Qualifications
Full-time / Part-time studies
Students may enrol for any level on a full-time or part-time basis. Full time means students complete a level over one academic year, while part time means students complete a level over two academic years. The course content is exactly the same. Part-time students may attend any available class; they are not limited to after-hours classes. Part-time study costs depend on the subjects a student enrolls for.
BA Degree in Visual Communication Design
NQF level 7
SAQA registration no: 60470
The degree is a professional qualification aimed to produce design experts who are also academically driven. The programme will ensure technical, academic and practice-related competencies in traditional and new media. The degree may lead to postgraduate studies in Visual Communication.
1st Year: Foundation
The first year forms the foundation of the degree, and courses are specifically structured to develop strong technical skills, encourage basic creative problem-solving abilities, and strengthen conceptual drive. The first-year student is offered a wide array of elective subjects and software workshops to broaden the scope of the academically strong foundation. This unique education model allows for students to explore the broader field of the communication design industry as well as adding foundation competence of adjacent fields of interest to their portfolio.
The subjects offered on first-year level are distinguished in the following groups:
- Degree fundamentals subjects are compulsory to all students who wish to continue their studies on degree level. These subjects include Visual Culture and Research & Audiovisual Studies (15 credits each).
- Degree core subjects, which include Drawing and Communication Design (15 credits each).
- Elective subjects of 15 credits each.
- Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) of 3 credits each make up the rest of the required credits. All second-year subjects have advanced level SLPs as prerequisites.
2nd Year: Degree
From the second year onwards the emphasis is on project execution and problem solving. Students must show insight into the creative process, which includes the formation of ideas and the activation of the imagination, originality, initiative, spontaneity and self-discipline. The course is devoted to more advanced conceptualising and technical skills. Building on the well-developed sense of technical knowledge, creative solutions are found through analytical and synthesising thought processes. Students deliver proof of artistic sensitivity and aesthetic ability.
Major and minor subjects require advanced associated SLPs as prerequisites.
Students must successfully complete 120 credits on 2nd year degree level before they can proceed to the 3rd year degree level.
3rd Year: Degree
In their third year, students integrate industry-based competencies with scholarly and applied research methodology. Entrepreneurial skills are developed, as students have to show their ability to plan, operate and manage a project. Work-based learning characterises the third year when students are given the opportunity to direct and execute projects commissioned by actual clients. The student receives a BA Visual Communication Design degree after successfully completing at least 120 credits on 3rd year degree level (including a research skills workshop and a work-based learning session).
4th Year: BA Honours Degree in Visual Communication
NQF level 8
SAQA registration no: 62991
This programme of postgraduate study complements the degree by providing graduates the opportunity to specialise in their major. The course will consist of a 60% practical and a 40% theoretical component. The practical component consists of industry projects executed under the supervision of a recognised industry partner and one of the student’s choice. The theoretical component will consist of a dissertation, visual culture modules and business practice workshops.
Diploma in Visual Communication
SAQA registration no: 24514
The diploma is a qualification of competence; a qualification providing students with the necessary technical and practical skills to enter the demanding design world. The programme will ensure industry-related skills in most new media sectors. The 1st year programme forms the foundation of both the degree and diploma.
2nd Year: Diploma
Students who enroll for the diploma or any second level subject must have successfully completed the foundation level. The application will be considered on a basis of continuing good standard, class attendance and general commitment.
The student receives a Diploma in Visual Communication after successfully completing at least 120 credits (including a work-based learning session which is compulsory at exit level).