SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Arts: Audio-visual Communication

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
4181	Master of Arts: Audio-visual Communication
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 02 - Culture and Arts		Film, Television and Video
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	256	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
73944	Master of Arts in Audiovisual Communication	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The primary purpose of this qualification is to develop advanced applied competence of qualifying learners in Audiovisual Communication (AVC). Advanced applied competence implies the highly developed ability to acquire, analyse, interpret and apply advanced communication principles and theories, related to the context of AVC, within relevant sectors of the electronic media and the broadcasting industry. Furthermore, learners will develop the highly sophisticated ability to internalise, reflect and communicate highly complex strategic decisions and applications effectively, through the progressive and suitable use of scientific language and technical terminology associated with AVC. The qualification will facilitate effective critical learning and foster appropriate research capabilities through the exposure to and application of specialised learning and research styles, thereby enabling the learner to navigate and holistically manage the compounded, dynamic context of AVC holistically.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

To enrol for this qualification, potential learners need to demonstrate the following competences:

*The ability to write academic texts;

*The ability to write a research proposal and report;

*The ability to orally present and defend an argument that is supported by evidence;

*The ability to engage with and critique the ideas of their peers in a constructive manner;

*The ability to design, plan, and execute a meso-level research task based on a theoretical framework in a group context at an immediate level, to reflect on their own research and report on research findings;

The ability to search for, access, organise and interpret information on an intermediate level.

The ability to use various information and communication technologies in an academic environment;

*The ability to discuss the theory and methodology of Communication and AVC, and to be able to contribute to current debates in AVC at intermediate level;

*The ability to critically and creatively describe and apply different communication models and construct specific AVC problems in the South African and global broadcasting industry and electronic media contexts at an intermediate level.

The potential learners should be in possession of an Honours degree in Communication or AVC with an average of 65% at NQF level 7, with a minimum of 120 credits. Potential learners who are not in possession of such a degree, but who are in possession of a qualification that could be regarded as equivalent to such a qualification must apply to the Accreditation Committee of the Faculty of Arts for accreditation.

Recognition of prior learning:
All potential learners not in possession of an Honours degree in communication or AVC, need to provide proof of an equivalent qualification. Those who claim that they have achieved relevant prior learning that would give them access to the programme, need to apply to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Communication for recognition of prior learning.
Potential learners who want to be credited for prior learning and/or experience for a particular module or modules, need to apply in writing to the Departmental Chairperson of the Department of Communication, clearly stating the title(s) of the module or modules they want to be credited for as well as the basis on which they believe the accreditation should be granted.
The principles or RPL are subscribed to, and will be implemented in a flexible manner. The principle of flexible and open access will, however, be offset against the provision that this is not be to the detriment of the potential student and that his/her chances to succeed must be reasonable.
The committee will assess learners' competencies in order to determine whether they are eligible for
d) access to, or
e) advanced placement in, or
f) recognition of status for this qualification

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve advanced AVC problems by using critical and creative thinking;

2. Manage strategically and work effectively with others as a member of an AVC team or a group to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex communication and AVC problems;

3. Organize and manage personal activities related to the AVC learning process and research in a accountable manner;

4. Collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate, conceptualise and apply complex information pertaining to AVC;

5. Communicate specialised AVC information effectively, using appropriate communication skills and media and facilitating effective verbal and non-verbal persuasive communication;

6. Use intricate AVC science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues pertaining to AVC;

7. Demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of AVC and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and the broader context;

8. Acquire and reflect on specialized reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and AVC;

9. Acquire a specialized understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship with regard to AVC in local, national and global communities;

10. Comprehend and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in the process of AVC;

11. Develop advanced career-development skills within the AVC employment context;

12. Identify and develop strategic AVC entrepreneurial opportunities.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Does the learner identify, evaluate, anticipate and solve advanced AVC problems by using critical and creative thinking?

2. Does the learner strategically manage and work effectively with others as a member of an AVC team or a group to identify, solve and critically evaluate highly complex communication and AVC problems?

3. Does the learner organize and manage personal activities related to the AVC learning process in an accountable manner?

4. Does the learner collect, analyse, organize, critically evaluate, conceptualise and apply complex information pertaining to AVC ?

5. Does the learner communicate specialised AVC information effectively, using appropriate communication skills and media and facilitating effective and non-verbal persuasive communication?

6. Does the learner use intricate AVC science and technology effectively, critically and responsibly to address complex issues pertaining to AVC?

7. Does the learner demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of the related systems of AVC and the dynamic interrelationship between these units and the broader context?

8. Does the learner acquire and reflect on specialised reflective skills and strategies appropriate to the context of communication and AVC?

9. Does the learner acquire a specialized understanding of the intricate principles of responsible citizenship with regard to AVC in local, national and global communities?

10. Does the learner comprehend and apply heightened cultural and aesthetic sensitivity in the process of AVC?

11. Does the learner develop advanced career-development skills within the AVC employment context?

12. Does the learner identify and develop strategic AVC entrepreneurial opportunities?

Integrated assessment:
Continuous assessment practices form an integral part of the design of this qualification. Learning outcomes are made explicit to learners and there is a coherent assessment strategy in place for each module, with a fair balance between formative and summative assessment strategies.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:
A range of formative assessment strategies is used. Formative assessment strategies include, among others: short essays, oral presentations to a group of peers, practical computer-based activities, personal discussions and practical projects. Opportunities for peer-assessment are included.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:
Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, includes the drafting of a research proposal and the writing of a research report.
AND
For the structured programme, summative assessment on essays and an oral examination also takes place

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Access to qualifications on a lower level:
Potential learners should be in possession of an Honours degree in Communication or Audiovisual Communication at NQF level 7. The achievement of this qualification should give the learner access to certificates and diplomas in this field at level 7.

Access to qualifications on the same level:
The achievement of this qualification should give learners access to certificates and diplomas in this field on level 8. Learners who are (or have been) registered for this (or a related) qualification at another higher education institution or at RAU, may, with the permission of the Dean of Arts, enter the Master's programmes in Communication or AVC mid-stream, given that the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will therefore be credited for prior learning.

Access to qualifications on a higher level:
Having obtained this qualification, the following possibilities for further study in higher education programme exist:

a Doctoral programme in Communication or AVC.

MODERATION OPTIONS

External examination processes to be implemented:
An assessor within the department, as well as an external moderator, administers the final assessment. A departmental committee appoints external assessors.

External examiners/moderators that will be appointed for this qualification and the type of institutions or professional bodies from which they will typically be:
One per module from the Communication Department of a tertiary institution, or a qualified assessor from a related industry or professional body.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Criteria regarding formal qualifications that an assessor should have:
An assessor should, at least have a Master's degree in Communication, or a related field of study and/or be regarded as an expert in the subject field and competent to act as an assessor by the academic community.

Criteria regarding job or learning area experience:
An assessors should be proficient in the subject matter of the learning area in which he/she is assessing and have good interpersonal skills.

Criteria regarding experience of or exposure to assessment:
An assessor needs to have prior assessment experience and/or be trained in assessment practises on higher education level:
*As part of qualifying as an education and training practitioner, or
*through a mentoring process, or
*through on-the-job training, or
*through additional study of a unit standard or qualification on assessment.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

This MA honours with endorsement qualification is registered as a separate qualification only with SAQA. At the Department of Education it is not registered separately, but is included in the registration of the generic MA.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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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