Postgraduate Diploma in Clothing and Textile Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to equip the learner 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 clothing and textiles sector. The qualification will strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the field of clothing and textile.

There is an emphasis on developing the ability to formulate and resolve more complex theoretical and critical thinking problems through the selection and use of clothing and textile-related research and analytical methods, tools and techniques. The following objectives will be met:

• To improve the level of critical thinking skills and knowledge base in clothing and textile to be more competitive in the labour market locally, regionally and nationally thereby improving employability and the level of expertise.
• To provide an opportunity for specialisation in clothing and textile which will also address the shortage of critical and scarce skills in the country in this field. The specialisation includes product performance and control as well as smart, green and sustainable textile technology and innovation, advanced supply chain processes related to clothing and textile.
• To produce competent professional clothing and textile specialists who are academically and technically equipped.

Rationale

The qualification aims to supply the industry with textile and garment specialists who are capable of incorporating innovative, sustainable and cleaner production technologies in the workplace. The purpose of the qualification is to strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge in the field of clothing and textile. It is to enable learners to undertake advanced reflection and development through a systematic approach towards current thinking, practice and research methods within clothing and textile and related fields which contributes to the industry locally and globally.

Clothing and textile experts or specialists work independently as well as 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, manufacturers of clothing and textile products, 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.

This qualification is a national collaboration between the Fibre Processing and Manufacturing Sector Education and Training Authority (FP&M SETA), Advisory Committee to the Department of Clothing and Textiles CPUT, The Technology Station Clothing and Textiles (TSCT) CPUT, and other Universities of Technology (UoT) offering Clothing and Textile related qualifications, and the manufacturing and retail employer sector. On a national level, education and employment strategies are influenced by the millennium goals which focus on developing skills and competencies that enable learners to capitalise on career opportunities to assist with economic growth.

A major focus of the qualification aims to prepare and equip s learners to capitalise on both work and entrepreneurial opportunities in this specific sector. Therefore, learners have the opportunity to directly contribute to the requirements of economic growth and alleviate unemployment through clothing and textile business, leadership and entrepreneurship. The work in the field of clothing and textile education also underpins the strategic purpose of the Department of Trade and Industry: Empowerment and Enterprise Economic Division "in the creation of economic opportunities for enterprises, previously disadvantaged citizens and underdeveloped regions" (DTI, 2010).

The 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 the previous learners tracking, industry engagement and benchmarking exercises, these career paths most commonly include the following:

• Internal and external sourcing coordinators.
• Product technologist (garment/ textile).
• Department head.
• Product developers.
• Assistant buyer.
• Merchandiser (junior/ senior).

Industry engagement and feedback have been taken into account emphasising the need for such a qualification. The department has particularly built partnerships with leading global institutions like the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, that offer clothing and textile qualifications. Where there is a chance of institutional collaboration in the form of guest lectures to facilitate as well as evaluate learner performance on a global level. This will act as a means of sharing and supporting knowledge development through teaching exchanges, visits abroad, community engagement, and probable collaborative research projects.

The qualification is 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 to a range of contexts to undertake professional or highly-skilled work. This qualification will allow for the flexibility of career choices for learners as clothing and textile specialists, 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).

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. It supports learners from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to enable occupational and social mobility.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is applied following an institutional RPL policy. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements.

RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and/or credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

A learner applying for advanced standing for RPL will require experience in a specialised field within the clothing and textile pipeline. As the qualification focuses on specialised knowledge, the departmental unit is required to be representative of the varied specialised fields ranging from textiles, manufacturing and retail-oriented fields.

Assessment of RPL will comply with faculty and institution policy and principles. If the applicant is not deemed to be a feasible RPL application, he/she is notified in writing and advised on alternative options, candidates may appeal against all aspects of the RPL process.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Clothing and Textile Technology at NQF Level 7, granting access to postgraduate studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Sustainable Clothing and Textile Technology, 26 Credits.
• Advancement in Innovative Textile Products and Processes, 26 Credits.
• Research Methodology and Projects 1, 24 Credits.
• Technical and Smart Textile, 22 Credits.
• Advanced Supply Chain Processes in Clothing & Textiles, 22 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth (advanced) understanding of principles of sustainable practices in Clothing and Textiles.
2. Apply advanced knowledge in innovative technologies to existing clothing and textiles practices, concepts and theories to effect improvements.
3. Review, validate and develop specifications and standards for specialised textile products and processes.
4. Design and develop a process, procedure or product related to the clothing and textile industry.
5. Evaluate and critique the various supply chain processes in clothing and textile technology
6. Identify, plan and execute a research project in clothing and textiles.
7. Communicate academic work convincingly in written, visual, electronic and verbal forms, including the use of software systems and processes appropriate to the clothing and textile industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Outline and evaluate sustainable processes in clothing and textile technology.
• Validate the sustainability standards in clothing and textile technology.
• Critique and develop benchmarks to international sustainable clothing and textile standards

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Appraise and formulate concepts and theories on innovative products and processes to reduce the industry's impact on the natural, economic and social environment.
• Identify innovation in design with the purpose of longevity, biodegradability, resource efficiency, elimination of toxicity and good ethical production processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify, analyse and develop specialised textiles; such as eco textiles, smart textiles, functional textiles and technical textiles.
• Evaluate and review the smart material design and development methods, standards and processes critically.
• Design and develop specifications for a new product(s) of clothing or textiles from reviewed data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Evaluate and re-engineer improvements to selected clothing or textile products for the same or different target market.
• Develop specifications for replication of the selected clothing or textile product.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify and analyse the supply chain processes in clothing and textile technology.
• Gather, review and evaluate textile related technologies and solutions to ensure smooth functioning of intricate and complex processes.
• Critique the various purchasing, logistics and operations management paths that affect the efficiency of the supply chain.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Develop a research proposal in response to an identified problem in the sustainable clothing and textile area.
• Conduct a literature survey, do experiment trials, evaluate and interpret results and structure them in the form of a research project.
• Conduct experimental trials, collect and scientifically interpret data within the context of sustainable and innovative products and processes in clothing and textiles.
• Apply correct instruments and equipment to collect both production and research data relevant to the clothing and textile industry to be assessed with scientific-practical parameters, data collection and statistical analysis.
• Resolve the research problem using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
• Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Prepare professional presentations, technical reports, proposals, portfolios of evidence, designed products/artefacts using relevant industry and academic tools.
• Use the online learner management platform to facilitate group communication, self-study and peer evaluation effectively.
• Participate in scheduled discussions with supervisor/lecturer about the management and execution of assignments and integrated research projects.