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.
 
Each of the design lecturers 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!