WHERE TO STUDY GRAPHIC DESIGN IN SOUTH AFRICA
Many People assume that New Perspective Design is in fact a design school of some sort, we are however a graphic & web design agency. With the ever-increasing website visits from students and parents looking to enroll themselves in graphic design courses, we thought we would write up a list. Graphic design is a great occupation! So to help you begin, here is a list of graphic design schools & courses in South Africa.
STUDY GRAPHIC DESIGN AT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS & COLLEGE’S
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS & COLLEGE'S THAT OFFER GRAPHIC DESIGN DIPLOMAS AND COURSES
INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS & COLLEGE’S THAT OFFER GRAPHIC DESIGN DIPLOMAS AND COURSES
CAPE TOWN CREATIVE ACADEMY (CTCA)
Graphic Design online short course is designed for individuals who want to be able to conceptualise and create powerful visuals for the digital world and beyond
- Cape Town
- BA Communication Design
- 3 Years
- www.ctca.co.za
CITYVARSITY
Learn the theory, principles and practices involved in graphic design with this online Graphic Design course.
- Cape Town and Johannesburg
- Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production
- www.cityvarsity.co.za
CTU TRAINING SOLUTIONS
- See their website for locations
- Diploma: Visual Communication
- 3 Years
- www.ctutraining.ac.za
DADA
- Cape Town
- Art Direction and Graphic Design
- www.dada.org.za
ELMI COLLEGE
ELMI Provides Advanced Certificates In Graphic Design Courses (NQF 6) and (NQF5)
- East London
- Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design
- 1 year (Full Time)
- www.elmi.co.za
FRIENDS OF DESIGN
Created specifically to fulfil the skills requirements of this global industry, the Academy of Digital Arts’ Graphic Design Course will equip you with all the creative tools and technical software skills necessary to make your mark from day one.
- Cape Town
- Higher Certificate Graphic Design & Visual Communication
- 1 year (Full Time)
- www.friendsofdesign.net
GREENSIDE DESIGN CENTER
Greenside Design Center
Greenside Design Center is an internationally acclaimed, specialist design college focused on nurturing creative and innovative thinkers. Our philosophy is based on being Different by Design in order to train graduates to bring fresh ideas and new thinking to design tasks. GDC offers a range of degrees, honours degrees and higher certificates in various design disciplines including graphic design, multimedia design and interior design.
Foundation Programme (Digital Design & Arts)
The Foundation Programme (Digital Design & Arts) serves as a necessary bridging course between high school and tertiary education. The programme introduces learners to a number of artistic and professional disciplines required for admission to a practical undergraduate higher certificate program or above. The programme is aimed at assisting students who did not meet the minimum requirement for admission into Higher Education, or to act as a skill-strengthening course.
The programme has 3 foundational goals
To create a sound learning foundation by expanding the knowledge base and skills of the student in the relevant subject areas.
To assist the student in building a strong portfolio of work.
Supporting students by introducing and exploring the various areas of specialisation within the relevant field of study.
The primary purpose of the Foundation programme is to provide a suitable foundation for further studies in one the various subject areas covered. The programme will provide students with a strong foundation of art and drawing techniques, design production and management; and digital design and computer applications across industries. At the end of the programme, students are equipped with the foundational knowledge, skill-set and information to further their studies and choose an area of specialisation in one of the related fields.
Who are they designed for?: If you plan to study a practical undergraduate higher certificate without meeting the entry requirements, we recommend completing a foundational programme first. It is important to note the following:
The foundational programmes are meant as a bridge into our NQF5 programmes, it is not meant as an exit level
The foundational programmes are not accredited by any education quality committee, nor does it carry any NQF level
The foundational programme’s structure and content follows all moderation and quality assurance policies to ensure a aligned and solid foundation for articulation.
Higher Certificate in Design: Graphic Design, NQF5
GDC offers a Higher Certificate in Design Thinking with a focus on Graphic Design, NQF5.
The purpose of the qualification is to lay a foundation in the broad principles and practices of design. The programme introduces learners to creative and visual thinking, design thinking and the design process, visual communication methods, professional practice and the analysis and critique of design solutions. It offers an integrated combination of conceptual and applied skills and prepares learners to become flexible, problem-solving thinkers outside the boundaries of a single design discipline. This Higher Certificate is an elective in Design Thinking with a focus on Graphic Design in the second semester.
The elective equips learners with the fundamental toolkit to problem solve and develop creative design solutions within the exciting field of graphic design to develop 2D and 3D design solutions in a print-based environment. Students get to explore designs that might incorporate the fields of corporate identity design and logo design, poster design, editorial design, packaging, typography and type design. Through a variety of problems, Students will learn the necessary software, graphic communication, prototyping and academic writing skills required for future study. In addition, students acquire the academic reading and writing skills required for further study and qualify with a standalone NQF level 5 qualification.
