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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Creative Writing 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125014  Higher Certificate in Creative Writing 
ORIGINATOR
The Open Window (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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Literature 
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 0836/25  2025-11-13  2028-11-13 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-11-13   2032-11-13  

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 Creative Writing qualification is to offer a Higher Certificate in Creative Writing that focuses on seminal applied writing theories, supportive of the practical output (the novella). The qualification aims to lay the foundation for the learners to become acquainted with the field and process of writing a story. In addition, it aims to instil an awareness of the writing process, from conceptualising the idea, writing the story, designing the cover, to publishing.

The qualification will equip learners with the introductory skills of writing a fictional narrative from an original idea. This entails the writing of a viable logline, and the development of the logline into a synopsis. The qualification purpose is to provide learners with the basic understanding of story structure, character development, dialogue, point of view, literary devices, and so forth. Learners will be introduced to the reading of selected seminal texts with understanding, and be able to identify relevant literary concepts embedded in the narrative. The purpose of the qualification is to introduce learners to Narrative Theory, which will enhance their practical writing skills.

Relevant literary terms and concepts will be delved into, and applied in their own writing, where relevant. The choice modules are positioned to deepen the learners' understanding of story elements such as character, dialogue and backstory. The choice modules also provide learners with an introduction to Screenwriting format and structure. The purpose is to make learners aware that the core skills regarding storytelling gained in Creative Writing, will also be applicable in related sectors such as Screenwriting.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an awareness of how knowledge pertaining to writing develops and evolves.
  • Demonstrate the understanding of writing and academic conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism.
  • Apply concepts learnt in one area and apply them in another area of writing.

    Rationale:
    As a rationale for the qualification, there seem to be very few accredited certificates in Creative Writing at present. The institution aims to produce a qualification that has academic integrity. The qualification will bring the Creative Writing practical subject in line with industry demands. The core subjects will be supported by fundamental subjects such as Literature Appreciation, Introduction to Narrative Theory, and Publishing Studies.

    The qualification also meets the specific needs in the sector for which it is developed. The need for a qualification in writing was identified first in Screenwriting learners' indication that they would like to use their existing writing skills to enter the Creative Writing sector. The institution has added elective subjects to the existing Screenwriting major subject within the BA in Film Arts qualification. These Choice Modules (electives) are limited to third year learners. This qualification aims to provide learners with introductory skills on conceptualising, developing and writing a relevant piece of fiction, gaining introductory knowledge of the publishing industry, developing the practical skills to design or commission a cover for the story and how to go about publishing the story on Amazon.

    The qualification forms a good foundation for learners wanting to study Screenwriting within the Film Arts degree as currently accredited. It also provides a foundation for learners who would prefer to enter the industry as juniors. Experts from leading universities were consulted in 2014 regarding the development of a reading and writing qualification. The panel consisted of Prof Henning Pieterse (UP), Prof Bronwyn-Law Viljoen (Wits), Dr. Keith Dietrich (Stellenbosch University), Dr. Stavros Halvatzis (The Open Window). The panel agreed with the approach of the development of a writing rich.

    The Higher Certificate in Creative Writing emphasises writing, by awarding 60 credits of the 120 to the practical writing project. The aim of producing a writing rich qualification, learners will be exposed to different kinds of writing throughout the qualification, creative writing, academic essay writing, and the literary essay. Learners are introduced to Screenwriting in Choice Modules. These modules aim to introduce learners to the idea of honing their existing skills and knowledge to enter different industries.

    This qualification integrates Literature Appreciation into the writing programme. The focus of this subject is to enhance the learners' reading skills and to provide them with the tools to read with comprehension. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of the fictional texts, according to relevant literary terms and theories.

    The qualification aims to enhance the learners' own writing. Conceptual understanding, the use of narrative devices, genre, the treatment of character etc. by existing authors will enhance learners' own writing.

    Typical learners include those who have a passion for reading and writing. The qualification provides learners with introductory skills and knowledge. However, learners who commence further study in this field may become, Creative writers in fiction or nonfiction. Fictional genres include drama, horror, romance, fantasy, science fiction; permanent writer at a publishing house:
  • Copywriter, copyeditor, web-content writer.
  • Screenwriter / playwright.
  • Literature-related occupations: teaching or lecturing.

    The learners may apply for admission into Level 7 of a cognate BA degree qualification, with the possibility of recognition of prior learning. The qualification aims to enable learners to express their ideas clearly in narrative form, whilst understanding the broader writing industry. Learners are also introduced to fictional works of successful authors in Literature Appreciation. Learners will be exposed to the relationship between text (the narrative produced in class) and image (Drawing & Narrative). Learners who are able to think critically, read, interpret and evaluate textual information, will be beneficial to society.

    The qualification will enable learners to learn the techniques and skills to write short stories, novellas and novels that can be published through traditional and digital self-publishing routes, such as Amazon Kindle, Kobo and Apple's iBook. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access:
    The institution believes that RPL has an important place in the country's skills development agenda, as represented in seminal documents like the New Growth Path, the National Qualifications Framework Act, the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) and the Human Resource Development Strategy. This is particularly relevant in the context of Creative Practice.

    Learners who wish to enrol, or enrolled learners, may apply for RPL for this qualification. RPL involves the assessment of previously unrecognised skills and knowledge an individual has achieved outside the formal education and training system.

    The institution encourages an individual to continue developing their skills and knowledge through structured education and training towards formal qualifications and improved employment outcomes by recognising their formal learning. The institution ensures that all potential candidates for enrolment and all current learners have access to the institution's Policy for the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedures.

    Appropriately qualified assessors, using a process which is valid, fair, sufficient and authentic, will evaluate RPL applications efficiently. The candidate is responsible for the provision of suitable evidence, with guidance available from the assessor.

    Final interviews will be held with the assessors. These assessors will compile their feedback, and if deemed appropriate, will refer the case to the RPL committee, which includes the following people: Academic Head, the Registrar and the relevant Head of School.

    Credit for units of competency will be provided if a candidate who applies for RPL is able to demonstrate learning, skills and knowledge that meet the performance criteria of the units of competency for which the candidate is applying for RPL. The institution provides and ensures:
  • Opportunity for South Africans to have non-formal and informal learning recognised and counted towards a qualification; we also incorporate candidates into our short courses where necessary.
  • Diverse and inclusive pathways to lifelong learning.
  • Consistency in the principles used in implementing RPL within the Education sector.
  • The quality, integrity and standing of the South African Education framework in line with the CHE requirements.

    The institution further recognises learning regardless of how and where it was acquired, provided that the learning is relevant to the learning or competency outcomes in a unit or qualification. The institution will investigate and check the currency of the evidence in relation to the qualification on a case-to-case basis.

    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 and elective modules at NQF Level 05, totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 110 Credits:
  • The Short Story, 20 Credits.
  • Narrative Techniques, 40 Credits.
  • Introduction to Screenplay Format, 5 Credits.
  • Drawing and Narrative, 15 Credits.
  • Narrative Theory, 10 Credits.
  • Literature Appreciation, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 5, 20 Credits. Choose one (or both) of the following:
  • Academic Practice, 10 Credits.
  • Publishing Studies, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of creative writing, publishing, Literature, Cover Design) and an understanding of key literary terms, concepts and facts (history of publishing), principles (narrative structures; writing principles), rules and theories of creative writing.
    2. Demonstrate an awareness of how knowledge pertaining to writing develops and evolves.
    3. Select and apply standard writing methods, procedures and techniques.
    4. Identify, evaluate and solve routine and new writing problems within a familiar context and identify the use of literary techniques, concepts and devices in selected fiction.
    5. Write stories in an ethical manner.
    6. Access, process and manage information for application in practical and theoretical projects. Gather information from a range of sources, in conducting research for an original story. Analyse, synthesise and evaluate information.
    7. Demonstrate the understanding of writing and academic conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism.
    8. Apply concepts learnt in one area and apply them in another area of writing.
    9. Learners take responsibility for their own learning in a structured learning environment while promoting the learning of others. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Illustrate basic knowledge pertaining to writing, publishing, literature, design.
    Knowledge of how various fields (writing, design, publishing, literature) converge in the creation of a complete manuscript for publication.
  • Apply key terms, concepts, theories and principles relevant to the production of a fictional piece.
  • Utilised factual information regarding publishing and literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand how technological (internet, self-publishing) and philosophical knowledge (various narrative models and genres) systems have impacted writing.
  • Apply basic knowledge of traditional print publishing to digital publishing.
  • Apply basic knowledge of evolving philosophical systems and the impact on creative output.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Display standard methods and procedures of developing a story when learners brainstorm, conceptualise themes, transform the theme into a logline, develop a beat-sheet which is expanded into prose.
  • Display the application of required writing techniques.
  • Apply standard editing methods to narrative texts.
  • Apply procedures and techniques used to combine image and text.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify, evaluate and solve narrative problems during the writing process.
  • Evaluate narrative texts according to defined criteria.
  • Identify suitable concepts and theories and evaluate a given text against relevant methodologies in order to arrive at interpret the text.
  • Apply familiar information (regarding narrative and genre) to new problems.
  • Identify relevant marketing solutions required by the self-publishing industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Conduct research for stories in an ethical manner.
  • Conceptualise and write original prose.
  • Work within the conventions of Creative Writing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Retrieve, understand and apply information relevant to the field.
  • Gather information from various sources as inspiration/research for writing projects.
  • Analyse and evaluate texts, presentations and visual works according to relevant concepts, theories and ideas.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Write original stories.
  • Apply citations and construct a list of sources.
  • Display an understanding of copyright of images for book covers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply literary theories in Creative Writing.
  • Apply knowledge and skills pertaining to Creative Writing story elements in the Screenwriting choice modules.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Develop stories in a structured manner when viable ideas are brainstormed, and loglines are expanded into beat sheets and synopses.
  • Orally present and discuss ideas, loglines, synopses, and stories amongst peers.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The institution is committed to providing education that is fair, ethically sound, reasonable, transparent, consistent, and in line with all relevant national standards. As such, the institution commits to instilling the principles of fairness, egalitarianism, transparency, reliability, and efficiency in all its learners. Assessment tasks are well designed and reflect the qualification's outcomes, content, and assessment criteria.

    The qualification is assessed based on integrated assessment principles whereby learning outcomes, which have a defined purpose including specific and critical cross-field outcomes, are assessed simultaneously. As such, a combination of formative (assessment during the process of learning and teaching) and summative (assessment based on judgement of achievement during the qualification at the end of the qualification) assessment facilitates evaluation within the context of this programme.

    Formative Assessment:
    The learners' ongoing competencies in all core and fundamental subjects that form part of this qualification are assessed during the course of each term and support the teaching and learning process of learners. The following formative assessment tools are employed in the qualification:
  • Practical assignments.
  • Oral reports and discussions.
  • Applied research assignments.
  • Practical exercises and demonstrations.
  • Short answer questions.
  • Tests and theoretical assignments.
  • Audio-visual presentations.
  • Critique sessions and feedback.
  • Academic research assignments.
  • Group workshops.

    Feedback and informal assessment are conducted through periodic group presentation and or critique sessions as well as one-on-one critique sessions with programme co-ordinator and subject specialists.

    Summative assessments:
    Summative assessments will be moderated internally and externally at the end of the year. This will ensure that the institution offers qualifications equal to industry demands with a high academic standard. The examination committee will comprise industry professionals and academics invited from universities offering similar programmes.

    Formative and summative assessment:
    The learners' ongoing competencies in both their major subject, fundamental subjects, and choice modules are assessed during the year through:

    Summative:
  • Tests.
  • Theoretical Assignments.
  • Practical Assignments.

    Internal and external moderation / examination
    learners' work will be internally assessed and moderated and 10% is externally moderated by experts in the field.

