Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice is to equip learners with advanced practical and theoretical skills beyond degree level, providing the opportunity to further explore possibilities within the creative field. Learners can devote themselves to a particular area of interest or topic in a variety of creative practices explored at the institution by conducting a series of in-depth practical explorations and investigating their practice through in-depth reflection and an increased understanding of the market.

The qualification sets out to deepen learners' understanding of and engagement with their fields of specialisation and to further develop additional skills that can expand on their existing skill set, providing them with the opportunity to upgrade their academic status and understanding of the industry and more importantly, affording learners the chance to advance their professional portfolio through further engaging their overall understanding of the respective field in the core components, Creative Production Primary and Creative Production Secondary. The qualification emphasizes providing additional training in conceptual development and further skill application through conducting supporting industry-related and business-driven research, ultimately providing learners with an advanced vocational portfolio that can be used as a basis for further professional development in an industry context. Learners are afforded the opportunity to develop a series of related practical projects by applying rigorous problem-solving skills, supported by research and reflective investigations.

The qualification is directed at honing learners' problem-solving skills by advancing their creative outlook, aiming to instill a sense of creative confidence to prepare them further for the broader creative industry. Focus is placed on encouraging innovative thinking and instilling the habit of experimentation and critical reflection within their practice. Learners learn to work more independently, empowered to make creative decisions autonomously, formulating personal approaches in dialogue with the South African creative context through developing a body of work that reflects industry standards.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be to

• Develop an expanded portfolio which exceeds degree standards in terms of craft and critical thinking.
• Complete a series of self-reflective investigations in Research and Reflection, exploring your creative process.
• Identify target audiences and analyse the industry contexts relevant to the practical output.
• Conduct a research-based practical approach to solve the identified problem in the industry.
• Apply practical business skills in the Creative Business Practice for the industry.

Rationale

This postgraduate qualification provides learners with the opportunity to further their creative and academic practice through providing advanced training in the development of conceptual thinking and the creative application thereof based on further exploration of the creative industry context and through reflecting on their own practice. Learners are encouraged to engage with problem-solving at a higher level, formulating solutions to guide them in their creative practice. The qualification duration is one year full-time and includes opportunities for learners to work collaboratively, offering learners more in-depth industry insight, equipping them with additional skills required for employment in the creative industry context and preparing them for further studies at Master's degree level.

Research has been conducted regarding the job offerings and job requirement status from the industry and it shows an increase in the demand for qualified interaction and digital designers especially in the fields of multi-skilled creative production focused on technology, products, and systems. Designing these technologies and products consists of many layers and is far more complex than traditional visual design/communication. The qualification will equip graduates with practical skills through a multidisciplinary approach coupled with an aptitude in professional practice, entrepreneurship, and industry knowledge to produce graduates who can successfully navigate through both local and global creative markets by participating and creating new work opportunities for local communities.

Local and global approaches to technology and design have undergone vast changes and an emphasis has been placed on contemporary design production with a key understanding of the interaction between humans, technology, and design. It has become necessary to enable graduates with excellent problem-solving abilities to devise solutions and designs that reflect a kind of forward-thinking and unique approach to various contexts, societies, cultures, and technology. As the qualification is focused on providing learners with an opportunity to further delve into their identified field of specialization, the desired outcome is that learners can demonstrate critical problem-solving and a higher-level understanding of their field, with advanced crafting abilities matching industry output.

Despite this qualification placing a stronger emphasis on the learners' practical output, the qualification features a research-based foundation, affording learners a stronger academic understanding. The qualification emphasizes self-regulated learning, aiming to foster a sense of independence in the learners with regard to their creative and theoretical processes. Learners who complete the qualification will be equipped with skills exceeding those of a graduate allowing them to make a more informed and thus more significant contribution to South Africa's creative economy. The qualification provides its graduates with an advantage within the creative industry, harnessing further opportunities and providing a platform for further study at NQF level 9.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which applies to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Creative Technologies, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication Design, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Arts in Creative Brand Communication, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Creative Business Practice, 20 Credits.
• Research and Reflection, 20 Credits.
• Creative Production Primary, 50 Credits.
• Creative Production Secondary, 30 credits.

1. Apply the research skills gained to formulate research findings, synthesize the information to convey relevant and/or conceptual responses, and develop reflexive insights within their field, focus and practice.
2. Produce research that is emblematic of astute aesthetic competencies, and critical and conceptual considerations, and conceive of integrated approaches whereby local creative production may be interpreted and critiqued within the globalized creative field.
3. Apply business skills, such as financial processes, basic legal concepts, business planning, basic marketing, and professionalization, to a variety of professional engagements, particularly in

terms of a unique, personally developed business opportunity and/or professional career path in the creative sector.

1. Demonstrate proficiency in critical thinking and advanced techniques that align with industry-standard methods of practice.
2. Demonstrate advanced technical presentations skills, conceptual sensitivity, industry relevance and socio-cultural poignancy that demonstrates a level of professionalism on par with NQF level 8

postgraduate standards.

1. Convey the ability to work both individually as well as collaboratively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Conduct research, survey literature and engage with relevant research methodologies with a research focus in mind.
• Apply findings in practical responses, and be able to articulate how these findings influenced the

creative practice or approach relevant to the field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Provide a comprehensive research statement in the form of a rationale outlining the conceptual response and relationship to the approach, research and critical conceptual considerations identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify a gap for a hypothetical business related to the field or focus and motivate its industry relevance.
• Consider the necessary requirements in this context (finance, legal, marketing, professionalization, etc.) to formulate a business plan and model/motivate a relevant career path in the context of the industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop a professional body of work that conveys an alignment with and understanding of the creative industry.
• Present or exhibit the body of work in a professional manner, accompanied by a catalogue or screening and demonstration, etc.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Compile a practical portfolio consisting of a variety of projects that convey advanced skills and that demonstrate industry relevance.
• Curate/formulate the portfolio in a manner on par with industry expectations/requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Conceptualize and initiate a collaborative project with learners/professionals working in fields not directly related to their practical focus to explore the potential of a multidisciplinary project.