SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Photography

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
119902	Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Photography
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		Visual Arts
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 1011/22	2022-10-04	2025-10-04
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-10-04		2029-10-04

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 purpose of the Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in Photography is to develop versatile critical and adaptable emerging and proliferated technological specialisations in photography. Learners need to think across the boundaries of specialisation. This also means being able to identify and specify problem parameters in diverse contexts of practice and arrive at workable solutions.

The qualification will include training learners in multiple image production skills to become professional practitioners by using the ever-changing technology. Throughout the qualification, learners will explore primary and secondary research processes so that they become skilled in the critical evaluation of photographic campaign options. qualification is therefore structured to develop learners' analytical and critical skills and the ability to integrate modular content and processes.

This qualification will provide learners with a learning environment in which photography is recognised as playing a significant role in applications, such as in print and electronic media. The qualification will allow learners to explore alternative technological vehicles of photographic expression.

Upon successful completion of this qualification, graduates will be able to:

Develop a highly individualised well conceptualised personal project together with key aims, theory, objectives, and methodology leading to a coherent research proposal.

Develop and analyse social, cultural, and environmental influences that inform the photography project.

Carry out independent research and equip themselves for general employment or continue with postgraduate studies.

Reflect on photographic decisions during and after the implementation of a photographic research project to articulate photographic positioning.

Consider how they can make a positive influence in both local and global contexts by producing a portfolio of quality artefacts that will be exhibited through various forms of electronic media or traditional exhibitions.

Rationale:
Photography is pivotal to fine art, fashion, advertising, and editorial photography, as well as digital applications. The qualification recognises that the profession is linked, associated and integral to many professions. Photography continues to play a significant role in society and culture. It is a discipline that demands up-to-date technology, innovation and partnerships with professionals and industry outside the university. The qualification has identified a need for education and increased scholarly output that appears not to be currently met.

As a result of the advances in digital technology and the availability of still and moving imagery from a single piece of equipment (digital single lens camera); the entire photographic industry is continually changing. Most mobile phones have the capability to capture and edit stills, video, and audio, to share, display and distribute. Whilst visual communication remains at the heart of the photographic industry, the digital revolution has created a background in which the photographic industry must continually reflect and re-evaluate the services they offer. New technology-based developments have seen the need for the inclusion of computational photography (image manipulation, digital video, mobile) as a specialised skill which was introduced in the undergraduate degree qualification.

The qualification addresses these imperatives through two main avenues of progressive learner opportunity. The qualification will pave the way towards employment in the large variety of currently existing and continually proliferating photography specialisations and applications. The world is surrounded by diverse forms of imagery, such as those captured on mobile phones, drones, and computers, and displayed on television programs, social media, and websites. This has created the demand for self-employment, work opportunities with other practicing photographers or obtaining learnerships.

Employment opportunities or self-employment options might be available for a skilled and creative photographer who can apply both traditional and digital skills to produce an image or animated video in the fields of print and electronic media, advertising, corporate and architecture genres. The qualification exposes learners to emerging photographic technologies that may extend from local and international contexts of use.

This qualification also plays a crucial role in the development of conceptual criteria to be implemented/incorporated into the varied discourses within various photographic genres. This can be extended to community engagement projects with the aim of creating long-lasting interventions and exploring the concept(s) of Africanisation within the genre of South African photography.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

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 advancement 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 that is 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.

RPL for credit:

Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.

Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Bachelor of Applied Arts in Commercial Photography, NQF Level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in Photography, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication, NQF Level 7.
Or

A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 08 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,128 Credits.

Contextual Research Design IV, 12 Credits.

Contextual Studies IV, 12 Credits.

Advanced Visual Communication IV, 12 Credits.

Applied Photographic Techniques IVA, 24 Credits.

Applied Photographic Techniques IVB, 24 Credits.

Reflection on Practice IV, 12 Credits.

Contextual Research Project IV, 32 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and apply key photographic concepts, theories, principles, objectives, and methodology leading to a coherent research proposal in a highly individualised and well conceptualised personal project.
2. Develop and analyse social, cultural, and environmental influences that inform the photography project.
3. Execute an innovative photography project through a combination of theoretical concepts, contextual inquiry, and photographic experimentation.
4. Reflect on photographic decisions during and after the implementation of a photographic research project to articulate photographic positioning.
5. Work with complex ideas and apply contextual significant theories, research methods, data generation, and findings in the practical implementation of photography projects.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse and apply photographic key terms, concepts, principles, rules, and theories of professional photography in different contexts, including different areas of specialisation.

