Bachelor of Arts Honours in Graphic Design
Culture and Arts - Visual Arts
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's Degree, and serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in a particular discipline and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that discipline. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence. The Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree: Graphic Design is aimed at students who desire to engage with graphic design on a higher intellectual and professional level than is possible in a 360 credit Bachelor of Arts qualification. This qualification will aim to develop innovative, independent design enquiry and critical thinking through the application of basic research practice to inform design solutions. It will prepare students to specialize in a sub-discipline within graphic design and prepare them for further Postgraduate study in the field of design. The outcomes of the program have been identified by practicing professionals in the field as relevant and appropriate for a qualification of this nature. This qualification combines the application of theory and basic research practice to direct the reach of design solutions more specifically at an intended target market, and deliver a visual message effectively for maximum impact. Students will learn to challenge conventional design thinking to develop and apply more refined and innovative thinking processes which consider the impact and effectiveness of proposed solutions.
Rationale:
The Design Education Manifesto of The International Council of Graphic Design Associates (ICOGRADA) states that design education should "integrate theory, history, criticism, research, and management to increase the production of design knowledge in order to enhance innovation and efficacy in respect of environment and human factors". Globally, businesses are becoming more reliant on digital media communication channels to reach markets. This trend has made the graphic design industry more competitive and design practitioners need to demonstrate the ability to solve more complex design challenges to compete effectively in the job market. This requires a higher level of innovative design thinking and problem solving than can adequately be mastered during a three-year undergraduate degree program. The program is designed to be offered via distance education over a period of two years. The Honours Degree: Graphic Design will position students to compete for design work more effectively by manifesting a deeper understanding of design solution development and the impact of design decisions on a market. Students will be prepared to approach design challenges critically and innovatively and produce solutions informed by research that will effectively meet client specifications, and draw the right attention in the global market place for a competitive edge.
Career opportunities for graduates of the Bachelor of Arts Honours: Graphic Design include:
- Art directors in design and advertising agencies.
- Layout artists for editorial agencies.
- Graphic designers in web and multimedia companies.
- Junior lecturers in undergraduate programs.
Outcomes
- Evaluate contemporary design theories appropriate to given design challenges.
- Perform research to develop and support design solutions.
- Classify success criteria for given design challenges in a variety of contexts.
- Independently solve complex design challenges by developing innovative human-centred design solutions that will effectively achieve defined objectives.
- Evaluate the impact of visual communication through a design solution to gauge its effectiveness.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Key concepts in design: Articulated clearly and concisely in both written and oral modes.
- Visual communication: Explained through analytical and interpretive methods.
- Theoretical frameworks: Evaluated in design research.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Research problem: Identified related to contemporary graphic design.
- Research plan: Proposed to resolve the problem in an academically appropriate manner.
- Data collection and analysis: Carried out to present results.
- Argument or solution: Rooted in published academic material.
- Communication: Findings and solutions effectively communicated verbally and visually.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Client brief: Comprehensive with information on competitors, target audience, and proposed design elements.
- Criteria development: Appropriate, achievable, and assessable.
- Timeline: Developed to gauge progression in the design process.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Visual outputs: Clearly articulate proposed visual solutions.
- Design solutions: Rooted in basic research findings.
- Visual continuity: Evident among graphic elements in a campaign.
- Professional presentation: Design solutions developed and presented professionally.
- Media and design techniques: Innovatively applied using industry-related software.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Design solutions evaluation: According to developed criteria.
- Areas for improvement: Identified and explained.
- Plan of action: Developed for improvement.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative Assessment: Continuous feedback on progress in achieving learning outcomes.
- Summative Assessment: Judgement of learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes, including integrated assessments.
Integrated assessments designed to achieve:
- Integration of Exit Level Outcomes demonstrating achievement of the qualification's purpose.
- Evaluation of learner performance providing evidence of applied competence.
- Criterion-referenced assessment explained to students and applicable in Recognition of Prior Learning.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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