Vaal University of Technology

Advanced Diploma in Graphic Design

Culture and Arts - Design Studies

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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose: The purpose of this qualification is to strengthen advanced knowledge of Graphic and Communication Design through an exploration of contemporary practice, critical thinking, and research methods in this specialized area of study. It aims to develop the abilities and expertise required in the design industry, enabling students to re-align graphic design with a human-centered approach to keep up with international communication design trends. The qualification focuses on vocational, professional, and industry-specific skills, aiming to produce graduates who can apply industry-specific knowledge successfully in the graphic design field. It also exposes students to research and practice-based research in graphic and communication design, aligning with the Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) requirements.

Rationale: This qualification engages learners with current developments in graphic and visual communication design practice, emphasizing key concepts and processes in this evolving sector. The curriculum design enhances students' skills and knowledge in graphic visual communication design to meet industry needs driven by technological advances and considerations for social and sustainable production methods. The qualification prepares specialists to deliver visual communication products that consider human, sustainable, and participatory contexts within the design industry. Advisory board meetings and benchmarking with national and international institutions identified this course as a niche within the South African context. The program also focuses on entrepreneurship to meet contemporary socio-economic demands in the creative and media industries, preparing students to operate as entrepreneurial service providers in any geographic region.

Outcomes

  1. Create appropriate solutions to design problems, for commercial and human-centred clients.
  2. Create effective illustration, advertising, publishing and editorial design, packaging, corporate and information design.
  3. Investigate necessary and pertinent information involved with the project, and then apply the relevant information as a design solution.
  4. Communicate effectively on an advanced level to various and diverse audiences.
  5. Implement of 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.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria

The following assessment criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:

  1. Understanding of Advanced Visual Graphic Communication
  2. Applying Advanced Problem-Solving Skills in Visual and Graphic Communication
  3. Implementing Exploratory and Experimental Approaches in Emerging Media and Technologies
  4. Applying Advanced Graphic and Visual Communication Design Methods and Processes
  5. Evaluating Advanced Graphic and Visual Communication Design Methods and Processes
  6. Developing Critical and Conceptual Thinking Skills for Effective Communication
  7. Understanding and Applying Effective Graphic and Visual Communication Design Principles
  8. Familiarity with the Concept of Reciprocal Dialogue and Effective Listening
  9. Conceptualizing and Suggesting Design Solutions with Various Stakeholders
  10. Understanding and Applying Relevant Social and Historical Contexts
  11. Developing Optimal Design Solutions Considering Cultural and Social Contexts
  12. Applying Technical and Professional Media Specifications in a Human-Centered Context
  13. Engaging in Human and Participatory Practice and Co-Design
  14. Applying Ethical Guidelines and Professionalism in Human Context
  15. Engaging with Historical and Theoretical Contexts in Graphic Design
  16. Identifying Design Problems based on History and Theory of Communication Design
  17. Applying Research-Informed Solutions to Design Challenges
  18. Demonstrating Knowledge of Contemporary Graphic Design Discourse and Theories
  19. Evaluating Advanced Graphic and Visual Communication Design Methods
  20. Demonstrating Ability to Work Individually and in a Group
  21. Understanding Research Principles and Various Research Paradigms
  22. Applying Research Methodologies Relevant to Graphic Visual Communication Design
  23. Applying a Structured Reflection Model to Investigate Own Practice
  24. Developing Conclusions based on Investigative Techniques
  25. Implementing Processes in Developing Visual Graphic Communication Outcomes
  26. Applying Technological Problem-Solving Skills in Visual and Graphic Communication
  27. Understanding Technologies and Media in Visual Graphic Communication
  28. Analysing Media and Technology in Graphic and Visual Communication Design
  29. Demonstrating Understanding of Professionalism in Media Communication Design
  30. Applying Visual Communication Application Processes and Strategies
  31. Utilising Visual Communication Design, Production, and Human Perspectives
  32. Considering Ethical and Professional Principles in Projects
  33. Presenting a Graphic Design Portfolio Project

Integrated Assessment

  • Formative Assessment: Utilizes a combination of assessment tools to monitor learner progress continuously. Feedback is provided promptly, and underperforming learners have the opportunity to be re-assessed.

  • Summative Assessment: An integrated portfolio is used to evaluate learning outcomes at the end of the semester. Unsuccessful learners can resubmit their portfolio. All summative assessments are externally moderated.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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Vaal University of Technology
Vaal University of Technology
Description
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is a public university located in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. It was established in 2004 and is one of the largest universities of technology in the country. VUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields including engineering, applied and computer sciences, management sciences, human sciences, and arts and design. The university focuses on providing practical and industry-relevant education to its students, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and work-integrated learning opportunities. VUT is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and partnerships with industry and community organizations.
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.