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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Opera 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97916  Advanced Diploma in Opera 
ORIGINATOR
University of Cape Town 
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 Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  132  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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   2031-06-30  

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:
Upon qualifying the learner will be able to:
  • Apply the core principles of the foreign languages, French, German, Italian and Spanish to roles being prepared for Advanced Opera Workshop and any other large scale works.
  • Apply music creatively and effectively in the context of performance at a level of sophistication suitable to national solo or ensemble performance.

    Rationale:
    The Advanced Diploma in Opera provides a learning pathway for learners who have completed a Diploma in Music at NQF Level 6 to proceed into the Postgraduate Diploma in Music (NQF Level 8). The rationale is to provide South Africa with learners with expertise in diverse musical traditions, in order to ensure the high quality and continuity of the local leadership base of innovative musical expertise in Opera.

    The qualification will also enable learners to develop advanced skills and applied competence in opera and to provide learners with opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, to be able to make rewarding contributions to society, in the form of arts and culture.

    In addition, the qualification will present learners with employment opportunities in performance. The Advanced Diploma is designed to prepare learners for careers in solo or ensemble performance. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The purpose of recognition of prior learning (RPL) will be to evaluate and acknowledge the knowledge and skills that a learner has gained through informal and non-formal ways. This knowledge and skills will be evaluated through appropriate and reliable assessment ways. Auditions will be held and a CV requested in the case of students who do not meet the minimum admission requirements.

    Entry Requirements:
    For admission learners will need to have:
  • Diploma at NQF Level 6).
    Or
  • Bachelors' Degree at NQF Level 7 in the relevant field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 7, totalling 132 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, NQF Level 5:
  • French for Musicians B, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7:
  • Advanced Lyric Diction, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Vocal Studies, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Movement, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Opera Workshop, 48 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Display musical and performance skills in the context of audition arias.
    2. Apply music creatively and effectively in the context of performance at a level of sophistication suitable to national solo or ensemble performance. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Internalization of acting is demonstrated.
  • Basic textual understanding and the ability to physically convey this understanding is shown.
  • Stanislavskian work with frequent juxtaposition of home language/European language work is used.
  • The ability to sing with technical proficiency is demonstrated and performing with a sense of musical style and dramatic interpretation is displayed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The significance of performance and creative expression is appreciated and applied in various musical genres in the context of national and international developments in the arts.
  • Understanding and interpretation of creative and performing issues is communicated to others clearly.
  • Working effectively as an individual music specialist or as a team player in music ensembles is demonstrated.
  • Theories of musical interpretation in the context of performing opera are applied.
  • Relaxation and creative body movement, as well as the techniques of classical, national and contemporary dance are demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learners will have a combination of tests and quizzes and practical examinations including operatic performances and oral examinations. For the vocal studies the performance will be examined by a panel appointed by Senate. The learner's performance time must total 25-30 minutes including at least 8 minutes of singing. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The University of Sydney offers the Graduate Diploma in Music (Opera Performance):
    The study of opera within the Graduate Diploma contributes to a comprehensive, research and practice-based opera training for singers who face a highly competitive and dynamic career path. The qualification recognises the need to connect learners to national and international professional practice, and to give them the knowledge, understanding, expertise and personal skills to compete in an increasingly competitive international market. The qualification provides excellent training in the four key areas of opera voice and performance, opera repertoire, opera diction/language and stage skills. Each of these is drawn together in two staged, orchestral-accompanied performances of operas per year, providing learners with experience at a professional level which helps to equip them to enter the profession.

    The Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna in Germany offers musicians, the ongoing development of artistic skills and the honing of one's creative personality as basic requirements in order to be able to meet the constantly changing demands of performing and the concert world.

    This qualification Academic Diploma programme Certificate of Performance in Opera is aimed primarily at learners of music colleges and conservatoires and at ensembles (pre-formed chamber groups) who are looking to develop and/or specialise their artistic skills.

    The Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification is as follows:
  • Development of instrumental/vocal skills.
  • Expanding and deepening stylistic and repertoire knowledge (repertoire work).
  • Preparation for orchestral auditions/audition training.
  • Preparation for and participation in competitions.
  • Stage presence.
  • Performance coaching.
  • Honing and strengthening your own creative personality.
  • Gaining concert experience.

    Conclusion:
    From the above cited information, it is clear that this qualification compares favourably with the international qualifications in terms of the competencies that learners will develop. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Advanced Diploma in Opera will provide opportunities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Licentiate Diploma in Music: School Music Teaching at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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 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.