SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Fine Art

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
97041	Diploma in Fine Art
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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		Visual Arts
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	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		2031-06-30

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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
80164	National Diploma: Fine Art	Level 6	NQF Level 06	360	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

This qualification is designed to equip learners with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required for successful professional practice as visual artists and for employment opportunities within the field of visual arts. It aims to cultivate practical and theoretical competencies, enabling learners to effectively articulate concepts visually, verbally, tactilely, and in written form. The qualification emphasises applying relevant skills, knowledge, and attitudes within the learners' chosen areas of specialisation. Furthermore, it seeks to foster an awareness of the importance of sensitivity and reflection regarding diversity, inclusivity, cultural values, human rights, gender, development, and change. The qualification also promotes an understanding of the necessity for lifelong learning, empowering learners to function more effectively in the professional sphere and as responsible citizens who contribute to cultural, social, environmental, and economic development in South Africa. Additionally, it develops learners' capacity to make informed judgments on critical ethical matters and enhances their study skills to facilitate access to further learning opportunities. Ultimately, this qualification contributes to the national pool of trained practitioners in the areas of visual arts practice and interpretation.

This qualification's purpose directly informs the qualification's exit level outcomes, articulating the specific skills, knowledge, and attitudes that graduates should demonstrate upon completing this qualification. These outcomes, supported by targeted graduate attributes, ensure that learners develop into competent, reflective, and ethically responsible artists capable of engaging with contemporary practice, further study within the discipline and contributing to societal development:

Exit level outcome

Apply professional skills in exhibition and studio practice.

Contextualise your art making from contemporary perspectives.

Communicate effectively as a professional artist using appropriate visual, verbal, and written forms.

Critically assess and interpret artworks and the art-making process, including ones and others' work.

Apply technical and conceptual skills to produce resolved artworks in chosen media.

Engage with ethical, cultural, and social issues in art practice and professional conduct.

Utilise research skills to inform and develop art practice, drawing on relevant historical and theoretical frameworks.

Collaborate with peers and stakeholders in creative projects, demonstrating teamwork and interpersonal skills.

Throughout the above outcomes, several graduate attributes are developed, which prepare graduates to operate effectively within the visual arts sector, access further academic development opportunities, and contribute to society, fulfilling the broader purpose of the qualification.

Graduates' attributes:

Enabling graduates to realise and present artworks professionally, reflecting the graduate attributes of technical competence, attention to detail, and organisational skills.

To ensure graduates can position their creative output within current debates and trends, demonstrating critical awareness, cultural literacy, and adaptability.

Addresses the purpose through developing articulate, confident, and versatile communicators, attributes essential for professional engagement in the arts sector.

Contributes by cultivating reflective practitioners capable of constructive critique, analysis, and self-directed learning, promoting intellectual curiosity and critical thinking.

Achieves this by ensuring graduates master relevant techniques and conceptual understanding, enabling creative problem-solving and the realisation of artistic intent.

Fostering responsible, ethical practitioner's sensitive to diversity and social contexts, embodying integrity, empathy, and social responsibility.

Supports through developing informed and research-savvy graduates capable of synthesising knowledge, demonstrating intellectual rigour and lifelong learning.

Realises by preparing graduates for collaborative and interdisciplinary environments, nurturing teamwork, leadership, and interpersonal effectiveness.

Collectively, these developed exit level outcomes and graduates of the Diploma in Fine Art are prepared graduates who, upon completion, can work as practising visual artists, entrepreneurs, or formally employed visual artists in the visual art and related sectors. Graduates will also be equipped to further their studies at Advanced Diploma levels.

Rationale:
Fine Art is recognised as a critical priority in South Africa, playing an essential in equipping learners with the knowledge, skills, cultural values, and understanding of social cohesion necessary to become functional and contributing members of society. This qualification provides a strong foundation through the acquisition of key competencies that are vital for both social and economic development.

This qualification responds to this critical priority and provides learners with foundational learning through acquiring knowledge and skills needed to respond to the identified need and for social and economic development.
This qualification was developed and structured with input from industry, internal and external stakeholders, with direct collaboration from the qualification advisory board and aligned with industry norms and best practice.

The qualification targets high school leavers and learners interested in the fine arts and want to pursue studies in fine art or further develop their practical skills and competencies as visual artists, as they operate in the visual arts and related arts sectors.

This qualification and the related pathways provide the learners with the necessary academic rigour and opportunities to explore learning pathways that further their academic grounding and technical competencies in the form of a horizontal and vertical articulation to cognate Diploma's in the general field of arts at NQF level 6 and to and Advanced Diploma in Fine Arts at NQF level 7 which will pave the way for further studies at Postgraduate Level in Fine Arts.

This qualification benefits society by producing graduates who can add value to themselves, society and the economy through contributing to the cultural vibrancy of society through their artworks, economic contribution through the exhibition and sale of artworks, and supporting related industries such as tourism, hospitality, and cultural tourism. Society will further benefit from developing a skilled and capable professional workforce for the visual arts, fostering innovation and creativity. The qualification further encourages innovative thinking, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial skills, which are transferable to various sectors of the economy beyond the arts.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The institution's RPL Policy is aligned with the national policies and criteria set by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and SAQA. The institution recognises that potential learners may have previous training or experience. RPL is undertaken within the context of the institution's commitment to broaden access to higher education.

