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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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

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:
This qualification equips qualifiers with the specialised knowledge and skills for professional practice as visual artists, or for employment in the field of visual arts. The programme leading to this qualification is based on specialised learning.

The qualification specifically aims to:
  • Enable qualifiers to apply their skills, knowledge and attitudes in the area of specialization.
  • Develop the practical and theoretical skills of learners of articulating concepts in visual, verbal, tactile and written form in their chosen area of specialization.
  • Develop awareness amongst learners for the need to be sensitive and reflective of issues relating to diversity, inclusivity, cultural values, human rights, gender, development and change.
  • Develop an understanding among learners for the need for lifelong learning.
  • 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.
  • Develop the capacity of learners to make informed judgments about critical ethical issues.
  • Develop the study skills of learners to enable them to access further study paths education of higher learning.

    The qualification contributes to the national pool of trained practitioners in the areas of visual arts practice and interpretation.

    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 and cultural values, and social cohesion in order to be functional in society and as a person by contributing to the workforce, community and economy.

    This qualification provides learners with foundational learning through the acquisition of knowledge and skills needed for social and economic development. It enables learners to acquire the necessary competencies in order to access further higher education and training, career development and employment opportunities.

    The achievement of this qualification allows learners the following learning pathways:
  • Access academic learning at Level 8, Post Graduate Diploma and/or Level 8, Honours Degree.

    Access occupational specific qualifications either horizontally at Level 7 or vertically at Level 8. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the recognition of prior learning and experience. Application for RPL are considered in line with the principles of the South African Qualifications Authority and the institution's RPL policy guidelines. It is undertaken within the context of the institution's commitment to broaden access to higher education. Administrative procedures and stipulated requirements must be complied as part of an applicant's RPL process.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum admission requirements are an appropriate National Diploma or Diploma in Fine Art or equivalent qualification.

    Application from other institutions will be required to present a portfolio of previous work.

    An average of 65% at National Diploma or Diploma level is the general guide line allowing consideration for admission. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

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

    Elective Modules at Level 7, 60 Credits: (choose one Elective):
    Elective 1:
  • Ceramics: Fine Art IV, 60 Credits.
    Elective 2:
  • Drawing: Fine Art IVI, 60 Credits.
    Elective 3:
  • Printmaking IV, 60 Credits.
    Elective 4:
  • Painting: Fine Art IV, 60 Credits.
    Elective 5:
  • Sculpture IV, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate that they are professionally skilled in exhibition and studio practice.
    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. Demonstrate an understanding of various research methodology models, and apply those which are most relevant to Fine Art practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Produce art works in disciplines of either Painting, Printmaking, Ceramics: Fine Art, or Drawing, which shows coherence in form and content and is 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 in a professional way.
  • 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 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 own purposes.

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

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment of the evidence relates directly to the assessment criteria for each module, supported by the generic grade descriptors. Effective learning is enhanced by seeking and interpreting evidence to decide the stage that learners have reached in their learning, what further learning needs to take place and how best to do this.

    The following forms of assessment are used for this qualification:
  • Internal evaluation and external moderation of Research Proposal.
  • Internal evaluation and external moderation of written assignments.
  • Internal Panel evaluation and moderation of exhibition studio work.
  • External evaluation/moderation of exhibition of studio work.

    The assessment of the evidence relates directly to the assessment criteria for each module, supported by the generic grade descriptors. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification can be evaluated and it will be recognised as equivalent with other international programmes in Fine Art. Competent recognition bodies such as higher learning institutions are tasked with making such a determination. 

    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:
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Fine Art, Level 8.
  • Bachelor in Fine Art Honours at 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.