Design the Future, One Frame at a Time
Unleash your creativity and transform ideas into motion. The Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer is your gateway into the fast-paced world of digital storytelling, where design meets innovation and every pixel has a purpose.
Whether you're passionate about animation, branding, or visual content creation, this qualification equips you with the skills to thrive in the creative industry. From mastering the principles of design and photography to producing motion graphics for websites, social media, and mobile apps, you'll learn to craft compelling visual narratives that captivate audiences and drive engagement. With a strong focus on both creative execution and business acumen, you'll be prepared to work across industries—from marketing agencies and production houses to freelance design and entrepreneurship.
This hands-on qualification blends theory, practical skills, and workplace experience to ensure you're industry-ready. You'll explore everything from typography and colour theory to video editing and user interface design, while also learning how to manage projects, budgets, and client briefs with professionalism. If you're tech-savvy, culturally aware, and ready to make your mark in the world of graphic media, this is your launchpad to a dynamic and rewarding career.
Who should attend?
This qualification is ideal for:
- Students who have completed a Grade 11 or equivalent NQF Level 3 qualification and want to pursue a career in graphic media design
- Creatively inclined individuals who want to learn how to design and produce visual content for digital platforms, print media, and multimedia environments
- Aspiring designers who want to gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software and tools
- Students who want to work in branding, marketing, advertising, or production environments
- Individuals who want to start their own freelance design business or work in a creative agency
- Anyone who wants to combine creativity with business acumen to produce impactful visual content
- Students who want to enter the design industry with a nationally recognised qualification and practical workplace experience
Career Opportunities
With this qualification, you can kickstart your career as:
- A Graphic Media Designer creating visual content for digital platforms, print media, and hybrid formats
- A Motion Graphics Designer producing animated content for websites, social media, and video campaigns
- A Visual Content Developer working in branding agencies, marketing firms, or production houses
- A Multimedia Designer crafting interactive media for mobile apps, digital signage, and online platforms
- A Design Assistant supporting creative teams in advertising, publishing, or corporate communications
- A Freelance Designer offering creative services to clients across industries and sectors
- A Junior Content Creator contributing to visual storytelling and brand messaging in digital marketing teams
Course Outline
Knowledge Modules - Theory
- Basic Elements and Principles of Design
- Principles of Visual Content Development
- Principles of Photography & Videography for Visual Content Developers
- Principles of Design Technology used by Visual Content Developers
- Business Communication and Administration
Practical Modules - Hands-on Learning
- Assess the Target Market to Determine Motion Graphics Client, User and Audience Preferences and Requirements
- Conduct Pre-Production Processes in Preparation for Creating Motion Graphics
- Create and Produce Motion Graphics for Specific Purposes, Clients, or Audiences
- Conduct Business Supervisory and Administration Functions
Workplace Experience Modules (Real-World Practice)
- Determination of Motion Graphics Clients, Users and Audience Preferences and Requirements
- Pre-Production Processes in Motion Graphics Creation
- Creation and Production of Motion Graphics
- Business Administration Support Functions in Motion Graphics Creation
Accreditation and Certification
This Occupational Certificate is accredited by the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO).
Successful students will achieve a nationally recognised Occupational Certificate: Graphic Media Designer (SAQA ID 122663 at NQF Level 4)
Entrance Requirements
- A Grade 10 certificate or NQF Level 3 with basic computer literacy
- All classes and assessments are conducted in English