Master of Clothing and Textile Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Clothing and Textile Technology (research) is to enhance specialist knowledge in the field and further demonstrate, integrate, interrogate, analyse, identify and formulate the knowledge gained from the Postgraduate Diploma qualification in conducting research by gaining a high level of theoretical engagement. This will also prepare the learners to work further in the Doctoral program.

Further, the qualification aims to produce graduates by strengthening and deepening the learners' knowledge in the field of clothing and textiles. This qualification will deepen learners' knowledge with a background in the clothing and textile business or suitable industry experience to allow greater application of contemporary principles, practice and research. It will enable graduates to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic approach towards current thinking, practice and research methods within clothing and textile and related fields, which contributes to industry locally and globally. Ongoing education is important to keep abreast of technological and professional development and research, which is changing the current work opportunity and requires a higher level of critical, analytical and adaptable graduates.

The qualification also aims to equip learners to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems, drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the field of clothing and textiles. Studying at a higher educational level will not only enhance the knowledge and skills of the individual but also contribute towards the development of society and the community. It supports learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to enable occupational and social mobility.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current engineering practices in the industry.
• Manage clothing and textile engineering systems and associated processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving within the system of processes being managed is contextual.
• Evaluate products and processes in clothing and textiles, and assess the social, legal, health, safety and environmental impact and where applicable, benefits of the relationships within the context of the clothing and textile discipline.
• Critically appraise research methods to manage research projects, and technology for application in research projects that constitute socially responsible research to local and other communities.
• Plan and manage clothing and textile research projects using the resources assigned to the research project within a prescribed timeframe and demonstrate an underlying fundamental knowledge, understanding and insight in principles and concepts, as well as the application of theory.
• Conduct a review of literature pertinent to clothing and textiles and/or associated problems and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively to specialist (engineering) and non-specialist (non-engineering) audiences using appropriate academic structure, style and graphical support.

Rationale

Worldwide, there has been a greater area of growth academically, especially with the onset of using clothing sustainably, ethically, by saving the environment and maximising waste utilisation. This results in specialist clothing and textile courses developed in line with the advent of the industry within a slightly emerging economy context to cater for the increased professionalisation within the clothing and textile industry. The qualification aims to supply the industry with specialists who are capable of incorporating innovative, sustainable and cleaner production technologies in the workplace, and instil a culture of sustainable manufacturing and consumption, and minimisation of waste.

Due to the increasing complexity and ever-shifting global changes in all areas of textiles, clothing and related retail industries, there is a South African and global shortage, and rapidly increasing demand for qualified graduates who are specialists in the fields of textiles and clothing, which also encompasses the retail field. Clothing and textile experts/specialists work independently and provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of products in the clothing and textile field. They are employed by retailers, sourcing companies, clothing and textile manufacturers, consulting firms, governments and a wide range of testing companies verifying the authenticity and functionality of the products, both for mainstream use and for use in the new environmentally friendly and sustainable products made by these industries.

Moreover, the advent of Industry 4.0 has brought this particular research career into focus, and the institution finds itself in a position to widen access to this career path to alumni. The department undertook a needs assessment of current and future needs and trending developments across various clothing and textile stakeholders and industry experts. This assessment endorsed a master's program. This master's qualification will provide an opportunity for the Post Graduate Diploma level learners to further their studies and carry out research at a postgraduate level. A significant feature of this review was the desire to run a master's program, as they identified a gap in research in clothing and textiles in the country. Research discovers, elucidates and evaluates new knowledge, ideas, and technologies essential in driving the future of society and humanity.

The qualification is predominantly research-oriented and is also aligned with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), which demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, as well as the ability to relate knowledge and technology through research in the form of a range of contexts to undertake professional or highly skilled work. This qualification will allow for the flexibility of career choices for graduates as clothing and textile specialists, both vertically and horizontally, through personal growth and job advancement within and across the clothing, textile and retail sectors. This is in line with the call for innovation made by the South African Technology Innovation Agency and the FP&M SETA's documented statement that Materials Engineering Technologist (OFO 214908) is a scarce skill in the sector (FP&M SETA: Demand of Skills and Scarce- and Critical Skills, 2018).

