Department of Visual Communication Design Durban

Durban University of Technology (DUT) is a globally recognised institution committed to excellence in teaching, learning, research, innovation, and impactful engagement. Guided by the ENVISION2030 strategic framework and rooted in The DUT-Way values, the University advances a transformative, industry-connected and people-centred academic environment that contributes meaningfully to South Africa’s creative and knowledge economies.

 The Department of Visual Communication Design develops future-ready visual communicators, creative strategists, and design innovators across graphic design, photography, multimedia, and spatial/interior communication. The Department is committed to cultural relevance, design thinking, technology-enhanced creation, and social impact within Africa’s rapidly evolving visual industries.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the following permanent academic appointment linked to a fixed-term leadership position:

 PROFESSOR / ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR  

(Permanent Appointment)

 Minimum Requirements: Professor

• Doctoral Degree in Visual Communication Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Interior Design, or related field
• Minimum 10 years of strong higher education experience including postgraduate development
• Demonstrated international research/creative recognition within the last 10 years
• Proven supervision at Masters and Doctoral levels
• Significant contribution to community-engaged or industry-linked scholarship

  Minimum Requirements: Associate Professor

• Doctoral Degree in Visual Communication Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Interior Design, or related discipline
• Minimum 7 years higher education or academic leadership experience
• National and/or international research or creative recognition within the last 7 years
• Proven postgraduate supervision
• Evidence of meaningful community or industry engagement

 HEAD OF DEPARTMENT: VISUAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN

 (5-year renewable contract, in addition to permanent academic appointment)

 Minimum Requirements

• PhD in a relevant discipline aligned to the Department’s programme clusters
• Meets requirements for appointment as Associate Professor or Professor
• Minimum 5 years academic leadership experience with scholarly output

 Key Leadership Responsibilities

• Leadership of Teaching & Learning, Research, and Community Engagement
• Quality assurance, curriculum leadership, and postgraduate growth
• Budgets, staffing, workload planning, and human capital development
• Strengthening industry partnerships and design innovation ecosystems
• Advancing tea cohesion, high-performance culture, and transformation aligned to ENVISION2030
• Enhancing holistic student success and positive learning environments

 Remuneration:

• Professor / Associate Professor: Market-related salary with benefits
• Head of Department: R10 000 per month non-pensionable allowance (inclusive of cellphone allowance)

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

• DUT Application for Employment Form (via DUT website → @Careers)
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae
• Cover Letter demonstrating alignment to role requirements
• Certified copies of qualifications and academic transcripts
  • Contact details of three recent referees
  • Email applications to: [email protected]
  • Quote Reference: Visual Communication Design: Prof/AP & HOD No manual submissions will be accepted.
• Incomplete applications will be disregarded.

 
Employment Equity Statement

In line with DUT’s Employment Equity Plan, preference will be given to women candidates in alignment

with transformation priorities.

DUT reserves the right not to appoint, or to re-advertise to widen the pool of applicants. Verification will be conducted on the preferred candidate.