Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design

Course Code

SAQA 110828

Faculty

Design and Technology

Accreditation

BDes

Study options

3 Year 

Starting February 2025

Tuition from R68100

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Course overview

The Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design at Inscape equips students for professional careers in visual design. This programme encompasses a range of skills and knowledge in visual communication design, interaction design, and motion graphics. Students delve into principles, processes, and techniques essential for creating meaningful, relevant, and captivating messages and visual engagements. The curriculum emphasises sustainability, ethics, social responsibility, and circular economy principles, addressing challenges linked to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to think critically, to explore innovative design solutions, and to understand the profound impact their work can have on individuals, communities, and the world at large.  

The curriculum fosters a holistic understanding of design, encouraging students to consider the ethical implications of their creative choices and to align their work with principles that promote sustainability and social responsibility. 

In essence, the Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design at Inscape offers more than just a qualification—it provides a transformative educational journey that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical foundation to thrive as conscientious and innovative professionals in the dynamic field of graphic design.

Building on the comprehensive foundation provided by the Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design at Inscape, the final year modules offer students an opportunity to apply their acquired skills and knowledge in a transformative manner, culminating in a capstone project, signature graphic design focus, and integration of business studies to prepare them for real-world challenges. 

Modules and learning in the final year:  

  • Capstone Project: The culmination the programme with a capstone project. Students solve complex problems through extensive research, design thinking, and practical application of skills. 
  • Signature Graphic Design Focus: Develop a signature graphic design focus within the capstone project. Refine visual design, conceptual thinking, and typographic skills. 
  • Business Studies Integration: Integrate business studies into the curriculum. Explore circular design and sustainable development goals within a business context, preparing students for real-world challenges.
     

The Inscape Way 

 

Comprehensive Knowledge Base:  

The Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design at Inscape follows The Inscape Way by immersing students in a comprehensive knowledge base. This encompasses an in-depth exploration of visual communication design, interaction design, and motion graphics. Students engage with fundamental principles and advanced concepts, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the dynamic field of graphic design. 

Skill Development:  

Aligned with The Inscape Way, the programme places a strong emphasis on practical skill development. Students are trained in essential technical skills such as visual communication tools, interaction design software, and motion graphics applications. Additionally, soft skills such as effective communication and project management are cultivated, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the industry. 

Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: 

A core focus of The Inscape Way is to develop problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities. In the Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design, students are challenged to analyse and respond to complex design scenarios. Through project-based learning and real-world simulations, they enhance their ability to think critically and innovate, aligning with the ethos of The Inscape Way. 

Application Across Various Contexts:  

Consistent with The Inscape Way, the Graphic Design programme at Inscape prepares students to apply their skills across various contexts. Whether in print, digital, interactive, or multimedia design, the curriculum equips students with the versatility to adapt their skills to different design settings and client needs. 

Foundation in Principles and Practices:  

The Inscape Way emphasises a solid foundation in principles and practices. In the Graphic Design programme, students gain a thorough understanding of design principles, ethical considerations, and sustainability. This foundation ensures that graduates not only possess creative flair but also adhere to principles that promote responsible and impactful graphic design practices. 

Readiness for Further Academic Pursuits (articulation options):  

Upon completing the Bachelor of Design specialising in Graphic Design at Inscape, graduates are well-equipped for advanced studies. The programme facilitates a smooth transition for those seeking further academic exploration, offering options such as an Honours or Post Graduate Diploma in specialised design fields like Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Interaction Design (IxD), User Interface Design (UI), User Experience Design (UXD), or related disciplines. As graduates consider these articulation pathways, adherence to institutional minimum requirements is necessary. The programme’s flexibility allows individuals to tailor their academic journey to match their specific interests and career aspirations, ensuring a solid foundation for continued educational and professional growth. 