BA Degree: Graphic Design Degree
Are you passionate about design? Love to create a masterpiece with visual elements? Then our graphic design course is for you. The purpose of the programme is to develop students into competent and employable designers that specialise in print-based communication. The programme emphasises the ability to form, create and rationalise both design and theoretical argument; as well as the ability to implement and critique print-based design processes. The program further provides a theoretical and practical foundation in print-based communication for further study. Our Focus Greenside Design Center’s graphic design courses are made to produce highly skilled, innovative, and confident designers who can professionally critique and execute any design task.
- Greenside, Johannesburg
- BA Degree in Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.designcenter.co.za
INSCAPE DESIGN COLLEGE
- Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town
- Graphic Design Diploma or Degree
- 3 Years
- www.inscape.co.za
OAKFIELDS COLLEGE
- East Rand, Pretoria and Somerset West
- National Certificate in Interactive Media.
- 010 591 7314 | 012 361 0416 | 021 850 0383
- 2 Years
- www.oakfieldscollege.co.za
OPEN WINDOW SCHOOL OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION
- Irene, Gauteng
- Communication Design
- 3 Years
- www.openwindow.co.za
PRESTIGE ACADEMY
- Bellville, Cape Town
- BA Visual Communication Design
- 3 Years
- www.prestigeacademy.co.za
RED AND YELLOW GRAPHIC DESIGN
- Cape Town
- BA Visual Communication
- 3 Years
- www.redandyellow.co.za
ROSEBANK COLLEGE
- Gauteng and KwaZulu Natal
- Diploma in Computer-Based Graphic Development
- 3 Years
- www.rosebankcollege.co.za
RUTH PROWSE SCHOOL OF ART
- Cape Town
- Diploma in Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.ruthprowse.co.za
STELLENBOSCH ACADEMY OF DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
- Stellenbosch
- BA Visual Communication
- 3 Years
- www.stellenboschacademy.co.za
VEGA SCHOOL OF BRAND LEADERSHIP
- Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town
- BA Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- www.vegaschool.com
STUDY GRAPHIC DESIGN AT UNIVERSITIES
Universities offering graphic design courses, diplomas and honours
UNIVERSITIES THAT OFFER GRAPHIC DESIGN DIPLOMAS, COURSES AND HONOURS
NELSON MANDELA UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Visual Arts (Graphic Design): [Visual Arts – Nelson Mandela University] This four-year degree program focuses on developing your creativity and technical skills, preparing you for a career in various design fields.
- Port Elizabeth
- BA Degree in Visual Arts: Graphic Design
- 3 Years
- 4th Year Honours Visual Arts: Graphic Design
- www.artanddesign.mandela.ac.za
NORTH WEST UNIVERSITY
[North-West University Graphic Design] This program offers a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical application, with a focus on areas like branding, advertising, and digital media.
- Potchefstroom
- Degree in Graphic Design
- 4 Years
- www.puk.ac.za
UNIVERSITY OF JOHANNESBURG
[University of Johannesburg Graphic Design] This department offers a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, equipping you with the skills and knowledge for a successful graphic design career.
- Johannesburg
- BA Communication Design
- www.uj.ac.za
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA
- Pretoria
- Department of Visual Arts
- www.up.ac.za
UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH
- Stellenbosch
- Department of Visual Arts
- www.sun.ac.za
STUDY GRAPHIC DESIGN AT UNIVERSITIES OF TECHNOLOGY
CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- Cape Town
- Faculty of Informatics & Design
- www.cput.ac.za
CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- Bloemfontein
- Diploma: Design and Studio Art
- www.cut.ac.za
DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- Durban
- Arts Faculty
- www.dut.ac.za
TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- Pretoria
- Faculty of the Arts
- www.tut.ac.za
VAAL UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
- Vanderbijlpark
- Department of Visual Arts and Design
- www.vut.ac.za
GRAPHIC DESIGN SHORT COURSES
Short courses on graphic design and web design.
BOSTON CITY CAMPUS & BUSINESS COLLEGE
- Countrywide
- Introduction to Web & Graphic Design
- www.boston.co.za
3. Whats the difference between a graphic design degree and a graphic design diploma?
The main difference between a graphic design degree and a graphic design diploma is the level of education and the depth of knowledge and skills gained. A graphic design degree is typically a four-year program offered at the undergraduate level by universities and colleges. The program provides students with a comprehensive education in the theory and practice of graphic design, covering a wide range of topics such as design principles, typography, branding, and web design. Students also gain experience through internships and real-world projects.
