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 2D Animation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124629  Higher Certificate in 2D Animation 
ORIGINATOR
The Animation School Pty (Ltd) - Cape Town 
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 0633/25  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 the Higher Certificate in 2D Animation is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, values and professionalism to create 2D animated productions, and be employable in a junior capacity within the entertainment and advertising sectors. The qualification also provides the entry-level cognitive and conceptual tools required for higher education in the field of animation.

The qualification is designed to provide learners with a solid foundation in drawing, performance and the 12 principles of animation, together with the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to become competent entry-level 2D animators. Learners will also develop strong, visual, verbal and written communication skills and will be able to apply the key terms, principles and techniques of 2D animation using industry standard terminology when justifying their concepts and pitching their designs.

Qualifying learners will have gained experience working independently as well as with others to create storyboards, analyse motion and performance, design and animate characters, and create props and backgrounds. They will have developed confidence in digital as well as traditional drawing using a variety of media. They will also have a foundation and knowledge of the history and context of the animation sector, as well as the principles and elements of design, together with the 12 principles of animation. Learners will be assessed on their ability to analyse these principles and theories and apply them when creating animation using a variety of techniques, inclusive of stop frame, cut-out, and tradigital animation. Industry standard software is covered, and extensive time is spent developing the fundamental artistic and technological skills required to create 2D animation.

Learners will have a basic knowledge of the business and professional aspects of the craft, including an overview of animation pipelines, ethics, copyright law, securing employment and the skills needed to create a showreel. They are expected to manage a mini production from pre-production to post-production and will have engaged with animation studios.

This entry-level, vocationally oriented qualification prepares learners for a variety of junior positions within the animation and advertising industries and provides a strong foundation for furthering their higher education studies in animation, graphic design and motion design.

Upon completion of the qualification, a qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply appropriate research methods when gathering and selecting information on the history and context of animation, and analyse, synthesise and evaluate findings.
  • Apply critical observation skills and demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, drawing principles and techniques when creating artwork using a variety of mediums.
  • Select and apply the theories, principles, creative procedures and technical tools to plan and visually communicate engaging stories that are authentic and culturally relevant.
  • Discuss and apply the key terms, principles and techniques of 2D animation and use industry standard terminology, workflows and technology to plan, manage, problem solve and create animated productions.

    Rationale:
    2D animation productions are a cost-effective and efficient medium for visually communicating stories for entertainment, education and advertising. The South African animation industry has flourished over the last ten years, and the sector has expressed a current and future need for suitably skilled 2D animation artists with strong creative and technical skills, who can contribute creatively to the economy.

    Learners who are awarded this qualification are qualified to work within the animation industry as an entry-level concept artist, storyboard artist and 2D Animator; and may be employed to contribute to 2D series, feature films, short films, explainer videos, music videos and advertisements. This qualification also provides a strong foundation for learners who wish to further their studies in higher education and provides a foundational qualification for those wishing to enter diploma and degree qualifications in 3D animation, gaming, visual effects and motion design. 
    		•

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

    RPL for access:
    If an applicant has not completed an NCS with exemption to the qualification being applied for (Higher Certificate, Diploma or Degree) or its equivalent but has suitable workplace experience and is of a mature age (23), they may apply for access to a higher education qualification offered by the institution.

    RPL for exemption:
    If an applicant has relevant and sufficient workplace experience and is of a mature age (23) may apply to be exempt from courses within a higher education qualification offered by the institution. Applicants may be exempted from up to 50% of the total credits of any learning qualification offered by the Animation School. Credits are not awarded for the courses that a learner is exempted from completing on the basis of RPL. A candidate will not be required to complete additional courses to make up for the number of credits required for the relevant qualification. A maximum of 10% of a cohort of learners may be admitted through 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 without endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Animation history and context, 12 Credits.
  • Drawing for Animation, 24 Credits.
  • Visual story, 36 Credits.
  • 2D Animation, 42 Credits.
  • Professional Studies, 6 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply appropriate research methods when gathering and selecting information on the history and context of animation, and analyse, synthesise and evaluate findings.
    2. Apply critical observation skills and demonstrate knowledge of anatomy, drawing principles and techniques when creating artwork using a variety of mediums.
    3. Select and apply the theories, principles, creative procedures and technical tools to plan and visually communicate engaging stories that are authentic and culturally relevant.
    4. Discuss and apply the key terms, principles and techniques of 2D animation and use industry standard terminology, workflows and technology to plan, manage, problem solve and create animated productions.
    5. Explain the role and possible specialisations of a 2D animator and the professional, legal and ethical considerations associated with the profession. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Select, apply and correctly reference a range of reliable and valid sources of information to substantiate points of view.
  • Assess the role and influence of historical figures within animation and related fields.
  • Discuss the creative and technological developments of animation.
  • Discuss the impact of social, economic and cultural influences on the animation industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply observation skills and use a range of mediums, techniques and methods to convincingly represent the subject
  • Apply knowledge of anatomy when creating anatomically accurate form using line and shape.
  • Accurately apply the principles of perspective, scale and proportion.
  • Create appealing stylised designs through the abstraction and exaggeration of shape and form.
  • Use a line of action to communicate intent and emotion in gesture.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse context, colour theory and composition and apply them to effectively communicate mood and narrative.
  • Design appealing and convincing sets and props that effectively incorporate the principles of composition, perspective and colour, using a range of media and techniques.
  • Design appealing and believable characters that reflect the integration of visual narrative, graphic clarity and design principles.
  • Select and use sound, music and dialogue to enhance narrative.
  • Analyse narrative when creating storyboards and 2D animatics to communicate the intended story.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Plan and manage a 2D animation production using appropriate pipelines and workflows within given timeframes.
  • Evaluate performance requirements and film suitable reference material.
  • Select, assess, and apply the principles of animation to a range of 2D animation techniques.
  • Evaluate narrative and create convincing character performance through pairing appropriate and appealing poses with selected audio cues
  • Use appropriate software to edit and export the deliverables in the required format.
  • Produce a 2D animated mini production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Critically review the possible career options and write a cover letter for a preferred position.
  • Assess personal strengths and produce a demo reel that showcases personal skill set.
  • Create a curriculum vitae.
  • Discuss the legal and ethical considerations within the field of animation.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategy adopts an integrated assessment approach which evaluates learners' ability to integrate and apply both theoretical knowledge and practical skills when completing an assessment. Integrated assessments may assess a number of learning outcomes together and may assess a number of modules as well as use a variety of assessment instruments to assess the outcome(s). The 2D Animation Mini Production and the Demo reel are two examples of integrated assessments within the programme. This aligns with the institution's goal of assessing students' ability to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world contexts.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment (assessment for learning) serves primarily to enhance the learners' learning process by giving them the opportunity to develop the relevant knowledge, skills and values of the discipline and may be used by the lecturer to gauge learners' understanding and progress.

