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: 

Higher Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118626  Higher Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects 
ORIGINATOR
SAE Institute South Africa (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Higher Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects provides learners with knowledge of fundamental research tools and encourages life-long learning through ongoing systematic enquiry into industry-related areas. The qualification has an emphasis on analytical and conceptual thinking and the development of academic abilities and practical problem-solving skills. Throughout the qualification, learners are exposed to a variety of industry-standard formats and computer systems covering a range of creative media. Industry based knowledge and skills will be developed through a study of historical practices and contemporary developments within key subject areas. Learners will learn professional practices and workflows that are commonly used within various areas of the industry.

Qualifying learners will obtain vocational and academic skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully enter a variety of areas within the specified industry and become valuable contributors within their selected field. Qualified learners can animate characters, model objects and characters, do texture, and light objects, characters, and backgrounds, draw characters and objects, storyboard scripts, manage their own projects, composite layers, manage electronic files, rig models, render files, formats, and outputting, design backgrounds.
Qualifying learners will also have the following skills after successful completion of this qualification:
  • Analytical writing and reporting skills and abilities.
  • Basic data gathering techniques.
  • Basic project management skills.
  • Basic to intermediate production techniques and methods.
  • Fundamental technical skills and processes.
  • Professional production techniques and applications.

    Rationale:
    The qualification has been developed to meet the high standards of the global media industry. The curriculum has been contextualised for the South African media sector and aims to contribute to the growth, quality and competitiveness of creative media and animation on the African continent.

    This qualification provides an appropriate balance between academic rigour and practical skills. The qualification exposes learners to academic and practical skills with a strong focus on technology and creativity. It facilitates creative research and development and encourages learners to define, refine, and enhance their creative and technological skills and abilities

    The qualification meets the minimum standards for learners wanting to enter the animation and visual effects in the film and media sector. By achieving this qualification, learners will be able to gain employment into junior positions at established animation and visual effects studios and the film industry and serves the purpose of application to further study for degree purposes.

    Typical learners are those wishing to pursue a career in animation and visual effects, who have a proficiency in technical, creative and computer abilities. The learner should display the following attributes:
  • Critical and conceptual thinking
  • Ability to systematically analyse production methods and processes
  • Effective oral and written communications skills
  • Independent research skills and abilities
  • Professional production skills
  • Team orientated skills
  • Creative expression

    Qualifying learners will be able to access jobs for the following types of positions:
  • Intern or junior animator at animation, VFX and film studios
  • Motion graphics career at junior capacity
  • Junior animator
  • Junior 30 generalist
  • Junior VFX intern
  • Junior Technical director
  • Web-based technologies 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of the policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

    RPL for Access:
    Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:
  • Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.
    OR
  • Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
  • In instances where RPL is applied for access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

    RPL for credits:
    Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.
    OR
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational NC(V), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits:
  • Fundamentals of drawing, 10 Credits.
  • 3D Character Performance,10 Credits.
  • Digital Imaging and Motion Graphics,10 Credits.
  • Basics of 3D Modelling,15 Credits.
  • Principals of 2D Animation,15 Credits.
  • Modelling Digital Environments,15 Credits.
  • 3D Character Animation,15 Credits.
  • Creative Project: Visual Effects,10 Credits.
  • Storyboarding and Animatics,10 Credits.
  • Business Communication and Project Design,10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the sector and use creative literacy in the context of animation.
    2. Manage the planning and preparation of an animation project.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply the history and theory of animation and visual effects.
    4. Analyse and apply animation software technologies appropriately and in the context of film, television, video, and web applications.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to execute a final animation product according to industry standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate thought processes and document them according to the given brief.
  • Carry out an application of given techniques according to the developed concept.
  • Conduct comparative research on existing products for analysis.
  • Use analysed data to determine viability within industry requirements.
  • Interpret the creative brief to establish and produce the drawing specifications and produce layout drawings for animated productions.
  • Examine and apply concepts and methodologies of drawing using a variety of media and transform drawing from life into a character and/or landscape design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Produce a script according to correct formatting and industry standards.
  • Produce a storyboard according to the correct format and industry standards.
  • Create/construct a schedule to determine the duration and requirements of the project.
  • Character animation is choreographed according to recognised industry standards
  • Explore and apply the relationship between characters, their environment, and their influence on animation and storytelling on product development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Ability to apply the correct software according to industry standards.
  • Analyse software packages currently available for their capabilities and limitations.
  • Examine the history and development of animation technologies.
  • Navigate the user interface of different animation software successfully
  • Evaluate and apply cinematic elements according to specifications. (Range: lighting, composition, layout etc)
  • Ability to analyse and apply the principles of animation.
  • Access and explain knowledge of the film, television, audio, and multimedia industry, including the role of different industry sectors and the impacts of changing technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply software applications according to industry-accepted workflow and methods.
  • Save source files and formats correctly according to industry standards.
  • Apply production processes for successful completion of the specific stages within the workflow.
  • Use digital animation techniques and industry-standard software to create animation for a range of media applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply creative adaptations in the execution of the animation product.
  • Analyse and review the reflective logbook to show understanding of adaptations and changes.
  • Create visual effects for screen productions.
  • Implement the final product according to required processes for successful completion of animation project (modelling, texturing, rigging, compositing, rendering etc). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification content is compared against a similar qualification at the following international institutions.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: London College of Communication
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media, and Screen.
    Qualification structure:
    The qualification includes modules dealing with:
  • Design.
  • Media and screen.
  • Communication studies.
  • Practical project.
  • Contextual and theoretical studies.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Fife College
    Qualification Title: Higher National Diploma in Computer Animation

    Similarities:
    Both qualificatio have similar modules on 3D modelling, 2D motion graphics and animation, morphing and keyframe animation, and digital and traditional drawing skills. They also have a large amount of practical work as part of the qualification.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: JMC Academy
    Qualification Title: Diploma of Creative Arts
    Duration: One year
    Qualification structure:
    The qualification includes modules on design processes, games, animation context, 2D and 3D animation, production art, computer graphic arts and a practical project. There is a fair amount of consistency between the qualification and the new qualification.
    Similarities:
    Both qualifications are offered in one year and have similar 2D and 3D animation modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Art Direction and Graphic Design, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Digital Media Arts, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Creative Development, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in 3D Animation, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Animation, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Digital Animation, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts in 3D Animation, NQF 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.