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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Fine Art 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101183  Advanced Diploma in Fine Art 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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
Advanced Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Visual Arts 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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
80137  Bachelor of Technology: Fine Art  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Thie Advanced Diploma in Fine Art equips learners with the specialised knowledge and skills for professional practice as visual artists, or for employment in the field of visual arts and the academic grounding for further studies in visual arts. The qualification leading to this qualification is based on specialised learning and development. This qualification will enable learners to apply their skills, knowledge and attitudes in the area of specialisation in Fine Arts. The qualification will develop learners' practical and theoretical skills in articulating concepts in visual, verbal, tactile and written form in their chosen area of specialisation. An awareness amongst learners of the need to be sensitive and reflective of issues relating to diversity, inclusivity, cultural values, human rights, gender, development and change will also be nurtured in this qualification. Lifelong learning and its importance are developed in this qualification, and this will assist learners to function better in and contribute to the world of work, function better as a citizen in South Africa and contribute to cultural, social cohesion, environmental and economic development. Learners' capacity to make informed judgments about critical ethical issues in the visual arts will be developed, coupled with study skills, enabling them to access further study paths and higher learning.

This qualification's overarching purpose directly informs the qualification's exit level outcomes, delineating the specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes that graduates should demonstrate upon successful completion. These outcomes, supported by targeted graduate attributes, ensure that learners develop into competent, reflective, and ethically responsible artists capable of engaging with contemporary practice and contributing to societal development:

Exit level outcomes:
  • Conduct a professional exhibition of artwork.
  • Appropriately contextualise own art making within contemporary perspectives.
  • Critically assess and interpret artworks and the art-making process.
  • Communicate effectively as professional artists.
  • Apply various research methodology models most relevant to Fine Art practice.

    Several graduate attributes are cultivated throughout the above outcomes, which prepare learners to operate effectively within the visual arts sector and contribute meaningfully to society, fulfilling the broader purpose of the qualification.

    The attributes include:
  • Professional Artistic: Competence: Demonstrates high-level technical skills and expertise in studio, exhibition, and contemporary art practices.
  • Critical and Reflective Thinking: Applies critical analysis and reflection to artworks and the art-making process, fostering ethical and socially responsible practice.
  • Cultural and Social Awareness: Understands and contextualises art within contemporary societal issues, promoting social cohesion and cultural development.
    < Effective Communication Skills: Articulates ideas, concepts, and artworks clearly and confidently through visual, verbal, and written forms to diverse audiences.
  • Lifelong Learning and Professional Development: Demonstrates the ability to continue learning, adapt to evolving artistic practices, and apply research methodologies aligning with outcomes related to applying research skills, contextualising work, assessing artworks, and advancing their professional practice.

    The qualification contributes to the national pool of trained practitioners in visual arts practice and interpretation, who, upon completion, will be able to work as professional visual artists, entrepreneurs, or formally employed visual artists in the visual art and related sectors. Graduates will also be equipped to further their studies at Postgraduate levels and drive knowledge creation and artwork development in the visual arts.

    Rationale:
    Fine Art is identified as a critical priority in South Africa and plays a vital role in equipping learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, cultural values, and social cohesion to be functional in society and as individuals. It contributes to the workforce, community development, and overall social well-being.

    This qualification responds to this critical priority and provides learners with advanced learning through acquiring the knowledge and skills needed for social and economic development. It enables learners to develop the necessary competencies to access further higher education and training, pursue career development, and gain employment opportunities.

    This qualification was developed and structured with input from industry, internal and external stakeholders, with direct collaboration from the qualification advisory board and aligned with industry norms and best practice.

    The qualification targets learners who hold a Diploma in Fine Art or an equivalent qualification at NQF level 6 and want to pursue further studies in Fine Art or further develop their practical skills and competencies as visual artists, as they operate in the visual arts and related arts sectors.

    This qualification and the related pathways provide the learners with the necessary academic rigour and opportunities to explore learning pathways that further their academic grounding and technical competencies in the form of a Postgraduate Diploma and/or Level 8 Honours Degrees in Fine Art en route to Master's and Doctorates. Horizontal articulation pathways also exist in the Bachelor of Arts streams.

    This qualification benefits the learner, Society and the Economy in the following ways:
  • Cultural Enrichment: Graduates contribute to the cultural vibrancy of society by creating meaningful, diverse, and innovative artworks that reflect societal values, histories, and contemporary issues.
  • Economic Contribution: Visual artists stimulate local economies through the creation, exhibition, and sale of artworks, supporting related industries such as tourism, hospitality, and cultural tourism.
  • Creative Industries Growth: The qualification supports the development of a skilled workforce capable of innovating within the creative industries, which are increasingly recognised as vital drivers of economic growth and diversification.
  • Community Development & Social Cohesion: Art plays a crucial role in community development initiatives, promoting social inclusion, dialogue, and understanding across diverse groups.
  • Employment Opportunities: Graduates can establish careers as independent artists, educators, curators, gallery managers, or arts administrators, thus contributing to a dynamic and sustainable arts sector.
  • Enhancing National Identity: Through artistic expression, graduates help promote South Africa's rich cultural heritage and contemporary identity on national and international platforms.
  • Fostering Innovation and Creativity: The qualification encourages innovative thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills, which are transferable to various sectors of the economy beyond the arts. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution's RPL Policy is aligned with the national policies and criteria set by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and SAQA. The institution recognises that potential learners may have previous training or experience. RPL is undertaken within the context of the institution's commitment to broaden access to higher education.