FP&M Sector Skills Program has also identified the need for industry-research partnerships with research and educational institutions. Industry has identified niche products related to the sustainability of natural fibres, as well as the development of new processes promoting green technologies and practices, such as using natural fibres in manufacturing, energy and water-efficient processes in fibre processing. Consultation with the major retailers and manufacturers identified key work categories necessary for capacity building, specifically within product development and the implications of new textiles and supply chain management. This aligns with the call for innovation made by the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA). The proposed qualification provides capacity, relevance and expertise within the niche areas of clothing and textiles. It is an industry with many varied career path prospects. From our learner graduate tracking, industry engagement and benchmarking exercises, these career paths most commonly include the following:

• Academics
• Researchers
• R&D manager
• Senior researchers at R&D organisations like CSIR and Laboratory Managers in SABS.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with the institution's RPL policy, overseen by a unit dedicated to this activity. No exemption or credit transfer will apply to the proposed qualification since it is a Master's by Research only. The RPL process will only be used for admission into the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Postgraduate Diploma in Clothing and Textile Technology, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Applied Science Honours in Textile Science, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• Research Thesis, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate specialist knowledge to enable engagement with and critique of current engineering practices in the industry.
2. Manage clothing and textile engineering systems and associated processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving within the system of processes being managed is contextual.
3. Evaluate products and processes in clothing and textile, and assess the social, legal, health, safety and environmental impact and where applicable, benefits of the relationships within the context of clothing and textile discipline.
4. Critically appraise research methods to manage research projects, as well as technology for application in research projects that constitute socially responsible research to local and other communities.
5. Plan and manage clothing and textile research projects using the available resources assigned to the research project within a prescribed timeframe and demonstrate an underlying fundamental knowledge, understanding and insight in principles and concepts, as well as the application of theory.
6. Conduct a review of literature pertinent to clothing and textiles and/or associated problems and demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively with specialist (engineering) and non-specialist (non-engineering) audiences using appropriate academic structure, style and graphical support.
7. Draw conclusions and present the results of a research project in the field of clothing and textiles.
8. Manages him/herself and his/her academic activities responsibly, effectively, professionally and ethically and takes responsibility within his/her own limits of competence and exercises judgement with knowledge and expertise, pertaining to the field of research.
9. Effectively work with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community or in multidisciplinary environments in the chosen field of research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Synthesise information from various relevant sources and apply it to current clothing and textile practices and contexts.
• Appropriately analyse and interpret data to develop clothing and textile practices and improve current practice.
• Develop risk management interventions for clothing and textile practices, for example, technology, operations, and engineering design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate the state of clothing and textile systems based on criteria in different contexts.
• Conduct a feasibility study of the state of clothing and textile systems and associated processes
• Address intended or unintended consequences and interventions.
• Evaluate products and processes in clothing and textiles, and assess the social, legal, health, safety and environmental impact and where applicable, benefits of the relationships within the context of the clothing and textile discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Compile a comprehensive evaluative report of the products and processes within clothing and textiles in relation to their environmental impact.
• Accurately assess the social, legal, health, safety and environmental impact of systems within clothing and textiles to provide recommendations as required
• Accurately assess the benefits of relationships between products and processes in systems within the context of the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Independently select an appropriate research method that aligns with the objectives of the research project.
• Provide a plausible rationale for the selected research method and explain how this method will contribute to solving the research problem.
• Acknowledge and accept accountability for the impact that the selected research method might have on society and the environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Autonomously schedule and execute actions (for example, select appropriate equipment where needed, conduct investigations or experiments) in clothing and textile research projects.
• Perform appropriate data analysis and accurately interpret the findings of the data analysis.
• Demonstrate underlying fundamental knowledge, understanding and insight into clothing and textile principles and concepts to derive a solution to the research problem.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Select relevant sources of literature and draw on the work of leading scholars in the field of clothing and textiles, and cognate disciplines.
• Produce a comprehensive literature review evaluating different perspectives in the field of study.
• Communicate arguments in writing to engineering and non-engineering audiences and the community at large insofar as they are affected by the research, using appropriate structure, style and graphical support.
• Formulate deductions from the analysis of different perspectives (arguments).
• Apply Harvard referencing techniques correctly and accurately for in-text and bibliographical references.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Compile coherent and cohesive arguments to deduce conclusions for the project.
• Articulate written conclusions to specialist and non-specialist audiences, emphasising the contribution of knowledge in the field of clothing and textiles and to the community in general.
• Prepare an article for publication in a DHET-accredited journal or peer-reviewed conference paper, in consultation with supervisor(s).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Adheres to institutional policies and regulations in terms of plagiarism.
• Considers issues of confidentiality during the process of research.
• Appropriately completes internal ethical clearance form to demonstrate knowledge and level of judgement pertaining to ethical considerations in the field of clothing and textiles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Participates as a member of a research team, project group in a multidisciplinary research or development project, which is assessed via a peer-ranking and peer rating procedure.
• Perform critical functions as part of a group and demonstrate leadership in aspects of a chosen field of research, which is assessed via a peer-ranking and peer rating procedure.