RPL can be considered for access or advanced standing within this qualification. RPL may therefore be used to ascertain competence for admission or access to this qualification and for module exemptions for advanced placement.

This mechanism accelerates redress of historical educational and employment discrimination while maintaining academic rigour. Evidence of prior learning for admission status is assessed through formal RPL processes by approved institutional policy, which is aligned with national guidelines on the Recognition of Prior Learning. Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and must submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format.

Entry Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NCS), NQF level 4 with endorsement.

National Certificate Vocational (NCV), NQF Level 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5 and 6, totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits.

Art Theory I, 18 Credits.

Communication I, 6 Credits.

Drawing I, 24 Credits.

3-Dimensional Studies I, 36 Credits.

2-Dimensional Studies I, 36 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 48 Credits.

Art Theory III, 18 Credits.

Communication III, 6 Credits.

Drawing III, 24 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 48 Credits.

Art Theory II, 18 Credits.

Communication II, 6 Credits.

Drawing II, 24 Credits.

Electives Modules, NQF Level 6, 72 Credits (choose any two combinations):

Ceramic II, 36 Credits.

Sculpture II, 36 Credits.

Painting II, 36 Credits.

Printmaking II, 36 Credits.

Electives Modules, Level 6, 72 Credits (choose any two combinations):
Ceramic III, 36 Credits.
Sculpture III, 36 Credits.
Painting III, 36 Credits.
Printmaking III, 36 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply professional skills in exhibition and studio practice.
2. Contextualise your art making from contemporary perspectives.
3. Communicate effectively as a professional artist.
4. Critically assess and interpret artworks and the art-making process.
5. Apply technical and conceptual skills to produce resolved artworks in chosen media.
6. Engage with ethical, cultural, and social issues in art practice and professional conduct.
7. Utilise research skills to inform and develop art practice, drawing on relevant historical and theoretical frameworks.
8. Collaborate with peers and stakeholders in creative projects, demonstrating teamwork and interpersonal skills.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Produce artworks in the disciplines of painting, printmaking, ceramics, fine art, or drawing, which show coherence in form and content and are relevant and functional within the contemporary art-making perspective.

Use technical skills in art practice in a professional way.

Apply conceptual skills in art practice in a professional way.

Apply problem-solving skills and creative thinking professionally.

Work independently of others with self-confidence and responsibility.

Demonstrate responsible and skilled time management.

Produce a final exhibition of artworks created in the relevant discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Create your own relevant forms of expression of original thoughts/ideas.

Produce creative work in selected media.

Use relevant methodologies inherent to generating ideas, concepts and art-making processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Analyse and interpret the conceptual underpinning of artworks.

Examine and construe the use of materials in artworks.

Analyse and interpret the methodologies and strategies inherent to making art.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Communicate ideas, concepts and artworks in professional visual form.

Use verbal language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly and achieve one's purposes.

Articulate the intentions, meanings, and contexts of artworks in written and/or oral form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Artworks demonstrate competent use of materials, techniques, and processes appropriate to the chosen medium.

Artworks reflect clear conceptual development and problem-solving.

Final works exhibit evidence of planning, experimentation, and refinement.

The presentation of artworks meets professional standards for finish and display.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Artworks and statements show awareness and sensitivity to ethical, cultural, and social contexts.

Relevant ethical considerations are identified and addressed in the art-making process.

The learner demonstrates responsible and respectful engagement with diverse communities and subject matter.

Professional behaviour and integrity are evident in collaborative and independent practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Research sources are appropriately selected, referenced, and integrated into the creative process.

Written or verbal statements demonstrate understanding of relevant art history and theory.

Artworks and supporting documentation reflect informed connections between research and practice.

Learner can articulate the rationale for artistic decisions regarding theoretical and historical contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Active participation and contribution to group projects are evident.

Communication and collaboration with peers and external stakeholders are effective and constructive.

The learner demonstrates respect for diverse perspectives and adapts to group dynamics.

Project outcomes reflect shared responsibility and achievement of common goals.

Integrated Assessment
This qualification will integrate all ELOs and AACs into formative and summative assessments through the continuous assessment modality. This ensures that the ELOs are assessed in an integrated manner across the various learning and assessment opportunities. The institutional assessment policy mandates a minimum of four assessments per year for year courses and two assessments for semester modules.

The modules that make up this qualification are all subject to the continuous assessment modality. All practical subjects in this qualification have three-year mark assessment sessions during the year and a Final Portfolio display for end-of-year assessment and mark.

Formative assessment 50%: these take the form of projects, regular tests, presentations, and review of studio works as a form of learning, to support learning and as an assessment of learning.

Summative Assessment 50%: This is achieved through the various continuously assessed assignments, artworks, portfolios and the exhibition.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualifications have been compared to similar qualifications nationally and internationally. The Diploma in Fine Art compares favourably with international standards, facilitating movement and transfer across borders.