Ascertain personal interest in a significant context of photographic application and identify key aims, theories, methods, and techniques in a research proposal.

Research, analyse, evaluate, and apply theories and movements of photography to various assignments.

Critically analyse/evaluate the relationship between research, experimental photography, and practical work using appropriate concepts and techniques relevant to a personal project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Critically analyse the social cultural or environmental influences that contextualise photographic focus.

Reflect on decisions during and after the implementation of a photography research project to articulate photographic positioning.

Investigate, and critically analyse case studies and recommend solutions and reflect critically on own and fellow peers' work.

Evaluate philosophies and concepts through a wide range of critical theories in accordance with the research proposal.

Collect and analyse data from primary and secondary sources, and acquire knowledge through a critical, creative, and risk-taking approach.

Narrate theoretical originations and implement them into own study to articulate their own experiences as both researchers and photographers in relation to historical and contemporary issues.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify and assess the challenges and opportunities in South African Applied Photographic Techniques such as social justice, gender issues, sexual orientation, and disability.

Critique independently and collaboratively the interpretation of ideas and presentation of imagery.

Work independently using calculations and formulas for various aspects of the Applied Photographic Techniques modules.

Demonstrate an awareness of industry expectations whilst defending their projects during critiques.

Use a wide range of camera systems and related software to develop, integrate and extend research as a tool for individual photographic practice.

Execute an innovative photography project through a combination of theoretical concepts, contextual inquiry, and photographic experimentation.

Link contextual significance, theory, data generation and analysis, practical implementation, and reflection in the final report.

Select relevant theory to produce specific images and undertake research from primary and secondary sources.

Produce an applied photography project in a coherent and logically structured report. Use in-text and reference list citations according to the Harvard method.

Acquire appropriate skill sets to solve visual problems and critically engage with the theories and practice of photography to demonstrate how research and experimentation have informed photographic practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Engage in self-study, independent and group research, reflective writing, and online discussions through deliberate pedagogic choices.

Reflect upon and evaluate current photography practices against new trends and forecasts in the industry and identify as well as take actions for professional growth within a lifelong learning approach.

Plan and execute own photography clearly using a personal Visual Diary.

Present the portfolio work in an exhibition format using presentation equipment, related software, and printed artefacts.

Show the relationship between research, experimental photography, and practical work; use appropriate concepts and techniques relevant to personal projects.

Identify solutions to visual problems and critically engage with the theories and practice of contemporary photography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Support the research project with an extensive literature review and rigorous analysis of data.

Critically evaluate the rationale of research methods selected to best address research aims.

Assess the rationale for the practical research project and narration of its implementation.

Uphold ethical behaviour associated with the photographic profession.

Assess final report; the subject area is relevant to current issues in the photographic industry.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
The qualification will be assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessments.
Formative assessments will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback on the teaching and learning process. This links the relationship between assessment, learning and teaching and ensures that assessments inform and strengthen both the teaching and learning process and the learner improves from their areas of difficulty.

Formative assessments will comprise activities such as assignments, projects, group work, tutorials and tests, individual and group feedback sessions; peer reviews and peer assessments; and individual and group critiques.

Summative assessments will be used to evaluate and measure the learner's learning, skills acquisition, and academic achievement. Summative assessments will typically comprise tests, examinations and/or projects and will be used to determine whether, and to what extent, learners have learned the material they have been taught and have attained the learning outcomes.

The final deliverable that is submitted will be an integrated contextual research project that combines both theoretical (research report) and practical (exhibition) component.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is internationally comparable with the similar qualifications offered by the following qualifications:
Country: United Kingdom
Institution: Kingston University
Qualification Title: BA (Hons) Photography
Duration: Three years full time
Credits: 360

Entry Requirements:

Level 3 qualifications, including Art and Design subjects (A-levels, BTEC Diploma, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Access Diploma, IB Diploma, etc.).

Purpose/ Rationale:
This qualification is centred on the making and understanding of photographic production and critical thinking, applied to any subject area. Learners will study both analogue and digital photography; the key focus of this qualification is for learners to develop their creative ideas alongside their professional skills, within a multi-genre approach to the medium. The qualification takes maximum advantage of Kingston's proximity to the vibrant art, photography, and cultural life of London one of the major photographic art and commercial centres of the world. Opportunities upon completion of the qualification include working with historic manual processes such as cyanotypes and salt prints as well as other 'craft' processes including creating unique one-off photobooks.

