All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY |
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
National Certificate: 3D Animation and Visual Effects |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
57607 | National Certificate: 3D Animation and Visual Effects | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Audio-visual Media Production | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
MICTS - Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 04 - Communication Studies and Language | Communication Studies | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 149 | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 9999/99 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-06-30 | 2029-06-30 |
In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise. |
This qualification is replaced by: |
Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
122662 | Higher Occupational Certificate: Animation Artist | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | 229 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
Learners who attain this qualification are competent 3D animation or visual effects artists. This qualification is set to improve the quality of 3D animation and visual effects in South Africa, providing an entry level of generalist competence that can be developed to improve international competitiveness. Qualifying learners attain skills to work in post production, design sound, capture motion, visualise in 3D space, put ideas down visually (draw) on paper or computer, operate software packages, follow and assess storyboard instructions, plan work flow, manage themselves in larger projects, manage electronic files, model characters, create light and texture, animate by adding motion, composite and render, work in teams, and rig models. They attain knowledge about the history of animation, forms, styles and technology, characterisation and story boarding, the production process (modelling, texturing and lighting, animation and motion, compositing and rendering), types of outputs, procedures for storyboarding, conceptualising, copyright, intellectual property, editing principles, film/video/camera language and cinematography, scripting language, operating systems, Internet, hardware, resources, and health hazards related to computer use. Qualified learners are capable of animating characters, modelling objects and characters, texturing and lighting objects, characters and backgrounds, drawing characters and objects, storyboarding scripts, managing own projects, compositing layers, managing electronic files, rigging models, rendering files, formats and outputting, designing backgrounds, assessing contracts and marketing their own 3D animation and visual effects capabilities. Rationale: Typical learners have NQF Level 4 Further Education and Training Certificates and a keen interest in the animation and visual effects field. Visual literacy and inherent artistic ability are advantageous with drama training particularly valuable for future character animators. Mathematical literacy and aptitude (especially for 3D Animation and visual effects) is a further advantage. Qualified learners can be employed in video game development, gaming, tourism, education, mobile telecommunications, television and video production (including digital special effects) as well as specialist 3D and visual effects production facilities. Areas of employment may also include multi-media production. Most employers are SMEs and freelancers, and some are in the advertising industry. To be a good 3D animator or visual effects artist, much experience is required. The equipment required is very expensive, the work very time consuming, and, therefore, feasibility of starting an own business is limited - working for an existing organisation is mostly required. There is a demand for 3D animation and visual effects in long form production. This is currently being provided in India and Malaysia, and South Africa could compete with those suppliers. Local and international demand is growing rapidly, and there are few 3D animators and visual effects artists, resulting in high fees being charged. This qualification aims to ensure competence at production level, where the bread and butter of qualified learners is in the short form, for example, in the advertising industry. In South Africa, a large percentage of 3D animators and visual effects artists are self-trained. It is important for access to employment to develop a show reel/portfolio, especially for the long form market. Qualified learners will gain employer recognition for relevance, addressing the poor track record of 3D animation and visual effects in South Africa, confounded by graphic design competence being put forward as 3D animation and visual effects competence. Qualified learners will understand the processes involved, as well as their value in the production value chain. International recognition will be enhanced and 3D animation and visual effects can become a South African cultural product outlet. Potential economic returns include that South Africa can become an outsourcing service provider country, generating foreign revenue. South Africa is also in a good position to support the rest of Africa. Larger organisations in South Africa often outsource to SMEs, and there is a demand for both general and specialist competence. 3D animation and visual effects can also play an important role in the field of education. There is an international shortage and global demand for 3D animation and visual effects. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
The qualification design and credits are based on the assumption that learners have already attained the following competencies:
Recognition of prior learning (RPL): This qualification can be achieved wholly, or in part, through recognition of prior learning. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including previous international or local qualifications, reports, testimonials, mentoring, functions performed, portfolios, work records and performance records. As such, evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors below. Learners who have met the requirements of any Unit Standard that forms part of this qualification may apply for recognition of prior learning to the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA). The applicant must be assessed against the specific outcomes and with the assessment criteria for the relevant Unit Standards. A qualification will be awarded should a learner demonstrate that the exit level outcomes of the qualification have been attained. Access to the qualification: Access to this qualification is open to those not visually impaired beyond the extent that is practical within specific contexts. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Manage electronic files and data safely, securely and according to specified requirements.
2. Analyse requirements for 3D animation processes based on given specifications and existing reference material. > Range: Processes include storyboarding, modelling, animation, rigging models, shading, mapping images, lighting, rendering files, compositing layers, outputting, and designing backgrounds. 3. Develop creative elements according to specification using existing digital data. > Range: Digital data can include photographic images, pictures, sound, etc. 4. Market own 3D animation and visual effects produced for specific purposes. 5. Evaluate 3D animation and visual effects against specified requirements. 6. Manage 3D animation production according to specified requirements. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
1.
