Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to strengthen the learner's knowledge and skill-base in specific materials, methods, technologies (whether digital or analogue) that are employed in the creative industries such as production and/or manufacture of projects and products that range from advertising, textiles and printmaking, metal fabrication, 3D printing, gaming, the digital design environment, animation and other creative or cultural production.

It is also aimed at professional development of practitioners in industry who need to upgrade their skill set in the face of rapidly changing technologies, and requirements of industry since their formal training.

The core objective is to promote an indepth knowledge base, understanding of and mastery of a selected process of creative production, thereby enabling learners to have technical and/or technological expertise at a very high level over production methods, whether analogue or digital, high or low tech.

Qualified learners will become specialists in technology with both practical experience, and be able to understand how to apply their knowledge and skills in the world of design/creative production. They will also understand trends and developments globally that influence and are influenced by their chosen technology.

This qualification is designed in a manner that encourages learners to master their chosen technology.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology is aimed primarily, but not exclusively, at people in the principal feeder area of the University who have come through the Diploma in Design and Studio Arts who are looking to further strengthen their studies before exiting in preparation for employment and self-employment, or those who are aiming for further research and study to higher qualifications.

This Postgraduate Diploma is specifically focused on offering learners with an option to focus on a year of intensive study of a selection of technologies appropriate to their practice. These include traditional technologies such as bronze casting or foundry work, or ceramic production as well as high tech rapidly changing technologies in digital design, Computer Aided Design and Manufacture, Animation and similar.

This qualification is designed to equip learners with skills that will prepare them to become Creative Collaborators and Partners who work within the industry in the execution and production of creative content in a collaborative manner with artists, designers and other creative practitioners.

It provides specialisation for learners who are likely to pursue careers as creative practitioners or support technicians in the creative industries.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Provision is made to achieve the qualification in part or as a whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning. The learners will be selected and on an individual basis in accordance with the RPL policy of the institution the process will be conducted.

RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete a RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work and/or learning. Once the institution's RPL coordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Faculty of Humanities for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and/or through prior experience as a practitioner in another field of Design and/or Studio Art. Structured assessments will be developed for learners whereby they will be assessed against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on an individual basis and in accordance with the institutions' RPL policy. Such procedures and the assessment of individual cases are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The RPL policy outlines that the holder of a University qualification certificate must have:

• Complied with the admission requirements for the qualification, including the admission requirements of the courses/module prescribed for the qualification.
• Been assessed and found competent in all the competences and skills prescribed for the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry to this qualification is a three (3) year Bachelor's Degree or and Advanced Diploma at Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Ideation and Collaborative Practice in Industry, 24 Credits.
• Materials and Methods Proficiency, 8 Credits.
• Techniques and Technology Studies, 24 Credits.
• Production and Process management, 40 Credits.
• Research Project, 24 Credits.

1. Engage and demonstrate a versatile and integrated knowledge of the qualification, research methodologies, methods and techniques with detailed knowledge of a specialist area.
2. Apply, demonstrate and interrogate multiple sources of knowledge according to both the subject and the industry needs.
3. Research and understand the target market and identify how to respond, understand the individual needs, and tailor the product accordingly by applying a range of methods to unfamiliar problems.
4. Communicate effectively in relation to the product(s), in order to mediate design and studio art industry needs and an ability to take decisions and justify those decisions in specialised contexts.
5. Communicate with academic/professional discourse offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems.
6. Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry and the ability to critically review, so as to develop creative responses.
7. Evaluate, understand and interpret diversity in the South African context, in order to accommodate industry developments, and identify and solve social problems.
8. Manage processes across variable contexts in order to self-evaluate and solve sequenced real world visual problems with well-structured arguments and solutions.
9. Demonstrate sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills in diverse contexts in order to ensure a conducive working environment.
10. Exhibit a positive work ethic, display appropriate values, and conduct oneself in a manner which befits, enhances and develops the design and studio art profession.
11. Critically reflect on own practice in liaison with their professional community of colleagues and industry in order to constantly improve and adapt to evolving circumstances, while taking accountability for processes used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate versatile and integrated knowledge with regard to a specialist area related to visual communication, research methodologies, methods and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply concepts, principles and interrogation of multiple sources and theories applicable to the needs of the subjects, specialist areas and industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop and apply tailored specialised products for an identified target market by a range of methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply effective written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills with the ability to take decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate and apply sound knowledge of communication skills in the form of proposals and projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Access, process and manage knowledge of the design and studio art industry in the unpacking, planning and development of suitable and creative products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Critically evaluate and use the understanding of diversity in South Africa to solve social problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate effective management of diverse processes through defining and solving of sequenced real world visual problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Effectively apply sound entrepreneurial, administrative and managerial skills to adhere to a conducive working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Recognise, apply and integrate positive work ethic into related activities in design and studio art profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Critically evaluate reflection of own practice through peer review by a professional community of colleagues and the learner.
• Demonstrate the ability to take full responsibility for own work.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment takes the form of a variety of assessment methods, for example: written and oral examinations, problem-solving assignments, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, visual diaries, journals, field work and the assessment of competence through simulated and actual work integrated learning. This variety of assessment methods helps to increase the assessment opportunities and encourage academic success of the learners. It also provides the opportunity for all learners to excel in one or more methods of assessment creating a culture of success. The institution encourages continuity and alignment across the different modules which include the integration of principles into Studio Practice. These practices ensure reliability and validity in assessment.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of the assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated Exit Level Outcomes, has been achieved, either through education and training within the learning programme or though experience that complies with the stated RPL policy.