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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
80866  Diploma in Music 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of this qualification is to:
  • Equip learners with the knowledge and skills to become music educators and/or performers.
  • Provide learners with the opportunity to gain access to study a degree in music.

    Rationale:
    This qualification provides access to tertiary education to a diverse learner population of so-called formerly disadvantaged learners of rural origin, who have a National Senior Certificate (not necessarily granting access to bachelor degree study) and strong musical aptitude. The qualification therefore aims at social advancement and economic growth, as well as the development of arts and music education in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. All forms of relevant previous learning, including formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience, are taken into consideration when considering an application, in accordance to the policy and procedures for RPL of the institution.

    Learners who have skills in excess of the minimum requirement are placed in more advanced modules.

    All relevant qualifications are taken into consideration.

    The audition process is done by integrated assessment and provides the learner with the opportunity to demonstrate competence.

    Recognition of Prior Learning allows the learner to gain credits which might, in extreme cases, diminish the duration needed to obtain the qualification. Note that not more than 50% of the total amount of credits may be earned by way of Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate without endorsement.
    Or
    Advanced Certificate in Music, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules in the qualification are compulsory. A minimum of 388 Credits is required to obtain the qualification.

    Level 5 (120 Credits):
  • English for practical purposes, 12 Credits.
  • English for professional purposes, 12 Credits.
  • Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
  • Keyboard Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Music Notation, 32 Credits.
  • Music Education, 20 Credits.
  • Music Performance, 16 Credits.

    Level 6 (204 Credits):
  • African Music, 32 Credits.
  • Keyboard Skills, 32 Credits.
  • Music Theory, 32 Credits.
  • Music Education, 38 Credits.
  • Music Performance, 38 Credits.
  • Music in Society, 32 Credits.

    Level 7 (64 Credits):
  • Music Theory, 32 Credits.
  • Music Education, 32 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a well-rounded and coherent knowledge and critical understanding of the important terms, rules, concepts, principles and theories related to the wider context of world music.
  • Range: Includes but is not limited to, music theory, music education, music performance, African music and music in society.
    2. Access, evaluate, analyse and use musical data and information to solve music related problems.
    3. Give a musical performance and/or facilitate a musical learning experience.
    4. Understand the responsibility of a musician in the field of music education and music performance. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The relationship between music and society is explained with practical examples.
  • The manner in which music and musicians contribute to society and shape a variety of contexts is explained, through verbal and non-verbal communication, using examples.
  • Musical terms are used correctly in interactions with fellow learners and members of the public.
  • Music theories and principles and the relationship between them are understood.
  • The way in which music rules are used and applied in different types of music are explained.
  • Function as a music educator and/or perform within the society by facilitating teaching-learning activities and/or by performing.
  • Use professional skills in an applicable manner within society.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Sources of musical knowledge are identified and relevant information is accessed independently.
  • Accessed information is evaluated, analysed and synthesised for future use.
  • Musical problems are analysed and solutions sought using information gathered and appropriate methods.
  • Proposed solutions to problems are tested and amendments made where necessary.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Essential methods, procedures and techniques relating to music teaching are used in planning a music learning experience.
  • A music performance in which the necessary protocols, procedures and techniques are taken into account and managed is given.
  • Learning and teaching strategies involved in the music learning-teaching process are explained and demonstrated.
  • Contact sessions during which the methodology of teaching of music theory, music in society and African music are used are arranged.
  • Music notation is read using appropriate style and interpretation.
  • A commitment to accuracy is demonstrated when practising and playing music, an educator or as a performer.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • An awareness of the musician's role and responsibility in society is demonstrated.
  • A sense of integrity, respect for others, and accommodation of issues of human and cultural diversity and care for others is shown in interaction with other people.
  • Musical instruments are respected and cared for to ensure their preservation.
  • The need for lifelong learning and on-going skills acquisition and improvement is understood in terms of the person's long-term involvement and relevance in the music world.
  • Use professional skills in an applicable manner within society.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Teaching-learning activities are contextualised and workplace appropriate (e.g. Musikhane Community Project, field-work and concerts). Although learners are not formally placed in experiential workplaces, they become involved in simulations, case studies, and role-play in order for learning material to be contextualised.
  • During teaching-learning activities learner's knowledge, practical skills, attitudes and values are integrated and theoretical and practical activities are assessed together.
  • Methods used for integrated assessment include continuous, formative (informal and formal), as well as summative assessment.
  • Examples of methods by which informal and formal formative assessment are done include class tests, discussions, feedback and critique during contact sessions and performances.
  • Examples of methods by which continuous assessment is done include:
    > Portfolios.
    > Simulations.
    > Written assignments.
    > Written tests.
    > Case studies and case presentations.
    > Peer group evaluation.
    > Face to face contact with learners.
  • Summative assessment involves written exam papers, projects and concerts during which all theoretical knowledge, problem-solving skills and performing skills are integrated and assessed. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The USA and European countries are traditionally regarded to be the leaders in music performance and education. Institutions such as the Julliard School of Music (USA), the Hochschule fr Musik in Mnchen (Germany) and the Musiika at the University of Jyvskyl (Finland) and are examples of this.

    However, the qualification at this Institution has been uniquely designed and customised to suit the specific needs, background and profile of its learners. The institution wants to ensure that the qualification and training it offers is nationally relevant and internationally comparable. The learners and staff involved in this qualification are effectively involved in exchange qualifications and master classes with countries such as the Southern Methodist University in Dallas (USA), the University of Jyvskyl in Finland, the Norwegian Academy of Music in Norway and the Royal College of Music in Sweden.

    The Australian Institute of Music (2-year Diploma of Music) offers a Diploma of Music in which the entry requirement is lower than that to the Bachelor of Music. Just like at this institution School of Music, the Australian Institute of Music allows a learner to articulate into a Degree qualification after completing the Diploma. The curriculum design has similar elements to that of this institution's qualification and includes: performance studies and instrumental major; musicianship (including music theory and keyboard skills) and ensemble work.

    Other institutions, such as SEGi University College in Kuala Lumpur, do offer three-year Diplomas in Music. SEGi University College's diploma also includes subjects such as performance studies, music theory and composition. However, SEGi University College's entry requirements are higher than those of this institution. The entry requirements of the latter are specifically appropriate to give access to tertiary studies to those learners who have not had the opportunity for formal training in music but who are exceptionally talented in music. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Music Education, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Music in Education, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 2012; 2015. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. North West University 


    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.