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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Photography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100730  Diploma in Photography 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
78657  National Diploma: Photography  Level 6  NQF Level 06  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Photography has experienced an accelerated evolution, and has shown an exponential growth since its inception in 1839 into a profession of international significance. It continues to make strong inroads, in its wide-ranging applications, into many of contemporary life's major fields of endeavour, most notably those that may be described as commercial, art, and technology (as in science, medicine and education). In its relatively short 175 year-existence, it has had an undeniably significant impact on world society, socially, economically and politically, and has become a major player in the shaping of popular culture and is playing a central role in visual communication.

The revised HEQSF aligned Diploma in Photography aims to provide an entry-point to professional commercial photographic practice, i.e. that application of photography as practiced by a professional photographer as a direct means of earning a living producing photographs generally commissioned by and serving the widely varying needs and purposes of a broad range of private individuals, all kinds of businesses, institutions and industry at large.

Although the current qualification has already become fully digital (digital photography has, since 2004/5, significantly out-paced film-based photography, for ever changing professional domains), the qualification presents an opportunity to bring the rapid changes in aesthetic approaches and photographic technology more closely in alignment.

Also, this qualification accurately align the aspirant professional photographer's skills to the now accepted digital mode of professional practice and will instil in the learners those graduate attributes that are appropriate to industry entry-level.

The qualification provide learners with the intellectual stimulation, theoretical knowledge and practical skills for the challenges in the photographic industry and facilitate the education of photography learners that will contribute to the social, cultural and economic development of South Africa.

Lastly, the qualification maintain and strengthen what has long been one of its key competitive features, the balance between the broad-based practical applications representing all contemporary photographic categories and theoretical underpinnings of photography, both of which are set in the context of a strong academic milieu where research is increasingly important.

Rationale:
The professional photographic industry in South Africa, is recurrently fluctuating, with a large variety of sectors utilising professional photography, undergoing changes in how professional photography is utilised. Despite these changing demands and utilisation, there is still a demand for creative and technically skilled photographers, underpinned by a solid academic qualification.

This photographic qualification is aimed at the visually alert and artistically talented person who wishes to become professionally competent in the self-motivated production of photographic images for both personal satisfaction, and in an entrepreneurial mode for commercial consumption. Key role players in industry were consulted, and revealed that the graduates should have an understanding of the diverse role and function of the modern photographer in a range of professional photographer/client contexts.

This revised qualification pays specific attention to providing qualified photographers to work in areas/genres that are particular to Cities, such as the Fashion industry, for instance, and also national and international commercial areas/genres such as newspaper/journalism and advertising work. Despite the fact that fewer formal photographic employment might be available in the Province, many of these positions have been repositioned to now reside within creative agencies, which serve the greater demand and utilisation of professional photographers.

The photographic images, produced in such a highly competitive, multi-faceted market place, must exhibit not only a strong emphasis on conceptual content, but ought to be executed with a highly discernible, thoroughly professional level of technical skill, and must simultaneously attest to a solid grasp, creative interpretation and application of contemporary artistic and photographic aesthetics. Additionally, the photography graduates are also able to take up a range of job opportunities in the retail and small business sectors of the photography industry.