Country: United Kingdom
University: University of Arts London
Qualification title: Diploma in Arts and Design
Duration: 2 years
Purpose and ELOs of the qualification

Purpose:

Provide a diagnostic year to explore art and design practices and confirm a personal direction in Fine Art.

Build a strong, coherent portfolio for competitive BA (Hons) entry.

Develop core creative, technical, conceptual and contextual skills through experimentation and critical reflection.

Foster independence, risk-taking and professional working habits (time/resource management, safe studio practice).

Prepare for progression to higher education and related creative careers, including understanding applications, interviews and presenting work.

Exit level outcomes:

Research and context: Source, analyse and apply relevant visual, material and theoretical research.

Idea generation and development: Generate, test, take risks with and refine ideas through sustained experimentation.

Materials and processes: Use appropriate media, materials, tools and processes (e.g., drawing, painting, sculpture, installation, performance, moving image, print, photography) to realise intentions.

Critical reflection: Maintain ongoing reflective practice; evaluate decisions and outcomes to direct further development.

Communication and presentation: Communicate concepts visually, verbally and in writing; present a coherent body of work and portfolio appropriate to HE admissions.

Project planning: Propose, plan, and manage a self-directed project from proposal to resolution, meeting deadlines.

Collaboration and professionalism: Work independently and with others, showing responsibility, studio etiquette and health and safety awareness.

Progression readiness: Identify and articulate suitable progression routes; prepare applications and perform at interviews.

Similarities:
Purpose: There is a strong overlap; both aim for exhibition, contextualisation, critique, and effective communication.
ELOs: Both qualification outlines align; they cover exhibition, context, critique, communication, and research, and professional depth is lighter (pre-degree).
Modules: Studio practice, critical studies, theory, with options for specialist pathways (e.g., painting, sculpture, printmaking)

Differences:
Purpose: The key difference is level: UAL Foundation (Level 3/4) delivers these at diagnostic, portfolio-building depth, culminating in a learner show; WSU frames them as professional exit outcomes, with greater emphasis on professional practice and formal research methodologies.
Duration: WSU duration is 3 years, and UAL is 2 Years.
Credits: WSU has 360 credits, while UAL has 240 credits, but in the same NQF level.
Articulation opportunities: UAL Fine Art Foundation: 2-year pre-degree to explore and build a portfolio. Articulates to BA Year 1 at UAL/other schools; widely recognised, not HE credits.
Employment opportunities: Direct jobs are entry-level (studios/galleries); most progress to a BA to improve prospects.

Country: New Zealand
University: Whitecliffe College
Qualification title: Diploma in Arts (Level 6) - Visual Arts
Duration: 2 years
Purpose and ELOs of the qualification

Purpose:

Build on Level 5 skills to develop stronger creative ideas and advanced making skills.

Produce a coherent, resolved body of visual art.

Prepare for entry to a bachelor's degree (e.g., BFA) or junior roles in the creative sector.

Exit outcomes:

Create and present a resolved portfolio/body of work to a professional learner standard.

Apply research to inform concepts and practice.

Use advanced techniques, materials and processes safely and effectively.

Critically evaluate your own work and others' and refine your practice.

Plan and manage self-directed projects and meet deadlines.

Communicate ideas clearly (visually, verbally, in writing) to different audiences.

Work professionally and ethically in studio and exhibition settings.

Similarities:
Purpose: Both aim to grow leaners' art practice and help them move into further study or creative work.
ELOs: Exhibit work, and place work in a contemporary context. Critically assess artworks and processes. Communicate ideas clearly. Use research to inform practice.
Modules: Core modules in art theory, drawing, and studio practice, with elective pathways in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics.

Differences:
Purpose: WSU reads as preparing for professional artist practice. Whitecliffe Level 6 focuses on building advanced skills, producing a resolved body of work, and preparing for BFA entry (and junior roles).
ELOs: WSU: Stresses "professional" exhibition standards and the use of formal research methodology models. Whitecliffe: Emphasises advanced techniques/materials, safe studio practice, planning and delivering a self-directed project, and presenting a coherent portfolio/body of work (often for BFA entry).
Duration: WSU has 3 years, and WC has 2 years.
Articulation opportunities: Pathway to Bachelor of Fine Arts (typically Year 2 entry) at Whitecliffe, subject to portfolio/interview. WSU learners progress to the Advanced Diploma in Fine Art.
Employment opportunities: Entry-level roles such as studio/artist assistant, gallery technician or invigilator, community arts assistant, arts administration assistant, and junior creative/freelance commissions. Many graduates continue to pursue a BFA to widen their career options.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for diagonal, vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Visual Arts, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Design and Studio Art, NQF Level 6.

A Cognate Diploma at NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Fine Art/ Visual Arts, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor's degree in fine art at, NQF Level 7.

Diagonal Articulation
Given the specialised nature of this qualification, there are no direct diagonal articulation opportunities at NQF level 6 or 7 within the QCTO. There are, however, diagonal articulation opportunities at NQF level 5 as listed below.

Higher Occupational Certificate: Motion Graphics Designer, NQF Level 5.

Higher Occupational Certificate: Interactive Media Designer, NQF Level 5.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

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.	Walter Sisulu University