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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Arts: Film and Television 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90849  Bachelor of Arts: Film and Television 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree(Min 480)  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  480  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2030-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television is to investigate the contemporary landscapes of film and television and to offer dialogues and experimentation based on the idea of visual narratives. The qualification focuses on the principal platforms of television and cinema; however, modules include the creative and socio-political debates involving emerging hybrid formats and the visual arts. The fictive or factual visual narrative forms the core of all contemporary and historical uses of the moving image and thus the core of the Film and Television Division curriculum.

The underlying intellectual agenda is to explore new directions of screen genres by augmenting and amplifying conventional forms:
  • Fictional and factual modes of screen production.
  • Avant-garde Cinema, Experimental Filmmaking and Video practices in the Arts.
  • Emerging forms of the visual narrative - animation, games, social media, interactive narratives, mobile devices, and new technologies.

    This qualification aims to create the conditions for theoretically informed practice. The qualification is thus geared towards producing critical thinkers who are technically and aesthetically schooled in the crafts and techniques of film and television production. Theory is understood to inform practice, and practice to augment theoretical understanding.

    Rather than reinforcing conventional professional roles, learners are encouraged to develop a strong personal voice through understanding how multiple disciplines contribute to visual narratives. They also work collaboratively in groups to self-reflexively explore the limits and dynamics of collective filmmaking.

    We expect graduating learners to be technically, aesthetically, and theoretically proficient in their chosen disciplines, and through this ability, to be able to express themselves and their ideas creatively, conceptually, and innovatively. The emphasis of practical studies within the qualification is to be considered technisch-kunstlerisch (technic-artistic) as opposed to mere technical operational.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television aims to provide prospective film and television-oriented learners with a named Degree and the possibility to focus their studies on their chosen field. The qualification will offer three full professional streams centred on a theoretical academic major stream, as well as additional optional modules. Following the structure of other professional Degrees in the School, the qualification encompasses four years of study.

    The qualification aims to produce both creative and academically inclined practitioners, graduates with the ability to think, research, and produce critically and innovatively in their field. In summation, the qualification aims to output graduates with a range of conceptual competencies and professional skills for concrete career opportunities within the field - examples of these include directors, director-producers, screenwriters, script developers and editors, art directors, producers, post-production supervisors, commissioning editors, concept and format developers.