On the other hand, a graphic design diploma is usually a shorter program that can be completed in one to two years. It is often offered by vocational schools, community colleges, or technical institutes. Diploma programs focus on providing practical training and hands-on experience in graphic design software and techniques. While diploma programs cover the basics of graphic design, they may not delve as deeply into design theory and may not offer as many opportunities for internships and real-world projects.
4. Can you get both of these through a course?
Yes, it is possible to get both a graphic design degree and a graphic design diploma through a course. Some universities and colleges offer diploma programs as part of their graphic design degree curriculum. This allows students to gain practical training and hands-on experience in addition to the comprehensive education provided by the degree program.
Alternatively, some schools offer diploma programs that can be completed after obtaining a degree in graphic design or a related field. This allows students to supplement their education with practical training and specialized skills.
However, it’s important to note that obtaining both a degree and a diploma may take longer and be more costly than pursuing just one. It’s important to carefully consider career goals and the level of education and skills needed before deciding on a course of study.
How long does it take to study graphic design in South Africa?
How long is a graphic design course in South Africa? A typical university program can take four years, while a graphic design course or boot camp can range from a few weeks to a few months.
Where can I study to become a graphic designer in South Africa?
- The University of the Witwatersrand. Bachelor of Arts: Fine Arts.
- The University of Johannesburg. …
- The University of Pretoria. …
- University of Stellenbosch. …
- The Cape Peninsula University of Technology. …
- The Tshwane University of Technology. …
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. …
- Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography.
Is graphic design a good career in South Africa?
Graphic design is a great career for people who are creative thinkers and enjoy art, technology, and communication. There are design needs across every industry, so Graphic Designers have many opportunities to take on a range of new and exciting projects.
The average graphic designer salary in South Africa is R 210 000 per year or R 108 per hour. Entry-level positions start at R 156 000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to R 390 000 per year.
In South Africa, there is a constant demand for Graphic Design in the busier parts of South Africa like Joburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth and Cape Town. If you were living in a less populated area then you might have to look for work. Many graphic designers freelance for a period before during and after they have completed their graphic design course.
Can I study graphic design without matric?
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate with an endorsement of a bachelor’s degree or a diploma, or an equivalent qualification, with an achievement level of at least 4 for English (home language or first additional language).
What subjects are needed for graphic design in South Africa?
To become a successful graphic designer in South Africa, you’ll need to have a solid understanding of graphic design principles and software. This means that you’ll need to be familiar with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe InDesign. You will also need to have a good understanding of color theory, typography, and composition. Other important subjects include marketing, branding, and user experience design.
What qualifications do I need to be a graphic designer in South Africa?
While there is no formal requirement for a specific qualification to become a graphic designer in South Africa, most employers prefer to hire individuals with a relevant qualification. Typically, a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design or a related field is preferred. However, it is also possible to obtain a diploma or certificate in graphic design from a reputable institution.
Where is the best place to study graphic design?
There are many excellent institutions in South Africa where you can study graphic design. Some of the best places to study graphic design include the University of Cape Town, the University of Johannesburg, and the University of Pretoria. Other excellent options include the Vega School of Brand Leadership, Inscape Design College, and Red and Yellow Creative School of Business.
How much is a graphic design course in South Africa?
The cost of a graphic design course in South Africa varies depending on the institution and the type of course you choose. A full-time Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design can cost anywhere from R60,000 to R120,000 per year. A diploma or certificate in graphic design can range from R20,000 to R60,000 for the entire course. It is important to research and compare the fees at different institutions before making a decision.
What subjects do I need for graphic design?
To be successful in graphic design, you will need to have a good understanding of art and design principles. This includes a solid foundation in color theory, typography, composition, and design software such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Other important subjects include marketing, branding, and user experience design.
Do graphic designers get paid well in South Africa?
Graphic designers in South Africa can earn a competitive salary depending on their level of experience and the company they work for. The average salary for a graphic designer in South Africa is around R179,000 per year, but this can vary greatly depending on the industry and location.
How long is a graphic design course?
The length of a graphic design course in South Africa depends on the type of qualification you choose. A Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design typically takes three to four years to complete. A diploma or certificate in graphic design can range from one to two years. Short courses in graphic design can also be completed in a matter of weeks.
Is graphic design in demand in South Africa?
Yes, graphic design is in high demand in South Africa. With the rise of digital marketing and e-commerce, companies are investing more in their branding and visual identity. This has led to an increased demand for skilled graphic designers who can create compelling designs that communicate the brand’s message effectively. Graphic design is a vital component of many industries, including advertising, marketing, publishing, and web design. As more businesses shift towards online platforms, the demand for digital designers is also on the rise. Therefore, pursuing a career in graphic design in South Africa can be a promising and fulfilling career path.
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