2. 3. > Range: Legal requirements include copyright and intellectual property legislation. 4. 5. 6. > Range: Products can include models, storyboards, 3D animation (including objects, characters, shading, lighting, images, and backgrounds), rendered files, and rigged models. Integrated assessment: The assessment criteria in the unit standards are performance-based, assessing applied competence rather than only knowledge, or skills. In addition, learners must demonstrate that they can achieve the outcomes in an integrated manner, dealing effectively with different and random demands related to the environmental conditions in occupational contexts, to qualify. Evidence is required that the learner is able to achieve the exit level outcomes of the qualification as a whole and thus its purpose, at the time of the award of the qualification. Workplace experience can be recognised when assessing towards this qualification. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The leaders in animation and 3D animation education and training are in Canada (e.g. Vancouver Film School, Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning), the United Kingdom, and the United States of America (e.g. Californian Institute of the Arts, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania), with some new developments taking place in India, although the training providers operating in India are based in the United States of America.
No qualifications were found in other African countries (e.g. Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, and Kenya). In Namibia, equivalent level qualifications are in the fields of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Economics and Management Science, Education, Humanities and Social Science (which includes Visual Arts, but not animation), Law, Medical and Health Science, and Science (which focuses on computer science only). In Botswana, equivalent level qualifications are available in the fields of engineering and technology, but are limited to industrial design. In Malawi, qualifications focus on agriculture, commerce, education, engineering, law, medicine, nursing, (natural) sciences and social sciences. In Kenya, qualifications focus on veterinary medicine, architecture design and development, arts (drama and theatre only), (natural) science, medicine and education. In Canada, 3D animation qualifications start at a level equivalent to this South African qualification. For example, at the Vancouver Film School, the programme in 3D Animation and Visual Effects and another programme in Classical Animation, both equivalent in terms of estimated notional hours (1200 hours or 120 credits), compare as follows with this South African qualification: 3D Animation and Visual Effects; Classical Animation; South Africa: Compulsory Elective (one focus area - animation, modelling, or visual effects - for each); Elective (none); Elective (any 10+ credits): The most apparent difference between the above qualifications and the South African qualification is that classical animation and 2D animation competencies are excluded from the South African qualification. These aspects are addressed in a separate qualification for 2D animation. Sheridan College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning in Canada offer a four-year Bachelor of Applied Arts (Animation) that is at a level above the level of this qualification. At first year level, the qualification compares as follows with this South African qualification: Sheridan: Bachelor of Applied Arts (Animation) Year I; South Africa: Although the South African qualification does not compare well with this qualification, it is important to include in the comparison the courses offered later in the Sheridan programme. Aspects included in the South African qualification that are addressed later in the Sheridan programme include animation and design of action, pose and graphics; atmosphere and movement in storyboarding; action analysis; figure analysis; modelling; 3D animation; rigging. Therefore, the major difference between the South African qualification and the Sheridan qualification is that the former does not address life and dimensional drawing; painting; creative structure in storyboarding; research; history of animation; social studies (psychology, anthropology, politics, composition and rhetoric); performance analysis. The Californian Institute of the Arts (CalArts) in the United States of America differentiates between experimental and character animation, and offer two programmes at a level above the level of this qualification: a Bachelor of Fine Art: Experimental Animation, and a Bachelor of Fine Art: Character Animation (both four years). The former qualification focuses on creative concept creative and technical proficiency, and the latter on technical proficiency only. This South African qualification addresses technical proficiency, rather than creative concept creation, and the two CalArts qualifications compare as follows with this South African qualification: CalArts: Bachelor of Fine Art: Experimental Animation Year I; South Africa: Another programme example in the United States of America was identified at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, namely, a Bachelor of Fine Arts: Cinema (Animation/Film/Video). The qualification is at a level above this qualification, but includes a beginning level that compares as follows with this South African qualification: Edinboro: Bachelor of Fine Art: Bachelor of Fine Arts: (Animation) - Beginning level; South Africa: Compulsory Elective (12 credits) Art elective courses in computer animation (Computer Animation I, Computer Animation II, Advanced Computer Animation I, Advanced Computer Animation II); Core (partially): At Full Sail, also in the United States of America, a 14-month programme is offered at the level of this South African qualification, namely, an Associate of Science Degree in Computer Animation. It compares as follows with the South African qualification: Full Sail: Associate of Science Degree in Computer Animation; South Africa Other providers such as Digital Media Academy linked to Stanford University and the University of Texas in the United States of America, and East Tennessee State University and The Art Institute of Philadelphia offer short courses of five days to eleven weeks that address specific components contained in the South African qualification, such as 3D character modelling and animation, principles, terms and terminology of 3D animation, trajectories, in/out tangents, weight/displacement, motion and camera movement, wrapping, texturing, particle systems and flow, rendering, storyboarding, 3D animation production, history of animation, timing, spacing, straight ahead vs. pose to pose, keys, extremes and in-betweens, squash and stretch, dope sheets, editing, set driven animation, staging, anticipation, holds, primary and secondary action, overlapping action, exaggeration, sequencing, working with sound, and video. The most notable difference with the South African qualification is that the above American qualifications generally include drawing, and other forms of animation such as 2D animation in addition to 3D animation. In the United Kingdom various qualifications exist below the level of this South African qualification as well as an equivalent level qualification. The BTEC Higher National Certificate in 3D Design consists