    The South African film and television industry, with its annual turnover of over R5 billion, has been identified by the government as one of the key strategic growth sectors within the creative industries. The need for capacity-building initiatives in this area is widely acknowledged, with the National Film and Video Foundation recently exploring the feasibility of establishing a national film school. University education within the field is thus imperative to enable growth, development, and transformation within these capacities. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules, and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL..
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations, should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption from modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal, and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's studies .
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with Exemption.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 bachelor's studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, 7, and 8, totalling 480 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 90 Credits:
  • Visual Story Telling Genres, 15 Credits.
  • Key Concepts in Scriptwriting, 15 Credits.
  • Photographic Image, 15 Credits.
  • Production Basics, 15 Credits.
  • Film Visual and Performing Arts, 30 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 150 Credits:
  • Any Bachelor of Arts Course, 30 Credits.
  • The Visual Document: Fiction, 15 Credits.
  • The Visual Document: Documentary, 15 Credits.
  • Image Creation: The Moving Image, 15 Credits.
  • Image Creation: Components of Visual Storytelling, 15 Credits.
  • Any Bachelor of Arts module, 30 Credits.
  • Drama and Film, 30 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Screen Studies: Documentary Production, 20 Credits.
  • Screen Studies: Components of Visual Storytelling, 20 Credits.
  • Screen Production: Advanced Technical Core, 20 Credits.
  • Screen Production: Multi-Camera, 20 Credits.
  • Screen Writing: Writing the Drama Series, 20 Credits.
  • Screen Writing: Writing the Short Film, 10 Credits.
  • Drama and Film or History of Art, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Screen Studies: Fact and Fiction, 15 Credits.
  • Screen Studies: Experimental Filmmaking, 15 Credits.
  • Screen Production: Finishing the Film, 15 Credits.
  • Screen Production: Sound Design, 15 Credits.
  • Screen Writing: Adaptation: From Text to Screen, 15 Credits.
  • Screen Writing: Developing the Feature Film Screenplay, 15 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Use a range of technologies in film and television production, post-production and dissemination processes.
    2. Demonstrate communication skills in meeting production and creative goals in film and television.
    3. Integrate theoretical and practical approaches to problem-solving in film and television production, demonstrating innovation, originality, and professional judgment.
    4. Apply knowledge of and use the relevant literature, research methods, and practices in historical and contemporary visual production.
    5. Reflect critically on own creative practice to improve quality, originality, and ethical responsibility in film and television production.
    6. Demonstrate social competence of film and television practice, showing awareness of cultural diversity, representation, and inclusivity through individual, group dynamics, and processes.
    7. Demonstrate understanding of regulatory environments governing the film and television industries in South Africa and internationally.
    8. Show disciplinary and/or professional competence to contribute meaningfully to the development of the creative and cultural industries. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Describe key concepts and terminology in the South African and international film and television industry.
  • Select and apply technologies appropriately to meet project objectives..
  • Explore technological innovations to enhance storytelling and production quality. Decode meanings, arguments, and positions in visual and verbal texts.
  • Use debates within modes of film and television professional practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Understand and explain written, oral, academic, and graphic conventions at this level that can be translated to film and television.
  • Demonstrate constructive communication and feedback mechanisms throughout the production process..
  • Analyse film and television-specific writing conventions using accurate English.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explain and report the production of knowledge within the film and television industry.
  • Explain and use conventions of critical analysis of both written and visual texts.
  • Investigate and apply critical and innovative approaches in the scholarly and professional field of film and television.
  • Integrate theory and practice to solve production problems using innovative solutions.
  • Recognise and discuss the limitations of different theoretical models and professional practices in film and television.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explain and use one or more research methods and their appropriate applications.
  • Use and apply knowledge of the relevant literature and practices in historical and contemporary visual production.
  • Articulate the relationship between theory and practice of film and television.
  • Provide a rationale for a small-scale research project.
  • Apply an appropriate research method.
  • Conduct a small-scale research project.
  • Write the research proposal using the appropriate disciplinary conventions.
  • Communicate research findings coherently through written and/or visual reports that reflect academic rigour
  • Contextualise conclusions arising from the research data.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate an increased knowledge of the importance of making the shift to self-directed, independent learning and the development of critical practice.
  • Identify the demands of new tasks (e.g., reading vs. research and studio practice) that will require different styles of learning.
  • Develop an increasingly sophisticated ability to assess oneself in oral, written, and visual modes.
  • Demonstrate initiative in shaping own learning situation and direction in studio practice.
  • Establish a pattern of goal setting and time management with minimal supervision.
  • Match learning strategies to the task requirements of the studio practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Develop individual and group dynamics and processes in film and television practice.
  • Apply self-awareness of own group role and the role of others.
  • Recognise the individual's role and the ability to alter that role creatively in response to prevailing convention.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity to diversity and inclusivity in own and other contexts in film and television practice. Act upon the kind of result that is achieved through group processes
  • Identify multiple sources of knowledge.
  • Integrate the feedback into own and group development.
  • Give constructive feedback.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply the industry regulations, copyright laws, and professional codes to gain an understanding of the world
  • Demonstrate independent work in a complex environment in film and television practice.
  • Recognise the social context of research and creative works in film and television practice.
  • Demonstrate the use of materials within film and television production

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate competence, independence, and originality in specific disciplinary knowledge and studio practice.
  • Recognise the generation of new knowledge in film and television practice.
  • Acquire an in-depth understanding and practical knowledge of film and television.
  • Demonstrate wide reading and visual production in film and television.
  • Identify contemporary debates in film and television that are related to established knowledge and professional practice.
  • Critically examine high-level concepts, texts, and images.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT:
    A battery of assessment instruments, including written assignments, research projects, examinations, and continuous critique of creative work/assignments, will be used. Therefore, both formative and summative forms of assessment will be used to determine competencies acquired through learning.

