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:

Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Screen Arts and Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119585	Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Screen Arts and Technology
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	Field 02 - Culture and Arts		Film, Television and Video
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 8	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		SAQA 0910/22	2022-08-04	2025-08-04
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-08-04		2029-08-04

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 Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Screen Arts and Technology is designed to increase social and economic productivity by concentrating on the fundamental skills of communication, teamwork, problem solving and self-management and development. The qualification prepares learners who display professional and personal competence within the working environment of television and video production, while at the same time are able to adapt to the rapidly evolving technology and form of the medium. The qualification prepares learners for access to specific employment opportunities as programme researchers, scriptwriters, production planners, camera operators, sound operators, editors, directors and other television and related industry personnel.

The qualification is a planned combination of learning outcomes that culminate in the acquisition of advanced skills in video programme making and evidence the application of the theoretical and practical principles of the television programme production process, as well as principles relevant to the business environment. Learners are also exposed to a range of research skills to prepare them as independent researchers, which culminates in a substantial research project which is measured by its ability to show a confident acquaintance with cultural theories, research methodologies, and research thesis construction, including the writing of proposals and literature reviews. Emphasis is placed on exposing learners to the contemporary business environment of television and film, while the development of business and entrepreneurial skills is central to the qualification.

Qualifying learners will be conversant with the transformed conditions of the television and film industries by the 'digital revolution', which has led to multiple sites of video productivity (from traditional broadcast institutions to online channels), media convergence (making television and Internet content interchangeably accessible), and a host of new financial models for programme-making, including massively expanded opportunities for 'cottage industry' careers outside of the traditional broadcasters such as South African Broadcasting Corporation Television (SABCTV), such as through YouTube and other similar platforms.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits.

Video Production Practice 4A, 16 Credits.

Video Production Practice 4B,20 Credits.

Applied Arts Research Methods, 16 Credits.

Applied Arts Research project, 32 Credits.

Video Production Theory 4A, 28 Credits.

Video Production Theory 4B, 8 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Analyse models of independent producing within the current media environment, accounting for changed audiences.
2. Demonstrate proficiency in communicating and presenting complex arguments and ideas effectively in oral and written forms and to diverse audiences.
3. Produce a portfolio of multi-camera and/or single camera programmes, of a commercially acceptable standard.
4. Demonstrate an understanding and competence in research principles and practises appropriate for the media environment.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explanation of theory includes critical evaluation of the application of the disciplines of camera, lighting, sound, editing, directing and production planning in the production of single/multi- camera programmes.

Identify production problems relevant to the unique context of individual programmes and offer possible solutions.

Explain and critique the theory and processes of single camera directing and multi-camera directing.

Write and pitch a proposal taking into account budget, genres, formats, scheduling, and content acquisition whilst being cognisant of licensing and co-production deals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Critical analysis takes the form of written assignments and a research project that evidence depth of research and a grasp of current industry issues.

Apply the presentation of balanced arguments and meaningful selection of relevant material to the television industry.

Analyse visual and written texts and critically analyse processes and practises relevant to the television industry.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply video programmes which demonstrate the ability to meet the programme objectives, despite unexpected production problems.

Employ multi/single camera processes in a technically proficient and aesthetically acceptable manner.

Apply video programmes which meets the various technical, aesthetic and content criteria found in current, mainstream South African broadcast products.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply the research project that consists of a well-developed and convincing argument supported by an extensive literature review and rigorous analysis of data.

Review and use literature to support the argument is valid, credible, and reliable in terms of the industry discourse.

Identify and manage the ethical issues associated with research and knowledge production in the discipline.

Utilise different methods, designs and methodologies of research.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
Formative and summative assessment methods with be used to assess combinations of practical, applied, and reflective competencies. Integrated assessment will be increasingly emphasised as the learner progresses through this qualification, so that by the time of the final submission of video productions and research mini-thesis, outcomes from all modules are combined.
All aspects of the qualification are integrated into a single whole. Video production skills, video production theory, video productions, academic research methods and the research all contribute to each other (for example, the making of a documentary film involves not only advanced video production skills, but also academic research skills to collect and interpret data, perform interview, etc. upon which the film will be based), and skills in all areas are assessed. Assessment takes into account the learner's demonstration of not only the module-specific outcomes, but also how he/she accounts for the integration of the various aspects into the whole.

