Design is a humanistic discipline – the art of conceiving, planning and shaping concepts that are made to serve people and answer to their individual and collective needs and desires. Design is by nature flexible and cross disciplinary and blurs the traditional boundaries between previously stable disciplines, a development that is now a requirement as multi-national corporations look for designers who are open minded and adaptable.
Highly qualified, experienced and motivated teaching staff of the highest caliber ensures that curricula are up to date with the continually changing, leading edge of design developments both in South Africa and the world at large, and take pride in imparting this valuable store of knowledge and experience to the learners.
Established in 1990, THE DESIGN SCHOOL SOUTHERN AFRICA is committed to furthering the Design education process in South Africa by imparting internationally accepted philosophies and learning paradigms through the provision of innovative, creative and challenging teaching techniques in an environment that ensures and promotes understanding and awareness of social values and differences. THE DESIGN SCHOOL SOUTHERN AFRICA is fully accredited by the COUNCIL ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHE) and registered with the DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION as per Cert. No. 2000/HE07/021.
The FULL TIME BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE’S in INTERIOR DESIGN or GRAPHIC DESIGN or FASHION DESIGN courses are up to three years in length and cover technological developments and critical theories. Conceptualization, research and development are critical aspects of the carefully researched and developed curricula, but cannot fully develop the learner for a future career without the addition of cutting edge industry relevant technology as well as the professional business, management and communication skills required by their future employers. Top DSSA graduates are sought out by the industry and a number of learners have achieved top awards as well as industry success both during their course and after graduation. Emotional backing and support is also provided to ensure the learners success in their chosen field.
Applicants who may have insufficient skill in either the theoretical or artistic requirement, but who demonstrate ability and motivation may be accepted into the FOUNDATION COURSE in ART AND DESIGN. This bridging course encompasses practical, artistic and theoretical skills that develop the learner for entry into BA Design course of their choice.
A PART TIME INTERIOR DECORATING COURSE is also offered and covers all aspects related to the domestic decorating market. This course which opens many doors is geared for the business person already working, or intending to break into the profession
As a career choice it is a difficult one to make, THE DESIGN SCHOOL SOUTHERN AFRICA offers career counseling in all the Design fields to help the student make an informed decision.