    To promote, monitor, and measure learning throughout a course, no single assessment may count for more than 40% of the final mark unless there are special circumstances, in which case the permission of the Dean is required. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Albeit there are institutions within North America as well as Europe offering education in the field of film and television, most Degrees have either a solely theoretical or a fully practical focus. Whilst the core units of this Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television are of a universal nature and international standard, the combination offered therein compares with the following international qualifications.

    Country: United States of America
    Institution: The University of Arizona
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts-Film and Television Studies and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Arts-Film and Video Production.

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the qualifications is to prepare highly motivated and imaginative learners for careers in the creative and business aspects of film, television, and transmedia, as well as for advanced study in graduate school or entertainment law. Graduates are equipped with an understanding of the history, industry, and creative processes of film, television, and transmedia.

    Similarities:
    The two qualifications encourage learners to pursue research in and creation of informed, dynamic, and innovative film, television, and transmedia, and prepare them with skills that are relevant, adaptable, and transferable to graduate studies and/or creative positions in studios, production houses, networks, agencies, archives, festivals, and exhibitions.

    Ohio University (School of Media Arts and Studies) offers a Bachelor of Arts Degree, which is a professional Degree designed to prepare learners for a career in all aspects of media, including production, media management, entertainment law, political communications, or graduate study. Learners are encouraged to tailor the qualification requirements to match their own interests and talents, which is similar to the South African qualification

    At the end of their first year in the qualification, learners apply for one of the following five emphasis areas:
  • Media and Social Change.
  • Games and Animation.
  • Music Production and Recording Industry.
  • Screenwriting and producing.
  • Integrated Media.

    Johns Hopkins University in the United States has a Film and Media Studies undergraduate degree, which comprises modules in the theory, history, and criticism of film, media studies, screenwriting, and 16mm film and video production. The qualification is designed to enable learners to understand the history of film and media, to think critically about them, and to gain hands-on experience in how they are made. In the process, learners also garner a strong background in the humanities and have opportunities to hone their skills in verbal, visual, and written expression, which is a similar focus of the South African qualification

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Bournemouth University
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Television Production

    Purpose:
    The Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Television Production runs in parallel with the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Digital Media Design and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Scriptwriting for Film and Television qualifications. These enable the TV learners to engage with the rapidly changing face of today's digital television industry as it becomes increasingly integrated with the internet. Collaboration with their fellow learners forms part of the qualification, as well as being very much encouraged outside it.

    Similarities:
    The South African qualification also offers skills in digital television through modules such as Screen Writing and Screen Studies.

    The Media School at Bournemouth University is a member of the Bournemouth Creative Skillset Media Academy, which is the largest centre of professional higher education for the film and media industries in the United Kingdom, and offers some of the world's finest education and training in the disciplines of practical creative media.

    Conclusion:
    As a structure, the qualification follows the South African and the University's model for professional Degrees. international structures for studies in film and television. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers possibilities of horizontal, vertical, and diagonal articulation..

    Horizontal articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Digital Media, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Film and Visual Media, Level 8
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Drama and Film Studies, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Motion Picture Production, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Arts in Visual Arts, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Visual Arts, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Film Music, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Arts in Film and Visual Media, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Advanced Occupational Certificate: Media/Programme Content Production Manager, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Internal institutional requirements govern how and by whom moderation is performed. Such moderation seeks, inter alia, to ensure that, where appropriate, the graduates will be able to comply with professional and statutory requirements. The institution ensures that its activities are moderated by internal and external review. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Internal institutional quality requirements govern how and by whom assessment may be performed to ensure that assessors have the competence required to assess a qualification. Assessors must have a qualification one NQF level higher than the current qualification and appropriate experience in the field. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. University of Witwatersrand 


    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.