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 Certificate: Communication Photography

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
71821	Advanced Certificate: Communication Photography
ORIGINATOR
Prestige Academy (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 Certificate	Field 02 - Culture and Arts		Film, Television and Video
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 6	Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L6	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2022-12-31

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 and Rationale:

This Qualification has a specific purpose, which justifies its existence as a Qualification in its own right. Generally, it addresses the human resource development needs of the country. It can be categorized as a vocational education and training program, because it is directly relevant to the needs in industry.

There is a growing need for professional photographers within the rapidly developing communication industry, particularly in the advertising, education/training and public information sector. There is also a need for wider access to media science learning opportunities by students who do not meet entry qualifications into University program. The introduction of this Qualification will provide in this specific need.

The primary purpose is to equip students with relevant knowledge and skills as well as a creative approach to use photography at a professional standard and working independently as a photographer in various areas of this particular industry.

Since this a career-orientated program, a realistic balance is maintained between learning theory on the one hand, and skills development in terms of being able to apply new knowledge in real life. Complementary to this, the program offers opportunities for learning through exposure to the real photography industry and master the ability to transfer theoretical knowledge to the workplace. Since strong emphasis is on the development of a variety of photographic skills using the latest camera, and image manipulation equipment, this program will add educational value for enrolled students.

Increased equity is achieved by giving students from historically disadvantaged communities wider access to such learning opportunities, and thus addressing imbalances of the past. More specifically, this Qualification is offered to candidates who:

Wish to be equipped with specialized knowledge and skills to pursue a career in photography.

Seek a learning program that is tailor-made for the needs related to electronic photographic imaging in the visual information/communication and advertising industry.

Wish to combine interpersonal skills, technology and art/creative abilities.

Were previously disadvantaged or who were denied access to formal learning programs in this particular field.

Have worked as a photographer in industry for many years but have no formal Qualification, which limits job promotion and security of income.

Wish to get recognition for relevant prior learning and achieve a formal Qualification that makes it easier to move up the value chain.

Have recently left school after acquiring a Senior Certificate, or equivalent Qualification.

Who wish to acquire an advanced Qualification that will enable them to continue with a further Qualification at a higher level.

The program is designed to be offered over two years of full-time study. The modules for the first year set a platform of knowledge and skills upon which the second year of studies follow, at an advanced level.

The program modules for the first year are Photography Theory, Applied Photography, Professional Practice, Image Creation and Composition and Visual Communication. The program provides for the following modules in the second year: Photography Theory, Applied Photography, Professional Practice, Visual Communication, and Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The learner entering this program should have a Senior/GET Certificate or equivalent. Knowledge of/and experience in applied computer technologies is not required. Interest or experience in art, photography, or image manipulation, either from a technical or creative viewpoint may be beneficial.

Candidates should be able to communicate in English, since the language of tuition at this Institution, by default, is English.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This programme provides for Recognition of Prior Learning, which will be conducted in line with institutional policy. Through Recognition of Prior Learning and a system of access credits, candidates have the opportunity to gain credit for certain modules successfully completed elsewhere, or in a previous program completed at this Institution. In this way they can fast-track the prescribed learning program, may choose additional modules and expand their knowledge and skills during the period of study.

Generally, students can get access to this program through recognition of relevant knowledge and skills acquired by:

Occupational-related experience in this particular field.

Gaining credits for a certain part/component of this Qualification (in another program within this Institution, or externally in the same/a similar qualification at an accredited education/training institution; and/or

An entire Qualification.

Through Recognition of Prior Learning students also have the opportunity to enter into more advanced programs and further their studies to acquire additional qualifications internationally. This program has been designed to address such a need too.

The specific form of assessment to determine the extent of Recognition of Prior Learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual applicant. In case of the applicant not being able to produce a certificate of credits gained, the assessment will at least involve the presentation of a portfolio of practical work as demonstration of applied knowledge and skills. Part of the requirements in case of application for Recognition of Prior Learning is that the candidate must fill out a questionnaire accompanied by a portfolio of evidence of prior learning.

