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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Audio Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101892  Higher Certificate in Audio 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
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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   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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to develop and strengthen the learners' knowledge of audio technology by enabling them to study the tools and processes of media production and creative content development. Upon completion learners will have a thorough understanding of the underlying scientific principles and techniques relevant to the creative industries.

Rationale:
The rationale for the introduction of this qualification is to offer access in the field of Audio Technology, a need that is currently not addressed by any public institutions of higher learning.

Technology plays an ever-increasing role in creation, transmission and analysis of music. The growth of the internet has decentralised the music industry and new consumption models created a much more inclusive music industry. Online platforms such as iTunes allows smaller players to market their creative outputs directly and are therefore able to compete with the major record labels. Due to the isolation of these independent content producers and the varying quality of information found on the internet it is difficult to develop professionally. It is believed that by offering a qualification in audio technology learners will be equipped with the necessary practical, business and critical thinking skills that will be required to survive in the creative industries.

The nature of the qualification allows for much more inclusivity as it is aimed at learners who do not have formal training in music. Since learners will be credited for creative work produced, it is believed that it would contribute to a more diversified learner body. The qualification is also future-driven since it aims to address a growing need in the industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Where applicable the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (ARPL) will be applied according to institution's policy on ARPL. The application process provides prospective learners an opportunity to present examples of their compositions or sound design; however, for admission prospective learners must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi or equivalent qualification approved for this purpose by Senate.

Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at Level 5: 120 Credits:
  • Music Skills 171, 6 Credits.
  • Music Technology 182, 38 Credits.
  • Music Technology 183, 38 Credits.
  • Music Technology 184, 38 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate systematic knowledge of audio production.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, theories and fundamentals of audio technology.
    3. Apply problem-solving skills to challenges in media production.
    4. Demonstrate efficient and effective computational skills and to successfully employ digital audio workstations in the creation of music and sound effects. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand production systems as complex social-technical systems.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the fundamentals of the behaviour of complex systems.
  • Apply the systems thinking methodologies in the analysis and management of audio production.
  • Practically apply the knowledge and developed skills by means of designing systems for audio recording and sound reinforcement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand the underlying principles of music performance.
  • Demonstrate the ability to read musical scores.
  • Practically apply the knowledge in musical performance on a chosen instrument or voice.
  • Analyse the quality of musical performances.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate competency in electronic music performance practice.
  • Apply the theoretical fundamentals of sound synthesis towards a creative outcome.
  • Practically apply the developed skills by means of by producing electronic music and sound design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply the technological aids used in the creation of electronic music.
  • Understand the underlying physical principles of electronics, hearing and signal processing.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the fundamentals of digital audio workstations.
  • Practically apply the knowledge and developed skills by means of a number of assignments, including the production of audio recordings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    With reference to the Assessment Policy of the institution, lecturers will be encouraged to apply the following criteria for effective assessment: validity, reliability, academic integrity, transparency, fairness, achievability and timely feedback. The application of the criteria, the use of appropriate assessment methods and the integration of assessment will be monitored. Assessment will form part of the information that is used for feedback purposes to evaluate the quality of the qualification.

    Learners should achieve a minimum of 50% for each module. To effectively promote learning, assessment will ensure engagement with both theory and practice. There will be more than one assessment opportunity per module. Modules will use a variety of assessment methods, including essays, practical projects, online quizzes and tests. Every module will have components of both formative and summative assessment. Detailed and timely feedback will be provided on formative assessment opportunities, enabling candidates to develop the desired knowledge, skills and attitudes.

    The department's internal and external moderation and examination policy that is in place and operational, is applied to this qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is internationally comparable with the Audio Technology Certificate offered at Broward College in the USA.

    Qualification Description: The purpose of this qualification is to prepare learners for initial employment as a sound technician or recording technician, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in these occupations. The content includes, but is not limited to, set up and configuration of a computer for audio applications, and the operation of basic reproduction, reinforcement and recording audio equipment.

    Career Pathway: Arts, Humanities, Communication and Design (AHCD).

    Qualification Entrance Requirements: HS Diploma or GED.

    Required Courses:
  • MUS1360 Introduction to Music Technology.
  • MUS2342C Digital Audio.
  • MUS2344C Introduction to Midi Systems and Sound Design.
  • MUM1600C Introduction to Recording Studio Procedures.
  • MUS2348C Digital Audio Music Production II.

    Audio Technology (Minor) offered by the Department of Performing Arts, College of Arts and Sciences at the American University Washington DC.

    Minor Requirements:
    22 Credit hours with grades of C or better and at least 12 Credit hours unique to the minor Course Requirements.

    Required (18 credit hours):
  • ATEC-101 Fundamentals of Audio Technology (3).
  • ATEC-102 Audio Technology Laboratory (1).
  • ATEC-301 Digital Audio Workstations I (3).
  • ATEC-311 Sound Studio Techniques I (4).
  • ATEC-401 Digital Audio Workstations II (3).
  • ATEC-411 Sound-Studio Techniques II (4).

    4 Credit hours from the following:
  • ATEC-321 Sound Synthesis I (3).
  • ATEC-403 Production Mixing and Mastering (3).
  • ATEC-421 Sound Synthesis II (3).
  • ATEC-441 Business of the Audio Industry (3).
  • ATEC-450 Audio Technology Capstone (1-6).
  • ATEC-491 Internship (1-6). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by Stellenbosch University.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Music, Level 5, SAQA ID 88783.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Practical Music, Level 6, SAQA ID 88765.
  • Bachelor of Music, Level 7, SAQA ID 7095.

    The qualification offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Music, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Music, Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Music, Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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.