Bachelor of Arts in Sound Technology and Production

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Arts in Sound Technology and Production is to develop candidates for a vocation in the field of music and audio engineering and/or for further learning in higher education within a related field. This qualification provides a depth and specialization of knowledge, together with practical skills and experience in the workplace, to enable successful candidates to enter the world of work as an employee or entrepreneur and specialize in audio engineering for live events, radio production, music production, audio postproduction or a number of other career paths within the music and audio industry in South Africa and abroad.

A successful candidate will be able to plan, manage and apply the relevant technical and creative sound engineering processes, using industry-standard equipment and technology. They will be able to evaluate the principles of audio engineering and apply the knowledge and creative skills required to critically analyse and solve the client brief requirements in a wide variety of contexts.

Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to

• Evaluate and apply the principles of sound when using audio technology.
• Plan, manage and apply the processes required to produce a creative radio advertising campaign using industry-standard technology.
• Plan, manage and apply the processes required to creatively engineer a professional music track using industry-standard technology.
• Research, evaluate and apply the principles of audio postproduction when producing a post-mix using industry-standard technology.
• Design, plan and manage live events and select and operate optimum sound systems in a variety of performance circumstances.
• Evaluate and apply acoustic principles when producing the design for a commercial recording facility.
• Evaluate and apply the principles and functions of a small business within the music and sound industry.
• Understand the role and possible specializations of the audio engineer and the responsibilities associated with the profession
• Conduct oneself professionally within the workplace and take responsibility for one's own decisions and actions when working independently and as a member of a team.

The structure of the qualification is designed to balance the theoretical and practical aspects of audio engineering and to facilitate a logical progression towards the achievement of the exit level outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes. Each module aims to develop specific abilities, tools and bodies of knowledge and the assessment opportunities are designed to evaluate the learner's ability to integrate the acquired knowledge and skills.

Rationale

The South African sound and music industry has shown dramatic growth over recent years and is competing favourably with the international market. Based on extensive industry research, the need for individuals who are highly educated in Sound Technology and Production has been identified. For the sound and music industry to compete locally, on the African continent and internationally, there needs to be a wide variety of experienced and knowledgeable people who understand the specialised technologies, the diverse market segments and how to take their product to market.

Most learners enter the qualification with a passion for music in some form, whether it is creating music or producing other musicians' music. As music is enjoyed across social, cultural and economic levels in society, the range of learners is extremely diverse. This diversity allows for an incredible environment for learning within the institution, and once learners graduate, the interactions continue into their chosen area within the audio and music industry.

This qualification has been developed to equip the qualifying candidate with the knowledge, skills and attitude required to enter the industry with an advanced set of knowledge and skills. The qualification aims to produce a calibre of Sound Engineer who can bring innovation and forward-thinking into the development of this industry in the fields of radio, audio postproduction, live sound, or music production.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners may find employment in

• Live sound for gigs, theatres, and events.
• Theatre sound design.
• Recording studios as producers and engineers.
• Sound for film and television and in video game audio.
• Broadcast engineering and audio mastering.
• Set up own companies as entrepreneurs.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Sound Technology, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 110 Credits

• Radio Production I, 10 Credits.
• Music Production I, 50 Credits.
• Audio Post Production I, 30 Credits.
• Live Sound I, 20 Credits.
• Academic Literacies, 0 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits

• Radio Production II, 10 Credits.
• Music Production II, 40 Credits.
• Audio Postproduction II, 40 Credits.
• Live Sound II, 20 Credits.
• Audio Technology Fundamentals I, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 110 Credits

• Music Production III, 30 Credits.
• Audio Postproduction III, 30 Credits.
• Live Sound III, 20 Credits.
• Audio Technology Fundamentals II, 10 Credits.
• Experiential Learning, 10 Credits.
• Music Business Principles, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits

• Acoustic Principles and Studio Design, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of specialisation of Radio Production, Music Production, Live Sound, Audio Post Production and Audio Technology Fundamentals.
2. Ability to evaluate and explore various areas of the specialisations especially regarding genres of music/audio production and business models.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods and the practical application of this within the audio fields to resolve problems and introduce change within the outputs that they produce.
4. Ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on, and address complex problems by applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
5. Demonstrate the ability to make decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.
6. Demonstrate the ability to gather and process appropriate information for the given context, and validate the sources of information.
7. Ability to produce and communicate information using their authentic voice both through sound and in writing as forms the foundation of the qualification.
8. Demonstrate the ability to manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts through critical thinking, and develop problem-solving principles that include both context and system-bound principles.
9. Ability to identify, evaluate and address their learning needs in a self-directed manner, and to develop collaborative learning scenarios.
10. Ability to take full responsibility for own work, decision-making, effective use of resources and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in varied or ill-defined contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply and evaluate key terms, concepts and facts relating to the area of specialisation.
• Explore subject matter in writing and various audio platforms such as digital music, live music, and audio postproduction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explore and evaluate sound technology and production to develop critical thinking.
• Develop a critical lens towards the workplace in their experiential learning module.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Ability to develop and apply problem-solving skills within the audio production field.
• This is demonstrated through learners submitting variations of the same project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify, analyse, evaluate, and critically reflect on complex problems relating to the audio production field.
• Identify, analyse, and apply industry praxis and technical specifications through all practical assessments, including radio, live music, sound production and postproduction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Ability to make decisions in an ethical and professional manner within the audio production environment.
• Ability to interact and perform professionally through experiential learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for both practical production and theoretical research
• Ability to research and apply correct referencing in part of multiple projects.
• Independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information as copyright infringement is a large part of the audio industry and therefore a valuable learning output.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Produce and communicate information throughout all subjects and include both sound production products and theoretical written arguments especially related to professional industry-based contexts.
• Develop business plans, narratives, and marketing strategies related to the sound and music technology field at an intermediate level.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Recognise and critically reflect on complex problems relating to the context of the audio industry.
• Develop the understanding of how to manage processes found within the details of audio production and the broader context of the profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Analyse and apply a historic perspective through written assignments, case studies, and practical assessment.
• Apply self-advocacy with regards to owning learning and development.
• Participate in collaborative projects to develop learning scenarios that go beyond the brief.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Demonstrate personal development and analysis through theoretical assessment.
• Explore the theoretical study of societal constructs and related philosophy through theoretical assessment.
• Explore the application of personal development praxis through contextual comparisons.