Higher Certificate in Photography

Purpose

The purpose of the programme is to provide education and training in order for the student to be able to fulfil a range of photographic tasks and thus achieve a vocationally specific Qualification. The programme aims to develop the students' ability to manage themselves, develop critical awareness, synthesize complex information, and develop skills pertinent to visual communication.

The programme meets the above purposes by equipping students with knowledge, understanding, and skills essential for successful performance in working life enabling them to make an immediate contribution to Photography in South Africa.

Photography is integral to many aspects of life in South Africa. In a country where language is diverse and culture fragmented, images play an important role in unifying the communication processes. There is an increase in the application of photography in all industries, especially branding, marketing, design and advertising. Companies rely on strong images to promote services and products and create strong brands in competitive markets.

The need for strong imagery that is unique and innovative has motivated the development of a programme aimed at meeting the industries` demands for imagery that is both technically sound and artistically cutting edge.

Students who complete this qualification will have the basic competencies related to general commercial photographic practice that will enable them to apply photographic skills in an entry-level photographic position. Students will have a fundamental understanding of the technical disciplines of analogue and digital photography along with a basic ability to adapt their practice for the context of the workplace. This will enable a commercially acceptable standard of photography as a form of visual communication.

Rationale

This specialized higher certificate programme is aimed at individuals seeking a vocational career in photography. The course is designed with a balance of practical, theoretical and artistic components which facilitates the enhancement of creative thinking and academic growth.

Advances in digital technologies with regard to photography, web-design, graphic design and associated disciplines have spearheaded the convergence of these previously disassociated fields.

This has created a need for establishing an entry-level programme for prospective photographers.

This qualification will provide the student with the required competencies necessary to be effective in careers such as professional photographic assistance; photographic retail representatives; social and events photography; newspaper, magazines and publication photography; graphic and web design photography; photographic lab assistance and management.

The programme will thus meet the needs of the student by providing a solid grounding in photographic theory and practice-by doing this in a higher education context and not as a training programme the students will be provided with the necessary theory, critical thinking and reflective skills that will differentiate them from those that are simply technically trained to take photographs.

The development of the new programme is in keeping with the IIE and Vega's desire to

• Meet the learning needs and aspirations of individuals through the development of their intellectual abilities and aptitude. Higher education affords individuals opportunities offered for self-fulfilment and societal contribution. It is thus an important vehicle for achieving equity in the distribution of opportunity and achievement among South African citizens. In this programme-set at an exit level of NQF Level 5-students are enabled to make a meaningful theoretical and practical contribution in the field. In this particular case exposure to the theory of critical communication as well as the ethical responsibility of the visual communicator are key ways of doing this.
• Contribute to the socialisation of enlightened, responsible and constructively critical citizens. Higher education encourages the development of a reflective capacity and a willingness to review and renew prevailing ideas, policies and practices based on a commitment to the common good. By ensuring that the qualification attends to African and developmental issues explicitly (rather than the normal tangential approach) this programme meets this objective significantly.
• Contribute to the creation, sharing and evaluation of knowledge. Higher education engages in the pursuit of academic scholarship and intellectual inquiry in all fields of human understanding, through research, learning and teaching. This programme ensures that students develop their own understanding of the theory and its application rather than simply relying on rote repetition of the ideas of others.
• Provide higher education to students who choose the more occupationally driven learning programme provided in an environment of small classes and small campuses that make individual student support and success a priority.

In consideration of relevant stakeholders, the public must be taken into account as it is ultimately the end-user influenced by the imagery presented to them. Photography as a means of communication plays a vital role in our understanding and perception of society. As our democracy evolves, the need for unbiased, ethically sound interpretation of our society in photographs is pivotal to the cultivation of a culture of openness, acceptance and involvement. Photography as a medium has a dramatic influence on our awareness of socio-economic challenges, bringing issues such as HIV/AIDS, poverty and inequality to the fore. The generation and publication of imagery in the media provides us with context, engaging us in both current and historical events. This engagement has the power to move people from apathy to action whilst instilling appreciation for diversity in South Africa.

"Photojournalism has also played a significant role in capturing some epoch defining moments in socio-historical developments throughout the world. It also serves as both an emotional and symbolic link, which roots the aspirations of our democracy with the international values of human rights. The value and contribution of photography to the cultural and social life of the community is often undervalued. The ordinary citizen often does not have the means to develop such an industry. Photography can provide a means to generate income for people and can contribute significantly to job-creation. We have not acknowledged photography as a sustainable industry and it has been largely part of the so-called second economy. It, therefore, needs to be developed into a viable industry.