    RPL can be considered for access or advanced standing within this qualification. RPL may therefore be used to ascertain competence for admission or access to this qualification and for module exemptions for advanced placement.

    This mechanism accelerates redress of historical educational and employment discrimination while maintaining academic rigour. Evidence of prior learning for admission status is assessed through formal RPL processes by approved institutional policy, which is aligned with national guidelines on the Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Diploma in Fine Art, NQF level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts, NQF level 6.
    Or
  • Equivalent qualification, NQF level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF level 7, totalling 120 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits:
  • Art Theory IV, 36 Credits.
  • Research Methodology IV, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits (Select one modules):
  • Ceramics: Fine Art IV, 60 Credits.
  • Drawing: Fine Art IVI, 60 Credits.
  • Printmaking IV, 60 Credits.
  • Painting: Fine Art IV, 60 Credits.
  • Sculpture IV, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct a professional exhibition of artwork.
    2. Appropriately contextualise own art making within contemporary perspectives.
    3. Critically assess and interpret artworks and the art-making process.
    4. Communicate effectively as professional artists.
    5. Apply various research methodology models most relevant to Fine Art practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Produce artworks in disciplines of either Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics: Fine Art, or Drawing, which show coherence in form and content and are relevant and functional within the contemporary art-making perspective.
  • Use technical skills in art practice in a professional way.
  • Apply conceptual skills in art practice in a professional way.
  • Apply problem-solving skills and creative thinking professionally.
  • Work independently of others with self-confidence and responsibility.
  • Are self-responsible and skilled in time management.
  • Produce a final exhibition of artworks created in the relevant discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Create their own relevant forms of expression of original thoughts/ideas.
  • Produce creative work in selected media.
  • Use relevant methodologies inherent to generating ideas, concepts and art-making processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse and interpret the conceptual underpinning of artworks.
  • Analyse and interpret the use of materials in artworks.
  • Analyse and interpret the methodologies and strategies inherent to making art.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Communicate ideas, concepts and artworks in professional visual form.
  • Use verbal language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly and achieve one's own purposes.
  • Present and explain artwork and ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including peers, clients, and the public, using appropriate visual and verbal communication skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Show capacity to implement Research Methodology theory and practices.
  • Compile and present research findings and own conclusions into a Research Proposal in a correctly set out academic essay.
  • Disseminate research findings and own conclusions in a professionally presented exhibition.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will integrate all ELOs and AACs into formative and summative assessments through the continuous assessment modality. This ensures that the ELOs are assessed in an integrated manner across the various learning and assessment opportunities. The institutional assessment policy mandates a minimum of four assessments per year for year courses and two assessments for semester modules.

    Formative assessment 50%: these take the form of regular assignments, presentations, and review of studio works as a form of learning, to support learning and as an assessment of learning.

    Summative Assessment 50%: This is achieved through the various continuously assessed assignments, artworks, the research project, the design project and the exhibition.

    The above approach ensures that the ELOs are sufficiently assessed through the various learning and assessment opportunities. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualifications have been compared to similar qualifications nationally and internationally. This qualification compares well with international standards, facilitating cross-border movement and transfer.

    The following counties and qualifications were compared.
    Country: United States of America
    University: Oklahoma University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Fine Arts
    Duration: 4-year full-time
    NQF: level 8

    Purpose of the qualification (qualification aims)
  • Prepare learners for professional practice as artists, designers, or creative practitioners and/or for advanced study (MFA).
  • Develop strong visual literacy, critical thinking, and conceptual problem-solving skills.
  • Build technical proficiency across foundational media and advanced mastery in a chosen emphasis.
  • Cultivate understanding of historical and contemporary art contexts and the ability to situate one's work within them.
  • Provide professional practice knowledge, including portfolio development, exhibition, documentation, and safe/ethical studio practice.

    Exit-level outcomes (what graduates should be able to do)
  • Demonstrate technical mastery and material/process knowledge in a chosen studio emphasis.
  • Generate, research, and develop ideas into resolved artworks; iterate using critique and self-reflection.
  • Articulate their work's conceptual, cultural, and historical context verbally and in writing (artist statements, critiques, presentations).
  • Apply visual analysis and art-historical knowledge to evaluate artworks and practices.
  • Present a professional portfolio and stage a capstone exhibition, document work to contemporary professional standards.
  • Work safely, ethically, and inclusively in studio environments; collaborate and engage with diverse audiences and communities.
  • Practice self-directed studio management, time management, and continuing professional development.

    Similarities:
    Purpose: Each qualification serves a similar goal: to train artists to work in the visual arts as professionals.
    ELOs: The two qualifications' ELOs are comparable and guarantee the development of the skills needed by visual artists.
    Modules: All compulsory and similar (Theory and Art History) paper writing and elective (Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking, Drawing and sculpture).
    Employment opportunities:
  • Museums and galleries.
  • Preparator/art handler, exhibitions technician/installer.
  • Collections/registrar assistant, curatorial or education assistant.
  • Visitor services/gallery associate.
  • Creative services and marketing.
  • Graphic designer/production artist, visual communications specialist.
  • Photographer/videographer, multimedia/content creator.
  • Academic studios and facilities.
  • Studio/lab technician (ceramics, printmaking, photo/darkroom, wood/metal shop)
  • Gallery coordinator/assistant, equipment and facilities assistant.
  • Printing and media units.
  • Print/large-format production assistant, prepress/print tech.
  • Digitisation/imaging technician, visual resources assistant.

    Differences:
    Duration: Our Advanced Diploma is 1 year, and their BFA is 4 years.
    NQF level: 7 advanced diplomas, 8 BFA.
    Modules: Given the duration of the qualification, there is a significantly larger number of modules and coverage that would typically be covered in a Diploma in Fine Art.
    Articulation opportunities: Advanced Diploma in Fine Art to Honours or Postgraduate Diploma and BFA to Master of Fine Art.

    Country: New Zealand
    University: Otago Polytechnic (Dunedin School of Art)
    Qualification title: Graduate Diploma in Visual Arts
    Duration: 1 Year

    Purpose (qualification aims)
  • Enable degree-qualified (or equivalent-experience) learners to develop an independent studio art practice at Level 7.
  • Extend and consolidate technical, conceptual, and methodological capability within a chosen studio area (e.g., painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, print, electronic/digital/expanded media, jewellery, textiles).
  • Strengthen creative research skills and situate practice within relevant historical, theoretical, and contemporary contexts.
  • Build professional practice competencies (project planning, exhibitions, portfolios, documentation, health, and safety) for employment or self-directed practice in the arts sector.
  • Provide a pathway to Level 8 study (e.g., Postgraduate Diploma/Honours) where entry criteria are met.

    Exit-level outcomes (graduates can):
  • Produce a coherent, resolved studio work demonstrating advanced Level 7 technical proficiency and conceptual clarity in a selected area.
  • Operate as independent practitioners: originate, plan, manage, and critically evaluate a sustained studio project to deadlines.
  • Integrate creative research and critical/contextual enquiry to inform decision-making and to position work within contemporary and historical art discourse (including global/Maori/Pasifika contexts where appropriate).
  • Communicate effectively about practice through critiques, presentations, and written artist statements, using appropriate visual and academic conventions.
  • Apply professional practices: exhibition preparation and installation, portfolio development, documentation, safe and ethical studio procedures, and engagement with audiences/clients/communities.
  • Reflect on feedback, use critique methods, and evidence ongoing professional development.

    Similarities:
    Purpose: Both qualifications develop independent artists with strong studio, conceptual and contextual skills and professional practice for furthering their studies, exhibitions and careers in art.
    ELOs: Similarities: Both aim for technically proficient, conceptually coherent studio work; the ability to situate practice in historical/contemporary contexts; strong communication (critiques, artist statements); professional practice (portfolio, documentation, exhibition); safe/ethical studio practice; and readiness for further study or professional work.
    Duration: The duration of both qualifications is 1 year.
    NQF Level: Both qualifications are at NQF level 7.

    Modules: Contextual Critical Studies (Studies support a studio project with theory, art history, and writing); this is art theory. The studio paper that coincides with practical (ceramics, printmaking, painting, sculpture and drawing) and building the body of work across the year.
    Articulation opportunities: Both articulate vertically to NQF level 8.
    Employment opportunities: Graduates typically work as independent artists; museum/gallery preparators or assistants (exhibitions, collections, education); community arts tutors; creative roles (junior designer, photographer/content creator); print/signage and fabrication; studio/lab/makerspace techs; arts admin/events. Employers include galleries/museums, arts orgs, councils, universities, and creative studios.

    Differences:
    The qualifications have many similarities and very few differences. The only notable difference is in the module elective choices and the wider variety available at the Otago Polytechnic. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables vertical and horizontal articulation options:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor in Fine Art at Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation is possible, within or outside the institution:
  • Bachelor in Fine Art Honours at Level 8.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Art, Level 8. 
    		•

    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. Walter Sisulu 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.