SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Drama 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115393  Advanced Diploma in Drama 
ORIGINATOR
Durban 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  Performing 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  2019-12-17  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 main purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Drama is to train performing artists. The practice-based research and integration of theory and praxis will be able to produce well-informed, Performing Artists with professional performance skills, able to create original productions and performances. The qualification ensures that learners develop the necessary attributes and entrepreneurial skills of a professional artist and global citizen.

The qualification provides an entrepreneurial approach to the entertainment industry through practice-led further study in an English-speaking dramatic and production centred conservatory in South Africa. The module structure rests on creating a unique year of study in the Drama and Production Studies Department, where artists collaborate annually to create a business model that functions fully with only the collaborating peer members as participants. As an initiative, auditioning of the national and international learners will take place. Also, additional skills, such as singing, dance, educational theatre, and directing diversify occupational attributes.

Rationale:
The rationale for the qualification is to provide learners with tertiary education in the field of Drama, to provide the South African entertainment industry with professionally trained practitioners. The Advanced Diploma in Drama offers the development of learner, vocational and intellectual needs to be able to enter the workplace and continue in academia for further education and research.

The Advanced Diploma in Drama seeks to produce business-oriented conceptual creators, artistic impresarios, astute producers, well-informed entrepreneurs, all of whom are professional Performance Artists in pursuit of a solid sustainable industry career. The qualification acknowledges national and global creative platforms. The basis of an artistic business is on professional performance ethic, global and national cognitive awareness, intercultural principles, democratic conceptual premises and a socio-political consciousness derived from an awareness of community and an appreciation of individual uniqueness.

The qualification offers training in performance and directing and therefore is career-centred for the entertainment industry. Further learners will specialise in one of four areas aligned with industry requirements. Support for the qualification has been provided by, for example, the Publicity Matters; PANSA (Performing Arts Network of South Africa); ARTSMART; The Playhouse Company; Twist Theatre Development; esteemed Drama academics; and independent theatre practitioners.

The curriculum embeds knowledge, entrench organisational skills, source gaps in the market to sustain employment in the entertainment industry and to forward new perceptions and broader contexts based on socially aware endeavours and acquired administrative business skills. The discipline-specific nature embedded in the coursework will allow for specialist skills and multi-levelled communication to be scaffolded. The qualification will thus support the not only film, radio and live performance, and entertainment events but will create an entrepreneurial presence in South Africa in these related fields.

The curriculum seeks to support a learner-centred approach and engenders self-study, individual accountability, a strong performance ethos and social empowerment through quality training.

The Advanced Diploma in Drama will, therefore, further address the scarce skills shortage in the Province by introducing at this level mentorship and training skills.

The pedagogical focus of the qualification includes outcomes of entrepreneurship and leadership. The shift triggered by the refocus of educational philosophy engages with the creation of globally aware citizens who articulate with the changing internationalising trends to source employment opportunities. The collaborative performance approach affords a cross-pollination of ideas perceived as an enriching learner experience that will expand horizons and increase learning, as well as encourage lifelong learning goals. The perception of self as associated with entrepreneurial awareness signifies adjusted content, outcomes and methods that reflect the changing needs of the regional, national and global industry while retaining the strengths of the conservatory-styled learning.

Typical learners are from communities in the Province who intend to enter the art world as theatre-makers, directors, performers or trainers in the field of performance. Learners from the department have secured employment in a wide range of contexts, including:
Television, film, tourism, cruise ships, broadcasting, radio, and many have gone on to study further to become teachers in the field, or directors are mounting theatre shows or directing Television episodes or short films. The Advanced Diploma in Drama attempts to consolidate the leadership invoked in these job descriptions.

The Advanced Diploma in Drama initiates a new practice-based performance angle and will articulate with the Postgraduate Diploma in Drama. The learning pathway will progress through the Advanced Diploma to a Postgraduate Diploma in Drama which will allow learners to further their studies at Masters and Doctoral levels.

The rationale of the qualification provides professionally trained artists for a career in performance, where learners work in the field of film, television, scriptwriting, education, musical theatre and contemporary dance. The Advanced Diploma seeks to extend the artists range as leader, entrepreneur and trainer. Learners will demonstrate a professional approach to multimedia productions. They will be focused on becoming theatre-makers and fulfilling the role of creative artists in screen, script, musical theatre, dance, and educational theatre. The qualification prepares learners for the global industry in which they become independent contractors. The qualification responds to national needs in the performing arts through the authentic experiences provided for learners, for example, live public performances reviewed by the media, participation in festivals, exposure to assistant teaching in classes, creatively engaging performance fields.

The qualification provides an articulation pathway to further research-driven study and widen industry access to meet the national imperative of employability.

The design of the qualification is an integral part of the national academic vision to offer regional access to further higher education full-time study, through the one year Advanced Diploma in Drama. The qualification seeks to produce business-oriented conceptual creators, artistic impresarios, astute producers, well-informed entrepreneurs, all of whom are professional Performance Artists in pursuit of a solid sustainable industry career.

The qualification will consider market demands and artistic aspirations according to the milieu and socio-economic flux and centres on entrepreneurship and the employability/sustainability within a professional orientated industry where artists work as independent contractors. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has a policy 'Recognition of Prior Learning' aligned with the national RPL Policy. The policy enables learners with professional experience to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning to access a higher qualification or in respect of formal credit exemption. Relevance, validity, quality, transferability, authenticity and currency of the learning governs the RPL.

