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 Photography 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
123343  Higher Certificate in Photography 
ORIGINATOR
OAKFIELDS COLLEGE 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
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
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
Registered  EXCO 0628/24  2024-11-21  2027-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-11-21   2031-11-21  

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 Photography is an entry-level higher education qualification that aims to produce photographers who are qualified and proficient in the basic introductory knowledge, conceptual tools, and practical techniques needed to successfully enter and navigate the industry. Qualified learners will fill the growing need for qualified photographers.

This qualification will equip learners with the necessary industry-standard skills and techniques that will allow them to develop, coordinate and execute creative concepts in a variety of contexts within the industry.

The qualification is primarily a vocational qualification and maintains a strong industry focus. The core purpose of this qualification is to produce professionally competent photographers who are creative and competitive in the industry. The qualification is designed to produce graduates who can successfully contribute to the relevant South African industries and economy. The qualification will equip learners with the necessary competencies in the various theoretical, practical and technical aspects of photography to create a basic, but thorough and well-rounded, understanding of photography.
As the qualification is vocational, it has a strong industry-oriented focus and includes practical components throughout the qualification's duration to ensure industry-ready graduates. The practical components aim to equip learners with the necessary industry-standard skills and competencies to successfully function in a variety of contexts within the industry.
The practical components of the qualification are supplemented by relevant theoretical knowledge, providing the learner with basic, introductory knowledge of the different aspects of photography, and including the application methods needed to produce competent professional artists. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to successfully enter the industry and be able to work as professional photographers who are up to industry standards and who are creative and knowledgeable about their field.

The qualification equips learners with the relevant introductory knowledge, skills and practical techniques to successfully function as a professional photographer in their chosen field. The qualification achieves this by providing the learners with both a strong theoretical foundation as well as the relevant practical tools and experience. Learners will be equipped with the basic industry standard skills to successfully fulfil the professional requirements in a variety of contexts. By designing modules to include a variety of photographic contexts from fashion photography to photojournalism, learners will be competent in a variety of contexts and will possess a clear understanding of the various career options.

Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Select and apply the various theoretical and practical elements pertaining to photography and creating a photographic image in a range of professional contexts.
  • Illustrate a sound understanding of the fundamental theories, scholarly positions and basic methodologies in creating a photographic image.
  • Demonstrate a basic understanding of the effects of historical, socio-political and cultural forces on photography.
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical elements required to successfully produce a photographic image.
  • Demonstrate the ability to operate at an entry level within the relevant industry and effectively interact with others, independently or as a member of a team, in a variety of relevant contexts.

    Rationale:
    With the increased demand for visual media in most industries, and the constant development of media channels and technologies the need for photographers in South Africa has increased over the last decade. The digital space continues to rapidly develop worldwide, with new businesses, social media platforms, influencers, products, as well as internet users and consumers coming out almost daily. As such, digital marketing, advertising, social media management, and related industries increase demand for competent and creative photographers.

    Beyond marketing and advertisement, the media industry is also experiencing rapid growth. Film, television, general media, design, fine art, journalism, wedding, fashion, entertainment and even educational industries are constantly expanding and adapting to a new digital and visual landscape. This rapid growth results in a continuous need for qualified photographers who can work in a variety of contexts and competently able to fill the needs of their chosen fields within the industry.

    The Higher Certificate in Photography aims to fill this gap by producing competent photographers ready to pursue a career in photography as an independent photographer or work in a range of various media, commercial or design industries. This qualification is designed to equip learners with the skills and competencies in the relevant digital editing software and qualifications, thus equipping individuals with the solid theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed for them to be a competent and contributing entry-level professional in their photographic field of choice. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    This qualification can be achieved in part, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    Access:
    Entry to the qualification can be achieved through the applicants' work and life experiences which hold particular significance for non-standard applicants.
    Evidence of relevant experience must be presented in a portfolio of evidence, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, functions performed, portfolios, work records and performance records.
    Evidence will be judged according to the general principles of assessment and the institution's RPL policy in line with the national framework.

    Credits:
    Where formal prior learning has taken place, 50% of the credits achieved will be awarded in accordance with established practices across South African higher education institutions and national standards of Recognition of Prior Learning.