of 600 hours contact time, and compares as follows with the South African qualification: United Kingdom; South Africa: Compulsory Elective (3 are required) An example of a programme was identified at the SAE Institute, a private college for Audio Engineering, Creative Media and Digital Film training. The SAE 3D Animation Diploma runs over 15 months, and compares as follows with this South African qualification: SAE 3D Animation Diploma; South Africa: Compulsory Ballyfermot College of Further Education in Ireland offers a 1-year programme culminating in a Level 5 Certificate in Art. The programme includes life drawing, drawing and painting, animation and layout studies, sculpture, art and animation history, communications, and drama. The programme focuses on the development of strong drawing skills and provides only a broad introduction to animation. The College also offers a two-year programme at a level below the South African qualification, that addresses subjects such as animation, computer animation and modelling, visual language, layout, design history theory and practice (with film studies), life drawing, studio practice, and design history theory and practice (with script writing), and a two-year post graduate qualification. The main difference between the South African qualification and the qualifications offered in the United Kingdom is that the former does not include drawing, is not categorised within the design field, and does not address classical animation competence. The South African qualification is of equal notional hours, and is mostly comparable with international qualifications at equivalent levels, except that it focuses on one area of animation and does not address drawing competence. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
Vertical articulation is possible with the Bachelor of Design (NQF Level 6); SAQA ID 48810 and with a Bachelor of Visual Communications (NQF Level 6); SAQA ID 49603.
Horizontal articulation on the NQF is possible with the National Certificate: Information Technology (Systems Development) (NQF Level 5); SAQA ID 48872, and the National Certificate: Interactive Media (NQF Level 5); SAQA ID 49121. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
Moderation of assessment and accreditation of providers shall be at the discretion of a relevant ETQA as long as it complies with the SAQA requirements. The ETQA is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this qualification. Particular moderation and accreditation requirements are:
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CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
Criteria for assessors
Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by the relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this qualification. Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the ETQA. Assessors registered with the relevant ETQA must carry out the assessment of learners for the qualification and any of the Unit Standards that make up this qualification. To register as an assessor, the following are required: Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments: In particular, assessors should assess that the learner demonstrates an ability to consider a range of options by: All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles: |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
N/A |
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 242551 | Animate 3D characters and objects | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Core | 13793 | Assemble pictures and sound to specification | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 242546 | Compile and present portfolios of work | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Core | 242548 | Composite layers for 3D animation | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 242547 | Create lighting for 3D animation | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 242549 | Design backgrounds for 3D animation | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 242550 | Model objects and characters for 3D animation and visual effects | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Core | 242553 | Output finished 3D animation | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Core | 242541 | Render files for animation | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 242545 | Shade and map images onto 3D models | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 120378 | Support the project environment and activities to deliver project objectives | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 14 |
Core | 12984 | Interpret provisions of a contract and assess liability of clients and other parties to an agency agreement | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 10 |
Core | 242542 | Rig models for 3D animation and visual effects | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 8 |
Core | 242544 | Storyboard scripts for 3D animation and visual effects | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 10 |
Fundamental | 117548 | Design creative elements with digital photographic images | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Fundamental | 114050 | Explain the principles of business and the role of information technology | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Fundamental | 115362 | Manage software development source files using appropriate tools | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 115163 | Convey a specific design message | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115379 | Create object scripts for a multimedia/web-based computer application | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 20 |
Elective | 116778 | Develop quality plans and ensure overall quality of products or services in a small business or business unit | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 13808 | Edit and prepare audio, video and 3D content for multimedia | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Elective | 116786 | Manage the cash flow of a small business or a business unit | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 13805 | Select and assemble sound to support visual images | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 10148 | Supervise a project team of a business project to deliver project objectives | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 14 |
Elective | 10147 | Supervise a project team of a technical project to deliver project objectives | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 14 |
Elective | 242543 | Supervise on-set production for visual effects | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Elective | 242552 | Animate particles and natural effects for 3D animation and visual effects | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 10 |
Elective | 115381 | Apply the principles of creating a computer program using an OOP language in a GUI environment | Level 6 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6 | 12 |
LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement. |
NONE |
PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: |
This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here. |
1. | CTU Training Solutions |
2. | Ikusasalethu Youth Development Project NPC |
3. | Revolution Media Academy (Pty) Ltd |
4. | The Media Workshop |
All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source. |