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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93831  Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
There is a need to address the fact that no South African tertiary institution currently offers a one-year Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology. More specifically, the Postgraduate Diploma serves the industries that have rapidly developed in the use of computers and technical equipment in the creation, recording and dissemination of music. These industries, including the field of radio, advertising, media, film and audio recording demand well developed technical and musical skills. This qualification fosters these skills by combining vocational studio-based recording training with a sound theoretical foundation.

Rationale:
The rationale for the introduction of this qualification revolves around two issues. Firstly, its academic and vocational qualities serve to prepare prospective learners for the research-oriented Master of Philosophy in Music Technology offered at the Institution. Secondly, it offers an exit point at Postgraduate Diploma level for those learners intending to pursue a career in industries where a premium is placed on practical skills and scholarly insight. It is envisaged for the intake to the qualification to be approximately 5 learners per year. The Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology contributes to the maintenance of academic excellence and practice. It also contributes to building scientific, technological and intellectual capacity. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL is in place in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences and in the Music Department to facilitate access to candidates who do not meet the requirement of a Bachelor's Degree. RPL in the qualification will follow existing university guidelines. A departmental committee will be constituted within the guidelines of the Faculty to consider all applications, including RPL applications.

Entry Requirements:
An academic qualification at NQF Level 7 (Bachelor Degree), specifically including music. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
The Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology is a one year qualification. It consists of only one compulsory module of 120 Credits:
  • Music Technology, 120 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate mastery of skills required to use technical audio-visual equipment to create and evaluate creative output.
    2. Explain mathematical representations of sound waves.
    3. Investigate the physiological, psychological, psychophysical and psychoacoustic principles of sound and music perception.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of music technology and audio-technical sound recording practice.
    5. Demonstrate research skills through accessing, analysing, organising and critically evaluating existing knowledge. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The nature and characteristics of auditory musical stimuli are described.
  • The relationship between musical auditory stimuli and musical parameters is analysed and described.
  • The relationship between auditory stimuli and larger scale musical parameters is investigated and explained.
  • Musical signals demanding refined auditory acuity are analysed and interpreted.
  • Sound technology in the recording studio when recording and editing sounds, or when synthesising sounds is applied.
  • Outcomes, clear shortcomings and problems associated with musical signals are identified and evaluated.
  • Solutions are identified, implemented and evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The relationship between music theory and mathematics which allows for the formalisation of parameters including pitch, timbre and duration is analysed and explained.
  • Mathematical properties of musical scales, tuning and temperament are described.
  • Mathematical underpinnings of musical room acoustics are explained.
  • Mathematical foundation of musical instruments as vibrating systems are explained and analysed.
  • Mathematical foundation of analogue and digital representations of musical signals is explained.
  • Musical signals in the time and frequency domains are presented and investigated.
  • How musical signals are affected through processing, including filtering and the addition of reverberation is explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The core concepts and principles associated with the discipline of musical acoustics are explained.
  • The fundamental and introductory concepts, particularly the ways in which these are associated with sound wave propagation and dissipation in rooms and in musical instruments are explained.
  • The principles on which musical psychophysics and psychoacoustics are built are analysed.
  • The physiology of the human ear is described.
  • How auditory stimuli are defined as musical parameters is described.
  • How auditory stimuli are perceived and processed by the ear is investigated, described and evaluated.
  • Auditory perceptual theories, particularly how they relate to musical parameters, are explained.
  • The technical and technological roots of the discipline of electronic music are explained.
  • Different aesthetic approaches and schools of thought that have contributed to the development of electronic music are described and explained.
  • The diversity associated with current electronic music practices and performers is analysed.
  • Proficiency in operating a range of software platforms in order to create and manipulate sound electronically is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The structure and general operation of a modern recording studio is described and applied.
  • The ability to operate a recording facility is demonstrated.
  • Proficiency in solving problems associated with the signal routing and processing in a recording studio is demonstrated.
  • An atmosphere conducive to the efficient recording of artists is created.
  • An understanding of the technical and artistic challenges associated with audiovisual recording is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Rhythmic patterns and notation for optimal use in given contexts are analysed.
  • The techniques of recording sound, methods of mixing of sound and post production editing applications are analysed.
  • A clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in Music Technology is reflected on and discussed.
  • Appropriate application of the relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes of research in Music Technology are reflected.
  • Critical analyses and a degree of intellectual independence in written work in the chosen field are displayed.
  • Current literature and research are accessed, analysed, organised and evaluated systematically.
  • Clear evidence of effective application of the principles of research practice is demonstrated.
  • Conclusions and recommendations are justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment consists of four assignments dedicated to four focus areas located in the field of Music Technology. A practical component is built into every assignment. Academic research and practical work are therefore combined allowing the learner to develop these skills in tandem.

    The departmental current internal and external moderation and examination policy is applied to this qualification.

    Experiential learning by default forms an integral component of assignments set in the Qualification. Music Technology as a discipline is perfectly suited to pursue the integration of vocational training and theoretical research. It follows that this form of learning is fostered naturally, during the completion of assignments set in this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma (Music Technology) compares internationally with the following qualifications:

    Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology - National University of Ireland (NUI):
    The course is creativity-driven, with emphasis on musical aspects of computer programming and audio technology. It offers full use of computer resources at the Music Technology Labs at NUI Maynooth; access to studio space, with the possibility of working towards recording and production projects; expert advice on musical and technical issues is provided by composers and researchers at the cutting edge of their fields.

    Entry requirements are an Honours Degree normally with a minimum of Grade 2.1. Learners with a primary Degree other than Music would normally have to demonstrate some Degree of musical training and affinity. Candidates will be called for an interview.

    Applicants must have a recognised primary Degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university primary Degree level.

    The course is structured around a number of options covering all aspects of Music Technology from acoustics to computer programming, including audio signal processing, synthesis and recording engineering. Foreign language instruction is also available through the NUIM Language Centre.

    Duration: 1 year Full-time, 2 years Part-time.

    Postgraduate Diploma (Music Technology) - Staffordshire University, United Kingdom (UK):
    This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop a deep understanding of the technologies and principles behind modern music production and distribution; in addition to gaining the skills necessary to analyse and evaluate modern music technology systems, learners also have opportunities to undertake practical music production work using the university's extensive facilities; the award focuses on a wide range of creative and technological areas including advanced recording techniques, acoustics, mastering, digital sound synthesis, music software development and sound design.

    Core modules: Advanced recording techniques; negotiated studies in music technology; mastering and signal processing in music; pro tools for music production; creative music software design; research methods for music technology; dissertation (60 Credits): elective modules include: applied acoustics; computer music composition; electronics for musicians; interactive multimedia composition and performance.

    Entry requirements are a second Class Honours Degree or equivalent in a related discipline; applicants who lack the academic requirements but have significant appropriate experience are considered on an individual basis.

    Postgraduate Diploma in Music (PGDipMus). The University of Otago, New Zealand:
    This one year fulltime qualification is designed to advance knowledge of learners who already have a qualification in music. Graduates of the Degree have pursued careers in musical performance, recording industry, opera, teaching, media, theatre, music education, technology, and other related fields. Learners choose a specialisation from the following: Classical Music Performance, Composition, Contemporary Music Performance or Music Studies. The qualification assists learners in acquiring current music application.

    Conclusion:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology compares favourably with these international qualifications in terms of duration, entry requirements and modules. They have the same focus which is to equip learners with current information and application in music, including, among others, recording techniques, latest software and hardware. The qualifications also require learners to conduct research in the field and their research ability is also advanced. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification provides an opportunity for enrolled or those who completed to be able to horizontally enter another relevant qualification on the same level, given the rules of access have been complied with and such learners will retain credit for relevant courses or modules that have been passed.

    This Qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Music.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Musicology.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music in Performance.

    The Qualification articulates vertically with:
  • Master of Arts in Music.
  • Master of Music.
  • Master of Music in Practical and Research. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Stellenbosch University 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.