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

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits.
  • Creativity Thinking, 10 Credits.
  • Professional Development I, 15 Credits.
  • Visual Communication, 20 Credits.
  • Photography, 20 credits.
  • Digital Editing, 20 credits.
  • Landscape Photography, 5 credits.
  • Portrait Photography, 5 credits.
  • Photojournalism, 5 credits.
  • Mounting and Finishing/Studio, 5 credits.
  • Street Photography, 5 credits.
  • Black and White Photography, 5 credits.
  • Fashion Photography, 5 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply various theoretical and practical elements pertaining to photography and create a photographic image in a range of professional contexts.
    2. Illustrate a sound understanding of the fundamental theories, scholarly positions and basic methodologies in creating a photographic image.
    3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the effects of historical, socio-political and cultural forces on photography.
    4. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical elements required to successfully produce a photographic image.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to operate at an entry level within the relevant industry and effectively interact with others, independently or as a member of a team, in a variety of relevant contexts. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and explain various basic principles, terms, concepts, rules and theories of photography correctly.
  • Apply the relevant photographic methods, principles and or techniques to different application practices, contexts and problems.
  • Apply relevant theoretical and practical elements to the learners' own photographic practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and explain the different, relevant fundamental theories, scholarly positions and methodologies and practically apply and justify their use in the learner's own photographic expectations.
  • Outline how the various theories relevant to the methodology of photography are applied in a variety of contexts.
  • Identify and explain the various relevant scholarly positions, arguments and perspectives in the theory and methodology of photography.
  • Select information from relevant sources and apply it in the various theoretical and practical contexts within photography.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe the various historical, socio-political and cultural events that impacted photography.
  • Explain the impact historical events have had on photography.
  • Contextualise and explain the impact of socio-political and cultural forces on contemporary photographic practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explain and successfully apply the relevant properties and principles of light required to produce a photographic image, as well as explain the vital role light plays in photography.
  • Apply the relevant techniques, shooting methods and procedures within the confines of a brief.
  • Assemble and use the various relevant lighting and photographic tools and pieces of equipment within the relevant contexts, both in and outside the studio context, required to successfully create a photographic image.
  • Correctly apply the theoretical understanding of photo editing techniques and software to create a professionally edited image that meets industry requirements for a variety of applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Correctly identify, describe and apply the relevant protocols and skills required to competently communicate within, and navigate the professional context.
  • Apply the appropriate theoretical and practical elements pertaining to photography in practical contexts.
  • Illustrate an appropriate degree of creativity and originality in their work.
  • Create documents necessary to enter the industry such as a Curriculum Vitae, business or cover letter, and portfolio of work.
  • Practically demonstrate independence, effective time management, and self-direction throughout the duration of the course and in the execution of briefs and projects.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:

    A combination of formative and summative methodologies is applied in every module, integrating theory and practice, such that the learner demonstrates the achievement of the outcomes through the competencies acquired.
    As a Higher Certificate, the qualification is primarily vocational and thus the assessment strategy focuses:
    Practical tasks and assessments which demonstrate learning acquired in simulated industry contexts.

    Internal moderation:
    The lecturers who are responsible for a particular module are appointed as internal examiners for that module. Internal examiners are responsible for the marking of all assessments related to the module for which they are responsible.

    External moderation:
    All final assessments at exit levels of the curriculum are moderated by academic staff of higher education institutions or by appropriately qualified industry practitioners.
    Moderation, both internal and external, of all modules at the exit level of the qualification is conducted in keeping with HEQC requirements. All assessors, and internal and external moderators are required to be appropriately and adequately qualified, and in possession of, at minimum, a diploma, a degree or equivalent. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution name: The British Academy of Photography.
    Qualification name: Higher National Certificate in Photography.
    Duration: 9-18 months.

    Entry requirements:
  • 18 years old or over.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The qualification will lead to the second year of a degree or enable learners to become successful photographers by honing their skills to create, plan and manage their own photography projects.
    Learners will incrementally develop the advanced techniques and a deep understanding of the industry that you need to succeed as a professional photographer.

    Course structure:
    Modules:
  • Photographic Practices.
  • Lighting for Photography.
  • Techniques and Processes.
  • Contextual Studies.
  • Studio Photography.
  • Location photography, comparable to Landscape Photography.
  • Individual Project.
  • Professional Development.
  • Individual Project.

    Similarities:
  • The British Academy of Photography (BCP) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both entry-level qualifications.
  • The SA qualification will equip learners with the necessary industry-standard skills and techniques that will allow them to develop, coordinate and execute creative concepts in a variety of contexts within the industry.
  • Similarly, the learners will incrementally develop the advanced techniques and a deep understanding of the industry that you need to succeed as a professional photographer.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Location photography, Landscape Photography, Fashion Photography and Professional Development.

    Differences:
  • The BCP qualification is offered over 8 months, whereas the SA qualification is offered over 12 months.

    Country: Malaysia.
    Institution name: Management University of Technology.
    Qualification title: Diploma in Creative Visual.
    Duration: Two years.

    Entry requirements:
  • Creative Multimedia Certificate or equivalent.
    Or
  • Technical and Vocational Certificate or equivalent with one (1) year relevant work experience or one (1) semester bridging programme.

    Purpose/Rationale:
    Diploma in Creative Visual programme offers you an exciting and challenging opportunity to develop an enhanced skill set applicable to the photography and video production industry. Through your time here at Management and Science University, you will experience hands-on skills in pre-production, production and post-production activities in producing photography portfolios, short films, videos and commercials.

    Course Structure:
    Modules:
  • Visual Studies, comparable to Visual Communication.
  • Basic Lighting.
  • Television Studies.
  • Commercial Photography.
  • Sound Design.
  • Video Production.
  • Industrial Training.
  • Photojournalism, compared to Photojournalism.
  • Film Appreciation.
  • Digital Portfolio.

    Similarities:
  • The Management University of Technology (MUT) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both vocational qualifications.
  • The MUT qualification will provide learners with experience and hands-on skills in pre-production, production and post-production activities in producing photography portfolios, short films, videos and commercials.
  • The SA qualification will equip learners with the necessary industry-standard skills and techniques that will allow them to develop, coordinate and execute creative concepts in a variety of contexts within the industry.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules such as Photojournalism, Visual Studies and Visual Communication.

    Differences:
  • The MUT qualification is at a diploma level and accepts learners with work experience, whereas the SA qualification is at an entry level. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Fundamentals of Filmmaking, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Video and Photography, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advance Certificate in Photography, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Commercial Photography, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Photography, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Applied Arts in Commercial Photography, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. OAKFIELDS COLLEGE 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.