Introduction

The programme provides an opportunity to study creative and/or technologically advanced aspects of Graphic Design that have significant industrial and educational value. Recommended study areas are: graphic design history, packaging, corporate identity, below-the-line, education and publishing.

(Please note that these are the specific programme admission requirements - the university has its own minimum admission requirements.)

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
National Diploma: Graphic Design or suitable recognition of prior learning (RPL) qualification.  An aggregate of at least 65% for the National Diploma is required in order to be considered for admission to the Baccalaureus Technologiae: Graphic Design.  A 65% pass mark in History and Theory of Graphic Design III is mandatory.

QUALIFICATION OBJECTIVES
The BTech is the logical extension of the major module direction followed during the National Diploma qualification and aims to provoke in-depth exploration of a particular design-related area.

The BTech:Graphic Design is designed to provide students with an opportunity to hone the requisite aesthetic judgement and technical skills pertaining to advertising, design and media that will allow them to be prepared for a career in the same.

In addition, all relevant aspects of marketing, financial and business management print and reproduction processes, creative thinking, presentation of self and jobs, and the corresponding importance of historical influences are emphasised in a qualification that attempts to fulfil a diverse requirement from a demanding and diverse industry.  At the same time the importance of developing and nurturing the complete person and encouraging experiential training is strongly supported.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Internal application by NMMU students
Marks achieved by the end of the third term will indicate whether a student qualifies to submit a proposal.  Proposal-writing workshops are held in mid-November and draft proposals must reach the Head of the Applied Design Department by 30 November.  Applicants will be interviewed in December, where they will be expected to answer questions regarding their proposed areas of research.  All applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the BTech programme in writing.

External applications
All applicants must present a portfolio of recent work and academic certificates at an interview with the Head of the Applied Design Department.  Acceptance of the standard of work presented will qualify a student to submit a proposal.  Proposal-writing workshops are held in mid-November and draft proposals must reach the Head of the Applied Design Department no later than 30 November.  Applicants will be interviewed in December, where they will be expected to answer questions regarding their proposed area of research.  All applicants will be notified of their acceptance into the BTech programme in writing.

The proposal takes the form of a 500-word essay outlining the theoretical component, its relation to the proposed studio work and the relevance of the candidate’s choice.

The cover page must include the candidate’s name, a provisional title and the proposed field of study.

A literature review must be attached to the proposal.  A copy of the Guide to Writing a Proposal may be obtained on request from the Head of Department: Applied Design.

DURATION
The qualification shall extend over one year of full-time or two years of part-time study.