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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Advanced Postgraduate Diploma: Digital Media

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
14971	Advanced Postgraduate Diploma: Digital Media
ORIGINATOR
University of Natal
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language		Communication Studies
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	128	Level 7	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 2663/05	2006-07-01	2009-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30		2013-06-30

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

This qualification aims to provide graduates with knowledge, skills and applied competence in a number of fields related to the design, development and use of digital technologies in research, e-commerce, education and training. More specifically the qualification is designed to develop advanced skills and insights into:

The theoretical base and use of software tools to support research activities including reference management, database technology and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies;

Education theories, design principles, communication tools required for the creation of virtual on line learning environments and distance education;

Theoretical and practical aspects required for the production of digital media including graphics, animations, video and paper-based resources, and the creation of computer user interfaces;

Management of IT resources (e.g. networks, Internet servers, on line educational resources); and

Research investigations, methodologies, design and reporting in the use of digital technologies in commerce, information technology, education and training.
It also aims to provide graduates with the foundations for continued personal and intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and for contributing to society at large through innovation, scholarship and leadership.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Appropriate Honours degree.
Entry is also possible through University of Natal's Rule 33 for postgraduate study.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Identify and manage problems relating to the theoretical and practical aspects of digital resources for information technology, research, education and commerce;

Demonstrate ability to undertake and report research in scientifically acceptable ways and to evaluate validity of information;

Demonstrate a number of technical skills related to the creation of digital media;

Work effectively as a team member in group activities;

Develop skills to enhance learning by organising time and tasks effectively and explore a range of different strategies and explore a range of different strategies and use of information retrieval and communication techniques (time and project management skills);

Communicate effectively (in writing, orally and visually) using appropriate terminology;

Demonstrate professional and responsible behaviour when participating in on-line discussions and evaluations;

Become more actively involved in the learning process through participating in open discussions, group work and reading around the subject;

Acquire professional attitudes and behaviour;

Become increasingly aware of career opportunities available in the fields of information technology;

Identify and manage technical problems; and

Demonstrate ability to correct and report technical problems.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Demonstrate understanding and appreciation of, and relationships between, concepts covered in the programme (essays, mini-projects, projects, dissertation);

Communicate (in writing, orally and visually), in a coherent manner (essays, discussions, critiques, mini-projects, projects, dissertations);

Read, sort and interpret information presented in various ways (essays, mini-projects, projects, dissertation);

Undertake projects;

Complete assignments to deadlines;

Master the use of computer technology for investigations and report writing;

Work in a group;

Critically evaluate information;

Reflect on his/her abilities and skills (portfolio); and

Work and behave diligently, courteously and professionally at all times.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved:

The University of Natal is currently reforming its assessment strategies to include the assessment of applied competence for each qualification. In the meantime, a combination of continuous assessment and traditional written examinations serve to assess the integration of all/most of the learning outcomes for each module in a qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Vertical -below: recognized Honours degree
Above: Masters degree
Horizontal - Within the University: Coursework modules from other approved disciplines may be incorporated into this qualification with the approval of the programme directors.
- Outside the University: Subject to University recognition of qualification and/or credits obtained at other institutions.

MODERATION OPTIONS

The ETQA system for HE is not yet fully developed. Until such time as it is, procedures described under assessors criteria suffice.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Until the HEQC establishes a registration system for assessors in the HET Band, the University of Natal assumes that on the basis of its rigorous selection criteria for the appointment of academic staff (who also have opportunities for staff development in assessment), staff are competent to assess students on the modules they teach. This assessment is quality assured via a university system of internal moderation and external examination. External examiners are appointed for their teaching and disciplinary expertise and subject to the approval of faculty Boards. The University of Natal ruling is that 66 % of all assessments at exit level, i.e. leading to qualifications are externally examined.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006.

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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