Qualification structure:
Years one and two are made up of four modules, each worth 30 credit points. Year three is made up of three modules, two worth 30 credits and one worth 60 credits. Typically, a learner must complete 120 credits at each level.

Year One:
Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Independent Photography Practice, 30 credits.

Photographic Production Processes, 30 credits.

Modes of Presentation for Photographers, 30 credits.

Contextualising Contemporary Practice: Photography, 30 credits.

Year Two:
Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Independent Critical Practice, 30 credits.

Photography and Process, 30 credits.

Professional Practice and Presentation, 30 credits.

Critical Issues in Photography: Research and Practice, 30 credits.

Year Three:
Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Professional Practice, 30 Credits.

Final Major Project, 60 Credits.

Dissertation: Research and Reflection, 30 Credits.

Assessment:
The qualification is based on learning through practice and research. Learners are expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments.

Assessment is all 100% coursework based (e.g., print portfolios, photo-books, social media including websites, blogs, moving images, research books, essays, exhibitions reviews, artist statements, self-assessment, dissertation).

Articulation: Master of Arts in Photography

Similarities:

Both qualifications have the same purpose and qualifying learners have the same opportunities upon the competition of the qualification.

Both qualifications articulate to a master's qualification.

Both qualifications include only compulsory modules and both have a research project and contextualising Contemporary Practice: Photography.

Differences:

The Kingston University (KU) qualification is a three-year qualification as compared to the South African (SA) qualification which is only a year.

The KU qualification has 360 credits whereas the SA qualification carries 128 credits.

The KU qualification requires a secondary school qualification for admission requirements whereas the SA qualification requires candidates who hold an undergraduate qualification in the cognate field.

Country: Australia
Institution: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (Photography) (Honours)
Duration: One-year full time
Credits: 96 Credits
Entry Requirements:

An Australian bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification) in a relevant photographic discipline.

Purpose and rationale:
This qualification will provide learners with the advanced knowledge and skills to effectively adapt to various ways of thinking and making photographic images. Learners are guided through personalised mentorship and individual supervision, as they are introduced to practice-led research and research methodologies. Through intensive studio-based research and workshop practice, learners will develop creative autonomy and a critical and ethical understanding of photography that will allow them to make significant cultural contributions.

The qualification is designed for learners who have successfully completed a three-year degree in photography, and who wish to undertake a further year of study to focus exclusively on an individual project.
The qualification aims to appeal to commercial photographers, photographers with commissioned practices such as advertising, editorial or fashion photographers, photojournalists, socially engaged practitioners, artists, designers, and other creative industry professionals seeking a more advanced studio practice in photography.

Exit Level Outcomes:
As a graduate, learners will be able to:

Apply independent research and advanced practical knowledge in the innovative production of a photographic portfolio to communicate research outcomes to a variety of audiences.

Critically analyse and reflect on the photography practice to continually develop, change, and plan for a future that is both informed and improved by professional photographic practice.

Construct a pro-active and critically relevant career as a member of the photographic industry as an active participant and in preparation for further study.

Work autonomously, and with others to apply new theories of practice and embrace new developments in photographic technology and image analysis.

Develop and implement a vision and philosophy of photographic practice through global, social, cultural, environmental, and historical knowledge and contexts to contribute to the positive development

Qualification structure:
The RMIT qualification consists of the following five compulsory modules.
Compulsory Modules, 96 Credits:

Research in Creative Practice, 12 credits.

Honours Photography Studio 1, 24 credits.

Cultures and contexts, 12 credits.

Honours Photography Studio 2, 24 credits

Praxis and Resolution, 24 credits.

Assessment:
Assessment involves learning by doing and will include developing a range of project based photographic works, written reflections, oral and visual presentations, proposals, and exegesis documents.

Articulation: Master's in photography

Similarities

Both qualifications have the same entry requirements.

Both qualifications have the same purpose and qualifying learners have the same opportunities upon the competition of the qualification.

Both qualifications articulate to a master's qualification.

Both qualifications include only compulsory modules and have a research project.

Both qualifications have the same train out period of one year.

Differences

The Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology qualification has 96 Credits while the South African qualification only has 120 credits.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication Design, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Film and Visual Media, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Art, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Photography, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Visual Arts in Photography NQF Level 9.

Master of Arts in Photography, NQF Level 9.

Master of Applied Arts in Photography, NQF level

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.

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