Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to reinforce advanced knowledge of Graphic and Communication Design as an exploration of contemporary practise, critical thinking and applying research methods in this specialised are of study.

This would further give the learner the opportunity to develop advanced abilities and expertise required in research and the necessary fields within the design industry. This qualification will enable the learner to re-align and address a human-centred approach to graphic design to keep up with international trends in communication design practice. The qualification retains a vocational, professional and industry specific focus. The qualification aims to develop learners who can demonstrate industry-specific knowledge and focus in order to apply advanced practice-led and based research skills to become successful contributors to the graphic design industry. This qualification exposes learners to.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Graphic Design will engage students with current developments in graphic, visual communication design practice with key concepts and processes underpinning this constantly evolving sector. Thus, the curriculum design of this qualification aims to give the student advanced, enhanced skills and subject specific specialised knowledge within the field of graphic visual communication design and design research to enable the transition into the Master of Arts in Visual Arts (Graphic Design) after completion. The qualification addresses the present-day needs in the design industry that resulted from technological advances and a reconsideration of the social and sustainable methods of production. These advances require specialists that are capable to deliver visual communication products that are inclusive of a consideration of the human, sustainable and participatory context in the design industry. Benchmarking with national and international institutions identified this qualification as a niche within the South African context.

A focus on entrepreneurship within the research component of the qualification meets contemporary socio-economic demands from the broader creative and media industries that require entrepreneurial service suppliers that can operate in any geographic region.

The qualification is aligned with the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) requirements determined by Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and aims to minimise the gap between the old and new programme and module offerings. This qualification provides vertical and horizontal articulation pathways to learners. Vertical articulation will be possible into a relevant Master of Arts in Visual Arts (Graphic Design) on Level 9. Horizontal articulation will be possible into a relevant Honours professional degree. This qualification enhances and re-enforces the basic research methodologies relevant to graphic visual communication design introduced in the Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of business administration. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis and assessment is done by means of Integrated Assessment strategies as mentioned above. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent-assessors. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance that will be provided. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner. A maximum of 10% per cohort may be admitted to this qualification through RPL.

Entry Requirements

• Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design, Level 7.

Or

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules (120 Credits)

• Visual Communication Design 1, 15 Credits.
• Visual Communication Design 2, 15 Credits.
• Visual Communication Human Perspectives, 10 Credits.
• Advanced Theory of Graphic Design 1, 10 Credits.
• Advanced Theory of Graphic Design 2, 10 Credits.
• Research Methods in Graphic and Communication Design, 15 Credits.
• Graphic Design Advanced Production, 20 Credits.
• Graphic Design Portfolio Research Project, 25 Credits.

1. Demonstrate ability to create appropriate solutions to design problems, for commercial and human-centred clients.
2. Demonstrate ability to create effective illustration, advertising, publishing and editorial design, packaging, corporate and information design at a professional level.
3. Investigate necessary and pertinent information involved with the project, and apply relevant information as a design solution.
4. Communicate effectively on an advanced level to various and diverse audiences.
5. Demonstrate implementation of advanced professional and ethical technical requirements in the development of design solutions.
6. Work effectively with others as a member of a diverse design team and independently, organise and add to the creative platform.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes

• Understand advanced visual graphic communication.
• Apply advanced problem-solving skills in visual and graphic communication.
• Implement exploratory and experimental approaches in emerging media and technologies.
• Apply and evaluate advanced graphic and visual communication design methods and processes.
• Develop critical and conceptual thinking skills in order to communicate visual and graphic communication ideas effectively.
• Understand and apply effective graphic and visual communication design principles to diverse audiences.
• Apply advanced concepts of reciprocal dialogue and effective listening.
• Conceptualise and suggest design solutions with a variety of stakeholders.
• Understand and apply relevant social, theoretical and historical contexts to create appropriate solutions.
• Develop optimal design solutions whilst considering cultural and social contexts.
• Apply technical and professional media specifications in a human-centred context.
• Demonstrate an understanding and engagement in human and participatory practice and co-design.
• Apply professionalism and ethical considerations in human context.
• Identify a design problem based on history and theory of communication design.
• Apply research informed solutions to identified design challenges.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge and insight into contemporary graphic design discourse and theory.
• Demonstrate an ability to work individually and within a group.
• Apply professionalism and ethics based on the history and theories of graphic visual communication design.
• Understand the principles of research, such as validity, transferability, rigour, integrity and repeatability.
• Apply understanding of various research paradigms, including practice-based research.
• Demonstrate appropriate knowledge of a variety of research methodologies.
• Establish more detailed knowledge and understanding of methods relevant to graphic visual communication design practices such as human-centred and participatory design, auto-ethnography and practice-based research.
• Apply a structured reflection model to investigate own practice.
• Understand and implement the processes implicit in developing visual graphic communication outcomes to a project.
• Apply advanced technological problem solving skills in visual and graphic communication pre and post-production.
• Implement exploratory and experimental approaches and strategies in emerging media and technologies.
• Demonstrate knowledge of advanced graphic and visual communication design methods and processes and its application within design industry.
• Develop a number of graphic visual communication design projects.
• Implement graphic visual communication human-perspectives.
• Apply and utilise appropriate research strategies and methods.
• Consider and present ethical and professional principles within the project.
• Present a graphic design portfolio project.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment: A combination of assessment tools (tests, individual and group assignments, presentations, case studies and projects) are utilised to monitor learner progress on a continuous basis. Feedback is provided within seven working days and underperforming learners are provided with an opportunity to be re-assessed after receiving detailed feedback and recommendations for improvement.

Summative Assessment: An integrated portfolio is used at the end of a semester to evaluate the achievement of learning outcomes. Unsuccessful learners have a second opportunity to submit the portfolio. All summative assessments are moderated externally.