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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Philosophy in Film Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99019  Master of Philosophy in Film Music 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch 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
Master's Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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:
The purpose of the qualification is to facilitate advanced research into the fundamentals of film music and to enable learners to use their specialist knowledge of film scoring to engage and critique current research pertaining to film scores, orchestration, theory and technology.

Rationale:
The South Africa film industry is regarded as a major economic opportunity for the nation therefore there is a need to develop people with the appropriate skills and knowledge to function effectively in the film music sector. There is also a shortage of researchers and research into the discipline and practice of film music. This qualification will help to alleviate the shortage and graduates with this qualification should contribute to the knowledge base in the sector as well as to professionalising it. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Institution's rules and practices regarding RPL are applied. In addition, the application process provides prospective learners with an opportunity to present examples of their compositions or sound design. This important step is encouraged as the framework of the qualification allows a Degree of freedom to adapt to learners' wishes without neglecting needs, deficiencies and areas where support or a buttressing of their skills may be required.

Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Music (BMus), Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Film Music, Level 8.
    Or
  • Honours Degree in Music, Level 8.
    And
    Experience as a composer, by submitting a portfolio of music. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Thesis (Film Music), 90 Credits.
  • Composition, 90 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Conduct advanced research into the various sub-disciplines of film music by using a wide range of specialised skills in addressing the creation, transmission and analysis of sound for film.
    2. Demonstrate specialised knowledge to enable engagement with musical creativity and technique, as well as with film music. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Research processes, design and procedures are applied in a highly specialised area of film sound.
  • New specialised knowledge are generated through research into the processes and procedures of film sound.
  • The ability to do work across a broad spectrum of genres, styles and technological mediums in the field of sound for film is demonstrated.
  • Knowledge in the composition of film scores and soundtracks is practically applied.
  • The research findings in the form of an academically respectable thesis are presented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The principles of composition, orchestration and score preparation techniques, either in a classical music context or with its specific application in film and commercial music are understood.
  • Familiarity with fundamentals of film music practice (when applicable) is demonstrated.
  • The technical aspects of film score production (when this is the focus of the creative research) are understood.
  • A comprehensive portfolio of musical scores with a total performance time of 45-60 minutes is created.

    Integrated Assessment:
    With reference to the Assessment Policy of the Institution, lecturers will be encouraged to apply the following criteria for effective assessment: validity, reliability, academic integrity, transparency, fairness, achievability and timely feedback. The application of the criteria; the use of appropriate assessment methods and the integration of assessment will be monitored.

    The qualification consists of two modules that will both be examined internally and externally. A composition portfolio consisting of a number of works or a single major work will be created during the year under guidance of a staff member and a 50% thesis will be submitted. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is internationally comparable with the:

    Master of Arts (MA) in Composition of Music for Film and Television from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom (UK).

    This qualification provides professional training in composition for screen media. Learners will develop a strong technological foundation in the subject, along with a specialist understanding of television and screen scoring.

    Learners study professional techniques, an introduction to working and recording in studios, and media composition, focusing on TV and documentary work; critical analysis of media music and film scoring, focusing on longer-term projects for film and TV work.

    Learners' conduct research that addresses further compositional skills (orchestration, sound design, pastiche composition, etc); writing and directing for film and television, and how film and television qualifications work.

    Learners submit a portfolio of original music for new collaborative films and/or extracts (music totalling 15 - 25 minutes) or music to one new collaborative film of 10 - 12 minutes and a critical dissertation of 10,000 words on an agreed film or topic.

    The University of Melbourne, offers a Master of Film and Television.
    The qualification aims to:
  • Develop advanced, practical filmmaking skills including direction of actors, cinematography, sound recording and editing, production management, assistant directing and other fundamental principles of filmmaking.
  • Enable learners to conduct research, develop, write and design a narrative or documentary short film.
  • Enable learners to critically and constructively critique own and peers' screen production work in the context of the broader history of screen culture.

    Conclusion:
    There is close similarity between qualifications offered internationally and this South African one. These similarities are apparent at the level of the competencies developed or in the performance criteria that is at the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification does not offer specific articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by the University of Stellenbosch:

    However, the qualification offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Music in Dance, Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy: Music, Level 10. 
    		•

    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. Stellenbosch 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.