The Design School Southern Africa
An education in design is no different than design itself. It should be well planned, contemporary and, above all, creative. That’s our philosophy at The Design School Southern Africa (DSSA).
The Design School Southern Africa (DSSA) was founded in 1990, and today is a key division of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd (The IIE), which is the leading registered private provider of higher education in South Africa.
IIE graduates from The Design School Southern Africa (DSSA) are well respected throughout the design industry. This is because The Design School Southern Africa (DSSA) balances natural creative potential with vocational preparedness via academic excellence and industry experience. Small classes allow for an inspirational, adaptable and innovative learning environment; to give students the best chance of success in an exciting, challenging industry.
If you are passionate and have a natural flair for design, The Design School Southern Africa (DSSA) will help you build the foundation you need to make a success of your chosen career.
COURSES
Interior Decorating Short Course
Interior Decorating is the decorative and functional planning of the interior of homes, and can extend to diverse areas such as restaurants, shops, offices, etc.
Interior Decorating is the decorative and functional planning of the interior of homes, and can extend to diverse areas such as restaurants, shops, offices, etc.
The interior decorator is primarily concerned with the final finish of the interior of a structure.
Issues such as space, colour, and the personal preferences of the client and the available budget affect how the project is considered and approached.
Modules:
Interior Decorating is a Short Learning Programme (SLP) presented as three (3) modules.
Module 1: Decorating for You
This module of the course is 10 weeks in length and covers the basic principles and elements of interior decorating. The course covers a variety of subjects such as colour terms, terminology, basic colour understanding and the psychology behind colour, lighting, windows and floor treatments, amongst others. This module is a foundation in decorating and will prepare you for the content in Module 2 where the theory, as well as the practical application thereof, will be covered.
Module 2: Decorating for Others
(After completion of Module 1)
This module of the course is 10 weeks in length and develops on the theory as presented in Module 1. In this intermediate module, you will be guided through the practical applications of the theory sections in Module 1. Additional principles on colour form and planning is also included, and you will be introduced to basic sketch elevations and floor plans to assist you in presenting your thoughts and ideas to the client.
Module 3: Decorating in Practice
(After completion of Module 2)
This module of the course is 12 weeks in length, you will be required to source a client and complete the interior of an actual room. This will include presentations, budgets and assistance with sourcing of required materials for manufacturing and production of items. In this advanced module you will be guided through every step of the process of completing an interior decorating project. All aspects with which you engaged with throughout Modules 1 and 2 will be applied in a realistic project. You will be aided through intricate guidance and support of professionals in the industry throughout the various aspects of the project.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific Entry Requirements for this Short Learning Programme
Dressmaking Short Course
This Short Learning Programme provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of garment construction principles and techniques.
During this Short Learning Programme, students are introduced to garment construction principles and techniques through practical application. This exciting six-month course will cover the full dressmaking process, from the inception stages all the way through to the creation and completion of a garment.
This Short Learning Programme provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of garment construction principles and techniques.
Garment construction is an integral part of the fashion design process with the basic techniques of sewing that can be applied to all aspects of garment construction.
Lectures include:
- Introduction to sewing equipment
- Seams
- Facings
- Collars
- Pockets and hems
- Fastenings and zippers
- Shirt construction
- Skirt construction
- Advanced sewing
Entry Requirements
There are no specific Entry Requirements for this Short Learning Programme
Dressmaking Short Course Module 1
During this Short Learning Programme, students are introduced to garment construction principles and techniques through practical application. This exciting six-month course will cover the full dressmaking process, from the inception stages all the way through to the creation and completion of a garment.
This Short Learning Programme provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of garment construction principles and techniques.
Garment construction is an integral part of the fashion design process with the basic techniques of sewing that can be applied to all aspects of garment construction.
Lectures include:
- Introduction to sewing equipment
- Seams
- Facings
- Collars
- Pockets and hems
- Fastenings and zippers
- Shirt construction
- Skirt construction
- Advanced sewing
Module 1
During module 1, students will be familiarised with their sewing equipment and how to effectively make use of it. Students will learn how to spread their fabric and pattern pieces and how to prepare cut pieces before construction can begin. Learners will sew simple, basic samples of the various elements that will eventually be combined as part of the final garment. Additionally, they will learn how to read pattern information and how to cut out and adjust a purchased pattern. During the first module a basic shirt or blouse as well as a simple skirt will be constructed. Fitting on a figure or figure form is also incorporated and the importance of the final finishing process is also included.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific Entry Requirements for this Short Learning Programme
Learn about the sewing equipment, patterns and make your first garment
Dressmaking Short Course Module 2
Learn to sew more intricate garment pieces.
During this Short Learning Programme, students are introduced to garment construction principles and techniques through practical application. This exciting six-month course will cover the full dressmaking process, from the inception stages all the way through to the creation and completion of a garment.
This Short Learning Programme provides students with a basic knowledge and understanding of garment construction principles and techniques.
Garment construction is an integral part of the fashion design process with the basic techniques of sewing that can be applied to all aspects of garment construction.
Lectures include:
- Introduction to sewing equipment
- Seams
- Facings
- Collars
- Pockets and hems
- Fastenings and zippers
- Shirt construction
- Skirt construction
- Advanced sewing
Module 2
Module 2 continues to build on what the students completed during the first module. As they are now familiar with their equipment, the preparation, cutting and sewing processes as well as the importance of fit and proper finishing of the garments, the focus shifts onto them completing more intricate garment pieces. For module 2, students complete a pair of slacks or pants and a ladies shift dress.
Entry Requirements
There are no specific Entry Requirements for this Short Learning Programme
HIGHER CERTIFICATES
Higher Certificate in Art and Design
Students creative thinking skills are developed through teaching conceptual development techniques which are then applied in the foundation design and visual studies subjects.
The ability to develop concepts that are unique, creative and applicable is central to any field of art and applied arts.
The Higher certificate is an intensive one year qualification designed to develop students’ academic and artistic skills. It offers a balanced combination of theory and practical skills which are incorporated throughout the qualification. It introduces students to creative thinking, visual conceptualisation, theory and basic research.
Students creative thinking skills are developed through teaching conceptual development techniques which are then applied in the foundation design and visual studies subjects.
This programme has a strong focus on practical application and students will be assisted in the development of an accomplished portfolio of work suitable for presentation for further study. The portfolio will reflect the student’s personal ambitions and career objectives, as well as demonstrate a basic competence in all core skill areas.
On successfully completing this higher certificate, students may go on to study one of the IIE degrees in Graphic, Interior or Fashion Design.
Entry Requirements
- A NSC with Higher Certificate admission- A minimum of 30 % for English is required;
- A NC(V) with Higher Certificate admission – A minimum of 40 % in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level, with a minimum of 30 % in either Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy, a minimum of [2]40% in Life Orientation and a minimum of 50% in four vocational subjects; OR
- A SC (without endorsement) or equivalent– A minimum of five subjects must be passed.
- Additional Admission Requirements: All candidates are required to undergo an interview.
DEGREES
BA Graphic Design Degree | Graphic Design Degrees
The IIE BA degree in Graphic Design is an intensive three year full time qualification, designed to supply students with a sound platform from which to enter this dynamic and expanding field.
The Graphic Design Industry represents one of the largest industries within applied visual arts. This gives people with the right qualification a wide range of excellent career prospects.
The IIE BA degree in Graphic Design is an intensive three year full time qualification, designed to supply students with a sound platform from which to enter this dynamic and expanding field.
The aim of the programme is to develop flexible, creative minded individuals capable of working within this rapidly evolving discipline. It exposes students to the entire design process and offers a holistic approach to graphic design as a creative career.
Students will learn to apply the correct equipment, materials and techniques to a range of processes, utilising both computer graphics and traditional techniques.
Integration and experimentation across subject areas are actively encouraged and students are offered the opportunity to develop a professionally tutored portfolio of work suitable for application to the industry.
After successfully completing the BA degree in Graphic Design, students can continue their studies with the BA Honours degree in Graphic Design (please contact the relevant campus regarding admission requirements)
Entry Requirements
- A NSC with Degree admission- A minimum of 30 % for English coupled with a minimum of 50% for four x DESIGNATED NSC subjects (This excludes LO which is a 10 credit subject but includes English); OR
- A NC(V) with Degree admission – A minimum of 60 % in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level AND Mathematics or
- Mathematical Literacy AND Life Orientation, with a minimum of 70% in the four compulsory vocational subjects is required; OR
- A SC (with endorsement) or equivalent; OR
- Alternatively a Higher Certificate, an Advanced Certificate, 240 or 360 credit Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in a cognate field may satisfy the minimum admission requirements to degree studies.
- If a Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, 240 or 360 credit Diploma or Advanced Diploma is not in a cognate field, then at least 20 % of the credits of such qualification must relate to academic literacy or academic skills in order for an applicant to be admitted to degree studies.
- Additional Admission Requirements: All candidates are required to submit a creative portfolio
General requirements for undergraduate degrees:
All applicants for The IIE undergraduate degree studies, including international students, are required to write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) – National Benchmark Test (NBT), unless they have attained the age of 23 by the time they register. The AQL – NBT is used for placement in student support programmes and does not replace the admission requirements for a specific degree programme.
Applicants who achieve a score lower than 63% are required to register for and successfully complete the two Academic Literacy, Introduction to Scholarship modules (ITSA and ITSB). Applicants who do not write the AQL – NBT prior to admission will automatically be registered for ITSA and ITSB whether or not these are credit bearing modules in their qualifications. These candidates may, on provision of an AQL – NBT score of 63% or above, be exempted from one or both the modules if and only if these are not credit bearing modules in their qualifications. For candidates who are completing the modules as a result of the low AQL – NBT score or who did not provide an AQL – NBT score, successful completion of ITSA and ITSB is a pre-requisite for registering for any third year modules and thus any student who has not completed ITSA or ITSB in their first year of study will be required to do so in their second year. Where ITSA or ITSB is credit bearing in the qualification concerned, successful completion of one or both (depending on the curriculum structure) is also a graduation requirement.
The IIE BA degree in Fashion Design is a comprehensive three year degree aimed at students who want to enter the fashion industry. This qualification has a strong relevance for Southern Africa but has also been designed to meet international needs and standards. Our philosophy is to develop the innate creativity of our students so that they may find their studies enriching and rewarding and gain confidence whilst enhancing their design, business, research and academic skills at the same time.
Concept development and design
Students are taught the various stages of the fashion design process using a hands-on approach. Students learn how to develop and visualise concepts for various themes, ranges, styles and target audiences. At third year level students are required to research, analyse and interpret forecasted fashion trends and be client focused while combining their knowledge of advanced pattern and garment construction techniques with the design of their own range. Each student is guided in developing a professional portfolio for presentation to potential employers.
Fashion technology and production
Students master production technologies relevant to fashion production. For example, students learn how to make technical drawings, construct patterns and garments and deepen their understanding of the properties of textiles. Students are trained on industry relevant software and have access to fully equipped digital studios.
Entrepreneurship, marketing and the retail environment
Students are introduced to retail processes such as the selection, acquisition and managing of ranges and accessories, visual merchandising, fashion marketing and the study of trends. Students also learn the fundamentals of starting and managing an own small business, the development of an own fashion brand and the writing of a business plan (third year).
Culture and design
Students engage with various multidisciplinary contexts such as cultural and symbolic implications of design, the development of the design industry, design for sustainability and design as ethical, professional practice. Strong emphasis is placed on design research, which includes investigating users and target audiences.
Industry exposure and networking
Fashion design students take part in various exiting events during their three years of study such as Fashion Weeks and Pop-up shows. In addition to this, students are required to embark an internship to gain industry experience. Many of our lecturers teach part-time, and are actively involved in the fashion and design industry. Student work is showcased at our year end exhibition, where industry representatives are invited to view the work and meet our students.
Entry Requirements
- A NSC with Degree admission- A minimum of 30 % for English coupled with a minimum of 50% for four x DESIGNATED NSC subjects (This excludes LO which is a 10 credit subject but includes English); OR
- A NC(V) with Degree admission – A minimum of 60 % in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level AND Mathematics or
- Mathematical Literacy AND Life Orientation, with a minimum of 70% in the four compulsory vocational subjects is required; OR
- A SC (with endorsement) or equivalent; OR
- Alternatively a Higher Certificate, an Advanced Certificate, 240 or 360 credit Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in a cognate field may satisfy the minimum admission requirements to degree studies.
- If a Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, 240 or 360 credit Diploma or Advanced Diploma is not in a cognate field, then at least 20 % of the credits of such qualification must relate to academic literacy or academic skills in order for an applicant to be admitted to degree studies.
- Additional Admission Requirements: All candidates are required to submit a creative portfolio
General requirements for undergraduate degrees:
All applicants for The IIE undergraduate degree studies, including international students, are required to write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) – National Benchmark Test (NBT), unless they have attained the age of 23 by the time they register. The AQL – NBT is used for placement in student support programmes and does not replace the admission requirements for a specific degree programme.
Applicants who achieve a score lower than 63% are required to register for and successfully complete the two Academic Literacy, Introduction to Scholarship modules (ITSA and ITSB). Applicants who do not write the AQL – NBT prior to admission will automatically be registered for ITSA and ITSB whether or not these are credit bearing modules in their qualifications. These candidates may, on provision of an AQL – NBT score of 63% or above, be exempted from one or both the modules if and only if these are not credit bearing modules in their qualifications. For candidates who are completing the modules as a result of the low AQL – NBT score or who did not provide an AQL – NBT score, successful completion of ITSA and ITSB is a pre-requisite for registering for any third year modules and thus any student who has not completed ITSA or ITSB in their first year of study will be required to do so in their second year. Where ITSA or ITSB is credit bearing in the qualification concerned, successful completion of one or both (depending on the curriculum structure) is also a graduation requirement.
BA Interior Design Degree
The IIE BA Degree in Interior Design has specifically been designed to meet the requirements of the challenging and expanding fields of interior design such as corporate, retail, hospitality, exhibition and residential design.
This qualification provides students with a clear understanding of three dimensional design analysis, scale/proportion, spatial sequence and other architectural components. Students are encouraged to develop a thorough and imaginative approach to creative problem solving in the context of any human environment.
Lateral design approaches are developed in which briefs are solved at a variety of levels and with an integrated experimental approach to problem solving. Design briefs encourage students to engage with design influences such as: economics, ergonomics, anthropometrics, cultural influences, social context and location. Students will also be introduced to various interior design applications including drawing, presentation, surveying, material studies, construction, specifying, context and history of design, draughting and computer-aided design (CAD).
Entry Requirements
- A NSC with Degree admission- A minimum of 30 % for English coupled with a minimum of 50% for four x DESIGNATED NSC subjects (This excludes LO which is a 10 credit subject but includes English); OR
- A NC(V) with Degree admission – A minimum of 60 % in English on either First Additional Language or Home Language level AND Mathematics or
- Mathematical Literacy AND Life Orientation, with a minimum of 70% in the four compulsory vocational subjects is required; OR
- A SC (with endorsement) or equivalent; OR
- Alternatively a Higher Certificate, an Advanced Certificate, 240 or 360 credit Diploma and an Advanced Diploma in a cognate field may satisfy the minimum admission requirements to degree studies.
- If a Higher Certificate, Advanced Certificate, 240 or 360 credit Diploma or Advanced Diploma is not in a cognate field, then at least 20 % of the credits of such qualification must relate to academic literacy or academic skills in order for an applicant to be admitted to degree studies.
- All candidates are required to have passed Maths or Mathematical Literacy/ Maths SG;
- Additional Admission Requirements: All candidates are required to submit a creative portfolio
General requirements for undergraduate degrees:
All applicants for The IIE undergraduate degree studies, including international students, are required to write the Academic and Quantitative Literacy (AQL) – National Benchmark Test (NBT), unless they have attained the age of 23 by the time they register. The AQL – NBT is used for placement in student support programmes and does not replace the admission requirements for a specific degree programme.
