Postgraduate Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture

Purpose

The qualification strengthens and deepens the learner's knowledge in a particular discipline or profession", in this case, the Jewellery Design profession (Government Gazette no 38116). This qualification prepares learners with an advanced scope of knowledge and research skills to engage in areas of specialisation within the discipline; encourage learners to critically review multiple sources of knowledge in specialised contexts; and develop in learners the principles of accountability, to act ethically and professionally, and to manage their learning in a self-critical manner. The qualification promotes a high level of technical, creative and critical thinking skills. It is a qualification that provides a learner with an advanced set of skills or knowledge and a professional attitude to performing in the field, either within the jewellery industry or as an entrepreneur.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture is in line with the strategic direction and rationale of the University and the Faculty of Arts and Design. The institution used research to understand society within the African and global context.

Furthermore, according to the Government Gazette of 15 July, 2014, development of Jewellery Design and Manufacture is considered to be in the national interest.

The need for this qualification became evident from two perspectives; academic, and industrial. Academically speaking it addresses the role the B.Tech used to play, in preparing learners for the research activities in the Master of Fine Art. In consultation with numerous stakeholders (the Regional and National Manufacturing Associations, the local goldsmiths of Durban, large mass production manufacturers, workshop managers and retailers, Bespoke jewellery workshops and artist jewellers. Alongside these are the Jewellery Union, the Jewellery Council of South Africa, Mining Houses such as Diamond Trading Company (De Beers SA), AngloGold and AngloPlat, past learners who now teach in the department or whose career paths have taken them into factories, starting up their own businesses, gemmologists, lecturers and departments from around the country, and the mining SETA in which the jewellery industry is lodged. The consultations support and promote the following:

• Tourism, for the economic benefits that flow from the influx of foreign currency. A vibrant design environment, of which jewellery is a key component, not only attracts tourists but jewellery sales boost the profile of KZN and add to job creation.
• Grow the brand 'South Africa' in general and brand 'Kwa-Zulu Natal' in particular as a cultural and economic hub. A good example is Pforzheim in Germany. The city, the University and the whole of Germany's jewellery industry are synonymous with the name and the excellence of German craftsmanship. It is a goal to develop DUT and Durban along similar lines.
• Fill employment vacancies in the manufacturing and retail sectors and grows small businesses. Alongside Jewellery is a range of other related business opportunities. Developing jewellery skills develops more than just the jewellery industry.
• Entrepreneurial activities.
• Be part of a growing awareness of the unique nature of South African design through the inputs of a class of more specialised jeweller designers and craftspeople.
• Ensure competitiveness against overseas imports by raising our graduate skills level in the field of computer-aided design and manufacture.
• Be able to work with other design sectors such as fashion, textile and the arts and crafts to raise the profile of our creative industries.
• Help beneficiate the country's precious materials.

The learners that would typically enrol for a Postgraduate Diploma are those that have completed an Advanced Diploma. Furthermore, learners who wish to:

• Enhance their design sensibility to align with current and emerging trends,
• Improve their manufacture skills,
• Develop their production and management skills,
• Advance their research proficiency.

The qualification will enable them to attain the following positions

• Specialist Goldsmith offering scarce skills in mass production technologies as well as new manufacturing techniques.
• Designers from small business to mass production.
• Middle management from production manager or quality control.
• Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing specialist.
• Marketing and sales.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution policies and procedures encourage RPL through a process of assessment. The evaluation of the applicant's experience in terms of correspondence with learning outcomes of modules for which the applicant wishes to gain credit.

The applicant must submit a portfolio of relevant Jewellery Design work, or interview, or setting of projects to provide evidence of competences.

The applicant may also apply for credits against specific modules. The institutions appoint a dedicated RPL officer who oversees the process in collaboration with the HoD and relevant specialist lecturers. Successful assessment enables the applicant to enter the course at an appropriate level. The process thus both supports the applicant and enables staff to provide appropriate guidance.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture or an equivalent qualification, NQF Level 7.

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

• Jewellery Design and Manufacture 5A, 28 Credits.
• Jewellery Design and Manufacture 5B, 32 Credits.
• Jewellery Theory and Professional practice 5A, 32 Credits.
• Jewellery Theory and Professional practice 5B, 32 Credits.

1. Produce and exhibit a portfolio of creative work.
2. Design and manufacture a range of contemporary jewellery and related artefacts.
3. Compile a research report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate, in portfolio and exhibition format, a broad knowledge of practical studio disciplines.
• Advance the knowledge of selected specialised media and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Attain advanced levels of interpretative and critical capability.
• Contextualise a broad range of cultural practices and products, relating to contemporary jewellery design historically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop independent critical and evaluative capacities.
• Embark on supervised postgraduate level research.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Qualification incorporates an integrated approach to assessment. Qualifications integrate the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. Assessment of fundamental skills and knowledge are integrated with other aspects and use practical contexts wherever possible. The assessment utilises a variety of methods and tools and activities appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work. There is also an assessment of both the theoretical and practical components. During integrated assessments, the assessor makes use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools methods and assesses combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Continuous assessment exists in the form of portfolios, practical workbooks lab work, written assignments and tests, visual presentations, peer group evaluation and face to face contact with learners.