Course Code
SAQA 90722
Faculty
Design and Technology
Accreditation
Hcert.DT
1 Year
Starting February 2026
Tuition from R36400
The Higher Certificate in Design Techniques provides an introduction to visual, creative and digital design. It focuses on applied creativity, basic drawing skills, creative mediums and digital graphics. It familiarises participants in the areas of graphic design, multimedia design, spatial design, design research and design writing.
This qualification is an introduction to visual, creative and digital design. It focuses on applied creativity, basic drawing skills, creative mediums and digital graphics. It familiarises participants in the areas of graphic design, multimedia design, spatial design, design research and design writing.
Subjects:
Readiness (24 Credits)
This subject prepares the student to succeed in their studies and in the workplace. It explores essential skills such as digital literacy, communication, design thinking, critical thinking, global awareness, and personal development.
Work Integrated Learning (24 Credits)
This subject introduces the student to the world of work. They will build a professional identity, learn what employers expect, and prepare documents like a CV, portfolio, and online professional profile. They will also complete 240 hours of industry engagement, including job shadowing, workplace immersion, volunteering, or simulated industry tasks.
Design Foundations (24 Credits)
This subject lays the groundwork for all future design learning. Students explore how design works, why it matters, and how it shapes the world around us. They learn the elements and principles of design, visual literacy, history of design, contextual studies, and the design process. This foundational knowledge helps students understand and interpret design across disciplines.
Design Practice (24 Credits)
This subject builds the hands-on skills used daily in creative work. Students learn to draw from observation, experiment with materials, create expressive sketches, explore printing and painting techniques, and develop prototypes. They learn to generate and refine ideas, turning concepts into visual and physical design outcomes.
Design Tools (12 Credits)
This subject introduces students to the essential digital tools used across the design industry. Students learn how to edit images, create vector graphics, build simple layouts, and present work digitally. They also develop good workflow habits such as file management and exporting for print and screen.
Design Industry (12 Credits)
This subject provides an introduction to the creative industries and the realities of working as a designer. Students learn about different roles and career pathways, professional expectations, client communication, ethical practice, and the basics of design-related entrepreneurship.
1 Year Application - Starting February 2026
SOUTH AFRICA National Senior Certificate with admission to a Higher Certificate, 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 STUDENTS: For admission to Higher Certificate: South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) evaluation of National Senior Certificate NQF4 equivalence.
*Pre-Verification Fee is non-refundable.
Visit the Fees and Funding section or download the fees booklet below.
This qualification provides students with the competencies required to progress in a career in design.
Competencies include: Sourcing research information related to a specific design field, analysing and reviewing design research information, selecting materials, media and processes for production, producing final design products that meet specific project requirements, managing business processes in a design environment, developing business and marketing resources, creating original design messages, forms and arguments. Employment within the industry would include junior designer or entry level desktop publisher (DTP)
Ensuring that every active participant is challenge-ready, work-ready, life-ready and society-ready.