Build Your Creative Future with Foundational Design Skills

Unlock your potential in the world of design with the Further Education and Training Certificate in Design Foundation. This programme is the perfect starting point for aspiring creatives, providing core competencies in design thinking and skills to explore various creative fields. With an emphasis on hands-on learning, this one-year qualification opens doors to dynamic careers in graphic design, visual arts, digital media, and more.

Why Choose This Qualification?

This programme provides hands-on creative skills, enabling students to master foundational techniques across design disciplines, including 2D and 3D design principles and experimentation with diverse mediums and techniques. Industry-relevant training ensures that students gain essential knowledge in visual communication, conceptual development, and contemporary design methods that are in high demand across creative industries today. With flexible specialization options, students can choose electives that align with their passions, such as computer-aided design, marketable crafts, or performance design. Graduates are career-ready, equipped with a portfolio that showcases their unique skills and style, setting them up for entry-level roles or further specialization within the design field. This programme offers a future-proof foundation, adaptable across multiple creative industries like advertising, multimedia, and interior design, ensuring long-term career versatility.

Admission Requirements.

The qualification welcomes individuals who are ready to embark on a transformative journey into the world of AI. To join this prestigious qualification, candidates must have:

An NQF Level 4 qualification or equivalent.
Candidates with relevant industry experience may apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
National Senior Certificate with admission to Higher Certificate, Diploma, or Degree.

Qualification Structure.

The Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: Technical Support is designed to offer a solid foundation in IT systems support. This qualification includes three main components: Fundamental, Core, and Elective modules, totalling a minimum of 163 credits. Delivered over one year, the structure of this qualification is as follows:

Unit Standard
Modules
NQF Level
Credits
Skills Programme (SP) 1 –Communication (SECOND LANGUAGE) Level 3
MODULE 1: Communication 1st Language

Learning Outcomes.

A learner will be able to:

Reflect on own and other's work in context.
Read and interpret visual images.
Develop oneself for a design career.
Produce a range of design works.
Explore and communicate with a variety of mediums, media, processes and techniques.
Use mathematics in practical applications.
Use new media technology.
Develop marketable craft product ranges.
Design aspect for performances.
Work in a business environment.

International Comparability.

A search for similar qualifications in other African countries found no matches, but comparable programmes exist in Australia, New Zealand, Scotland, and India. In Australia, the Certificate III and IV in Design cover similar competencies, including concept development, design process application, and industry knowledge. New Zealand’s National Certificate and Diploma in Visual Arts focus on developing visual arts work from briefs and independent investigation. Scotland offers an Intermediate qualification in Art and Design with similar content, and in India, design courses at levels equivalent to NQF Level 5 and above encompass two-dimensional design, drawing, and various media techniques. This South African qualification aligns well internationally at NQF Level 4, sharing core competencies and standards with these global programmes.

Qualification Modes of Delivery and Support.

Study your way through:

Contact Learning: Engage with expert lecturers in a classroom setting.
Blended Learning: Enjoy a mix of online and face-to-face sessions.
Distance Learning: Study anytime, anywhere with robust online support through Moodle LMS.

Career Opportunities.

Prepare for entry-level roles such as:

Graphics Designer: Create visual concepts and designs that communicate ideas and captivate audiences across various media.
Interior Designer: Develop and execute design plans for functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces.
Creative Services Manager: Oversee creative projects and teams, ensuring that design concepts align with brand and project goals.
Information Architect: Organize and structure content for digital platforms to enhance user navigation and accessibility.
Mobile Designer: Design visually engaging and user-friendly interfaces specifically for mobile applications.
Motion Designer: Bring visual content to life through animation and motion graphics, enhancing storytelling across digital media.
User Experience (UX) Designer: Focus on creating seamless, user-centered experiences by researching and designing intuitive product interactions.
User Interface (UI) Designer: Craft visually appealing and functional interfaces, ensuring a cohesive look and feel that enhances user engagement.

Articulation Options.

Horizontal Articulation:
Further Education and Training Certificate: Small Business Financial Management (NQF Level 4)
Further Education and Training Certificate: Craft Enterprise (NQF Level 4)
Further Education and Training Certificate: Performing Arts
National Certificate in Business Administration Services

Vertical Articulation:
National Certificate in Design (NQF Level 5)
National Certificate: Generic Business Administration Services (NQF Level 5)

Diagonal Articulation:
Occupational Certificate: Computer Technician (NQF Level 5)

Ensure Compliance, Empower Financial Accuracy.