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 Diploma in Sound Engineering

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
48447	Advanced Diploma in Sound Engineering
ORIGINATOR
City Varsity (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
Advanced Diploma	Field 02 - Culture and Arts		Film, Television and Video
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 5	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 1141/23	2021-07-01	2024-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30		2028-06-30

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

The development and growth of the entertainment industry in South Africa has necessitated the need to introduce specialised learning programmes. Certain specialised areas within the entertainment industry in South Africa have never had formal training programmes. Therefore we have developed, along with key members of the local Sound Industry, a Sound Recording Engineering course that produces well-rounded professionals, versed in all spheres of sound engineering, thus enhancing a developing industry and promoting the African Renaissance. The Advanced Diploma will build on and hone the learners practical skills in a specific field of study, as well as introducing them to the Sound industry via experiential learning.

Rationale

As the Sound Industry in South Africa has grown tremendously in the past years, it has been noted that there is a serious gap in the industry as far as formal training in the craft of sound design and the understanding of sound as a whole. CityVarsity has filled a niche market by training learners as sound engineers as opposed to sound technicians, helping them to understand and implement the techniques and qualities needed in a professional industry, thereby helping to raise local standards to match international standards. The Advanced Diploma hones certain skills, dependant on elective and allows the graduate to enter the industry at a more competitive level with specific skills.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

All subjects utilise the same teaching and learning strategies. The learners are presented with theoretical classes and are then given the opportunity to apply that theory to a practical application, using the equipment available to them at CityVarsity. They are also given practical assignments and productions that enable them further to apply the theoretical component of the course. Essays and assignments are given to ensure that the learner researches and comprehends all elements of the subject.

Recognition of Prior Learning

To accommodate various methods of entry to the programme, the STEP (Special Tenure Entry Process) initiative has been formulated. This process assesses previous knowledge and skill levels of a candidate and allows for an individual to be advanced into the advanced diploma should equivalent competencies be demonstrated.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

N/A

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Component 1: Competencies relating to intermediate technical and computer skills (computer, electronic, equipment, software and platforms)

Exit Level Outcome 1.1: Demonstrate competence in use of all equipment and software.

Competence is evident when candidates are able to:

Operate with proficiency a mixing desk and studio outboard equipment

Operate with proficiency the ProTools audio editing software

Operate with proficiency the Premiere video editing software

Operate with proficiency the advanced features of Cubase VST

Understand electronic theories and practical relating to electronic theories.

Component 2: Competences relating to the areas or subjects and content appropriate to the selected specialization praxis (Band recording, MIDI and Music and Location and Post Production for Film and Television) and the relevant and related applied theory.

Exit Level Outcome 2.1: Demonstrate competence in advanced location and post production for film and television

Competence is evident when candidates are able to:

Create an entire broadcast quality movie soundtrack from location to post production utilising specific equipment and personnel necessary to create an industry standard production.

Create an entire broadcast quality advertisment soundtrack from location to post production utilising specific equipment and personnel necessary to create an industry standard production.

Create an entire broadcast quality animation soundtrack from location to post production utilising specific equipment and personnel necessary to create an industry standard production.

Create an entire broadcast quality radio soundtrack from location to post production utilising specific equipment and personnel necessary to create an industry standard production.

Show the correct decorum and level of professionalism as dictated by the industry

Be able to pitch themselves and their work to the sound industry with competence and confidence.

Manage booking studio time and artists

Complete work within a designated time frame

Exit Level Outcome 2.2: Demonstrate competence in advanced band recording

Competence is evident when candidates are able to:

Set-up a studio for a full band recording

Record and edit varying genres, eg: Rock, Jazz, Punk, Classical

Efficiently record and edit varying instruments from Classical to rock, jazz.and kwaito.

Efficiently record and edit varying vocals from classical and choral to rock, Jazz and opera.

Handle equipment and studio hiring

Manage studio time and artists

Complete a production within a designated time frame

Show the correct decorum and level of professionalism as dictated by the industry

Be able to pitch themselves and their work to the sound industry with competence and confidence

Create demo CD`s

Create full mastered productions

Exit Level Outcome 2.3: Demonstrate competence in advanced Music and MIDI composition

Competence is evident when candidates are able to:

Compose and create an entire broadcast quality music soundtrack to any genre of film and television

Compose and create broadcast quality jingles and stings for film and television

Compose and create music for variety shows and live shows

Compose and create music in any genre of music EG: classical, kwaito, rock, soul.

