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: 

Bachelor of Arts in Professional Acting for Camera 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93731  Bachelor of Arts in Professional Acting for Camera 
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
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Film, Television and Video 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  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   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 this qualification is to equip learners with in-depth knowledge and skills to become actors and/or presenters in theatre, film and television with the emphasis on acting for film and television. The qualification aims to produce actors who are versatile, disciplined and professional in their approach to their work and who have a sound knowledge of the technical and artistic requirements of acting as well as the processes of making productions for the theatre, film and television industries.

Careers that could be informed by this qualification are:
  • Film Producer.
  • Film Director.
  • Television Producer.
  • Television Director.
  • Theatre Producer.
  • Theatre Director.
  • Scriptwriter.
  • Assistant Film/Television Director.
  • Television Floor Manager.
  • Line Producer for Film or Television.
  • Television Presenter.
  • Voice Artist.

    Rationale:
    The Scarce Skills List as produced by the Department of Labour, indicates that film and television is one of the scarce skills where there is a need for skilled people. Especially film, television, radio and stage directors are indicated as crucial skills needed to direct the artistic and production aspects of film, television, radio and stage productions.

    Multi-skilling for both television and film abilities are therefore required and should be part of training. In addition, due to culture diversity in South Africa, not only the crafts of film making should be taught, but also the creative and local content infusion from its learners be fostered.

    The rationale for this qualification is to train and equip learners to become actors and/or presenters in theatre, film and television with the emphasis on acting for film and television. The qualification aims to produce actors who are versatile, disciplined and professional in their approach to their work and who have a sound knowledge of the theory behind technical and artistic requirements of acting as well as the processes of making productions for the theatre, film and television industries.

    The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Acting for Camera builds on the Advanced Diploma in Acting for Camera. The underlying idea is to shift the teaching and learning emphasis from a practical approach to an approach based on a sound theoretical knowledge framework that will underpin the practical aspects. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    The Bachelor of Arts in Professional Acting for Camera, NQF Level 7, may be achieved in part or wholly through the process of Recognition of Prior Learning. Provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised if a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes embedded in this Qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    This qualification is for all those candidates who have obtained one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate with Language at NQF Level 4, granting access to a Degree studies.
  • National Certificate (Vocational), at NQF Level 4 with Language granting access to Degree studies.
  • Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, with one elective module at NQF Level 7, totalling 396 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Acting 1, 40 Credits.
  • Film Studies 1, 28 Credits.
  • Scriptwriting 1, 28 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Theatre Studies 1, 28 Credits.
  • Theatre Studies 2, 32 Credits.
  • Acting 2, 40 Credits.
  • Film Studies 2, 32 Credits.
  • Scriptwriting 2, 32 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Theatre Studies 3, 40 Credits.
  • Acting 3, 48 Credits.

