Program Overview

Programme Overview

The BA Information Design programme is designed to qualify candidates for entry-level positions in the mass communications industries, such as graphic design, branding, and advertising, as well as broadcast design. The programme incorporates design strategies, design applications, and design products in print, ambient, and screen-based media and technologies.

Admission Requirements

To be considered for admission, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement
• A certificate deemed equivalent to the NSC by the University
• A graduate from another recognised tertiary institution or granted the status of a graduate of such an institution
• A graduate of another faculty at the University of Pretoria

Minimum Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission include:

• An Achievement Level of 5 in English Home Language or English First Additional Language
• A minimum APS of 28 in the NSC
• Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS

Additional Requirements

Departmental selection is necessary prior to admission to this programme. Although Art as a Grade 12 subject is not a requirement, candidates must demonstrate their 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.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of four years of study, with a minimum duration of study of four years and a total of 522 credits. The programme is divided into core modules and fundamental modules.

Core Modules

The core modules include:

• Imaging and visualisation (1) 101
• Information design (1) 100
• Visual culture studies 111
• Visual culture studies 121
• Imaging and visualisation (2) 201
• Information design (2) 200
• Visual culture studies 211
• Visual culture studies 221
• Imaging and visualisation (3) 301
• Information design (3) 300
• Visual culture studies 311
• Visual culture studies 321
• Research: Information design (4) 400
• Design studies 402

Fundamental Modules

The fundamental modules include:

• Academic information management 101
• Academic literacy 110
• Academic literacy for Humanities 125
• Academic orientation 101

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

The degree is awarded with distinction to a candidate who obtains at least 75% in IOW 400 and VKK 402.

Minimum Credits

The minimum credits required for each year of study are:

• 122 credits for the first year
• 120 credits for the second year
• 160 credits for the third year
• 120 credits for the fourth year

Other Programme-Specific Information

Students who are deemed not to be at risk of their level of academic literacy are exempted from ALL 110 and ALL 125. 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.