Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice Course Requirements at Open Window
Open Window Institute · Postgraduate Studies
The Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice is a postgraduate Diploma offered by Open Window for 2027 postgraduate applicants, taking 1 year full-time; 2 years extended to complete. This page covers the minimum admission requirements you need to qualify, what the course involves, where you can study it, the careers it leads to, and how to apply.
Minimum Admission Requirements to study Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice at Open Window
- A relevant bachelor's degree or advanced diploma at NQF level 7 in a creative field
- A portfolio of creative work
- Supporting documents such as a CV, academic transcripts and a motivation letter
- Applicants may be interviewed as part of selection
About this course
The Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice (SAQA ID 120783, NQF 8, 120 credits) was introduced in 2024 for graduates who want to push further into their chosen creative field with a strong practical and professional focus. Compared with the honours degree it is more production-driven, with a smaller research component and a module on running a creative business.
Modules and credits:
- Creative Production Primary (50 credits)
- Creative Production Secondary (30 credits)
- Creative Business Practice (20 credits)
- Research and Reflection (20 credits)
The approach is practice-led and practice-focused, with both practical and theoretical assessment. You work in a specialisation such as Communication Design, Illustration, Photography, Film and Television, 3D Animation, Motion Design, Game Design, VFX, UX Design, Interactive Development or Industrial Product Design, building a stronger professional portfolio along the way.
The diploma can be done full-time over one year or on an extended two-year basis, using Open Window's mix of campus, online and self-study modes, at the Centurion, Johannesburg and Stellenbosch campuses. It suits graduates and working professionals who want to specialise, change direction within the creative industries or prepare for postgraduate research.
Possible careers
Course intelligence for Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice
Data-driven planning insights for this specific course: job market outlook, NSFAS funding, and how competitive admission is likely to be.
Job market outlook
Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice doesn’t currently appear on the national scarce-skills list as an Animator. That’s not a red flag on its own, most jobs in South Africa aren’t on that list, it just tracks where employers reported the strongest hiring pressure. Your own results, experience and network will matter more here than national demand trends.
NSFAS funding
NSFAS does not usually fund students at private institutions like Open Window. Ask Open Window directly about its own bursaries or payment plans, and check whether a sector SETA offers funding for this field.
Admission chances
Open Window’s intake and this course’s requirements with its published admission requirements generally leave more room than the most sought-after courses, so you likely have a reasonable window to apply without rushing, though applying early is always the safer bet.
These insights are estimates generated from South Africa’s National List of Occupations in High Demand (DHET, November 2023 draft), NSFAS’s published funding rules, and this university’s general applicant demand. They’re planning guidance, not a guarantee. Always confirm funding and admission specifics directly with Open Window and NSFAS.
How to apply for 2027 studies
Enquire through Open Window's website or call 012 648 9200 to speak to a student advisor and get the postgraduate guide. Submit your documents and portfolio with the R1 750 application fee, and register with the R12 000 registration fee once accepted.
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Source: Official website: https://www.openwindow.co.za/postgraduate-diploma-in-creative-practice/, last verified 2026-09-22. Requirements and fees change. Always confirm current details directly with Open Window Institute before applying.