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Objectives

  • Well-rounded Education: Provide students with a comprehensive education in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, and Interaction Design. 
  • Knowledge and Skills: Equip students with the knowledge, theory, methodologies, technical skills, and decision-making skills to create Graphic Design solutions in various contexts. 
  • Ethical Practice: Prepare students to work as ethical Graphic Design practitioners, instilling principles of sustainability and social responsibility. 
  • Postgraduate Studies Preparation: Prepare students for postgraduate studies in Graphic Design and related fields. 

Course details

Graphic Designers create meaningful, relevant and captivating visual messages. Their ability to persuade, sell and brand for their clients, never forgetting ethical, legal and consumer needs, is crucial to the world’s economic landscape.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

South Africa

Students with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) stipulating entrance to a bachelor’s degree.

Special Admissions

We offer mature age exemption for Degrees, Diplomas and Higher Certificates programmes as per USAf requirements.

Applications from students who wish to gain access through RPL will be considered. The RPL process is described in the Inscape Admissions Policy and Inscape RPL Application form.

International Students

For admissions to bachelor’s degree: Higher Education South Africa (USAf) complete or conditional exemption certificate. A study permit in the name of Inscape Education Group is valid for the duration of the chosen course.

Fees

BDes in Graphic Design

Fees Cost
Tuition R68 100
Study PackR15 900
Pre-verificationR900*

*Pre-Verification Fee is non-refundable.

Visit the Fees and Funding section or download the fees booklet below. 

What’s Included in your fee?

  • Tuition
  • Preliminary Stationery & Equipment
  • Wacom Tablet
  • Software
  • Textbooks

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the bachelor’s degree programme in Graphic Design emerge well-prepared for a versatile range of career opportunities. The comprehensive nature of the programme equips them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in various creative roles. The programme not only sets the foundation for immediate entry into the graphic design industry but also prepares students for leadership positions within design firms and entrepreneurial ventures. 

 

Graduates can explore diverse career paths, including: 

  • Graphic Designer: Specialising in crafting visually compelling designs across different media. 
  • Digital Illustrator: Creating digital illustrations for digital platforms, publications, and marketing materials. 
  • Brand Identity Designer: Developing and maintaining visual identities for brands, ensuring consistency. 
  • Motion Graphic Designer: Producing dynamic motion graphics and animations for multimedia projects. 
  • Print/Publication Designer: Designing layouts for print publications, incorporating visual and textual elements. 
  • Packaging Designer: Crafting packaging solutions that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. 
  • Information Designer: Transforming complex information into visually accessible graphics. 
  • Data Visualisation/Infographic Designer: Developing compelling visual representations of data for various purposes. 
  • Web/Mobile App/User Interface (UI) Designer: Designing user interfaces for websites and mobile applications. 
  • User Experience (UX) Designer: Focusing on enhancing overall user experience through intuitive design. 
  • Creative Director: Providing artistic direction for design projects and campaigns. 
  • Social Media Content Creator/Designer: Creating visually appealing content for social media platforms. 
  • Art Director: Overseeing and guiding design teams to achieve creative excellence. 
  • Design Teacher: Teaching design principles and techniques to students. 

Regardless of their chosen specialisation, all graduates are qualified to enter the graphic design industry. Those who specialise in specific areas, such as Motion Graphics or User Interface Design, gain additional expertise, enhancing their adaptability and appeal to a broader range of employers as this specialisation is well sought-after in the industry both locally and globally. 

Practical Training and Industry Relevance: 

The programme places a strong emphasis on practical training, incorporating essential elements like job shadowing and experiential learning. Graduates are not only well-versed in design principles but are also equipped with hands-on experience that aligns with industry standards and future challenges. 

The curriculum’s integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Circular Economy principles ensures that graduates are not only skilled designers but are also conscious of the social and environmental impact of their work. This industry-aligned approach fosters professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the dynamic and evolving field of graphic design. 

Take your Next step

Ensuring that every active participant is challenge-ready, work-ready, life-ready and society-ready.

Please select a study option

3 Year 

Starting February 2025

Tuition from R68100

APPLY NOW