Faculty of Arts and Design | DUT Visual Communication
Graphic Design
Graphic Design Award List 2006-2013
Tel: 031 373 6648
Fax: 031 373 6502
Location: City Campus
Email: ParveenR@dut.ac.za
The Department of Graphic Design has recently been acknowledged as the best graphic design department in South Africa by the industry. This award was won when DUT students took top awards at the national SAPPI Think Ahead Competition in October 2006. This is just one of several prestigious acknowledgments of excellence which the department has received.
Integral to the development and quality of student portfolios is the use of technology, and the department boasts one of the largest and most up to date computer networks in South African Graphic Design education, using industry standard software. Nonetheless there is much focus on craft, illustration and conceptual thinking skills starting from the first year of study. From then until graduation, students work on a wide range of practical, theoretical and research projects, all of which are calculated to contribute to their professional career. Such projects include drawing, illustration, page layout and typography, or image manipulation for packaging, editorial, advertising, corporate or public information purposes, amongst others. The programme also aligns itself very closely with the demands of the local, national and international industry and our students are encouraged at all times to channel their creative ideas and concepts into relevant and commercial projects.
Every design lecturer in the programme is committed to, and focused on providing a creative and rewarding learning experience. Several staff members are involved in important research projects; one of which is based on the link between Design, Health and Community. This international research programme, known as the England and Africa partnership (EAP), has been piloted in Uganda in 2007.
For the past five years a very successful National Research Foundation (NRF) niche area project has involved over twenty-five BTech Graphic Design students since its inception. Further to this, several staff are involved in varied and unique research investigations whilst upgrading their qualifications to Masters and PhD level. Examples of these areas of research are the internationally renowned and recognized Siyazama Project which originated in the Department of Graphic Design. This project has formed the foundation of our Design, Health and Community research focus. Further to this staff in the Department are researching appropriate visuals for good communication in an on-line learning environment, and studying the semiotics in African alphabet systems. Several staff members have presented papers at international conferences and have been published in international journals and continue to do so.
On successful completion of the National Diploma (3 years) or BTech degree (4 years) employment opportunities are vast and varied. Multi-media, the advertising industry, graphic design agencies, web design and the print industry are just some of the industries awaiting the Graphic Design graduate. We also offer an exciting and enriching Masters degree in Graphic Design. Our graduates have an enviable record of successful employment, both within South Africa and overseas, where many are working in the UK, the USA, Australia, and other countries.
So if you think you have what it takes to be a creative and innovative conceptual designer then come and join us!
Entry Requirements
National Diploma Graphic Design
Bachelor Technology Graphic Design
Master of Technology Graphic Design
Interior Design
Tel: 031 373 6504
Fax: 031 373 6505
Location: City Campus
The Department has a proud tradition of educating students for Industry and the high calibre of our students has been recognised both nationally and internationally. An Interior Designer is responsible for the structural planning and aesthetic imaging of corporate, retail, commercial and domestic interiors such as restaurants, shops, exhibition stands, bars, hairdressing salons, offices, hotels, function rooms, private homes, etc.
The professional is involved in the total design of these areas and therefore requires a considerable knowledge of all technical aspects such as lighting, air-xconditioning, plumbing, construction methods, as well as internal finishes and furniture selection. As Interior Design is closely related to the world of changing trends, the designer must also have a knowledge of past, current and future fashions and styles. The designer may also be involved in the design of domestic architecture for which he/she would require a knowledge of planning and of building construction methods. The designer is responsible for producing the design concept and then following through with the working drawings, contract administration and supervision of the installation.
He/she would associate and work closely with architects, quantity surveyors, various consultants, building contractors, shopfitters, subcontractors and a variety of manufacturers and suppliers.
Personal Qualites Required
The Interior Designer must have drawing ability, an awareness of current trends and an eye for detail, but more importantly must have a strong creative imagination and an ability to communicate his/her ideas visually and verbally. All these aspects are covered in subjects throughout the course using the latest technologies including CAD. Interior Design is related to the building industry and the designer would benefit by having an aptitude for the technical aspects.
Entry Requirements
National Diploma Interior Design
Bachelor of Technology Interior Design
The Senior Certificate or an equivalent qualification with English Language competency as stipulated in the Departmental handbook. Owing to the large number of applications and limited facilities, students may be accepted on the basis of a portfolio, undergo a personal interview and complete a drawing test and questionnaire.
The portfolio is to consist of a minimum of 10 original drawings NOT copied from photographs, in pencil, pencil crayon or other mediums (e.g. ink, pastels, magic marker) comprising of:
- Architectural details
- Furniture
- Ornaments
- Man made objects
- Mechanical objects
- Natural forms
- Technical Drawings
Drawings should be on paper and should be submitted in a folder (at the interview), with the applicant’s name clearly HAND LETTERED on the front. The applicant’s name should appear on every drawing.
Photography
Tel: 031 373 5405
Fax: 031 373 5430
Location: ML Sultan Campus
Moodle online learning
Motion pictures using fashion and news photographers as their main characters have bestowed on the photographic profession a romantic, fast moving, action packed, highly exciting image, far removed from the reality of photography undertaken by the majority of professionals. Like the other “Art” professions, this image attracts a lot more people to it than the profession can support and, therefore, financial rewards during the early years are lower than in some other professions.
Photography is a profession where an artist with a strong sense of graphic design and pictorial composition uses very sophisticated optical, electronic and chemical methods to create visual pictures that are often required for limited and specific purposes.
Real dedication and an ability to “get on with it” is required to survive. However, photography is a career for those hardworking, artistic people who derive immense satisfaction from the creation of images, opportunities for self-expression, travel and independence. Training incorporates most camera formats and image capturing devices, including electronic image capture, manipulation and output.
Entry Requirements
National Diploma Photography
Bachelor Technology Photography
Master of Technology Photography