Bachelor of Arts in Design in Digital Media
Culture and Arts - Design Studies
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose: The purpose of the qualification is to develop entry-level Digital Media designers, problem-finders, and problem-solvers. The goal is to equip learners with the skills to work independently as new media designers. Through this Degree, learners will gain a solid grounding in the knowledge and theory of new media design, enabling them to critically analyze and research design principles.
The qualification is structured around two main modules:
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Digital Media Design: This studio-based module focuses on conceptual engagement, design theory, and research practices. Learners will develop the ability to solve complex design problems using a variety of methods and techniques.
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Design Studies: This theory-based module aims to develop learners' theoretical and critical perspectives on design, enhancing their research skills in the field.
Additionally, modules on Professional Design Practice aim to prepare learners for ethical and professional conduct in a Digital Media Design environment, enhancing their employability and career readiness.
Rationale: The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design is a response to the need for qualified media practitioners in the evolving digital media landscape. This interdisciplinary qualification prepares learners for careers in new media, emphasizing the application of digital media design principles in real-world scenarios. By merging theory with practical skills, this Degree equips learners to create innovative solutions in areas such as interaction design, moving image, and digital culture.
The qualification aims to nurture learners' analytical and creative abilities through a blend of lectures, design studios, and practical work in computer laboratories. By providing conceptual competence in new media technologies, this Degree prepares learners to make significant contributions to the digital media industries both locally and globally.
Outcomes
- Solve complex digital media design problems innovatively by applying integrated knowledge and advanced conceptual thinking skills.
- Use a range of advanced design methods, processes and techniques competently to create, present and argue for innovative digital media designs.
- Act ethically and professionally within a digital media design context.
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge of digital media design history and theory and conduct design criticism and research.
- Design research and apply research findings strategically in response to complex and complex socio-environmental problems in appropriate deliverable formats.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Knowledge of design principles is innovatively applied to solve complex digital media design problems of an acceptable range and scope.
- Digital media theories are applied in an integrated manner to innovatively solve complex digital media design problems.
- Advanced conceptual thinking and research skills are applied in an integrated manner to innovatively solve complex digital media design problems.
- Solutions to complex screen-based digital media design problems are devised to show respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright, and plagiarism.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Advanced digital media design processes are applied to create innovative digital media designs.
- A range of visual and digital skills are used to create and articulate professional digital media designs for screen.
- Presentation techniques and professional discourse are used persuasively to support and clarify design solutions.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Appropriate ethical values and approaches are drawn on to make decisions in a digital media design context.
- Professional standards of conduct are adhered to in a digital media design context.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Detailed knowledge of relevant South African and International digital media design history and seminal theory is demonstrated in writing.
- Design research is competently conducted by using a broad range of design research methods.
- Research findings are presented correctly using appropriate academic conventions.
- Evaluation and critique of design practice and products are competently conducted based on a systematic and defined framework.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Research is undertaken in response to design problems that originate in broader society.
- Research findings are used to inform design decision making that respond to the relevant socio-environmental problems.
- Advanced design specific cognitive approaches to conceptualizing and solving design problems are evident in the planning, organizing, and structuring of design products.
- A broad range of conceptual and visual communication skills are used in the development and production of design projects.
- A broad range of conceptual and visual communication skills are used in the art direction of design products.
- Digital technologies and techniques are accurately selected in reference to design aims.
- Digital technologies and techniques are used effectively and professionally to engineer, process, and produce designs.
- Digital media products are tested against user needs and design aim in an appropriate and professional manner.
- Reflective and/or knowledge-based understanding of digital media design practices, principles, and technologies are demonstrated in written and/or oral assessments.
Integrated Assessment:
- Modules must include a minimum of four summative assessment opportunities in a 14-week semester module and a minimum of six summative assessment opportunities in a 28-week year module.
- Formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification.
- Learners' progress is monitored continuously, with mid-year progress reports provided to identify at-risk learners timely.
Qualification Details
- Type
- National First Degree
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 360
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.