The qualification aims to, firstly, empower the photography graduate to design the components of a visual communication campaign and to produce design products of a high, conceptual content, to industry entry-level standard, and in accordance with media specifications, and secondly, create an academic environment that encourages quality education in the field of photography, promotes a stimulating supportive environment for learners and fosters lifelong learning. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In keeping with the institution's mission and vision, widening of access is promoted through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against a qualification or part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Professional Photographic Image Production 1, 30 Credits.
  • Photographic Science 1, 30 Credits.
  • Mass Communication and Culture 1, 30 Credits.
  • Art Appreciation 1, 10 Credits.
  • Photographic Laboratory Practice 1, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Professional Photographic Image Production 2, 30 Credits.
  • Photographic Laboratory Practice 2, 20 Credits.
  • Photographic Professional Practice 2, 20 Credits.
  • Mass Communication and Culture 2, 25 Credits.
  • Photographic Science 2, 25 Credits.
  • Mass Communication and Culture 3, 25 Credits.
  • Photographic Laboratory Practice 3, 20 Credits.
  • Photographic Professional Practice 3, 20 Credits.
  • Photographic Science 3, 25 Credits.
  • Professional Photographic Image Production 3, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the historical, political and social context in which photographic images are created and viewed.
    2. Explore, engage and complete a creative brief, which fulfils a client's needs.
    3. Produce conceptual and innovative solutions, meeting the requirements of a creative brief.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to create a professional portfolio of photographic images.
    5. Embody industry level imaginative and creative abilities and qualities.
    6. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced photographic techniques and applications.
    7. Apply professional ethics and practice in business, finance and communication as to be found and experienced in the professional photography environment.
    8. Interpret contemporary visual theory and the contextualisation of photography within the larger world of the Arts.
    9. Respond, adapt and embrace changing technology.
    10 Prove industry preparedness for the professional field of photography. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct research into the historical and contemporary aspects of photography.
  • Demonstrate evidence of an integrated utilisation of academic discourse relevant to specific aesthetic and commercial requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Execute applicable research into the context and objectives required by the client brief through desk research, observations and peer and lecturer discussions.
  • Engage in applicable research in relation to photographic trends and materials to complete the photographic brief, whilst being cognisant of the needs of the client in terms of relevant political, sociocultural and technological contexts.
  • Know and understand the target market in terms of demographics.
  • Give consideration to the ethical requirements.
  • Produce a cost effective solution that meets the needs of the client.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Develop creative concepts by means of utilising a visual diary, through which the concept is visualised.
  • Assist in the development of possible creative solutions relevant to the creative brief.
  • Explore varied solutions to the creative brief, considering the innovative potential relating to the particular client.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify the professional elements that are required to design and produce requisite aesthetic and creative concepts.
  • Utilise aesthetic and compositional guidelines to produce final images that are cohesive and impactful.
  • Construct a professional body of photographic images to be taken-up into a portfolio against a set of industry-related standards.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Showcase industry requirements as to establish aesthetic and commercial appropriateness.
  • Demonstrate through innovative thinking and creative design, the response to existing contemporary commercial solutions and contexts.
  • Exhibit critical imaginative and creative thinking in the way that solutions are evaluated against specific needs of the local context in service of particularly the client and the broader industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Show full familiarity with the appropriate industry and professional applications of advanced photographic techniques as utilised in the creation and solving of the creative brief.
  • Demonstrate effective utilisation of appropriate software applications to professionally complete the brief in terms of concept and execution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Use management and business acumen acquired to create an entrepreneurial business plan that demonstrates a clear grasp of management and business principles dealing with the complexity of the situational and commercial context.
  • Utilise particular evidence, dealing with problems within a professional photography environment and encompass evidence-based problem solving abilities within the execution of any photographic brief and assignment.
  • Elaborate the grasping of key concepts, principles and theories of professional photography and the execution of theoretical and practical work, while also critically reflecting on actions and decisions using appropriate standards of acceptable performance as a professional photographer.
  • Organise, delegate and co-ordinate oneself and others towards achieving goals within allocated budget and time within a commercial photography environment.
  • Show how ethical considerations have been fused into both theoretical and practical outputs as they relate to business, finance and communication in the visual communication design environment.
  • Manage and work effectively as an individual photographer as well as a team member within a commercial photographic environment and/or retail context.
  • Provide effective leadership in project work by demonstrating understanding of human behaviour and people dynamics in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Write reports, assignments and essays to demonstrate how current academic discourse shapes visual theory within the theoretical research component of the course.
  • Create personal applied work that demonstrate how current academic discourse shapes visual theoretical thinking and doing, within the practical component of the course.
  • Demonstrate evidence of an 'integrated application' of academic discourse relevant to the visual theoretical thinking of photography across both practical and theoretical components of the course.
  • Produce a coherently structured research report that demonstrates professional competence and readiness to function effectively within a commercial photographic environment and retail context with sensitivity to societal needs.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Show initiative regarding the utilisation and adoption of new technologies to further the objectives of professional photography.
  • Use current editing software and hardware technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Demonstrate self-directed learning and decision making through purposeful engagement with self-branding and final year portfolio preparation.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ethos of the professional photography environment and how to proactively engage with it to seek employment or self-employment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The overall assessment strategy of this qualification is based on continuous assessment in keeping with institutional policy and requirements and will consists of formative, summative and integrated assessment methods. The institutional assessment policy and practices promote constructive alignment of the intended learning outcomes, learner-centred learning activities and assessment tasks pitched against the appropriate SAQA level descriptors of the NQF level associated with each subject in the curriculum. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

    Formative assessment is aimed at enhancing learner success and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of accountability and time management. Formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study. In this qualification it will consist of a variety of tasks such as problem-solving individual and/or group assignments and projects, case studies, portfolio development, class discussions, quizzes, field trip reports and presentations.

    Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing learners attainment against the learning outcomes of the qualification and subject(s). Summative assessments are internally and externally moderated based on institutional policy and requirements. Summative assessments usually consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study. In this photography qualification, it will consist of written assessments in the form of written class tests as well as theoretical and practical examinations conducted during and at the end of the academic semester/year. Integrated assessment often span a number of learning outcomes and might even be applicable to a number of subjects/modules. Integrated assessment tasks are aimed at the holistic development of the learner and contribute to learners' personal and professional development in the field of study.

    Integrated assessment in this qualification will take place at the third year of study and learners will be assessed holistically by means of a capstone project(s), consisting of a portfolio of evidence to be exhibited at an exhibition, to be viewed by the general public. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International benchmarking was conducted to determine the extent qualification and module structures compare with similar offerings at similar institutions. The international benchmarking exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the benchmarking exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable HE institutions internationally (and nationally); the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of qualification design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

    The international benchmarking exercise included the following institutions: Sheffield Hallam University, UK; Massey University, NZ; New York Film Academy, USA; and the University of the Arts, UK. In all cases, these practices are of a similar or lower academic value than the current qualification at CPUT, and the proposed Diploma in Photography represents an increased academic value. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal and vertical articulation:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Events Management, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Photography, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Cape Peninsula University of Technology 


    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.