The qualification will make use of continuous assessment, and will apply a wide range of assessment methods, any combination of which may be used in integrated assessment:

Face to face contact with learners. Live, regular, formative feedback with individual learners and groups is considered essential to effective education in the programme.

Learners may be asked to critique their own and others' work, thereby encouraging analysis, self-assessment, reflection and critical faculties on an individual or peer group basis.

Portfolio displays or exhibitions of applied video production work are used as a form of summative assessment at the ends of semesters.

Written assignments may include reports, plans, literature reviews and research result summaries, for all of which learners will receive formative feedback.

Research methods applied may include case studies, ethnographic research, action research, participant observation as wells as data collection methods such as interviews and questionnaires.

Data collected may be presented in written and/or visual form, and both live and/or electronic presentations.

Blended learning and online forms of teaching, learning and assessment will be employed where appropriate.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

It is difficult to find qualifications that match the exact composition of the Bachelor of Applied Arts in Screen Arts and Technology. Several international qualifications are either film based or are a broad media offering. The closest comparisons may be made with the following international institutions.

Country: United Kingdom
Institution: University of Gloucester-shire
Qualification Title: BA (Hons) Film and Television production (Level 8 equivalent)
Entry requirements: Applicants should possess an HND, Diploma of Higher Education or Foundation Degree.

Modules:

Screen Production, 30 Credits.

The Producer, 15 Credits.

Work Experience for TV Production, 15 Credits.

The Extended Essay, 15 Credits.

Cult Film and Television, 15 Credits.

Intermediate VFX, 15 Credits.

Video effects and Scriptwriting, 15 Credits.

Advanced Media Technology, 15 Credits

This qualification has an emphasis on advanced practice-based learning. Learners produce a variety of video programmes and hone specialist skills whilst applying relevant theory in areas including directing, producing, cinematography, lighting, set design, audio design and editing. They produce a portfolio of work which allows them to apply for positions in the workplace upon graduating. Learners undertake a research project on an aspect of media of their choice. There are elective modules which include advanced video effects and scriptwriting.

The graduates may work across the entire TV industry for BBC, ITV, Netflix, Amazon Prime and more.
Roles include:

Producer/Director

Researcher

Editor

Outside Broadcast (OB) Engineer.

Similarities:

Both qualifications have the research and practical components.

Both qualifications deal with video productions.

Both qualifications are at Level 8.

Differences:

The UK qualification has elective modules whereas the SA qualification has only compulsory modules.

Country: Australia
Institution: Curtin University
Qualification Title: BA (Hons) Screen Arts
Entry requirements: By invitation following high achievement in an appropriate Bachelor's degree (Level 8 equivalent)

Curtin University is a research-based university which ranked in the top 1% of universities in the Academic Ranking of Universities (ARWU) in 2019. The BA (Hons) in Screen Arts relies on the implementation of advanced analytical, creative, and practical production skills. The qualification has a strong practical and industry focus whilst also affording learners the opportunity to develop research skills and apply them in the undertaking of a research project. This degree is thus a balanced combination of applied practice and traditional textual research. The Australian qualification has elective modules.

Similarities:

Both qualifications have the research and practical components.

Both qualifications have the same entry requirements and are at level 8.

Differences:

The Australian qualification has elective modules, whereas the South African qualification has only compulsory modules.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:
>Postgraduate Diploma in Fine Arts, NQF Level 8.
>Postgraduate Diploma in Photography, NQF Level 8.
>Bachelor of Arts Honours in Film and Visual Media, NQF Level 8.
>Bachelor of Arts Honours in Journalism, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Applied Arts in Photography, NQF Level 9.

Master of Arts in Film and Visual Media, NQF Level 9.

Master of Arts in Fine Arts, NQF Level 9.

Master of Journalism, NQF Level 9.

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