Advanced Diploma in Photography

Purpose

Photographic technology has changed dramatically in the past years, bringing about a conversion of stills, audio and motion capture media, resulting in the need to redefine photographic practice. The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and skills in the broadening photography context. The combination of stills photography, motion capture and sound for story telling is a unique combination of skill sets that is currently scarce in South Africa. The confluence of media in the creative industries and media sector provides for an ideal opportunity to utilise the strengths of related media towards a combined media communication strategy.

The qualification serves to equip learners with specialised knowledge and skills grounded in the principles of photography, time-line based media production and entrepreneurship. The qualification facilitates the development of a deep understanding of codes of conduct and professional media production practice to allow entry into a changing industry. The practice based orientation of the course emphasises the development of craftsmanship in photography, integrating thinking and doing in such a way that the craftsmanship will begin to be internalised as tacit knowledge.

Rationale

The curriculum design of this qualification aims to give the learner enhanced skills and specialised knowledge within photography and media production. This qualification provides vertical and horizontal articulation pathways to prospective learners. Vertical articulation will be possible into a relevant Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree on National Qualifications Framework (NQF) 8. Horizontal articulation will be possible into a relevant Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7). This qualification also introduces the learner to basic research methodologies relevant to photography and media production. Prospective learners will be able to articulate not only from the current media oriented photography programme, but also from other appropriate media related qualifications such as graphic design, multimedia, film and video studies etc. Articulation from appropriate cross border and international qualifications that meets the qualification admission requirement is also possible.

This is a specialist qualification that will address the current need in industry that resulted from drastic technological advances. These advances required specialists that are capable to deliver visual communication products that are inclusive of stills photography, audio and motion recording. Advice from advisory board meetings as well as bench marking done with national and international institutions identified this course as a niche within the South African context.

The current socio economic demands from the broader creative and media industries requires entrepreneurial one-man service suppliers that can operate in any geographic region.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

• Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
• Only then may the prospective candidate continue with full registration.
• If the RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A Diploma in Photography/Media Production/Film and Video production/Graphic Design, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6, 360 Credits.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 120 Credits

• Theory of Media Technologies, 15 Credits.
• Applied Media Aesthetics, 15 Credits.
• Professional Practice, 15 Credits.
• Conceptual Illustration Media Planning, 15 Credits.
• Conceptual Illustration Media Production, 15 Credits.
• Narrative Media Planning, 15 Credits.
• Narrative Media Production, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Research methodology in Photography and Media, 15 Credits.

1. Reflect on, and apply imaging techniques in order to facilitate professional image making growth.
2. Utilise technological and scientific media related principles to solve unique problems in personal creative expression.
3. Perform production techniques derived from acceptable and established norms for the purpose of designing personalised solutions within project specific requirements.
4. Apply research principles, procedures and ethics related to photography and media production.
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate ideas and opinions developed through research and practices.
6. Demonstrate the ability to plan, execute and finalise theoretical and practice based tasks and learning processes.
7. The ability to express a positive attitude towards deep learning.
8. Express a positive attitude towards deep learning.
9. Implement understanding of entrepreneurship in the creative industries.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Reflect on, and integrate theory of media technologies and implement strategies for identifying, implementing and evaluation of 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 in order to facilitate professional image making growth.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Integrate theoretical and practical photographic knowledge and apply advanced knowledge of Applied Media Ethics.
• Identify and discuss work of relevant practitioners along with student's work in terms of espoused aesthetic standards within the relevant creative industry.
• Integrate and utilise technological and scientific media related principles to solve unique problems in personal creative expression.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Engage on a practical level with South African professional photography and media markets.
• Conceptualise media practice projects and communicate conceptual planning choices effectively in a professional manner to a specific audience.
• Utilise specialised technologies, aesthetic understanding and practical knowledge to inform the planning of specific creative solutions and craftsmanship required.
• Perform production techniques derived from acceptable and established norms for the purpose of designing personalised solutions within project specific requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Contextualise a specific photography and media production research problem and independently undertake a critical literature review interrogating multiple sources of knowledge within the creative industry.
• Explore and apply sound knowledge of research theories, principles, procedures, methods and ethics to identify, analyse, evaluate and critical reflect on problems, approaches and processes to identify, collect, analyse, interpret data and formulate findings.
• Produce and professionally communicate/present scientific research and written arguments and solutions to assess and address complex problems impacting on photography and media production practices (e.g. auto-ethnography and practice-based research).
• Conduct research in an ethical professional manner and apply a structured reflection model to investigate own practice. (e.g. reflection-on practice journal, presentation and defence in group context).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Communicate ideas and opinions (e.g. scientifically written documents, presentations) developed through research and practices professionally.
• Effectively communicate research data by means of applying scientific principles.
• Interpret research to develop a document by applying research methods and procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Integrate and apply theory of media and practice based tasks and learning processes to plan, execute and finalise investigative practice-based research.
• Conduct research according to media policies, research ethics and professionalism.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Positively engage in a self-directed and motivated attitude towards deep learning.
• Apply sound teaching and learning principles in photography to enhance lifelong learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Comprehend, demonstrate, integrate and apply a thorough understanding and advanced knowledge of professional craftsmanship within the creative industry.
• Demonstrate an enhanced understanding of craftsmanship within the photography environment by applying narrative media planning strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Develop and implement customised operational procedures for a distinct business model (e.g. entrepreneurial small business venture).
• Develop, utilise and maintain social media and online presence to be competitive in the creative industries.
• Develop, manage and maintain a realistic financial plan and strategies (e.g. constraints, overheads, tax implications and compliance, long and short term insurance and investment, cost effective marketing).

Integrated Assessment

In this qualification, the institution applied assessments whereby learners must demonstrate practical and reflective competencies. A combination of Formative and Summative Assessment is applied.

Formative Assessment includes presentations, case studies, class and group discussions, debates, tests, experiential exercises, assignments and self-assessments.

The Summative Assessments include the submission of an integrated portfolio and examination, which are moderated externally.