Access to the Qualification:

There is open access to all candidates. There will be no discrimination on the basis of race, language, religious orientation, or gender.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Experiential Learning:

Since this is a vocational education and training program, it is required that all candidates complete a specified period of experiential (work integrated) learning. Generally, it requires a minimum of:

40 hours in case of a one year (Higher Certificate) program.

80 hours in case of a two year (Advanced Certificate) program.

An additional 40 hours in every year for programs of longer duration.

Learners arrange for and complete the required experiential (work integrated) learning at a company of own choice during mid-term breaks. Should a candidate find it difficult to identify a suitable place, academic staff assist them in finding a suitable workplace.

During this period, the students will gain experience in transferring knowledge and skills to the work setting. At the same time, they are given the opportunity to develop generic skills such as teamwork, interpersonal communication, decision-making, cultural sensitivity, etc. This is viewed as added value because it improves the employability of candidates at the exit point.

Apart from this work-based learning, students are also exposed to other modes of experiential learning, such as field trips and job shadowing.

Candidates are being assessed in various ways. The supervisor or manager of the company gives feedback to the assessor by means of a completed performance appraisal for the candidate, and records the actual work hours completed at the company. Also, the candidate must hand in a written learning reflection report. In order to achieve a pass grade, the candidate must hand in all of the above documents as part of the PoE of the candidate. Certification will only be done once the candidate has completed the prescribed experiential learning.

Programme Structure:

The learning path of this program is structured by way of a number of modules. The syllabus of each is based on the specific outcomes pertaining to that module. Each module could cover theory, and/or practical application of knowledge, and or experiential learning as determined by the module outcomes and assessment criteria. In order to ascertain whether the learner meets the conditions for certification, a certain number of credits are allocated to each module. The specific details are indicated in the table below:

Year 1:

Module Title; Component; NQF Level; Credits:

Photography Theory 1; Fundamental; NQF Level 5; 20 Credits.

Applied Photography 1; Core; NQF Level 5; 60 Credits.

Professional Practice 1; Core; NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.

Visual Communication 1; Core; NQF Level 6; 15 Credits.

Image Creation and Composition; Core; NQF Level 5; 10 Credits.

Subtotal: 120 Credits.

Year 2:

Photography Theory 2; Core; NQF Level 6; 10 Credits.

Applied Photography 2; Core; NQF Level 6; 75 Credits.

Professional Practice 2; Core; NQF Level 6; 10 Credits.

Visual Communication 2; Core; NQF Level 6; 10 Credits.

Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship; Core; NQF Level 5; 15 Credits.

Subtotal; 120 Credits.

Total: 240 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the program the learner will be able to:

Demonstrate a broad understanding of the history of photography, including the common styles and related approaches to photographic imaging.

Display a thorough understanding of the professional photography work environment, including the photographic studio and photography equipment used today.

Demonstrate a personal photographic style.

Display a high level of knowledge of the technical features and operations of professional photographic equipment, including digital cameras and electronic image manipulation equipment.

Demonstrate understanding of the business operations and window of opportunities of professional photography, including the costing, planning and execution of photographic assignments/accounts.

Compile a portfolio of practical work from assignments for marketing and client recruitment purposes.

Display an understanding of effective communication by means of the photographic and electronic imaging.

Display a sound understanding of professional practice in the photographic industry.

Demonstrate understanding and take effective steps to address and prevent safety risks related to photography practice.

Reflect upon and evaluate current photography practices against new trends and forecasts in industry.

The relevant Critical Cross-Filed Outcomes applicable to this program, are as follows:

Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking within context of professional photography practice.

Work effectively with others as a member of photography studio, or visual communication team.

Organize and manage oneself to complete assignments and tasks in time.

Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information related to execution of various photography tasks and assignments.

Communicate effectively using graphic, visual and verbal or multimedia modes.