Applicants who achieve a score lower than 63% are required to register for and successfully complete the two Academic Literacy, Introduction to Scholarship modules (ITSA and ITSB). Applicants who do not write the AQL – NBT prior to admission will automatically be registered for ITSA and ITSB whether or not these are credit bearing modules in their qualifications. These candidates may, on provision of an AQL – NBT score of 63% or above, be exempted from one or both the modules if and only if these are not credit bearing modules in their qualifications. For candidates who are completing the modules as a result of the low AQL – NBT score or who did not provide an AQL – NBT score, successful completion of ITSA and ITSB is a pre-requisite for registering for any third year modules and thus any student who has not completed ITSA or ITSB in their first year of study will be required to do so in their second year. Where ITSA or ITSB is credit bearing in the qualification concerned, successful completion of one or both (depending on the curriculum structure) is also a graduation requirement.
The Design School Southern Africa Campuses
- Johannesburg Campus
- Pretoria Campus
- Durban Campus
APPLICATION
If you’re applying online, simply click Apply Now. Complete the online application ensuring all the fields are completed correctly. You will be charged an R950 non-refundable Application Fee. (When visiting the campus closest to you don’t forget to bring along a copy of your ID and your latest Statement of Results/Matric Certificate)
The online application submission will be sent to The Design School SA campus that you have selected and you will also receive an automated email, confirming your application details.
Once we receive your application, we will contact you regarding the interview and formal registration documentation process.
If you’re applying in person, you may want one of our Student Advisors to get in touch with you. In that case, please fill in the contact form and your request will then be sent to one of our qualified staff members who will contact you shortly. Please remember to bring along your Application Form, Copy of ID, latest Statement of Results/Matric Certificate and R850 Application Fee.
INTERVIEW
- All candidates are required to undergo an interview.
PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS
- Higher Certificate
All candidates are required to complete a creative exercise that demonstrates current artistic ability.
- Degree
All candidates are required to submit a creative portfolio and successfully meet the creative portfolio criteria.
- Briefs are available from your Student Advisor.
REGISTRATION
• Submit Registration Contract and R10,000 Deposit
THINGS TO REMEMBER
1. Have you completed your Registration Contract in Black Ink?
o We regret that no photocopied/faxed or scanned copies of Registrations Contracts will be accepted.
2. Have you and your account payer completed the contract in full?
o Both parties to Initial each page
o Both parties to sign the contractual agreement (page 10)
3. Do you have all your required certified documents?
o Your ID
o Your Parent/Sponsor/Guardian’s ID
o Final Statements of Results
o Final Academic Transcripts (if applying for Honours)
o Proof of deposit
o Proof or residence
4. Get ready for the most important design journey of your life!
International students:
1. Certified copy of passport.
2. A valid study visa made out to The Independent Institute of Education.
3. Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification and original South Africa Qualifications Authority (SAQA evaluation of foreign qualification and translation into English, if necessary.
4. USAF exemption certificate (required for degree entry
The Design School Southern Africa Fees
Deposit
Paying a Deposit secures your place for your qualification of choice
You will complete your Registration document at this stage.
Full Settlement versus Monthly Instalments
For your convenience, you have the choice to either pay the full settlement amount or you can opt for a monthly instalment amount for the duration of 10 months.
Below is a downloadable PDF outlining the fee structure:
Short Course Registration Contract
Banking Details
Account Name: The Independent Institute of Education
Bank: ABSA
Account Number: 4080307567
Branch Code: 63042
Email: control@designschoolsa.co.za
Fax: 011 326 4286
Use student Name, Surname and Student number as a reference
Contact of The Design School Southern Africa
Contact us
Johannesburg
Tel: +27 (0)11 326-3830
Postal address: PO Box 2369, Randburg, 2125
Physical address: 444 Jan Smuts Avenue, Bordeaux, Randburg
Email: bordeaux@designschoolsa.co.za
Pretoria
Tel: +27 (0)12 346-5057
Postal address: PO Box 2369, Randburg, 2125
Physical address: 34 Ingersol Road, Pretoria, South Africa
Email: pretoria@designschoolsa.co.za
Durban
Tel: +27 (0)31 003-0182/3/4
Postal address: PO Box 40692, Redhill, 4071
Physical address: 70 Armstrong Avenue, La Lucia, South Africa