SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Photography

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
109782	Advanced 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
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	2019-07-25	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 refine technical skills, enhance theoretical knowledge, integrate practice in a professional business model, and to be able to communicate technical and aesthetic concepts in an academic report. In a rapidly changing technological environment this qualification allows for the acquisition of knowledge and skills that create a solid general grounding in theory and application.

The qualification will promote the development of basic and applied research skills in preparation for both professional and academic contexts, thereby enabling learners to articulate into advanced vocational practice in industry, mid-level professional industry-development initiatives, mid-level industry-focused policy development initiatives and academic theory-development practices.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Photography allows for the development of specialised skills in a chosen field of application (Professional Photographic Image Production), advancement of understanding of current technology (Photographic Science), development of a set of skills directed towards entrepreneurial endeavours (Photographic Professional Practice), and the development of a learner's basic and applied research skills towards advanced resolution (Research Methods and Techniques). It allows advancement of cognitive conceptual knowledge and skills and development of a specialisation in image production for firm placement in the professional environment higher than the level for professional entry. Research Methods and Techniques is a subject introduced at this level of study while the other three subjects scaffold from the Diploma in Photography. Research Methods and Techniques escalates academic writing and research skills introduced in the report writing components of Photographic Science 2-3, and Mass Communication and Culture 1-3.

Research skills comprise the development of a research proposal to support the specialised component of Professional Photographic Image Production. It comprises a literature review of current advanced practice underpinning a research problem leading to a research question leading to a methodology of answering the question. It will also include an analysis of the artefact output as an answer to the research question, and an informed conclusion of the research process undertaken.

A high level of ethics is promoted in all subjects and all work produced subscribes to the institution's code of ethics. This is ingrained into all work so that qualifying learners will carry this into their professional endeavours. It is of particular importance in maintaining image integrity with digital images due to the ease with which content may be manipulated.

Furthermore, this programme will facilitate progression to further, more professionally-focused study, such as a Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8 in this field or related fields of study.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
In keeping with national policy frameworks and 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:

An appropriate Diploma at NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 120 Credits:

Professional Photographic Image Production, 35 Credits.

Photographic Science, 35 Credits.

Photographic Professional Practice, 25 Credits.

Research Methods and Techniques, 25 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Plan and conduct an investigation into aspects relevant to the specialised and advanced portfolio using the appropriate techniques based on research into literature and global practice.
2. Plan, manage and complete practical work and a research report related to the execution of a research project in this field of study and area(s) of specialisation by solving problems that demonstrate conceptual, cognitive and creative thinking skills.
3. Design and produce effective communication solutions, such as could be required in the micro-business sector, using relevant photographic technology, techniques and methods.
4. Demonstrate mastery of computer software programmes relevant to a professional workplace environment.
5. Display a solid understanding of the diverse role and function of the contemporary photographer in a range of professional contexts.
6. The ability to display basic entrepreneurial knowledge and skills within a creative context in order to operate a small business.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Demonstrate the ability to plan and conduct an investigation into aspects relevant to the development of a specialised and advanced portfolio of work using advanced techniques and based on scientific principles and scholarly work in this field of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Execute a research project by solving complex problems in this field of study and chosen area(s) of specialisation.

Write a scholarly research report and present practical work of an advanced nature that relate to the research project undertaken.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Show the ability to communicate effectively by designing suitable communication solutions to problems in a small business environment using relevant photographic technology, techniques and methods of communication.

Demonstrate the use of multi-media capabilities of Digital Single-Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras in line with global trends.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Demonstrate through practical work the use of computer software programmes relevant to a professional workplace environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Demonstrate an understanding of ethical and professional practice based on knowledge and skills relevant to this field of study and workplace environment.

Make justified decisions and actions drawing on universal codes of ethics and professional practice relevant to a workplace environment in visual arts and photography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Display understanding on knowledge and skills applicable to an entrepreneurial endeavour and the ability to operate effectively in small enterprise context.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both Formative and Summative Assessment methods. Assessment policy and practices at the institution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, student centred-learning and assessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance student engagement.

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 student learning and provides students with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal 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, field trip reports and others.

