a spirit of enquiry, reflection and evaluation. The qualification provides the learner with an in-depth understanding in an area of specialisation; it provides upward mobility in industry-related employment; and an alternate career path in academia.

Rationale

The current trend in the fashion/clothing industry increases integration of fields and education takes into account not only the technological developments and skills necessary for their use but also the intellectual and critical skills necessary for a successful solution of design problems. It includes the business and entrepreneurial skills necessary to innovate in business.

The Department of Fashion and Textiles does not affiliate to any professional body. However, the industry's needs guide the qualification through a group of stakeholders that make up our Advisory Board Committee. This committee comprises of fashion/clothing manufacturers, retailers, SMMEs and alumni that the department interacts with on an annual basis through guest lectures, site visits and advisory board meetings. These organisations provide ongoing support in the form of sponsorships, and the industry experts advise us through the external moderation process.

The qualification supports the traditional design and develops in learners a culture of continual learning to achieve their full intellectual and human potential.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can be admitted to the qualification if evidence that the stated competence of the required entrance qualification/s achieved through experience, previous studies and other learning, that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible and applicable to all learners. The purpose of the institutional RPL policy is to:

• To provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
• To facilitate access and admission to learning qualifications within education and training and career paths.
• To accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
• To promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
• To outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at this institution.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) in South Africa is critical to the development of equitable education and supports the transformation of the education and training system of the country. The institution strives to build a viable, sustainable and credible system to implement RPL.

The institution's policies and procedures encourage the Recognition of Prior Learning through a process of assessment, in which the learner's experience receives evaluation for correspondence with learning outcomes of the modules for which the learner wishes to gain credit. The learner demonstrates competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the specific qualification. Prior learning can include formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Evaluation of the learner's prior learning includes submission of a portfolio of relevant fashion/clothing design work and other information; by interview; and if necessary by the completion of projects or exercises to provide evidence of competences. A dedicated RPL officer in collaboration with the HoD and relevant specialist lecturers oversees the process and aligns with the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy. Successful assessment enables the learner to enter the qualification at an appropriate level. It ensures that academic staff are fully aware of the learner's level of experience before he/she joins the qualification. The process thus supports the learner and enables staff to provide appropriate guidance.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Arts Honours in Fashion, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Fashion Design, NQF Level 8.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the stated competence of the qualification, as detailed in the specified outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training in a single provider's learning programme, or through experience that complies with the stated specified outcomes.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.
2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Survey the listed and cited literature survey and ensure the exposition of the research reflects familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.
• Analyse, explain and juxtapose the models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Justify the use of literature surveys/experimentation/correlation/causal analysis is fully and correctly in oral presentation and the written record of research.
• Identify, define and detail the research problem clearly in the research proposal.
• Ensure the stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
• Demonstrate logical interpretation of data to ensure it reflects a clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
• Use information sources correctly and appropriately and includes a range of media. Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data analysis, data presentation, and the production of the dissertation.
• Apply the appropriate mathematical and statistical methods correctly to quantitative and qualitative data.
• Ensure the inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analysis are valid.
• Apply language and numeracy skills effectively and correctly in communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

• Literature review.
• Portfolio synopsis and methodologies.
• Written and oral presentations.