Dip Graphic Design

South Africa

National Senior Certificate with admission to diploma or SAQA verification, with Art or Design or Higher Certificate in related field. Competent in English at NQF level 4.

Special admissions

We offer mature age exemption to Degrees, Diplomas and Higher Certificates as per USAF requirements. Inscape Education Group will consider Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) based on informal or non-formal learning for admission to this course.

International student

For admission to Higher Certificate: South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation of National Senior Certificate NQF4 equivalence. 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.

1st year

The Diploma in Graphic Design focuses on developing practical Graphic Design skills and ability through the introduction to four main subject categories namely: 

FUNDAMENTAL – CREATIVITY SUBJECTS 

Design Principles focuses on developing creative, innovative solutions to practical designs by using design elements, principles and colour theory in briefs. Graphic Application enables exposure to a variety of outcomes that require the understanding and implementation of the manipulation of stylisation and abstract elements in appropriate layouts including focusing on typography, illustration, image, and layout design for effective visual communication. Graphic Portfolio displays a significant exercise which demonstrates capability and competence through a collection of selected practical projects from all subjects for the 1st year. 

FUNDAMENTAL – KNOWLEDGE SUBJECTS 

Visual Studies I is a basic introduction to methodology for the analysis of visual communication which includes critical analysis of design and interpreting visual material for meaning and message. It develops an understanding of the encoding and decoding of messages in visual communication, enhances visual perception, visual research, visual awareness and studying the art of visual narration. Conceptual Studies develops creative problem solving with the emphasis on innovation and idea generation. It further equips one in defining and exploring methods of thinking in design as well as interpreting problems and re-defining problems focusing on concept development and visual awareness. Graphic Influences I is concerned with the history of visual communication – the social, cultural, economic, and technological influences on visual communication and design as well as the people involved, with specific reference to the means of expression during history. 

FUNDAMENTAL – SKILLS SUBJECTS 

Image Making I focuses on developing basic drawing skills using the elements of drawing and principles of composition making as well as experimenting with various drawing and illustration media in a variety on genres. Skills Application I studies different styles of writing, research methods and basic principles of writing a research proposal. Graphic Computer Applications I promotes developing computer and internet basic skills and introduces software such as Photoshop and Illustrator. Typography I investigates the theory and practical investigation of technical aspects of typography terminology, anatomy of type, classification of type, display type, layout and working with text, type styles and related practical skills. 

FUNDAMENTAL – VALUES SUBJECTS 

Leadership Programme focuses on introducing students to the foundations of great leadership which focuses on 3 components of Emotional Intelligence namely: Inter-personal skills and 

Stress/Time Management. 

2nd year

The Diploma in Graphic Design year 02 focuses on further developing and applying practical graphic design skills and ability focused on in year 01 through the continuation of 3 main subject categories namely: 

FUNDAMENTAL – CREATIVITY SUBJECTS 

Graphic Application initiates exploration in infographics, instructional design, building brands, advertising & promotion in below the line advertising and creating awareness through social media. Graphic Portfolio displays a significant exercise that demonstrates capability and competence through a collection of selected practical projects from all practical subjects for the 2nd year. 

FUNDAMENTAL – KNOWLEDGE SUBJECTS 

Visual Studies II involves a comprehensive study, visual analysis and research focusing on globalisation, popular cultures, and media studies. Reprographics I develop an understanding of reproducing graphics by focusing on terminology in the printing environment, print reproduction processes, special finishes and digital reproduction. Graphic Influences II is concerned with the history of visual communication specifically focusing on developing critical thinking through the study of Romanticism, Arts & Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Early Modernism, Pop culture, Post Modernism, the Digital Revolution, Feminism, Minimalism and Maximalists. Graphic Marketing covers a foundational introduction to marketing principles, the marketing environment, the marketing mix, segmentation, target marketing, branding, advertising, and sales & promotion. 

FUNDAMENTAL – SKILLS SUBJECTS 

Skills Application II focuses on basic photographic skills and presentation skills. Graphic Computer Applications II develops and continues to exercise computers through software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. 

Image Making II focuses on advancing drawing skills through further illustration techniques introducing mixed media and concentrating on drawings, concept drawings, storyboarding, art direction, industrial design and animation. Copy Writing introduces creative writing, brainstorming, correct terminology, and various writing techniques. 

3rd year

The Diploma in Graphic Design 03 is centred around enhancing and directing practical graphic design skills and ability developed in year 1 and 2 through the continuation of 3 main subject categories namely: 

FUNDAMENTAL – CREATIVITY SUBJECTS 

Graphic Application initiates further practical application abilities in integrated campaign and advertising and producing social campaigns. Graphic Portfolio displays a significant exercise which demonstrates capability and competence through a collection of the best selected practical projects from all practical subjects for the duration of the graphic design diploma and makes room for exploring and presenting them in a print portfolio. 

FUNDAMENTAL – KNOWLEDGE SUBJECTS 

Reprographics II further develops an understanding of Adobe print guides focusing on Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign. Multimedia covers a foundational introduction to interactive principles and design, motion principles and completion of a digital portfolio. Business Practice develops a further understanding of the guidelines and principles involved in running a design business. Promoting business vision, mission and values gives diploma students the confidence and ‘know-how’ to start their own design initiatives based on a foundational knowledge of strategic development, marketing strategies, the importance of branding and managing finances. 

FUNDAMENTAL – SKILLS SUBJECTS 

Graphic Computer Applications III develops and continues to exercise computer skills through interactive and motion application software that will assist in creating digital portfolios. Reprographics II further develops an understanding of Adobe print guides focusing on Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign. Multimedia covers a foundational introduction to interactive principles and design, motion principles and completion of a digital portfolio. Business Practice develops a further understanding of the guidelines and principles involved in running a design business.

Articulation Options

Students who have graduated with the Diploma may apply to register for an Advanced Diploma in a related field.

As part of the Total Annual Fee you will receive:

Tuition including:

• Industry relevant and suitably qualified faculty members
• Positive teaching and learning experience
• Continuous based assessment
• Custom designed curriculum and courseware
• Enabling learning environments
• Modern, design sensitive, well located, easily accessible and secure campus locations
• Online Learner Management System with live data
• Industry collaborative engagements
• Extended campus hours and Onsite wifi connectivity
• Onsite library and resources

 

Compulsory study packs include: 

• Textbooks
• Stationery and equipment
• Adobe creative cloud
• Questia
• Grammarly
• Lynda.com
• Workshop fee
• Hardware support including 3 x support tickets (onsite & helpdesk tickets)

 

There are currently no student galleries available for this course. Please check back soon as content is updated regularly.

Graduates with a graphic design qualification are ready to conceptualise, plan and design exciting visual communication solutions for a dynamic range of media applications and contexts. 

Apply your knowledge and shape the industry in the following careers:

• Junior Graphic Designer at advertising agencies, design consultancies, design studios, commercial printers, repro houses and in-house design studios.
• Freelance Graphic Designer. 

To apply for this course, please use the link below.