Advanced Diploma in Photography
Culture and Arts - Visual Arts
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose: The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the opportunity to develop specialized knowledge and skills in the evolving field of photography, encompassing stills photography, motion capture, and sound for storytelling. This unique combination of skill sets addresses a current scarcity in South Africa and prepares learners for the convergence of different media formats in the creative and media industries. By grounding learners in the principles of photography, time-line based media production, and entrepreneurship, the qualification aims to facilitate a deep understanding of professional media production practices and ethical codes, ensuring preparedness for the dynamic industry landscape. The practice-based approach of the course emphasizes craftsmanship in photography, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills to develop expertise that becomes internalized as tacit knowledge.
Rationale: The curriculum design of this qualification is structured to enhance learners' skills and knowledge in photography and media production, providing both vertical and horizontal articulation pathways. Vertical articulation opportunities include progression to a relevant Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree at NQF level 8, while horizontal articulation pathways extend to a relevant Bachelor's Degree at NQF level 7. Basic research methodologies relevant to photography and media production are introduced to prepare learners for further academic pursuits. This qualification allows for articulation not only from media-oriented photography programs but also from related fields such as graphic design, multimedia, film, and video studies. Furthermore, articulation from compatible international qualifications meeting admission requirements is feasible.
As a specialized qualification addressing the industry's need for skilled professionals in light of technological advancements, this program was identified as a niche in the South African context. The demand for visual communication products integrating stills photography, audio, and motion recording necessitates specialists capable of meeting these requirements. Advisory board input and benchmarking exercises with national and international institutions have validated the relevance and necessity of this qualification to meet the demands of the evolving creative and media industries. Additionally, the qualification aims to prepare learners for entrepreneurial roles as one-person service providers adaptable to diverse geographic regions.
Outcomes
- Reflect on, and apply imaging techniques in order to facilitate professional image making growth.
- Utilise technological and scientific media related principles to solve unique problems in personal creative expression.
- Perform production techniques derived from acceptable and established norms for the purpose of designing personalised solutions within project specific requirements.
- Apply research principles, procedures and ethics related to photography and media production.
- Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas and opinions developed through research and practices.
- Demonstrate the ability to plan, execute and finalise theoretical and practice based tasks and learning processes.
- The ability to express a positive attitude towards deep learning.
- Express a positive attitude towards deep learning.
- Implement understanding of entrepreneurship in the creative industries.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Reflect on, and integrate theory of media technologies
- Implement strategies for identifying, implementing and evaluating new technological tools, applications and technologies
- Analyse and evaluate cost-efficiency and functionality of new technological developments and specialised applications
- Apply imaging techniques and technologies for professional image making growth
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Integrate theoretical and practical photographic knowledge
- Apply advanced knowledge of Applied Media Ethics
- Identify and discuss work of relevant practitioners and student's work in terms of aesthetic standards
- Utilise technological and scientific media related principles for creative expression
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Engage with South African professional photography and media markets
- Conceptualise media practice projects and communicate planning effectively
- Utilise specialised technologies and aesthetic understanding for creative solutions
- Perform production techniques within project specific requirements
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Contextualise a specific photography and media production research problem
- Undertake a critical literature review within the creative industry
- Apply research theories, methods and ethics to identify, analyse and evaluate problems
- Communicate scientific research and written arguments professionally
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Communicate research data and ideas professionally
- Develop documents through research methods and procedures
- Apply scientific principles in research interpretation
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Integrate theory of media and practice for investigative research
- Conduct research according to media policies, research ethics and professionalism
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Engage in self-directed and motivated deep learning
- Apply sound teaching and learning principles in photography
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of professional craftsmanship within the creative industry
- Apply narrative media planning strategies within the photography environment
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Develop operational procedures for a distinct business model
- Utilise social media and online presence for competitiveness
- Develop and maintain a realistic financial plan and strategies
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative Assessment includes presentations, case studies, discussions, tests, assignments, and self-assessments
- Summative Assessments include submission of an integrated portfolio and examination, which are externally moderated
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.