    The main intent of formative assessment is to gather insight about student learning, to track learner progress and inform instruction. Its fundamental purpose is to estimate students' level of achievement to enhance student learning during the assessment process. Formative assessment events are included in the form of Milestone Reviews and Interim Deadlines for each assessment. Learners do not receive marks for formative assessment events, but they do receive detailed feedback, which can be applied to improve their work.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment (assessment of learning) serves to inform decisions and judgments about learners' achievements for a specific course and/ or certification. All summative assessments are submitted to and graded on the learning management system. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: New Zealand
    Institution name: Yoobee College of Creative Innovation
    Qualification title: The Diploma in Animation
    Duration: One year
    Credits: 120
    NQF level 5.

    Entry requirements:
  • NCEA Level 3 with credits in a relevant subject
    Or
  • New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) or equivalent

    Purpose/Rationale:
    This qualification is for learners seeking to develop broad technical skills and conceptual knowledge in animation creative practice. A range of industries will benefit from graduates who possess animation creation capabilities. Graduates will be able to operate independently within creative and commercial environments.

    Qualification structure
    Modules:
  • Foundations
  • Digital Production
  • Key animation, comparable to 2D Animation
  • Final Image

    Similarities:
  • The Yoobee College of Creative Innovation (YCCI) and the South African (SA) are both offered over one year.
  • The qualification's purpose compares favourably in that they are both vocationally oriented to the animation industry and both focus on conceptual knowledge and creative practice.
  • Both qualifications accept learners who have completed a high school qualification at NQF Level 4.
  • Both qualifications offer similar modules, with one in particular, Animation.
  • The YCCI qualification is designed for learners seeking to develop broad technical skills and conceptual knowledge in animation creative practice.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification will equip learners with the knowledge, skills, values and professionalism to create 2D animated productions.

    Differences:
  • Although the YCCI qualification is a Diploma, it is pitched at the same level as the higher certificate qualification.

    Country: Canada
    Institution name: Langara College of Higher Learning
    Qualification title: The Diploma in 2D Animation & Digital Art offered
    Duration: Fourteen months

    Entry requirements:
  • Successful completion of a BC secondary program (Grade 12) or the equivalent

    Purpose/Rationale
    The animation industry is one of the fastest-growing global job sectors. The qualification equips learners with the skills they need to thrive in this exciting field.

    Combine artistic abilities with technical skills through our 2D Animation and Digital Art Program. Draw and design your own characters and bring them to life through animation, sound, and storytelling. Learners will learn how to capture movement and form through life drawing and how to move a project from storyboard to final product under the guidance of expert instructors in Langara's state-of-the-art computer labs. This in-depth qualification prepares graduates for a range of roles in the animation industry.

    Qualification structure
    Modules:
  • Classical Animation Fundamentals
  • Animation History, comparable to Animation History and Context
  • Basic Digital Skills for Animation
  • Illustration Fundamentals: Painting for Animation
  • Life Drawing for Animation: Anatomy & Perspective
  • Professional Development for Animation, comparable to Professional Studies
  • Character Animation
  • Layout and Production
  • Character Design
  • Drawing for Animation Workshop, comparable to Drawing for Animation
  • The Langara College of Higher Learning (LCHL) and the South African (SA) qualification share similar admission requirements.
  • The LCHL qualification prepares learners for a range of roles in the animation industry.
  • Similarly, the SA qualification equips learners with the knowledge, skills, values and professionalism to create 2D animated productions, to be employable in a junior capacity within the entertainment and advertising sectors.
  • Qualifications offered by LCHL include modules such as drawing for animation, character design, character animation, storyboarding, layout, production, sound, and professional development, all of which compare with the SA qualification

    Differences:
  • The LCHL qualification is offered over fourteen months, whereas the SA qualification is offered over twelve months. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Drawing, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Digital Film Production, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Film and Media Production, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Digital Animation, NQF Level 6
  • Diploma in Film Production, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Motion Picture Production, NQF Level 6.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Media/Programme Content Production Manager, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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. The Animation School Pty (Ltd) - Cape Town 


    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.