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
Download our comprehensive fact sheet for full details.
- Design Foundations is your creative launchpad into the world of visual communication. You’ll explore how design principles, storytelling, and multimedia techniques come together to shape powerful visual messages. From mastering colour, typography and layout to capturing compelling photos and videos, this subject equips you with the essential skills to bring ideas to life across digital and traditional platforms — all while preparing you to meet real client needs with confidence and flair.
- Design Technology is where creativity meets cutting-edge software and production planning. You’ll master industry-standard tools for animation, motion graphics, and interactive design while learning how to plan and prepare content that’s ready for real-world deployment. Whether you're designing for mobile, web, or immersive platforms, this subject gives you the tech-savvy edge to turn bold ideas into polished, professional media content.
- Motion Graphics Production is your gateway to creating dynamic, high-impact visual content that moves, engages, and tells stories. You’ll learn how to animate, edit, and produce motion graphics using professional tools and techniques — from concept to final delivery. Whether you're designing for social media, mobile apps, or interactive platforms, this subject empowers you to craft visually stunning content that connects with audiences and meets real-world client needs.
- Market and Audience Analysis teaches you how to think like a strategist and design like a storyteller. You’ll learn how to decode client briefs, research audience preferences, and craft content that resonates with the right people on the right platforms. By mastering the art of audience targeting and user experience design, you’ll be equipped to create motion graphics that are not only visually stunning but also purpose-driven and impactful.
- Business Communication empowers you with the essential skills to thrive in a creative workplace. You’ll learn how to manage projects, budgets, meetings, and legal compliance while mastering the art of professional communication and documentation. Whether you're coordinating production teams or presenting to clients, this subject gives you the confidence to lead, organise, and communicate like a pro in the graphic media industry.
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
QCTO Qualification Framework
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