The photographer as artistic expressionist contributes to the process of sharing a common interest and in creating communication channels between generations and between diverse cultures. Through the lens of the camera a history is written of diverse cultures, a growing democracy and the building of a strong nation.

Successful completion of a Senior Certificate or equivalent.

Recognition of Prior Learning

This Qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning for formal learning: (Credit recognition)

Students may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised Institutes. The IIE RPL Policy (IIE10) and the IIE Academic Credit Policy (IIE04) guide this process.

Access to the Qualification

Senior Certificate or equivalent

All prospective students are interviewed by a Relationship Navigator (student advisor) need to show evidence of creative output such as a portfolio.

Credit Value of the Programme

Total Credits required for the orogramme: 120.

Programme is Full-Time/Part-Time: Full-time & Part-time.

The minimum/maximum duration of the programme for Full-Time: 1 year minimum, 2 years maximum.

Year 1; Learning Components; Modules; NQF Level; Credits

Fundamental Learning: Competencies relating to Fundamental learning

Introduction to Photography: theory and techniques, NQF Level 5, Credits 15.

Characteristics of Light: theory and techniques, NQF Level 5, Credits 20.

Core learning; Competencies relating to Core learning

Introduction to Visual Communications for Photographers, NQF Level 5, Credits 10.

Photographic Assignments: theory and application, NQF Level 5, Credits 40.

Digital Imaging, NQF Level 5, Credits 10.

Business Practice and Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 5, Credits 5.

Experiential Portfolio, NQF Level 5, Credits 20.

Summary of the total credits for Fundamental, Core and Electives are

Total: 120.

Total credits for Fundamental Contents year 1: 35 Credits.

Total credits for Core Contents year 1: 85 Credits.

Total credits for Elective Contents year 1: 0 Credits.

List of Electives

The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying students with the appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes to effectively pursue a career in photography. This is a career-focused programme designed to suit the needs of the workplace and not a generic qualification that would warrant electives. As this is a one year programme exposing students to the field of photography, electives at this stage are not warranted.

On achieving this qualification, a student will be able to

• Understand the basic principles, both theoretical and practical, of creating a photographic image.
• Understand and utilise the principles of light to create photographic images.
• Apply visual literacy and critical analysis to photographic work.
• Produce a professional photographic imagery that meets various industry requirements.
• Apply digital and design software to correct, enhance and manipulate photographic images professionally.
• Apply sound knowledge of basic business skills in the photographic industry.
• Produce professional photographic portfolio and develop the ability to function within the photographic industry.

• Demonstrate the ability to understand and use photographic equipment.
• Demonstrate an ability to create a photographic image and apply basic photographic techniques.
• Demonstrate a theoretic understanding of the basic principles of photographic equipment and technique.
• Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the basic principles of light and its application to photography.
• Demonstrate an ability to utilise photographic lighting equipment and techniques.
• Demonstrate basic visual literacy and visual communications skills.
• Apply visual elements to imagery to achieve a particular aesthetic effect and communications message.
• Demonstrate an ability to conceptualise, plan, organise and execute photographic assignments in multi disciplinary fields and within given time-constraints.
• Demonstrate an ability to understand and distinguish between the different disciplines in photography.
• Demonstrate a theoretical understanding of the basic principles and utilisation of digital imaging software.
• Demonstrate an ability to apply theoretic understanding of Photoshop to practical application.
• Demonstrate an ability to professionally edit photographs as required in the industry.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the fundamental principles of running a small photographic business.
• Demonstrate sound knowledge of the role of accounting and finance in the business of photography.
• Demonstrate an ability to understand and distinguish between the different roles of a photographer in the workplace.
• Demonstrate an ability to create a photographic portfolio that can be viewed by prospective clients and employers.

Integrated Assessment

The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd practices an integrated system of assessment, in terms of which students are assessed on an ongoing basis. Students are required to write class tests and examinations and complete assignments. The results thereof count towards the final mark for each module. The components of the final mark are determined separately for each module.

Assessment Methods and Instruments

Need to indicate different Assessment Instruments for this programme

Instrument; Methods

Portfolios: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Simulations: Observation.

Written examinations: Questioning:written/oral.

Practical examinations, Observation.

Assignments: Product evaluation.

Classroom presentations: Observation; Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Participation in group discussions: Observation; Product evaluation.

Mid-term Tests: Questioning:written/oral.

Class Tests: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Practical exercises/demonstrations: Product evaluation; Questioning:written/oral.

Projects; Observation; Product evaluation: Questioning:written/oral.