School of Information Technology & Data ScienceOccupational CertificateOpen for enrolment

Occupational Certificate: Design Thinking Innovation Lead

NQF Level 4SAQA ID 118788160 credits18 MonthsFull-time

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Occupational Certificate: Design Thinking Innovation Lead

Programme Overview

Lead innovation processes using design thinking methodology.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID118788

NQF LevelNQF Level 4

Total Credits160

Qualification TypeOccupational Certificate

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceMICT SETA — Accredited

QCTO Accreditation — 2 records

Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP040825200420Active

SAQA 118788 · NQF Level 4 · 160 credits

Valid 25 Jul 2025 – 24 Jul 2030

Accredited site: Highbury College — Pretoria Central Accredited Training Site

Accreditation No. 07-QCTO/SDP230626155844Active

SAQA 118788 · NQF Level 4 · 160 credits

Valid 15 Jun 2026 – 14 Jun 2031

Accredited site: 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng 0001

Certification for this occupational qualification is issued by the QCTO — Highbury College is the accredited skills development provider and is not the awarding body.

This qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Highbury programme availability and intake status are confirmed by Admissions. Detailed regulatory evidence is published on the Accreditation page.

Frame of Learning

Knowledge Modules

46credits

12 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

62credits

3 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

52credits

3 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
NQF Level 3 qualification.

Highbury Application Documents

Certified copy of ID or passport
Certified copies of highest school results
Proof of residential address

Curriculum

Human Centred Innovation242102-001-00-KM-014 cr
Design Thinking Fundamentals242102-001-00-KM-024 cr
Collaboration242102-001-00-KM-034 cr
Fundamentals of Positive Psychology for Design Thinking<242102-001-00-KM-044 cr
Research to Inform Design Thinking Processes242102-001-00-KM-054 cr
Benefits of Design Thinking242102-001-00-KM-062 cr
Innovation Leadership for Design Thinking242102-001-00-KM-074 cr
Coaching Workshops for Design Thinking242102-001-00-KM-088 cr
Introduction to Project Management for Design Thinking242102-001-00-KM-094 cr
Introduction to Design Thinking Governance, Legislation and Ethics242102-001-00-KM-102 cr
4IR and Future Skills242102-001-00-KM-114 cr
Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Computer Technology and Utilisation242102-001-00-KM-122 cr

Assessment Criteria

Internal Assessment

Continuous formative assessment and practical tasks are conducted throughout the programme, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence and a logbook completed under supervision. Internal assessment follows the criteria and weighting stipulated in the official curriculum.

External Assessment

The qualification concludes with an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) conducted through the relevant assessment quality partner. Learners must complete all modules and internal assessment requirements before admission to the final external assessment.

Delivery Mode and Duration

Highbury Delivery Arrangement

Study ModeFull-time

Highbury Duration18 Months

CampusPretoria Campus, 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng

Learning PlatformHighbury Digital Campus

Learning ArrangementClassroom + practical + workplace

IntakesConfirmed by Admissions

Delivery combines structured classes and practical sessions with a compulsory workplace component arranged with approved employers, supported online through the Highbury Digital Campus. The duration above is Highbury’s delivery schedule and is separate from the official SAQA credit value.

Articulation and RPL

Articulation

Horizontal: Occupational Certificate: Community Development Worker, NQF Level 4. Vertical: Higher Certificate in Mobile Application and Web Development, NQF Level 5.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used for access to the programme and, where applicable, for credits or exemption against completed modules, as well as for access to the final external assessment, in line with official RPL policy. Contact Admissions for an RPL evaluation.

Career Pathways

Innovation LeadDesign ThinkerProduct Designer

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 3 modules totalling 52 credits, completed in an approved workplace under supervision with a logbook and portfolio of evidence. Highbury supports learners with placement arrangements through its employer partnerships.

Applied Ethnographic Research
Design Thinking Innovation Coaching
Creative Innovation Solution Design

Certification

Highbury College may issue permissible institutional records, statements and completion documents. The official occupational qualification certificate is issued by the responsible quality council or certification authority after all prescribed requirements have been met.

Certification follows successful completion of all modules and the final external integrated summative assessment.

Ready to apply?

This programme is open for enrolment. Start your application online — our admissions team will guide you through every step.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Official qualification information sourced from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Highbury-specific delivery, fees, intake and campus arrangements are maintained separately by Highbury College.

Programme availability and intake dates are confirmed by Highbury Admissions.

View official SAQA record Last verified: 2026-07-12Factsheet v1.0