The Institution of Engineering Designers (IED) from the UK visited the Department of Industrial Design and Technology (IDT) at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology on February 3, 2020 for a four-day assessment of undergraduate programmes for professional accreditation. The visit was facilitated by Director of Centre for Academic Development (CAD), Dr Gomotsegang. Pule.
The team comprised Education and Training Manager, Ms Jo Winslow, an industrial practitioner, Mr Julian Swan and Chairperson of the team who is also an academic, Professor Andrew Tizzard.
The process involved meetings with IDT management, review of sample students’ work and a meeting with students from the three cohorts enrolled in the new Bachelor of Design Education and Bachelor of Industrial Design programmes.
The department mounted an exhibition, showcasing students’ works for the cohorts under review as well as research and community projects by staff. A guided tour of facilities was also conducted to assess the learning environment and resources available to students. The IED team toured all IDT workshops, the university library and other teaching and learning spaces in the Faculty of Engineering and Technology.
The assessment processes were carried out under the auspices of the department’s quality assurance team, which Professor Richie Moalosi chairs.
During their stay at the department, the IED team also had an opportunity to pay a courtesy call on the Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs, Professor Richard Tabulawa and Faculty of Engineering and Technology Dean, Professor Benjamin Bolaane.
Both Professor Tabulawa and Professor Bolaane pledged their support for the accreditation efforts. Upon their return to the UK, the IED team will present the report to the accreditation committee for a final decision. Once accredited, students will gain significant exemptions from professional qualifications after graduation.