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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Film and Media Production 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119489  Higher Certificate in Film and Media Production 
ORIGINATOR
City Varsity (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  Visual Arts 
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 purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a sufficient foundational competency required for meaningful participation in the creative media sector. Learners are offered an immersive experience in a range of audio-visual disciplines including visual storytelling, sound recording and cinematography according to industry standards. This knowledge is applied through a group project where learners are introduced to collaborative project-based learning.

The Higher Certificate in Film and Media Production prepares the learners to take up entry-level careers in various positions such as Production Assistant, Assistant Cameraman, Digital Editor, Grip, Gaffer, Lighting Technician, and Sound Assistant. It will also benefit those already in the creative field at a junior level to upgrade their theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.

As a foundation qualification, the Higher Certificate in Creative Media is also designed to facilitate learner access into the first year of an undergraduate degree or diploma studies at the institution.
On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Analyse the history and language of film with central elements of narrative, cinematography, lighting, editing and location sound.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills of filmmaking and audio media processes required to produce a short film.
  • Examine the key roles and processes in a Media Production Cycle, namely: preproduction, production, post-production, and distribution.
  • Work as part of a professional team to execute the production of a 3-minute film, demonstrating the ability to interpret a given script, produce, edit audio-visual material, and identify and solve problems in different production contexts. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advanced standing within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • 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.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC), NQF Level 4, without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 credits:

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits.
  • Cultural Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Introduction to Film Theory, 10 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
  • Camera and Lighting Techniques, 15 Credits.
  • Sound for Film and Media, 20 Credits.
  • Film Production, 25 Credits.
  • Editing, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Short Film Project, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the core areas of film and media production collective practices and display an awareness of how film theory has developed and evolved over time.
    2. Demonstrate technical proficiency in the selection and application of methods and techniques used to communicate information effectively and according to audio-visual industry standards within a planned production schedule.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of specific team roles and critically evaluate the interdependence and consequences of actions and given functions within specific phases of the production cycle.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to articulate given concepts and present these coherently within the creative literacy conventions of audio-visual production, taking account of the ethical codes of professional practice.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to implement specified production requirements through the production of a 3-minute film according to specified industry standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss the evolution of film and media production evidenced through analysis and comparison of cultural and historical approaches.
  • Analyse and apply key terms through integrated assessment, within the defined practice of audio-visual language with the central elements of narrative, cinematography, lighting, editing and location sound.
  • Examine the historic and current trends in different film genres through a theoretical application.
  • Identify the historical and contemporary social, political and cultural issues that influence creative practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse the technical features and key functions of selected audio-visual equipment including cameras, sound equipment and editing tools.
  • Demonstrate technical proficiency in recording and mixing soundtracks for film through practical assessment.
  • Develop film location recording techniques through theoretical analysis and practical application.
  • Manage and analyse post-production processes and technological functions, combining audio applications with film editing, through practical assessment.
  • Discuss the contribution of audio and visual editing in relation to narrative storytelling for the screen through practical application.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Display a comprehensive understanding of all processes of an audio-visual work environment, including preproduction, production, post-production, and distribution.
  • Define and apply rules of working on a film set such as film production, organisational structure, job descriptions, specialised craft areas, set protocols and management of on-set equipment.
  • Identify effective procedures in dealing with production problems and apply practical solutions in different contexts (for instance in a studio, or an external location).
  • Discuss the requirements for establishing and supporting a professional career in the audio-visual industry.
  • Analyse the social, legal, and ethical responsibilities of photographers in different contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Examine the principles and processes of writing for the screen through analysis of given film scripts, film language and narratives.
  • Discuss the rules governing intellectual property rights through referencing and acknowledgment of sources according to academic rules.
  • Communicate complex information reliably and coherently using appropriate academic and discipline-specific conventions, formats, and technologies within a professional audio-visual context.
  • Explore different applications of audio-visual media equipment and techniques.
  • Use digital medium to tell, create or present audio-video stories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse audio-visual outputs according to specified production standards and adherence to principles of filmmaking.
  • Identify and address issues with concept analysis, preproduction, post-production, and distribution processes in different production contexts.
  • Resolve aesthetic challenges in final productions through developmental praxis.
  • Work effectively within the constraints and possibilities of a film set and associated environments.
  • Develop and display a unique professional working style.
  • Interrogate the past and present theories of technology in media in terms of their contribution to digital film developments.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment in the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Modules are annualised, to create the opportunity for integrated assessment of a combination of learning outcomes from various modules simultaneously at a given point. Integrated assessment in this qualification allows the learners to demonstrate applied competence and uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods.