    For assessment feedback:
  • Learners receive rubrics, with detailed comments on their assignments.
  • Written assignments are handed in digitally, with detailed comments in the text.
  • Learners receive feedback by email should they require further assistance.
  • Contact feedback sessions are arranged on request of the learner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Canada
    Institution: University of Toronto (UT)
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Creative Writing

    Requirements:
  • The certificate requires the equivalent of 120 hours of class time (see Required Courses), plus the submission of a Final Project to the Creative Writing Certification Panel.
  • Prepare the final project for submission, learners must be enrolled in 1681 Creative Writing Final Project Tutorial, where they will be matched with a supervisor who will give them detailed feedback on two drafts of their final project.

    Modules:
  • Creative Writing through Reading, comparable to Literature Appreciation.
  • Creative Writing Final Project Tutorial.

    Elective modules:
  • Creative Writing: Non-Fiction.
  • Poetry: Introduction.
  • Playwriting: Introduction.
  • Writing Short Fiction: Introduction.
  • Writing the Novel: Introduction.
  • Screenwriting: Introduction.
  • Writing for Children: Introduction.
  • Writing the Novel in Spanish: Introduction.
  • Micro-Budget Filmmaking.

    Similarities:
  • South Africa (SA) and the University of Toronto (UT) share similar modules, such as Creative Writing through Reading, which is comparable to Literature Appreciation.
  • Writing Short Fiction: Introduction is similar in nature to Writing the Short Story of the SA qualification, since learners will exit with a short story in fiction.
    General outcomes that are similar are:
  • Understand literary techniques
  • Apply ability to develop a short story of 20000 to 25000 words (however, we have been advised by the CHE to limit our initial 17000 words to 6000 words, and to split the practical component into two parts. Hence, the practical writing subjects are now Narrative Techniques for 40 credits (consisting of smaller writing exercises as per the recommendation, and Writing the Short Story for 20 credits (consisting of a short story of max 6000 words).
  • Creative Writing Introduction (compulsory subject) covers similar concepts and writing elements that the subjects Narrative Techniques, Writing the Short Story, and Narrative Theory cover. These elements include character, setting, plot, point of view, structure, and revision.

    Difference:
  • The University of Toronto (UT) qualification includes Poetry as a choice subject, whereas the South African (SA) qualification introduces poetry in Literature Appreciation.

    Country: Zambia
    Institution: Open Window Zambia (OWZ)
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Creative Writing Essentials
    Level: ZQF level 4
    Duration: One year full-time

    Purpose/rationale:
    The certificate in Creative Writing is an immersive introduction to storytelling with a focus on narrative theory, literature appreciation, screenplay writing, and publishing studies.
    The qualification consists of a range of focused mini-projects to develop conceptual, writing, and editing skills in creative writing, which include book cover design and a social media campaign.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules:
  • Creative Writing.
  • Screen Writing, comparable to Introduction to Screenplay Format.
  • Literary Theory, comparable to Narrative Theory.
  • Creativity Thinking.
  • Entrepreneurship.

    Teaching Methodology:
  • Hands-on practical classes.
  • Individual Feedback.
  • Studio Practice.
  • Contemporary Theory.

    Similarities:
  • Open Window Zambia (OWZ) and South African (SA) qualifications share similar modules, such as Screenwriting (comparable to Introduction to Screenplay Format) and Literary Theory (comparable to Narrative Theory).
  • Both OWZ and SA qualifications are designed to lay the foundation for the learners to become acquainted with the field and process of writing a story.
  • OWZ and SA qualifications are offered for a full-time, one-year period.
  • Both qualifications assess learners through practical assessments.

    Differences:
  • The Open Window Zambia (OWZ qualification is at level 4, whereas the South African (SA) qualification is at level 5.
  • The Open Window Zambia (OWZ qualification has an outcome of a novella (typically 20000 words), whereas the South African (SA) has a short story of 6000 words maximum (as recommended by CHE). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Advertising and Integrated Communication Practice, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Television and Screen Media, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Creative Development, NQF level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Digital Film Production, NQF level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Media/Programme Content Production Manager, NQF Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Creative Writing, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Arts in Copywriting, 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. The Open Window (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.