Summative Assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing students' attainment against the learning outcomes of the programme 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, including written tests, reports and examination.

In this qualification it will consist of written and practical assessments in the form of written class tests and examination, reports, assignments and practical work.

Integrated Assessment cuts across a number of subjects/modules of a programme and is aimed at the holistic development of students and contributes to students' personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence.

Integrated Assessment in this qualification will constitute the execution of research project, portfolio of practical work and other relevant evidence of achievement.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

A national and international comparative analysis was conducted to determine the extent programme and subject 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 Higher Education institutions internationally the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of programme design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

In terms of this qualification, the international comparative analysis included the following institutions and programmes:

EUROPE:

Belgium:
Institution name: LUCA School of Arts.
Qualification name: Academic Bachelor in Visual Arts (3 year full-time course)/Professional Bachelor degree in Photography.
Comparison:

In the Academic Bachelor (Photography), specialisation on the Sint-Lukas/Narafi campuses in Brussels, their students learn to deal with the complexities of the photographic medium. In successive modules, they are challenged to discover and sharpen their own artistic motives and vision. The three-year Professional Bachelor in Photography is a creative and assignment-oriented course that prepares students for their chosen profession. Technique and creativity go hand in hand and a personal style and creative approach are essential. In Belgium, the learners progress from a Professional BVA qualification, into a Masters degree.

This college markets their programme as speaking to fine art, documentary and commercial practice, as well as being grounded in a critical understanding of the medium. Their students will develop and research their own ideas in relation to project briefs provided and learn the skills needed to execute such tasks, professionally. The BA (Hons) Photography is a conceptually driven, multi-genre photography qualification, combining practice, theory and professionalism. Through this approach, the London College of Communication strive to produce creative and conceptual photographers who can be considered specialists within their field of interest. In the UK, many learners progress from a BA (Hons) qualification, into a Masters programme.

The photographic and imaging arts major offered at RIT, with options in advertising photography, fine art photography, photojournalism, and visual media, has a rigorous and varied curriculum, designed with guiding the individual to achieve. It features an in-depth and hands-on perspective geared towards creativity and innovation. Theoretical and experimental components are guided towards the development of broad-based skills required of professionals, in the ever-changing image culture, art world, and industries. Learners progress from this qualification into a Master's degree in Photography.

This program integrates theoretical, conceptual and industry based models of photographic practice as they apply to the media and communication industry. Their students actively engage in the production of images that speak to the vibrant cultural dynamic of contemporary image production and exchange. This programme challenges their students to produce work that respond to the critical discourses in both local and global contexts. They also explore emerging technologies, while also analysing and synthesising their relevance to their own image making.

The CPUT Advanced Diploma: Photography is a one (1) year qualification, in our students' fourth year of study. For this qualification, our students enrol to refine their technical skills, enhance their existing levels of theoretical knowledge, align their current practice with the requirements of a professional business model, and be able to communicate technical and aesthetic concepts in an academic report.

Justification for selection: RMIT is highly regarded in Australia, as well as in the rest of the world. One of their faculty, Mr Mark Galer, is a distinguished author on computer software, used for photographic image manipulation. He was also the programme leader for 14 years. Many institutions in South Africa make use of his handbooks.

Summary: A vast variety of Photographic qualifications are offered the world over, with a multitude of subject content and combinations. Almost all of the international programmes move from a three-year degree to a Masters degree. The CPUT Advanced Diploma course provides an additional year of tuition, before the student can progress to the Post Graduate Diploma. Only thereafter can the student progress to the Masters qualification. Our belief is that the Advanced Diploma will function to deepen and sharpen the student's overall skill-set, before embarking on a professional career, or further studies. The qualification also envisages to draw professionals from industry, to assist in their re-learning of technical skills, or upscaling their academic qualification for possible promotion in their work environment. The CPUT Advanced Diploma: Photography, is on par with the international offerings. In many instances, our offering is ahead in terms of the intensity, the level of specialisation and the conceptual and creative output. Most of the three year international programmes offer what we offer in the same number of years.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts, Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Communication and Design, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in 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.

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