    Elective Modules (NQF Level 7):
  • Film Studies 3, 48 Credits.
  • Scriptwriting 3, 48 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Discuss aspects of the history of art and reflect on the influence of various cultures in art.
    2. Discuss, analyse and evaluate the history of film and theatre.
    3. Analyse and evaluate a variety of texts.
    4. Master aspects of acting in film and theatre.
    5. Know and apply required aspects of film studies.
    6. Analyse various genres for scriptwriting.
    7. Analyse alternative structures for scriptwriting and produce script.
    8. Know and use contemporary media. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Contemporary film trends are discussed in a historical context.
  • Major film movements and influences are debated.
  • Essays and treatments are written.
  • Research for academic writing is done using research methodology.
  • Script formatting and software, the classic structure and the weave of character and plot is correctly performed.
  • A three act structure is explained and used to write.
  • The role of characters within a narrative is explained and created accordingly.
  • Plot within a narrative is created and choices are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss and evaluate film concepts as used internationally.
  • Discuss and analyse films specific to Africa and South Africa and its impact on society.
  • The history of South African theatre is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Text analysis is correctly performed.
  • Texts for media and film are analysed and results are presented.
  • Texts regarding Media and Film are analysed and critiqued.
  • Analysis of prescribed texts is performed and presented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The exploration of theatre scenes and exercises is described, analysed and reviewed.
  • Scripted and unscripted texts are analysed and improvisation done and assessed according to expected standard.
  • Improvisation techniques for film and theatre are critiqued and applied.
  • Improvisation techniques are related to the art of Acting and interpreted.
  • Characterisation in terms of stage acting is interpreted, performed and evaluated.
  • The correct "size" of the performance required for on screen acting is explained and justified.
  • The specific technical requirements for screen performance are explained, applied and assessed.
  • Correct body alignment is discussed demonstrated and experimented with.
  • Correct breathing techniques are investigated, demonstrated and experimented with.
  • The correct posture is discussed, analysed, demonstrated and interpreted.
  • Release based movement techniques are explained and applied to the art of choreography.
  • The anatomy of the speech organs is described and its effects demonstrated.
  • Voice control is analysed, discussed and practised.
  • The art of resonant voice production is described, analysed and applied.
  • The theory of voice projection is described, applied and assessed in terms of speaking clearly.
  • ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement) is investigated and its usage critically discussed.
  • Microphone techniques are analysed and applied.
  • The concept of improvisation is explained, applied and assessed.
  • Scripted and unscripted texts are analysed and improvisation done according to expected standard.
  • Improvisation techniques and their roles for film and theatre are critiqued, applied and appraised.
  • Improvisation techniques are related to the art of Acting.
  • Theatre development in South Africa in the past 350 years is evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The importance of aesthetics in visual media is debated and origins, art movements, trends and artworks are explained.
  • Semiotics is defined and its application in contemporary media is explained.
  • The role of elements such as dressing, set elements, settings, and wardrobe build to prop up character and narrative is described.
  • Visual media is analysed and own opinion presented demonstrating knowledge of contexts.
  • Moving image conventions are analysed and their usage motivated within context.
  • Film in a societal and human context is analysed in terms of sex and gender.
  • The role which history, culture, education, environment, religion, language in relation to race and ethnicity plays in views, preferences, choices and decisions is analysed and debated.
  • The role of language in communication is analysed.
  • Still images are analysed taking visual conventions and contexts into consideration.
  • African Film and South African film are investigated, analysed and discussed.
  • Asian Film is investigated and discussed.
  • South American Film is investigated and discussed.
  • Australian Film is investigated and discussed.
  • Basic principals of Ethics, questions of Morality and a brief history of Philosophy are discussed and their applications debated.
  • Texts in media and film are analysed.
  • The history of non-Western theatre is critically discussed.
  • The main principles of Eastern theatre are analysed.
  • The main principles of African theatre are analysed.
  • Text analysis of Media and Film is performed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • The main genres of theatre are analysed.
  • A study of literature is performed and discussed.
  • Genre specific, cultural and socio-political circumstances of Naturalism, Realism, Anti-realism and Post-Modern Political theatre are compared and analysed.
  • The main forms of genres of theatre are analysed and debated.
  • The principles of major trends in dramatic text analysis are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Different genres in dramatic texts are discussed.
  • Scripts are read, analysed and evaluated.
  • A documentary, or a feature script or pilot for a TV series is written.
  • Text is adapted to screen.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Knowledge of the origins of contemporary art and significant works of art and artists up to modern times is demonstrated.
  • A treatment for a production is formulated.
  • Contemporary media/mediums are explained.
  • Animation is explained and discussed.
  • Film in a societal/human context is explained.
  • The role music plays in film is explained from an emotive and narrative point of view.
  • Film is analysed from an objective viewpoint in relation to the intended audience.
  • The difference between commercial and art films are debated.
  • New and old versions of films are critically compared and evaluated.
  • Principles of Ethics, Morality and Philosophy are explained and applications thereof are debated.
  • The notion of entertainment is explained and critically discussed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Formative assessment integrates theory with practice, with transfer of skills being conducted in a real or simulated workplace environment. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

    The purpose of assessment is to determine whether a learner has met the outcomes of the qualification in terms of theory and practice. Integrative techniques are therefore used to assess applied competence. Candidates should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts offers a two-year qualification in acting for camera. This qualification is skills based and follows the techniques of Sanford Meisner who emphasises "moment-to-moment" spontaneity through communion with other actors. The required behaviour that is truthful under imaginary circumstances may be generated in such interaction.

    The New York Film Academy offers a two-year Degree in Fine Arts. The first year of the Degree concentrates on exposing the student to basics of acting, and the second year coursework is geared toward a higher echelon of understanding in terms of craft and discipline.

    Although techniques are also discussed and practiced in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree, the focus is also on theory underpinning the technique. As such the BA Degree encompasses the two-year programme of the New York Conservatory of Dramatic Arts as well as the two-year Degree of the New York Film Academy. The same could be said of a comparison between the BA Degree and Acting for Camera courses offered by institutions such as the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Australia and City Lit in London. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Access to qualifications on the same level:
    Learners who are (have been) registered for the same or another related qualification on NQF Level 7 will be able to horizontally enter another relevant qualification on the same level, given the rules of access have been complied with. Such learners will retain credit for modules successfully completed at another institution.

    Access to qualifications on a higher level:
    Having obtained this qualification, a learner could progress to a relevant Honours Bachelor's Degree. 

    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 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 


    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.