In the Department of Drama and Production Studies, the application of the RPL policy is by evaluating the quality and quantity of performance undertaken and understood. The learner is expected to provide a portfolio of evidence supporting their request for exemption; for every module in cases of advanced standing.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Theatre and Performance, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 136 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 104 Credits:
  • Arts Administration II, 8 Credits.
  • Acting Techniques IVA, 16 Credits.
  • Acting Techniques IVB, 16Credits.
  • Performance Techniques IVA, 16 Credits.
  • Performance Techniques IVB, 16 Credits.
  • Text Study IV, 16 Credits.
  • Theatre Study IV, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 7, 32 Credits (Select one choice):
    Choice 1:
  • Educational Theatre IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Educational Theatre IIIB, 16 Credits.

    Choice 2:
  • Singing IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Singing IIIB, 16 Credits.

    Choice 3:
  • Scriptwriting IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Scriptwriting IIIB, 16 Credits.

    Choice 4:
  • Theatre Dance IIIA, 16 Credits.
  • Theatre dance IIIB, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate creative performance approaches at an advanced level and integrate entrepreneurial knowledge and artistic business skills.
    2. Apply a multidisciplinary business approach to performance, directing and creative writing.
    3. Develop leadership skills by advising, mentoring, tutoring and assistant training undergraduate artists. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse the entertainment field as a business venture critically and document the business skills explored in portfolios.
  • Demonstrate the unique angles and approaches, built on understanding national and global markets.
  • Demonstrate the clear relationship between practice-based research that is driven by process and product in performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate areas of expertise that include performance and direction through creatively driven new works.
  • Explore social values and the notion of the ideal citizenry through shared concepts and collaborative performance.
  • Market new works in novel ways that consider sustainability in the arts industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Implement confidently projects embarked on via clear and dynamic project management strategies.
  • Apply communication skills leading to effective process and product.
  • Undertake organisational skills in projects.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment of the modules comprises formatively and summative. There are no examinations in the qualification. Formative assessment typically includes presentations on the work covered up to that point, and the progress made halfway through each semester. Examples of formative assessment activities would be studio work, tutorials and group/individual presentations of practical work in which for example, technique, interpretation, movement and application of style, form and period.

    Additionally, performance criteria are peer and lecture reviewed according to appropriate rubrics. In the formative assessment, extensive and immediate feedback is through peer evaluation as well as lecturer evaluation. Moderation of summative assessment for practice-led work is external at the close of each semester. The moderation occurs through projects and assignments relating to public performance, applying the practical technique, mentoring and advising, Educational Theatre fieldwork, effective and well-marketed new works, touring, choreography, vocal application, and possible, filmed submissions and festival presentations.

    The assessment of theory is through tests, assignments, PowerPoint presentations and online submissions. All modules culminate finally in production. Text and history provide an informed associated source for the materials assessed and practical work, actor tools/techniques, and interpretive actor choices which are all contributory elements in assessing production, entrepreneurship, and economic sustainability. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma in Drama offers a conservatory styled approach that relates to the best global practices.

    At the London School of Dramatic Arts (LSDA) the Advanced Diploma is described as "intensive vocational training in acting, teaching core skills in acting, voice and movement and an understanding of the acting industry. The qualification intends for those looking to enter the profession upon graduation". The Advanced Diploma in Drama qualification is also a single year of intense vocational training with a dual Acting Directing/Foci and an area of specialisation in either script, song, dance, or educational theatre comprised of 128 Credits combining experiential production training as part of a repertory company and classroom training under a mentor. The Yale University School of Drama prospectus on Acting (M.F.A. and Certificate) supports the value of this production-centred training by inscribing the value of production driven training in producing top industry artists. The coursework offered includes Acting Techniques, Improvisation, Textual Analysis, Singing, Movement and dance, Acting for Film and TV and includes working with experienced professionals with regular performance projects throughout the year. In the final term, learners participate in 2 public performance projects in a professional theatre in Central London. Learners are also given Masterclasses by working Actors, Directors, Casting directors, agents and industry professionals. As envisioned in this Advanced Diploma in Drama, entry requirements require a performance audition and a demonstration of commitment and statement of benefit, covered in the interview, Curriculum Vitae and transcript requirements with acceptance of small numbers suggesting a selective process.

    The following modules offered at the London School of Dramatic Arts are similar to this qualification:
  • Acting.
  • Improvisation.
  • Acting for the Camera.
  • Text Analysis.
  • Movement/Dance.
  • Voice Studies.
  • Singing.
  • Life Coaching.
  • Preparation for the Profession.
  • Performance Projects.

    The NYU's Tisch Drama offers an interdisciplinary qualification culminating in the BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree) in Theatre. Learners must fulfil the following requirements:
  • A minimum of 48 Credits of Professional Training.
  • A minimum of 28 Credits of Theatre Studies.
  • A minimum of 32 Credits of General Education.
  • A minimum of 20 Credits of Electives.

    The New York Film (NY) Academy in Australia is a nationally recognised two-semester qualification centred on Acting for Film and the transition of actors from theatre to film. This qualification offers a year in Acting for the Camera training. Therefore the Advanced Diploma in Drama has one module dedicated to stage and screen acting. There is a correlation with the New York Film Academy qualification as the latter offers training in both mediums Theatre and Film as part of the qualification. In both qualifications, the work is project-driven at this level of vocational study. A comparison reveals Acting Techniques as similar.

    The qualifications offered at LSDA and NY Film Academy (Australia) embraces vocational global actor training. This qualification is comparable with the international qualifications and indeed additionally embraces a choice of electives. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Drama, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama and the Performing Arts, NQF 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.