Use scientific processes and photographic equipment effectively and responsibility.

Comprehend that the world of visual communication and professional photography is a set of inter-related systems by recognizing that visual imaging problems cannot be solved in isolation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Integrated Assessment:

According to institutional policy the term integrated assessment is interpreted and should be applied as follows:

Assessment of competence is an integral part of program delivery. Assessment is thus conducted throughout the duration of the program as a mechanism to monitor learning progress, identify weak points or limitations and give guidance to individual students towards further learning and professional development (formative assessment). This complemented by summative assessment with the emphasis on measuring the ability of the learner to integrated knowledge and skills from different related modules (using cognitive skills of application, analysis and synthesis).

Since the execution of job-related tasks require the integration of theory and the application of knowledge as well as skills, assessment practice will as far as possible be conducted along the same line. This means that assessment methods and tools will be suitable to assess mastery of knowledge as well as skills jointly and simultaneously, if possible, rather than written assessment (e.g. class tests and examination papers) alone. Different outcomes are thus also assessed in a combined manner.

At the same time, the Specific Learning Outcomes and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes will be assessed jointly, e.g. creative problem-solving, the ability to organize and manage oneself responsibly and effectively, collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information, as well as using computer technology in a responsible manner.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The student with this Qualification will be able to apply relevant knowledge, attitudes, and skills as a professional photographer at any level, both within and outside South Africa. The program is on par with similar programs elsewhere, for example at the New York Institute of Photography. Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premier Software packages and related technologies that are being used in the offering of the program are the latest available and common to professional practice in both advertising and design companies.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Possibilities exist for articulation to other Qualifications horizontally, within and external to the Institution, as well as vertically to the next level Qualification within and external to the Institution.

Horizontal Articulation:

Students who have successfully completed relevant module such as Practical Photo-graphy, or Visual Communication and Design, which form part of a different qualification, will gain access credits and entry into such a program. This is applicable to another qualification within this institution or elsewhere.

Vertical Articulation:

Candidates may build on this Qualification and progress to a further (more advanced) Qualification, such as a three year Diploma in Photography, or BA Degree in Visual Communication. If such a program is offered at another Institution the learner will be able to enroll into that program through recognition of access credits.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Moderation will be conducted in line with the Institutional Moderation Policy. Generally, our moderation system requires ongoing internal moderation of a variety of programme delivery aspects such as papers for written assessment, and external moderation in all modules at the exit point of the program. The Policy states that students have the right to appeal against the results of any assessment. This is dealt with in a prescribed manner, based on standard grievance procedures. Various options may be considered such as the modification of the initial assessment results. The Committee may also decide to uphold the result.

We do not use a system of external examiners, as the case with postgraduate masters and doctoral students at universities.

Suitable qualified persons will be used for both internal and external moderation, in line with the requirements for selection and appointment as well as prescribed responsibilities as stated in the Moderation Policy.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors are appointed in line with institutional policy, as well as the Quality Management Policy and performance framework of academic staff. Anyone acting as assessor of learning must meet specified requirements.

These are:

Relevant formal education at the minimum required NQF Level for which evidence must be provided by way of Certificates of Qualification.

At least three years of relevant practical work experience in industry, OR a professional teacher OR education and training practitioner practice Qualification.

Formal training in outcome-based assessment leading to accreditation and registration as assessor. Should a new member of academic staff not be an accredited assessor, it is required that he/she completes this training within a year (this commitment is specified in the conditions of appointment). All new employees also receive thorough briefing on all relevant institutional policies and procedures (including assessment and moderation) during a compulsory induction program.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

Learning Components:

The learning program comprises theory, practical application of theory, and skills development according to the outcome-based education and training model. The learning content (syllabus) is structured by way of a modular approach. Each module has a specific allocated credit value at the exit point, and learning matter based on the specific learning outcomes.

To ensure increased employability, the program includes compulsory experiential learning during the second academic year.

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.	Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd