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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Advanced Certificate in Photography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117895  Advanced Certificate in Photography 
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (Pty) Ltd 
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 Certificate  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 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Registered" 		 SAQA 14130/20  2020-09-29  2023-09-29 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-09-29   2027-09-29  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
97776  Advanced Certificate in Photography  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  125  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose is to equip learners with relevant knowledge and creative as well as practical abilities to plan, generate and work with a variety of photographic images, including image manipulation, at a professional standard. Generally, learning focuses on establishing a sound knowledge base together with an understanding of procedures and skills applied to professional photography.

Since this is a vocational qualification, a realistic balance is maintained between theoretical knowledge and the application thereof in photography practice. The practical component entails the development of a variety of photographic abilities, skills and techniques using the latest camera, studio and image manipulation technologies (including digital imaging software) to prepare candidates for the world of work. Complementary to this, the qualification offers opportunities for learning through exposure to the photography industry by way of compulsory experiential learning (job shadowing), which will add value to the competence of learners and their employability at the exit point. More specifically, this qualification is offered to candidates who:
  • Wish to be equipped with specialised knowledge and practical skills to pursue a career in professional photography.
  • Seek a learning programme for developing knowledge in electronic photographic imaging in the media, visual communication and advertising industry context.
  • Wish to combine interpersonal skills, technology and creative abilities.
  • Were previously disadvantaged or who were denied access to formal learning programmes in this particular field.
  • Have worked as a photographer in industry for many years but have no formal qualification, which limits job promotion and security of income.
  • Wish to get recognition for relevant prior learning and achieve a formal qualification that makes it easier to move up the value chain.
  • Have recently left school after acquiring a National Senior Certificate, or equivalent qualification.
  • Who wish to acquire an advanced qualification that will enable them to continue with a further qualification at a higher level.
    Once qualified, the graduate has various career options such as a fashion and portrait photographer, events (e.g. wedding) photographer or may start a career in photo journalism. They may apply for employment at different kinds of media companies or set up their own business venture.

    Rationale:
    This qualification has a specific purpose, which justifies its existence as a qualification in its own right. It can be categorised as a vocational qualification, because it is preparing candidates for a career in the commercial photography industry. There is a need for professional photographers within the rapidly developing visual communication, advertising and media industries. There is also a need for wider access to candidates opportunities in this discipline by learners who do not meet entry qualifications into public higher education institutions.

    It serves as an entry-level qualification preparing candidates for more specialised learning at a higher level, such as a Diploma in Photography.

    Increased equity is achieved by giving candidates from historically disadvantaged communities' wider access to such learning opportunities, and thus addressing imbalances of the past. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners have the opportunity to gain access to the qualification, obtain the qualification in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, or obtain advanced placement in the prescribed learning programme (fast-tracking). Learners may gain credit for certain modules successfully completed elsewhere, or in a relevant qualification previously completed at this institution. RPL candidates must demonstrate competence in respect of certain specified knowledge, skills and/or attitudes pertaining to this qualification. Learners must apply for credit exemption and transfer according to the prescribed procedures of the institution aligned to national policy frameworks of the CHE and SAQA.

    The specific form of assessment to determine the extent of recognition of prior learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual learner. In case of the learnernot being able to produce a certificate of credits gained, the assessment will at least involve the presentation of a portfolio of practical work as demonstration of applied knowledge and skills. Part of the requirements in case of application for RPL is that the learnermust fill out a questionnaire accompanied by a portfolio of evidence of prior learning. All necessary particulars are indicated in the RPL Guide issued to applicants.

    Entry requirements:
    Candidates must meet the following minimum admission requirement:
  • NQF Level 5 qualification or equivalent in Photography or related fields. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 6, totalling 125 Credits.
  • Photography Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Applied Photography, 55 Credits.
  • Visual Communication and Design, 10 Credits.
  • Image Manipulation, 10 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
  • Work-based Learning, 5 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Display knowledge of the main areas of professional photography, including the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of this discipline in different contexts, areas of specialisation links between different areas of practice.
    2. Show an understanding of different schools of thought, knowledge production processes, practices and forms of expression within the field of professional photography.
    3. Apply appropriate methods, procedures and techniques within the field of professional photography.
    4. Have an understanding of the ethical implications of decisions and actions within professional photography context, based on an awareness of the complexity of ethical dilemmas encountered.
    5. Select and present information from different sources appropriate to specific photography tasks, and apply well-developed processes of analysis, synthesis and evaluation to that information.
    6. Make decisions and act appropriately in familiar and new photography contexts, demonstrating an understanding of the relationships between systems, and of how actions, ideas or developments in one system impact on other systems.
    7. Evaluate performance against given criteria, and accurately identify and address task-specific learning needs pertaining to professional growth in the photography discipline. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Key terms, concepts, principles, rules and theories of professional photography are comprehended.
  • Photographic concepts, principles and rules are applied in different contexts, including different areas of specialisation, and the links between such areas.
  • A high level of knowledge of the technical features and operations of professional photographic equipment, including digital cameras and electronic image manipulation equipment is demonstrated.
  • A variety of camera formats, lenses, lighting and specialised equipment are identified, including specialised digital photography equipment, and the key features and functions of each are understood.
  • Knowledge of the history of and current trends in different photography genres is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A broad understanding of common styles and related approaches to photographic imaging is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of digital input and output technology and processes, including digital workflows is displayed.
  • Critical legal processes and available services in a photographic business are described.
  • The business operations and window of opportunities of professional photography is realised including the costing, planning and execution of photographic assignments/accounts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • A thorough understanding of the professional photography work environment today is displayed.
  • Suitable methods, procedures and techniques pertaining to professional photography practice are selected, evaluated and applied.
  • Effective procedures in dealing with photographic challenges are applied and solutions to problems in different contexts such as the photographic studio or selected workplace settings are generated.
  • Requirements for establishing a personal photography business venture are comprehended.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Social, legal and ethical responsibilities of photographers in different contexts are comprehended.
  • Ethical norms and principles within different professional photography genres and contexts such as fashion photography and photo journalism are applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Internet and other sources (eBooks, eJournals, etc) are used for information gathering pertaining to photography work and practice decisions.
  • A portfolio of practical work from assignments for marketing and client recruitment purposes is compiled.
  • Intent and impact of different photographic images are analysed and evaluated and a variety of ways to present illustrations is established.
  • Complex information is communicated reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and occupational conventions, formats and technologies within professional photography context.
  • A unique personal photographic style is developed and displayed.
  • An understanding of effective communication by means of the photographic and electronic imaging is demonstrated.
  • Ideas are communicated by way of different photographic styles and techniques appropriate to a given need and situation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • An understanding and the ability to take effective steps to address and prevent safety risks related to photography practice is demonstrated.
  • Photographic challenges are dealt with in a holistic manner based on an understanding of how different elements relate to each other and its effect on the final product, e.g. lighting and image manipulation.
  • Operate effectively within the constraints and possibilities of a photographic studio and associated environments.
  • Responsibility for own decisions and actions that include decisions and actions of others regarding the use of resources for professional photography practice is taken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Current photography practices are reflected upon and evaluated against new trends and forecasts in industry, and identify as well as take actions for professional growth within a lifelong learning approach.
  • Suitability of a variety of photography products and images accompanied by altering an image/modification where necessary to make it fit for application through exporting to other media (electronic and print) is evaluated.
  • Technical effectiveness of using photographic equipment and techniques to produce images in various locations are analysed and critically evaluated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is conducted in line with the institutional Assessment Policy, which states that assessment of competence is an integral part of the qualification. Assessment is conducted throughout the duration of the qualification as a mechanism to monitor learning progress, identify areas for remedial intervention, or guidance to individual learners towards further learning (formative assessment). This is complemented by summative assessment to evaluate competence in terms of achieving all outcomes at the end of each module and the qualification as a whole.

    A combination of appropriate formative and summative assessment methods is used at fundamental, intermediate as well as advanced level. These include orals, written tests, examinations and practical assignments. In addition, the learning progress of candidates will be assessed by way of individual presentations during group seminars, and one-to-one consultations between a candidate and the lecturer, or study leader supervising the research assignment during the first advanced level (third year) of study.

    Since the execution of job-related tasks require the integration of theory and the application of knowledge as well as skills, assessment practice will as far as possible be conducted along the same line. This means that assessment methods will be suitable to assess mastery of knowledge, on the one hand, the ability to apply knowledge, on the other, or in combination. Different outcomes are thus also assessed in a combined manner.

    At the same time, the critical cross-field outcomes and exit level outcomes are implicit in the learning specific to this qualification; therefore those outcomes will be assessed jointly (in an integrated manner) with specific outcomes, e.g. creative problem-solving, the ability to organize and manage oneself responsibly and effectively, to collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information, as well as using computer technology in a responsible manner.

    Integrated assessment will also give assessors the opportunity to assess a combination of specific outcomes from different related modules simultaneously at a given point. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has been compared against similar qualifications internationally. In particular, it compares favourably with similar qualifications offered in Ireland and Australia.

    In Ireland an Advanced Certificate in Photography is offered. The aim of the qualification at level 6 is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skill and competence to work independently in a professional photographic setting or to progress further into higher education and training.

    In New Zealand a Certificate in Advanced Photography is offered. The qualification is designed to progress and accelerate the learner's understanding of the photographic process with particular emphasis in studio photography, modern digital photography, alternative processing and darkroom techniques as it relates to commercial or personal applications.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the cited international cases since it has certain features and aspects of professional practice (including entrepreneurship aspects and operations of a professional photography business) that receive attention. Another feature is the inclusion of Visual Communication (including basic aspects of visual literacy) in the qualification to build a conceptual foundation for photography practice as a mode of visual communication. Furthermore, learners will master various software packages related to digital image manipulation in line with current trends in this industry. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Possibilities exist for articulation to other qualifications horizontally, within and external to this institution, as well as vertically to the next level qualification.

    Candidates have the opportunity for horizontal articulation to any associated qualification such as a proposed Advanced Certificate in Multimedia Design or Advanced Certificate in Graphic Design.

    For vertical articulation candidates may build on this qualification and progress to a cognate further qualification, such as the BA (Visual Arts) (Visual Communication Design) Degree. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    This qualification is now offered by Stadio (Pty) Ltd, and no longer by Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd - effective 29 September 2020 

    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. Stadio (Pty) Ltd 


    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.