    Formative Assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment creates the opportunity for learners to get feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes; summative assessment is used to determine the actual achievement of learning outcomes. The formative assessment comprises 60% of the year mark.
    Formative assessment includes, but is not limited to:
  • Written scripts and essays.
  • Oral presentations.
  • Work integrated practical project.
  • Simulated production.
  • Individual presentations.
  • Feedback reports.

    Summative Assessment:
    Assessment for summative purposes i.e., assessment of learning purposes serves to clarify decisions and findings on the progress of learners, e.g., for promotion or certification, during which value judgments are made on learners' performance. Assessment can form part of the information that is used for feedback purposes i.e., assessment for quality promotion to evaluate summative assessment in detail. the quality and impact of a learning and teaching programme. It is important to ensure that both the assessors and the learners who are assessed thoroughly grasp the different purposes of assessment. The summative assessment comprises 40% of the year mark.
    The institution makes use of summative assessments methods such as:
  • Examinations.
  • Portfolios.
  • Projects.
  • Practical assignments.
  • Films, media productions. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are many international qualifications developed in response to the global industry demand for skilled professionals in the audio-visual sector. Although naming conventions and duration may differ, the Higher Certificate in Film and Media Production may be compared with international qualifications from the following countries.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: North-West Regional College.
    Qualification Title: Higher National Certificate Creative Media Production (Film).
    NQF Level: Level 4.
    Qualification credit value: a minimum of 120 credits.
    Duration: One Year.

    Entry Requirements:
    UK Requirements:
  • A BTEC Level 3 qualification in Creative Media Production.
  • A GCE Advanced Level profile that demonstrates strong performance in a relevant subject or adequate performance in more than one GCE subject. This profile is likely to be supported by General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) grades A to C (or equivalent), and/or 9 to 4 (or equivalent) in subjects such as Mathematics and English.
  • Other related Level 3 qualifications.

    Purpose:
    The UK qualification is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for success in future employment in the media industries, or for progression to an undergraduate degree. Covering many of the TV and film industry skills, the learning experience will take place in the purpose-designed media suite. Graduates successfully completing the Higher National Certificate will be able to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the basic concepts of Creative Media Production. They will be able to communicate accurately and appropriately, and they will have the qualities needed for employment that requires some degree of personal responsibility. They will have developed a range of transferable skills to ensure effective team working, independent initiatives, organisational competence, and problem-solving strategies. They will be adaptable and flexible in their approach to Creative Media Production, show resilience under pressure, and meet challenging targets within a given resource.
    Learners can enter employment in a wide range of roles within the film industry. Careers include screenwriting, directing, producing, documentary filmmaking or cinematography.

    Qualification structure:
    The Higher National Certificate (HNC) is a level 4 qualification made up of 120 credits. It is usually studied full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. This is made up of eight units, each with a value of 15 credits.
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Individual Project (Pearson-set), 15 Credits.
  • Creative Media Industry, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 15 Credits.
  • Film Practices, 15 Credits.
  • Film Studies, 15 Credits.
  • Editing for Film and Television, 15 Credits.

