Program Overview

Programme: BA in Information Design

Programme Information

This programme qualifies candidates for entry-level positions into the mass communications industries such as graphic design, branding and advertising as well as broadcast design. With a strong social underpinning, the programme incorporates design strategies, design applications and design products in print, ambient and screen-based media and technologies.

Admission Requirements

• Achievement level of 5 or higher for English Home Language or English First Additional Language
• APS of at least 28 (Grade 11) and 28 (NSC/IEB completed)
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS
• Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 results
• Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results
• Meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission
• Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted

Additional Requirements

• Departmental selection is necessary prior to admission to this programme
• Although Art as a Grade 12 subject is not a requirement, a candidate must be able to demonstrate his/her creative potential and commitment to the chosen field of study
• Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of work for a merit selection review and, if invited, undergo a series of tests and be interviewed by a selection committee
• A student who chooses this programme must work in an appropriate design studio, approved by the coordinator, for at least six weeks during the third and fourth years

Programme Structure

Year 1

• Fundamental modules:
  • AIM 111: Academic information management 111
  • AIM 121: Academic information management 121
  • ALL 110: Academic literacy 110
  • ALL 125: Academic literacy for Humanities 125
  • UPO 101: Academic orientation 101
• Core modules:
  • ILL 101: Imaging and visualisation (1) 101
  • IOW 100: Information design (1) 100
  • VKK 111: Visual culture studies 111
  • VKK 121: Visual culture studies 121

Year 2

• Core modules:
  • ILL 201: Imaging and visualisation (2) 201
  • IOW 200: Information design (2) 200
  • SOA 210: Community arts in practice 210
  • VKK 211: Visual culture studies 211
  • VKK 221: Visual culture studies 221

Year 3

• Core modules:
  • ILL 301: Imaging and visualisation (3) 301
  • IOW 300: Information design (3) 300
  • IOW 301: Design and imaging research 301
  • VKK 311: Visual culture studies 311

Year 4

• Core modules:
  • IOW 400: Information design 400
  • SOA 400: Arts research and methodology 400
  • VKK 402: Design studies 402

Promotion to Next Study Year

• A student must pass all the core modules to be promoted to the next year of study
• The Dean may approve exceptions to these promotion requirements on the recommendation of the head of the department

Pass with Distinction

• In order to be awarded the degree with distinction, a student has to obtain a weighted average of at least 75% (not rounded) for the final-year modules

Minimum Credits

• Minimum credits required for each year of study:
  • Year 1: 124 credits
  • Year 2: 126 credits
  • Year 3: 140 credits
  • Year 4: 120 credits

General Academic Regulations and Student Rules

• The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University
• Students are responsible for familiarising themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information
• Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations

Regulations, Degree Requirements, and Information

• The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) Verification Project

• The University of Pretoria is engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) criteria
• Changes to UP qualification and programme names may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative
• Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions