Advanced Diploma in Drama

Culture and Arts - Performing Arts

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The primary purpose of this qualification is to facilitate the progress of learners into postgraduate study through a deepening of their knowledge, research competencies, and practical skills in the field.

Rationale:

The Advanced Diploma in Drama facilitates the onward development of learners exiting with an undergraduate Diploma in Theatre and Performance. Currently, such learners cannot readily move on to advanced postgraduate qualifications, limiting their career choices and employability. This qualification will allow learners to proceed into postgraduate qualifications such as Honours (NQF Level 8) and Postgraduate Certificate in Education, creating a learning pathway for Diploma learners to progress into postgraduate study.

Currently, Diploma and Bachelor of Arts (BA) stream learners study alongside each other for three years. However, BA learners continue for a fourth year, while Diploma learners exit at the end of the third year. The modules often overlap, and the ratio of practical to academic courses in the BA stream is 6:4, while in the Diploma stream, it is 8:2. Additional academic input is needed for Diploma learners to move on to postgraduate study, hence the need for the Advanced Diploma in Drama.

Diploma learners enter the university with a diploma endorsement from the National Senior Certificate (NSC) and receive additional academic support. However, with only an NSC Diploma endorsement, successful diploma learners do not have the option to move to a BA and qualify at NQF Level 7. The Advanced Diploma aims to provide learners with an opportunity to achieve an NQF Level 7 qualification, facilitating their onward mobility. Completion of this qualification will also create further career development opportunities, particularly in priority areas such as education and social development, allowing qualified individuals to utilize their skills more flexibly in the job market.

Outcomes

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria:

Develop skills in a specific professional area of choice and should be in line with the available resources in the department at the time.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly to others in a professional context.
Show an appreciation of the specific context in which particular professional activity occurs and an ability to adapt and apply competencies to match issues arising as a result of such contextual particularities.
Show an appreciation of the ethical behaviors and issues related to work in the theater.
Demonstrate the ability to receive and give critical comment on work activities.
Demonstrate the ability to function in a professional context as an individual and as part of a team.

Integrated Assessment:

The field of Theatre and Performance requires a complex mix of assessment strategies that includes:

Ongoing assessment of the process of practical skills acquisition over time (formative assessment)
Assessment of practical application of skills in particular assignments at a specific point in time (summative assessment)
Assessment by means of writing tasks such as essays and written projects
Oral presentations
More formal written examinations

Breakdown of Assessment Strategies:

Contemporary Performance and Introduction to Directing Modules:
- Assessment Components:
  - Practical assignments (group or solo performance presentations)
  - Essay tasks
  - Written examinations on theory
- For Contemporary Performance module:
  - Coursework counts for 50% of the final mark
  - A two-hour examination counts for 50%
  - Sub-minimum of 50% required in each
- For Introduction to Directing module:
  - Coursework counts for 65% of the final mark
  - A portion submitted to external examiner
  - A two-hour written examination counts for 35%
  - Sub-minimum of 50% required in both coursework and examination
Research Methods and Writing:
- Assessment Components:
  - Oral presentation
  - Short writing tasks
  - Extended research essay
- Coursework counts 40% of the overall mark
- Extended essay counts 60%
T and P Studiowork 3C: Advanced Practice:
- Assessment Components:
  - Small group practical assignments
  - Participation in production projects
- For Coursework:
  - First three quarters, classwork, and in-house performances count for 50% of the final mark
- Final Practical Examination:
  - Counts for 50% of the final mark
- Sub-minimum of 50% required in both coursework and final practical examination

In conclusion, assessment in the Theatre and Performance program includes a variety of practical assignments, written tasks, oral presentations, and examinations to evaluate students' skills, knowledge, and ability to work in a professional theater context.

Qualification Details

Type: Advanced Diploma
NQF Level: 07
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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University of Cape Town

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is a prestigious public research university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1829, it is the oldest university in South Africa and has consistently been ranked as the top university on the African continent. UCT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including humanities, sciences, engineering, health sciences, and commerce. The university is known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and social impact. UCT's campus is situated on the slopes of Devil's Peak, providing stunning views of Cape Town and Table Mountain. The university attracts a diverse student body from South Africa and around the world, fostering a vibrant and multicultural learning environment.

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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.