Lecturers: Graphic Design / Visual Communication Design (2 Posts)

Durban University of Technology; KwaZulu-Natal; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 520,000; Full time

Job summary

Durban University of Technology invites applications for the position of Lecturer: Graphic Design / Visual Communication Design. You will teach in the Visual Communication Design Programme, develop learning materials and mentor students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

The role requires a Master’s degree in Graphic Design or Visual Communication Design and a minimum of 3 years’ teaching or professional experience, with emphasis on contemporary design practice and industry engagement

Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design, or a closely related creative discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years teaching experience at tertiary level OR 3 years' experience in a relevant professional field.

Responsibilities

• Teach in the Visual Communication Design Programme.
• Set and mark tests, assignments and portfolios.
• Develop learning materials.
• Engage in administration duties.
• Assist with curriculum development.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participate in research projects and industry partnerships.

Skills

Teaching experience

Professional industry experience

UX/UI Design Principles

Education

Master's degree in Graphic Design or Visual Communication Design

Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud

UX/UI Design Principles

Job description

With more than34400 students, and approximately 1700 members of staff, theDurban University of Technology (DUT)is a leading university of technology proudly located in the beautiful cities ofDurbanandPietermaritzburg, along the warm east coast of South Africa. Founded in April 2002 through the historic merger of the former ML Sultan Technikon and Technikon Natal, DUT has evolved into a modern, metropolitan, multi-campus university with roots tracing back to 1907.

Today, DUT is recognisednationally and internationallyfor its excellence inteaching and learning, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and engagement. A proud member of theInternational Association of Universities, DUT continues to expand its influence across South Africa and the world. In the2025 Webometrics Rankings, DUT was ranked among theTop 6% of all universities and colleges worldwide, reflecting its academic excellence, research impact and strong global visibility.

DUT’s Philosophy of Education, “Our creativity and innovation shapes adaptive graduates who transform society” reflects the institution’s deep commitment to meaningful impact for societal transformation. Guided by its inspirational and aspirational ENVISION2030 strategy, which is rooted in DUT’s DNA of being ‘people-centred and engaged’ and ‘innovative and entrepreneurial’ and underpinned by its bespoke Living Values Framework, DUT focuses on ‘contributing to the improvement of lives and livelihoods’.

The University comprisessix diverse Faculties:

1. Accounting and Informatics
2. Applied Sciences

• Arts & Design

1. Engineering and the Built Environment
2. Health Sciences
3. Management Sciences

DUT also includes a Business School and the award-winningInstitute for Water and Wastewater Technology (IWWT), amongst other research centres and institutes, reinforcing its role as a hub for knowledge, innovation and societal impact. Over the years, the University substantially grown its research output, dominating the UoT sector. This is evidenced by the steady increase of NRF-rated researchers and the notable, unprecedented award of seven NRF SARCHi Chairs in 2025. This impetus helps us to remain deeply engaged with our communities glocally, thereby transforming societies and economies.

At DUT, we believe in nurturing talent and empowering people to make a real difference. If you are passionate about contributing to education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and engagement, DUT offers the ideal environment - Creative. Distinctive. Impactful.

Department of Visual Communication Design

Lecturer: Graphic Design / Visual Communication Design (2 positions)

Minimum Requirements:

Lecturer

• A Master's degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design, or a closely related creative discipline.
• A minimum of 3 years teaching experience at tertiary level OR 3 years' experience in a relevant associated professional field or related creative industry.

Additional Recommendations:

• If successful at Master’s level: Be willing to complete a Doctorate within five years of appointment in an appropriate field of Visual Communication Design.
• Evidence of research or creative output activities. Candidates should demonstrate the potential to contribute to the department's research, innovation, and postgraduate supervision agenda.
• Experience in innovative teaching and learning technologies, including e-learning.
• Experience in teaching English second language students.
• Have an understanding of and experience in critical writing.
• Possess a working knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud programmes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of contemporary digital design workflows including Adobe Creative Cloud, Motion Graphics, Digital Content Creation, UX/UI Design Principles, AI-assisted Design Tools, Digital Publishing and Interactive Media and Emerging technologies relevant to Visual Communication Design.
• Have advertising, design and packaging knowledge and be equipped to lecture both theory and practical modules within the department.
• Possess professional industry experience in advertising, graphic design, and or art direction that is reflected in a design portfolio.
• Have experience in traditional and digital graphic techniques.
• Demonstrated commitment to student-centred learning, inclusive pedagogies, graduate employability, entrepreneurship, and community-engaged teaching in alignment with DUT's ENVISION2030 Strategy and Philosophy of Education.

Summary of Duties:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach in the Visual Communication Design Programme.
• Set and mark tests, assignments and portfolios.
• Develop learning materials.
• Engage in administration duties.
• Assist with curriculum development.
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Participate in individual and/or programme research projects.
• Attend meetings and undertake duties as part of the DUT Visual Communication Design team.
• Contribute to undergraduate and or postgraduate teaching, supervision, and assessments.
• Participate in curriculum renewal and programme accreditation activities.
• Develop industry partnerships and collaboration opportunities.
• Contribute to departmental research, innovation, and community engagement initiatives.
• Supervise student projects, portfolios, and exhibitions.
• Participate in departmental quality assurance and academic administration processes.
• Contribute to student success, retention, and graduate employability initiatives.

A successful candidate should demonstrate expertise in contemporary visual communication design practice and education, including branding, advertising, typography, digital media, design research, professional practice, and emerging technologies. The candidate should be committed to student-centred learning, industry engagement, research-informed teaching, and contributing to the objectives of DUT's ENVISION2030 Strategy and Philosophy of Education.

Salary: Market related plus benefits

Contact Person:

G Govindasamy