    Learners have access to industry placements, masterclasses, and special events.
    Assessment:
    The qualification is assessed by means of formative assessment and summative assessment methods. Formative assessment is primarily developmental in nature and designed to give feedback to learners on their performance and progress. Assessments designed formatively should develop and consolidate knowledge, understanding, skills and competencies. It is a key part of the learning process and can enhance learning and contribute to raising standards.
    Through formative assessment tutors can identify learners' differing learning needs early in the programme and so make timely corrective interventions. Tutors can also reflect on the results of formative assessment to measure how effective the planned teaching and learning is at delivering the syllabus. Each student should receive one set of written formative feedback, otherwise some learners may feel that others are being given more than their share of verbal feedback.

    Summative assessment is where learners are provided with the assignment grades contributing toward the overall unit grade. For summative assessment to be effective it should also give learners additional formative feedback to support on-going development and improvement in subsequent assignments. All formative assessment feeds directly into the summative assessment for each unit and lays the foundations
    from which learners develop the necessary knowledge and skills required for the summative assessment.

    These are some of the main types of assessment:
  • Written reports.
  • Essays.
  • In-class tests.
  • Examinations.
  • Work-based projects.
  • Academic posters, displays, leaflets.
  • PowerPoint (or similar) presentations.
  • Recordings of interviews/role plays.
  • Working logbooks, reflective journals.
  • Presentations with Assessor questioning.
  • Time-constrained assessment.
    Articulation:
    Upon successful completion, learners can progress onto the final two years of an Honours degree in film or media production in most UK universities.

    Similarities:
  • Both the UK and South African (SA) qualifications are designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for success in future employment in the media industries.
  • Both qualifications are assessed by means of formative assessment and summative assessment methods.
  • Both the UK and the South African (SA) qualifications take one-year full time study to complete.
  • The UK and SA qualifications require the completion of the General Certificate of Secondary Education.
  • Both the UK and SA qualifications are designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills required for success in future employment in the media industries, or for progression to an undergraduate degree.
  • Qualified learners from both qualifications can enter employment in a wide range of roles within the film industry. Careers include screenwriting, directing, producing, documentary filmmaking, or cinematography.
  • The UK qualification is similar to the Higher Certificate in Film and Media Production in that it focuses on developing a holistic understanding of the audio-visual production cycle through practical application. Core subjects include visual story-telling through interpretation of scripts, camerawork, lighting, editing and introduction to location and studio sound, TV Studio Production, Film and Video Editing, Individual Project, Film Studies, and Film Practices.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 5 of ten level framework while the UK qualification is registered at NQF Level 4 of the eight-level framework.
  • The SA qualification is offering unique modules on Cultural Studies and Entrepreneurship whereas the UK has modules on Professional Personal Development.
  • Learners completing the UK qualification can progress onto the final two years of an Honours degree in film or media production in most UK universities whereas the SA qualification articulates into the Diploma and/or bachelor's degree.

    Country: United States of America (USA)
    Institution: University of Washington.
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Film and Media.
    Duration: 8 Months.

    Entry Requirements:
    To apply, candidates must have either:
  • Two years of college.
    Or
  • Two years of work experience in film, video, theatre, or scriptwriting.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The digital revolution has transformed filmmaking, and now it's possible to produce independent movies and video projects without huge budgets, expensive cameras, or large crews. This change means that many different organizations and companies today use film and video as part of their work. Whether the goal is to fulfil a personal artistic vision, market a product or advance a cause, the fundamental need to tell a story remains paramount, and film is a powerful means to do it. Learners will receive direct, hands-on experience creating visual stories that are intelligent, emotional, compelling, succinct, and informative. By making films, learners will learn and practice the primary aspects of film production, including scripting, camera and lighting, sound, directing and editing. Learners will emerge with your own short film for your personal or professional portfolio.

    Similarities:
    The USA and South African (SA) qualifications are designed for current and aspiring filmmakers and video production specialists.
    Upon the completion of both the USA and SA qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply visual storytelling techniques, script and story development strategies, and the principles of cinematography and lighting.
  • Apply directorial skills such as camera placement, staging a scene, directing actors, documentary interviewing and casting.
  • Analyse and apply the production design processes such as montage and mise-en-scène and editing techniques that will advance your storytelling.
  • Examine the fundamentals of audio recording, sound editing and final mix.
  • Apply the production leadership strategies for collaboration and crew and resource management.
  • Write, shoot, and edit own film with guidance and instruction from professional filmmakers.

