Higher Certificate in Photography

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Photography is an entry-level higher education qualification that aims to produce photographers who are qualified and proficient in the basic introductory knowledge, conceptual tools, and practical techniques needed to successfully enter and navigate the industry. Qualified learners will fill the growing need for qualified photographers.

This qualification will equip learners with the necessary industry-standard skills and techniques that will allow them to develop, coordinate and execute creative concepts in a variety of contexts within the industry.

The qualification is primarily a vocational qualification and maintains a strong industry focus. The core purpose of this qualification is to produce professionally competent photographers who are creative and competitive in the industry. The qualification is designed to produce graduates who can successfully contribute to the relevant South African industries and economy. The qualification will equip learners with the necessary competencies in the various theoretical, practical and technical aspects of photography to create a basic, but thorough and well-rounded, understanding of photography.

As the qualification is vocational, it has a strong industry-oriented focus and includes practical components throughout the qualification's duration to ensure industry-ready graduates. The practical components aim to equip learners with the necessary industry-standard skills and competencies to successfully function in a variety of contexts within the industry.

The practical components of the qualification are supplemented by relevant theoretical knowledge, providing the learner with basic, introductory knowledge of the different aspects of photography, and including the application methods needed to produce competent professional artists. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to successfully enter the industry and be able to work as professional photographers who are up to industry standards and who are creative and knowledgeable about their field.

The qualification equips learners with the relevant introductory knowledge, skills and practical techniques to successfully function as a professional photographer in their chosen field. The qualification achieves this by providing the learners with both a strong theoretical foundation as well as the relevant practical tools and experience. Learners will be equipped with the basic industry standard skills to successfully fulfil the professional requirements in a variety of contexts. By designing modules to include a variety of photographic contexts from fashion photography to photojournalism, learners will be competent in a variety of contexts and will possess a clear understanding of the various career options.

Upon completion of this qualification, learners will be able to

• Select and apply the various theoretical and practical elements pertaining to photography and creating a photographic image in a range of professional contexts.
• Illustrate a sound understanding of the fundamental theories, scholarly positions and basic methodologies in creating a photographic image.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the effects of historical, socio-political and cultural forces on photography.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical elements required to successfully produce a photographic image.
• Demonstrate the ability to operate at an entry level within the relevant industry and effectively interact with others, independently or as a member of a team, in a variety of relevant contexts.

Rationale

With the increased demand for visual media in most industries, and the constant development of media channels and technologies the need for photographers in South Africa has increased over the last decade. The digital space continues to rapidly develop worldwide, with new businesses, social media platforms, influencers, products, as well as internet users and consumers coming out almost daily. As such, digital marketing, advertising, social media management, and related industries increase demand for competent and creative photographers.

Beyond marketing and advertisement, the media industry is also experiencing rapid growth. Film, television, general media, design, fine art, journalism, wedding, fashion, entertainment and even educational industries are constantly expanding and adapting to a new digital and visual landscape. This rapid growth results in a continuous need for qualified photographers who can work in a variety of contexts and competently able to fill the needs of their chosen fields within the industry.

The Higher Certificate in Photography aims to fill this gap by producing competent photographers ready to pursue a career in photography as an independent photographer or work in a range of various media, commercial or design industries. This qualification is designed to equip learners with the skills and competencies in the relevant digital editing software and qualifications, thus equipping individuals with the solid theoretical and practical knowledge and skills needed for them to be a competent and contributing entry-level professional in their photographic field of choice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification can be achieved in part, through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Access

Entry to the qualification can be achieved through the applicants' work and life experiences which hold particular significance for non-standard applicants.

Evidence of relevant experience must be presented in a portfolio of evidence, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, functions performed, portfolios, work records and performance records.

Evidence will be judged according to the general principles of assessment and the institution's RPL policy in line with the national framework.

Credits

Where formal prior learning has taken place, 50% of the credits achieved will be awarded in accordance with established practices across South African higher education institutions and national standards of Recognition of Prior Learning.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Level 5.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits.

• Creativity Thinking, 10 Credits.
• Professional Development I, 15 Credits.
• Visual Communication, 20 Credits.
• Photography, 20 credits.
• Digital Editing, 20 credits.
• Landscape Photography, 5 credits.
• Portrait Photography, 5 credits.
• Photojournalism, 5 credits.
• Mounting and Finishing/Studio, 5 credits.
• Street Photography, 5 credits.
• Black and White Photography, 5 credits.
• Fashion Photography, 5 credits.

1. Apply various theoretical and practical elements pertaining to photography and create a photographic image in a range of professional contexts.
2. Illustrate a sound understanding of the fundamental theories, scholarly positions and basic methodologies in creating a photographic image.
3. Demonstrate a basic understanding of the effects of historical, socio-political and cultural forces on photography.
4. Demonstrate a clear understanding of the technical elements required to successfully produce a photographic image.
5. Demonstrate the ability to operate at an entry level within the relevant industry and effectively interact with others, independently or as a member of a team, in a variety of relevant contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and explain various basic principles, terms, concepts, rules and theories of photography correctly.
• Apply the relevant photographic methods, principles and or techniques to different application practices, contexts and problems.
• Apply relevant theoretical and practical elements to the learners' own photographic practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and explain the different, relevant fundamental theories, scholarly positions and methodologies and practically apply and justify their use in the learner's own photographic expectations.
• Outline how the various theories relevant to the methodology of photography are applied in a variety of contexts.
• Identify and explain the various relevant scholarly positions, arguments and perspectives in the theory and methodology of photography.
• Select information from relevant sources and apply it in the various theoretical and practical contexts within photography.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Describe the various historical, socio-political and cultural events that impacted photography.
• Explain the impact historical events have had on photography.
• Contextualise and explain the impact of socio-political and cultural forces on contemporary photographic practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Explain and successfully apply the relevant properties and principles of light required to produce a photographic image, as well as explain the vital role light plays in photography.
• Apply the relevant techniques, shooting methods and procedures within the confines of a brief.
• Assemble and use the various relevant lighting and photographic tools and pieces of equipment within the relevant contexts, both in and outside the studio context, required to successfully create a photographic image.
• Correctly apply the theoretical understanding of photo editing techniques and software to create a professionally edited image that meets industry requirements for a variety of applications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Correctly identify, describe and apply the relevant protocols and skills required to competently communicate within, and navigate the professional context.
• Apply the appropriate theoretical and practical elements pertaining to photography in practical contexts.
• Illustrate an appropriate degree of creativity and originality in their work.
• Create documents necessary to enter the industry such as a Curriculum Vitae, business or cover letter, and portfolio of work.
• Practically demonstrate independence, effective time management, and self-direction throughout the duration of the course and in the execution of briefs and projects.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

A combination of formative and summative methodologies is applied in every module, integrating theory and practice, such that the learner demonstrates the achievement of the outcomes through the competencies acquired.

As a Higher Certificate, the qualification is primarily vocational and thus the assessment strategy focuses

Practical tasks and assessments which demonstrate learning acquired in simulated industry contexts.

Internal moderation

The lecturers who are responsible for a particular module are appointed as internal examiners for that module. Internal examiners are responsible for the marking of all assessments related to the module for which they are responsible.

External moderation

All final assessments at exit levels of the curriculum are moderated by academic staff of higher education institutions or by appropriately qualified industry practitioners.

Moderation, both internal and external, of all modules at the exit level of the qualification is conducted in keeping with HEQC requirements. All assessors, and internal and external moderators are required to be appropriately and adequately qualified, and in possession of, at minimum, a diploma, a degree or equivalent.