This course promotes the skills which are essential in a world where design, business, and technology collide. Design Leadership graduates learn to sharpen and expand their thinking to be leaders in their fields, with a deep knowledge of design research and the ability to plan and execute complex design solutions. The degree lays a strong foundation for further Master’s studies.
Students engage in a number of creative projects, individually as well as part of interdisciplinary teams. With sound research and high-level conceptual problem solving, graduates develop a portfolio which illustrates solutions which add true economic, environmental and social value to make a genuine difference in peoples’ lives. The scope of design careers has widened significantly and graduates with skills to think, question and create to better the human experience are in great demand. The paradigm shift in the role of design has rendered the need for designers with advanced knowledge and skills in the areas of foresight, problem-finding abilities, and evidence-based approaches. This BA Honours in Design Leadership provides students with a postgraduate qualification relevant to their design disciplines and opens a pathway for further postgraduate studies. It is the ideal precursor into an MBA or a Master’s in their chosen field.
Minimum Admission Requirements:
An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree OR;
An appropriate Advanced Diploma provided that a 360 credit Diploma or appropriate equivalent has been completed.
For International Qualifications:
A SAQA NQF L7 Evaluation Certificate in an appropriate field and meeting the additional admission requirements.
All candidates are required to submit a Design portfolio.
Candidates are normally required to have a minimum final year average of 60% in the qualifications final-year (NQF L7) modules.
Those with a final year average of 55 - 59% will be admitted if they attained an average of 60% or higher for the designated cognate/core discipline module at final-year (NQF L7) level.
For alternative admission options, please click here or reach out to student recruitment.
Please note, requirements for entry to this qualification are correct at the time of publication, however, these may change.
Year 1 – semester 1
Design Leadership:
An introduction into the concept of Design leadership and an exploration of current design leaders in an international and local context.
Design Research Methodology:
This module develops students’ knowledge of design research concepts, principles, and practices for academic research and research aimed at informing design solutions. The module exposes students to design research methods and techniques, whilst integrating design theory and discourse. Emphasis is placed on independent and critical thinking, analysis, research design and methods, written and visual communication of findings.
Year 1 – semester 2
Solution Design:
The Solution Design module challenges designers to individually and strategically solve complex design problems of their own choosing.
Design Strategy and Management:
Provides the theoretical and applied knowledge that frames the complex interrelationships between design, brand and business, and the processes and skills needed to make evidence-based strategic decisions. This module also includes the planning and management of own enterprises and design projects.
Year 2 – semester 3
Collaborative Design:
The focus in the Collaborative Design module is on developing teamwork and collaboration skills and approaches.
Design Research Project:
This module is the practical research component where the student will conduct a research project of their own choosing, from proposal through to data collection and conclusion.
At the end of this qualification, you will achieve the following Exit Level Outcomes (ELO):
ELO1: Critically engage with advanced inter-disciplinary theories and discourse in the broad fields of design and design leadership.
ELO2: Plan, develop and evaluate strategic, innovative design solutions for complex design problems that are guided by evidence and ethical considerations in multifaceted and diverse contexts.
ELO3: Conduct research that can inform the design process and outcomes as well as explore problems and complex issues pertaining to the broad discipline of design.
ELO4: Learn independently and in a self-critical manner to develop competencies suitable for life-long development in design and design leadership.
Students who successfully complete the IIE Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design (BAID0701), Bachelor of Communication Design (BCOD0701) or the Bachelor of Experience Design (BEXD0701) are eligible to articulate into the IIE Honours in Design Leadership (HDEL0801), subject to meeting the admission requirements.
The successful completion of the IIE Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Leadership (HDEL0801) enables you to progress into the IIE Masters in Design Leadership (MDEL0901), subject to meeting the admission requirements.
The qualification is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF 8) by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA ID 118641).
Senior Designers
Creative Directors
Art Directors
Senior Digital Designers
Design Entrepreneurs
Design Strategists
Design Consultants
Design Managers
At Emeris, we believe that effective teaching is about creating experiences that foster student growth. Our academic team design activities that challenge students and identify their strengths, allowing for real-time adaptation in the learning journey. By combining subject expertise with teaching insights and digital tools, we extend learning beyond the classroom. This approach ensures students not only keep up but thrive.
Duration
2 years part-time
Intakes
January
Campuses
Mode/s of study
Information
Explore your options, plan your future, and discover life at SA’s top private institution.
An educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education
Formed by the strategic evolution of The IIE's Varsity College, IIE MSA, Vega and
the School of Hospitality and Service Management, uniting under the Emeris name.
Emeris is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07. View certificate here.