    Qualification structure:
    The USA and SA qualifications share the following compulsory modules.
  • Film and Video Production Principles.
  • Film and Video and Video Refining Skills.
  • Film and Video Capstone.

    Differences:
    The duration of the USA qualification is eight months whereas the South African (SA) qualification is one-year full time study.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University.
    Qualification Title: Certificate IV in Screen and Media.

    Entry Requirements:
    There are no minimum academic entry requirements for this program. Applicants must meet the minimum University Entry requirements for this program. Learners must attend an interview.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The screen and media environment are constantly evolving. These changes are reflected in our up-to-date course content, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed to work in industry. Advancements in technology have increased the size of the industry, from TV to online, resulting in the creation of new job roles. The areas of learning learners undertake include:
  • Single Camera operation.
  • Studio Production skills.
  • Post-production.
  • Remote and virtual productions.
  • Sound recording.
  • Studio lighting
  • Visual effects.
  • Work health and safety.
  • Industry knowledge.

    There is a strong emphasis on the practical application of learning through collaborative projects, productions and activities that incorporate the skills and knowledge requirements of each course. Learners will be involved with multiple production teams across the duration of the qualifications, with each team member having the opportunity to take on all key roles in the production process.
    Delivery is primarily in studio and computer lab-based environments. learners will use a variety of current industry standard equipment and technologies including the Media Precinct and vMix 'Cloud Studio'

    Qualification structure:
    The RMIT University in Melbourne is offering the Certificate in Screen and Media which is comparable to the institution's Higher Certificate in Film and Media Production. This certificate offers learners industry-level skills through the following areas of study; audio and video production, vision mixing systems and equipment, computer editing, studio and location sound and camera operation. This bears similarity to the core content in the institution's qualification.
    This qualification requires the completion of the following:
    Complete all Four (4) Core Courses:
  • Apply work health and safety practices.
  • Develop personal work priorities.
  • Work effectively in the creative arts industry.
  • Develop and implement own self-care plan in the creative industries.
    Elective Course List
    Complete One (1) Group A - Animation and visual effects elective:
  • Create digital visual effects
    AND
    Elective Course List
    Complete all Group C - Screen and media electives:
  • Implement lighting designs.
  • Vision mix productions.
  • Perform basic vision and sound editing.
  • Perform primary and secondary colour correction.
  • Record sound on location
    AND
    Elective Course List
    Complete One (1) Group D - Broadcasting elective:
  • Shoot material for screen productions.
    AND
    Elective Course List.
    Complete all other currently endorsed training package qualification accredited electives:
  • Realise productions.
  • Manage bump in and bump out of shows.


    Similarities:
  • The RMIT qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.
  • Both qualifications are offered in one year.
  • Both the RMIT and SA qualifications are offered over a period of one-year full time
  • The RMIT and SA qualifications are designed to prepare learners for transition into employment in entry-level Screen and Media roles, particularly in outside broadcast, live event streaming, and/or further education. The qualifications have been designed specifically to suit people who may have limited pre-existing knowledge and have an interest in TV production, camera operation, video editing, e-sport/gaming, and film making.
    Articulation:
  • Learners who have successfully completed both the RMIT and the SA qualifications will be eligible to undertake further studies in the Diploma of Screen and Media or Diploma of Live Production and Technical Services.

    Differences:
  • There are no entry requirements into the RMIT qualification since it requires that learners must attend an interview and no formal qualifications whereas the SA qualification requires a secondary school qualification.
  • The RMIT consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no electives.
    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the cited international qualifications as all have core features and aspects of the audio-visual production cycle that is critical to professional practice. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Motion Picture Make-up, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma: Sound Technology and Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Film Arts, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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.