SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
108858	Advanced Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
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
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-02-13	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 produce graduates who can contribute to the economy of South Africa through the visual arts. They will be trained as Artists/Applied Artists/Crafts People who can serve and contribute to society in line with social and economic transformation, through entrepreneurial creative endeavours. They will be empowered with creative and artistic skills and abilities, visual and manual skills in art and applied arts, creativity and innovation, research skills, and conceptual and critical thinking. All these contribute to a vocation or career as an artist or applied artist, and thereby to arts, culture and society.

By incorporating a component of both practice based and theory based research at an appropriate level, this qualification prepares learners who wish to follow a research track, allowing them to articulate into the Postgraduate Diploma of Fine and Applied Arts (or equivalent), and thereby ultimately to contribute to the knowledge economy.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts is designed to enable learners to obtain a deepened knowledge relating to either or both of the broader fields of Fine Art and Textile Design and Technology. In the module Fine and Applied Arts Practice, learners can specialise in one of seven disciplines, namely ceramics, fibre arts, glass, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and surface design, but can also combine two or more of these disciplines in pursuit of focused development of the chosen cross-disciplinary combination. This qualification is thus unique in terms of the range of possibilities offered to learners across several disciplines not combined in any other Advanced Diploma offered by the Institution or any comprehensive university.

This qualification is offered in order to address the following needs of graduates: firstly, it provides intensive, focused and applied specialisation which makes it possible for graduate learner to gain skills in a specific discipline. The candidate can furthermore deepen their skills base (specialise) whilst embedding the application of their knowledge in either a fine art, applied art, craft or design approach, broadly. In the module Fine and Applied Arts Practice, learners can thus for instance choose to specialise in painting, create a craft-oriented range of hand-made ceramic ware, focus on surface design for a specific product (such as fabric or tiles), or focus on the design aspects of glass/ceramics/fibre art with a view to batch production. As an undergraduate qualification, this qualification addresses the development of vocational skills, but at a more focused and advanced level, thereby providing opportunity for the development of advanced technical skill and original product development. This qualification is aimed at learners who wish to deepen their excellence in skills and processes, supported by a unique combination of studios and equipment in several disciplines: sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, textile processes, glass, etc.

Furthermore, this qualification is designed with the needs of the creative industries sector in mind. The sector serves arts, crafts and design, and more broadly culture, education and society. An industry survey was conducted in the Faculty on behalf of all departments. Responses from industry highlighted the need for discipline specific, hands-on expertise, and members of industry also commented on the fact that the Department of Fine and Applied Arts is the only tertiary department that produces graduates in their applicable disciplines, such as, glass blowing. Furthermore, South African society requires an expansion of the self-employment sector and the development of small businesses in the creative industries and relevant niche markets, as well as in the existing arts and applied arts industries. (See Government Gazette 37678. 2014. National Scarce Skills List: Top 100 Occupations in Demand, 23 MAY). Taking these aspects into consideration, this qualification aims to provide learners with the necessary and relevant skills, knowledge and technology appropriate to a career as a Fine Artist, Applied Artist, Crafts Maker, Educator or Product Developer. This will enable them to enter either the formal or the informal creative industries.

This qualification has practical, intellectual, educational and entrepreneurial applications, and develops learner's abilities to be employed or work independently in inter-related fine and applied arts disciplines. The five compulsory modules (namely Fine and Applied Arts Practice, Professional Practice in the Arts, Professional Profile Development, Research Methods in Fine and Applied Arts, and Visual Theory) and the ability to specialise in ceramics, glass, fibre art, painting, printmaking or sculpture, or in a combination of these within the module Fine and Applied Arts Practice, enable a learner to become any of the following: Designer in glass/ceramics/fibre, Crafter in glass/ceramics/fibre, Product Developer in glass/ceramics/fibre, Painter, Sculptor, Installation Artist, Printmaker, Photographer, Ceramist, Fibre Artist, Glass Artist, Portrait Artist, Muralist, Art Consultant, Art Therapist, Visual Aids Artist, Art Historian, Art Critic, Researcher in Arts, Library and Exhibition Artist, Stained Glass Designer, Restorer, Museum/Gallery Guide, Gallery Owner, Curator, Art Dealer, Display Artist, Training Aids Artist, Cartographer, Draughtsperson, Combat Artist, Sign Painter, Illustrator, Art Editor, Art Publisher, Layout Artist, Special Effects Artist, Police Artist, Stylist, Foundry Artist, and Model Maker.

