(SAQA ID: 110785, NQF 5, 120 Credits)
Dive into the heart of design with a curriculum that blends theory with hands-on experience, preparing you for a dynamic career in the creative industries. Turn your artistic vision into your profession and shape the future of media design.
National Senior Certificate NQF Level 4, Senior Certificate NQF Level 4, or National Certificate (Vocational) NQF Level 4.
The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is a Higher Education qualification that introduces students to the fundamentals of graphic design. It focuses on building practical skills in visual communication, layout, digital design, and creative problemsolving.
Yes. The Higher Certificate is an excellent starting point for learners who want to begin a career in graphic design, gain practical skills, and build confidence before entering the industry or progressing to further studies.
The main difference is duration and depth.
The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is a 1year qualification focused on building core design skills so that you can enter the job market faster.
The Diploma in Visual Communication is a 3year qualification that goes deeper into design theory, creative strategy, and professional practice, preparing students for more advanced design roles.
Your choice depends on how long you want to study and how quickly you want to start working.
Yes. If you do not have diploma exemption, you can start with the Higher Certificate in Graphic Design and then apply for the Diploma in Visual Communication after completing it. This provides a clear progression route into more advanced design studies.
You will learn core graphic design principles, how to communicate ideas visually, and how to use design tools to create layouts, branding elements, and digital content. The qualification focuses on building strong foundational skills for entrylevel design roles.
The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is completed over 1 year (12 months), allowing students to enter the job market sooner.
The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is a Higher Education qualification that introduces students to the fundamentals of graphic design. It focuses on building practical skills in visual communication, layout, digital design, and creative problemsolving.
Yes. The Higher Certificate is an excellent starting point for learners who want to begin a career in graphic design, gain practical skills, and build confidence before entering the industry or progressing to further studies.
The main difference is duration and depth.
The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is a 1year qualification focused on building core design skills so that you can enter the job market faster.
The Diploma in Visual Communication is a 3year qualification that goes deeper into design theory, creative strategy, and professional practice, preparing students for more advanced design roles.
Your choice depends on how long you want to study and how quickly you want to start working.
Yes. If you do not have diploma exemption, you can start with the Higher Certificate in Graphic Design and then apply for the Diploma in Visual Communication after completing it. This provides a clear progression route into more advanced design studies.
You will learn core graphic design principles, how to communicate ideas visually, and how to use design tools to create layouts, branding elements, and digital content. The qualification focuses on building strong foundational skills for entrylevel design roles.
The Higher Certificate in Graphic Design is completed over 1 year (12 months), allowing students to enter the job market sooner.