Compose and create music for any instrument Eg: brass, woodwind, strings

Show the correct decorum and level of professionalism as dictated by the industry

Be able to pitch themselves and their work to the sound industry with competence and confidence.

Manage booking studio time and artists

Complete work within a designated time frame

Component 3: Competencies relating to advanced technical skills(computer, electronic, equipment, software and platforms)

Exit Level Outcome 3.1: Demonstrate competence in Advanced use of all equipment and software

Competence is evident when candidates are able to:

Operate with proficiency a digital desk

Operate with proficiency the ProTools audio editing software including utilising keyboard short cuts

Operate with proficiency the Premiere video editing software including digitising and compressing

Operate with proficiency the advanced features of Cubase VST and SX DAW software.

Demonstrate an understanding of new Internet technologies, including, but not limited to optical and firewire and correct sampling and compression.

Component 4: Competencies relating to advanced praxis and applied theory elements of sound engineering.

Exit Level Outcome 4.1: Demonstrate competence and skill in integrating theory with practical and utilising advanced techniques.

Competence is evident when candidates are able to:

Complete productions in the varying Surround sound options including Dolby 5.1and ProLogic.

Master a band to broadcast quality utilising advanced techniques and software.

Create a DVD with all the correct options and sound values

Use advanced mastering techniques by assimilating details of the latest technological developments, the intimate workings of Digital Audio and how it relates to CD, DVD, Cinema, Broadcast and the Internet.

Demonstrate the ability to utilise Internet applications and create audio for the Internet using new sampling technologies and compression.

Create a business plan and show a profit after a year.

Demonstrate studio etiquette and professionalism.

Component 5: Competencies relating to history and structure of the Internet. Competencies relating to copyright and trademark law relating to the Internet. Competencies relating to e-commerce, copyright and electronic transaction.

Competence is evident when candidates are able to:

Understand and utilise the Internet for marketing and media purposes

Understand copyright laws relating to the Internet

Understand trademark laws relating to the Internet

Understand and implement e-commerce, setting up a pay site and utilising electronic transactions

Understand copyright laws relating to e-commerce

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Integrated Assessment

Assessment Methods
The assessment methods are varied, but predominantly of an on-going nature focusing on using qualitative, or formative, methods to ensure a "deep approach" to learning. These methods can include some of what Luckett would describe as "Continuous, Peer and Self Assessment". The methods of assessment however include both the summative, such as examinations, as well as formative, including essays with personal feedback, practicals with feedback, both individual, group and written projects with reports critically analyzing an aspect thereof, and presentations with group work.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Sound Engineering Advanced Diploma is designed to enable its graduates to achieve successful employment internationally. The course content is geared at international standards and the equipment utilised in practical applications is aimed at international trends. Constant research is undertaken to ensure that this level of compatibility is maintained and constant upgrades and improvements are put in place should they be necessary.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

At present, nationally, there are no places of further study. Upon completion of the qualification process we will further be able ascertain as to whether we will be able to accept learners from other accredited institutions and whether our graduates will be able to continue their studies at other South African institutions.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Students must achieve a minimum aggregate of 60% for all theory work and 70% minimum for all practical work.
Students must achieve an 80% class attendance for the term/year for admission to final theory examinations.
Non-submission of theory essays set during the term/year per subject, does not exclude the student from attending any examination.
Practical work is assessed as an examination and on an on-going basis.
All theoretical work is marked as per a memorandum and moderated as indicated in the "Rules and Regulations".
All examinations and tests are discussed in follow up classroom situations, after the examinations (excepting Term 4).
All theory work is given criticism and time is made available in the year plan for the student to discuss all theoretical and practical work with the relevant lecturer.
Practical work is assessed in a group situation and feedback and discussion given.
Practical work is assessed according to criteria relevant to the specific project as laid out in "Project Outlines" that are handed to the student at the beginning of the academic year. These criteria include aims and objectives, practical and equipment requirements.
Practical work is marked by all relevant subject lecturers and final marks are discussed and negotiated in this forum.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

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.	City Varsity - Cape Town