This qualification is conducive to multi-and cross-disciplinary innovation across the various disciplines embedded within this qualification. It serves as a vocation based exit level qualification designed to address creative industry related skills, such as designing for a specific market, and having the techniques, methods and knowledge to respond to trends, or to explore existing socio-cultural paradigms through art, thereby enriching those paradigms. This qualification focuses on facilitating employability in the related creative industries.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. Recognition of Prior Learning includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience in the field of fine and applied arts. The applicant will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance will be provided.

Structured means for the assessment of the level of achievement (practical as well as theoretical) of individual applicants against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification will be performed in-line with the RPL Policy of the Institution, on a case-by-case basis. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent assessors. The necessary evidence as required by the exit level outcomes, and presented by the applicant, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence.

Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the applicant with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining a qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

An appropriate Diploma at Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules:

Fine and Applied Art Practice, 55 Credits.

Research Methods in Fine and Applied Arts, 20 Credits.

Visual Theory, 15 Credits.

Professional Practice in the Arts, 20 Credits.

Professional Profile Development, 10 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate specialised knowledge and understanding of a range of methods, materials and techniques relating to the chosen discipline/s embedded in the qualification.
2. Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise and create/develop art and applied art products.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories relating to the chosen discipline/s and the ability to apply this knowledge to complex practical and theoretical problem solving.
4. Demonstrate the ability to gather, process, analyse, synthesise and contest information; develop and communicate ideas and arguments in an appropriately academic register; and show awareness of knowledge as contestable.
5. Professionally engage with businesses and enterprises relating to the chosen discipline/s with a view to entrepreneurial innovation.
6. Maintain a professional profile and standing in the industry on various platforms.
7. Demonstrate an awareness of the importance of accountability and professional and ethical conduct relating to the chosen discipline/s as well as to academic integrity.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Specialised knowledge and control of relevant methods, materials and techniques is demonstrated through the conceptualisation and production of fine or applied art products.

The expressive potential of methods, materials and techniques of the chosen discipline/s are identified and explored.

Studio practice that demonstrates specific disciplinary knowledge, originality and competence in art making and design is explored.

Cross disciplinary practices are refined, innovation is shown, experimentation and the potential to generate new knowledge is explored.

The ability to position a chosen practice/s within a relevant creative sector, industry context or setting is shown.

Technical and formal expertise in the selection of materials, processes, methods, finish, presentation, in relation to the theme/content is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Conceptual development of source material and iconography into an art/fine art product is demonstrated through creative experimentation.

Art/applied art products suitable for the creative industries are produced independently.

Original thought and judgment with a view to creating innovative, marketable products is demonstrated in applying appropriate techniques and technology.

Knowledge of contemporary issues and trends within an area of disciplinary specialisation or creative sector is displayed.

Translate and present innovative ideas into finished art works that shows evidence of an authentic approach.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Problem-solving skills are applied to critically evaluate creative processes in studio practice.

The ability to reflect and investigate when creative problems, questions and challenges arise is shown.

The refinement of ideas and extensive experimentation for the further exploration of concept and process is shown.

Cross disciplinary connections are forged and a range of methods, materials and techniques relating to the chosen idea and discipline/s are explored.

An awareness of the importance of safe working practices is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

A deepened knowledge and understanding of theory and discourses relating to the fine/applied arts is demonstrated in a series of structured theory-based assessments.

Existing visual and applied arts practice is philosophically and critically appraised and contextualised in terms of postcolonial, post-African, feminist and Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) theoretical frameworks.

Assessments in the form of critical commentaries on current debates and discourses in the fields of fine/applied arts are conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Activities such as exhibitions, marketing, and advertising are planned, organised and managed responsibly and effectively.

Entrepreneurial/small business opportunities are identified and documented and their educational and career potential explored.

Oral, curatorial, technical and business skills, together with an understanding of professional practice, are demonstrated in assignments/projects/exhibitions within the area of fine/applied arts.

Market trends, contemporary audiences, and existing merchandising are evaluated to identify opportunities for self/employment within the fine/applied arts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

A professional profile on various platforms, such as in a webpage and/or blog, in social media, and in print, is successfully managed in order to enhance the learner's professional standing in the industry.

A visual catalogue (digital or print) of the candidate's work is created in order to attract funding, commissions, clients, potential collaborators, or the support of a gallery.

A professional catalogue that explains the chosen theme and its relevance, discusses working processes, materials, techniques and presentations in terms of their contribution to the overall intention and meaning of the work, and contextualisation in relation to contemporary art and discourse is presented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Ethical academic conduct regarding plagiarism and the development of original argument/s is demonstrated in a series of structured assessments.

Awareness of the importance of accountability and professional and ethical conduct, of a principled understanding of and engagement with industry, and awareness of the social and ecological impact of their choices is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessments are structured in order to determine whether the aims/envisaged outcomes of the qualification are being achieved. Various types of formative and summative Integrated Assessments are used in every module of this qualification, against specific criteria appropriate to the subject and level. These include:

Portfolio assessment.

Practical workbook assessment.

Project assessment.

Written assignments.

Written tests.

Written examinations.

Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, which is ensured by the use of group critiques; assessment by marking panels; use of examiners, second examiners and moderators; and external moderation of exit level subjects. Assessment should ensure that all the outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated in an integrated manner.

Assessment is both formative and summative. Feedback is given to learners on the technical quality and originality of the art/applied art products that they produce. Continuous assessment is applied in face-to-face contact with learners, portfolios, written assignments, written tests, case studies and case presentations, peer group evaluation, and competency evaluations of art making skills. The assessments address the range of practical, applied, and reflective competencies.

Tests, theoretical and practical assignments and summative evaluations are planned and equally distributed over the academic year. At least two main tests are conducted per semester in theory subjects, and in addition panel evaluations of practical work take place at least once a semester. Smaller class tests, assignments, tutorials, practical tests and reports are implemented at the discretion of individual lecturers.

Assessment is based on assessment criteria relevant to the learning outcomes for every module. These are communicated to students in the study guide for every module. Every assessment method has an assessment tool, such as a memorandum, clearly formulated criteria, a rubric, etc. Marks are strictly allocated according to the assessment tool, to ensure the accuracy, consistency and credibility of results regardless of the assessor. Examples of assessment tools are accessible to students. Some may be included in the study guide and others may be accessed on MyTUT.

Lecturers keep records of assessment and monitoring in the individual module files, and assessment data on the University's Information Tracking System (ITS). The Departmental Administrator is the custodian of all examination results in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts. Student performance data is analysed regularly to identify areas for improvement and intervention.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The National Qualifications Framework (NQF) levels and vertical articulation pathways of these two qualifications are almost identical.

The module overlap is moderate: the BFA covers modules which this qualification does not, and vice versa, although a range of fine art and applied art disciplines, namely drawing, painting, textiles, performance art and craft, overlap.

The purpose, and outcomes of the two qualifications are similar: building on a vocational skills-based foundation, both qualifications offer deeper specialisation in chosen disciplines in order to foster innovation and employability. In the qualification a heightened sense of engagement and connection with the community is demonstrated, which links to the graduate attributes and critical cross-field outcomes fostered in the Department of Fine and Applied Arts.

Japan, Kyoto University of Art and Design offers a 4-year Degree. The comparable modules are: Painting; Sculpture; Ceramics; Dyeing and Weaving (surface design); Fibre Art; Product Design; Printmaking.

Namibia, University of Namibia (UNAM) offers a 4-year Degree. The comparable modules are: Ceramics; textiles in interiors (surface design); drawing; painting; mixed media; sculpture; product development; business for visual arts. The qualification articulates with the Master of Arts (Visual Arts major) at UNAM. As such it is positioned above the Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts offered at the Institution, but below the envisaged Master of Art and Design. It is thus an intermediary course which offers further articulation to level 8, 9 and 10 studies. By the end of their study in Textiles Studies students should be able to:

Apply their knowledge and skills to the solution of design problems in their chosen field;

Demonstrate understanding of local business requirements in their chosen field.

Demonstrate the capacity to make professional judgements and take appropriate decisions.
Japan, Kyoto University of Art and Design offers a 3-year Bachelor of Arts which builds on basic skills, but culminates in advanced skills training and independent creative innovation which is similar to the exit level outcomes of this qualification. Comparable modules include Japanese Painting; Oil Painting; Photography and Video; Textiles; Mixed Media; and Kyoto Art.

United States of America, University of Berkeley offers Under graduate programme (Art Practice) (3 years). Although it is a 3 year undergraduate programme, certain aspects, such as originality through expertise, and critical thinking skills, overlap with this qualification content. The purpose of the qualification is to graduate learners who can contribute to the economy of South Africa through the visual arts, in that they are trained as artists/applied artists/crafts people who can serve and contribute to society in line with social and economic transformation, through entrepreneurial creative endeavours. They will be empowered with creative and artistic skills and abilities: visual and manual skills in art and applied arts, creativity and innovation, research skills, and conceptual and critical thinking. All these contribute to a vocation or career as an artist or applied artist, and thereby to arts, culture and society.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation with:

Bachelor Arts in Visual Arts, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation with:

Postgraduate Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts, Level 8.

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.	Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)