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SAQA 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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120420  Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Music 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-02-02  2029-02-02 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-02-02   2033-02-02  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The Postgraduate Diploma in Music Performance aims to provide both advanced and specific skills related to musical performance disciplines. The qualification will thus develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Music Performance. Learners will acquire the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be competent and successful as musicians, educators, and researchers.

The qualification is designed to provide learners with an in-depth basis of music history, theory and practice in a specialised field to prepare them, not only to become better musicians and educators but also further develop musicianship and artistry within professional musical performance contexts and principles of academic research in preparation for a postgraduate career.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Display advanced technical and artistic proficiency in vocal or instrumental performance contexts equating to Performance Licentiate standard.
  • Communicate in-depth musical knowledge and understanding through performance in professional contexts.
  • Display a high level of artistic and academic engagement with theories, principles and practices related to the broader music discipline.
  • Develop and present two public concerts of high quality as a soloist or chamber musician using two recitals.
  • Facilitate review and demonstrate current performance-related practices and theories in all the modules, which include the two recitals, Viva Voce as well as the Structured Research Essay research project.
  • Develop and contribute to performance scholarship by applying appropriate research methods and writing skills to reflect upon performance practices in amongst others, historical, analytical, cultural, social, or pedagogical aspects in the Structured Research Essay module.

    Rationale:
    Music is a basic mode of human affection and cognition that is central to enculturation, social formation, and the economy. According to The National List of Occupations in High Demand: 2020 published by the Department of Higher Education and Training, there is a shortage of university lecturers specialising in music to enhance the general standard of music performance. The training of educators and choir conductors is emphasised as this is where South Africa's musical need is most urgent. Teaching-learning objectives, content and methods are aligned with practices condoned by the South African Society for Research in Music, the International Society of Music Educators, and the Pan-African Society of Music Educators. The qualification is therefore intended to address skills shortages. This qualification provides learners with the advanced skills necessary to meaningfully contribute to the further development of performance and performance practice, thereby addressing the need for more knowledge and skills within the provincial, national, and international scene.

    The qualification, however, offers a more focused artistic outcome within a more flexible contact time structure. Unlike the Bachelor of Arts in Music Honours, which has group classes, the modules of the qualification are presented on a one-on-one contact basis, which allows more flexibility for learners enrolling for this qualification. The typical profile of candidates for this qualification would be a musician who is already embarked on a part- or full-time career within the music industry that needs to expand and develop performance-related skills. This qualification provides a vertical articulation option after completion of the Advanced Diploma in Music for the learner articulating through the Diploma options. Through this qualification, learners may thus progress to a Master of Music qualification. This qualification is needed for the continual development of the discipline and to provide South Africa with a cadre of specialists for research, facilitation, development, management, and service provision, who will contribute to a continuously growing understanding of the field.

    The qualification will be offered by the competent and well-qualified staff who are members of the Odeion String Quartet responsible for string tuition. Lecturers in the qualification have published on a wide range of topics, including pedagogical practices, somatic studies, South African Composers, and performance practices and are members of a wide range of academic bodies. The qualification was developed in consultation with academic bodies such as the South African Society of Research in Music, the South African Society of Music Teachers (SASMT), and the National Research Foundation. The administrative staff that will provide support to this qualification consists of five members focussed on academic support, concerts and facilities, innovation and marketing, general support as well as theatre management, respectively. The Department has the academic capacity and infrastructure to deliver a qualification of high quality. The SASMT maintains that music pedagogy and the performing artist are closely linked in the endeavour to promote music as a necessary curriculum of the education system and therefore also to the benefit of the economy. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    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 from 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:
  • Advanced Diploma in Music Performance, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Music, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sound and Music Technology, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Main recital, 56 Credits.
  • Short recital, 32 Credits.
  • Viva voce, 8 Credits.
  • Structured Research Essay, 24 Credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply advanced technical and artistic proficiency in vocal or instrumental performance contexts equating to Performance Licentiate standard.
    2. Apply a high level of artistic and academic engagement with theories, principles and practices related to the broader music discipline.
    3. Present public concerts of high quality as soloists or chamber musicians.
    4. Demonstrate competence as an accomplished performer in choral conducting and/or vocal/instrumental performance.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate in-depth musical knowledge and understanding through performance in professional contexts.
    6. Apply appropriate research methods and writing skills to reflect upon performance practices in historical, analytical, cultural, social, and pedagogical aspects. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcome:
  • Develop and present public concerts of high quality as a soloist or chamber musician using two recitals.
  • Facilitate and review current performance-related practices and theories, which include the two recitals, Viva Voce as well as the research project.
  • Explore current performance-related practices and theories.
  • Evaluate existing knowledge concerning relevant theories and methodology of music and apply that knowledge to various contexts.
  • Reflect upon and discuss musical works from general and academic perspectives.
  • Apply appropriate research methods and writing skills to performance-related scholarship.
  • Deliver a well-rounded performance in the chosen performance specialisation.
  • Address ethical issues in fieldwork and report-writing.
  • Utilise research tools and principles in research with a limited focus.
  • Evaluate proper strategies in preparation for the performance and apply the appropriate technical and artistic skills to the music standards.
  • Share knowledge with experts and the general audience during the main recital through Viva Voce questioning by the panellists.
  • Apply and integrate discipline-related knowledge towards professional and highly skilled work as an artist in public performance.
  • Provide analyses and discourses of current debates, paradigms, models, and theories pertaining to performance-related theories through critical engagement and argumentation during performance discussions as well as a structured research essay.
  • Reflect upon performance practices in historical, analytical, cultural, social, or pedagogical aspects developed in the structured research essay module and engage critically with this knowledge in the Viva Voce discussion with assessors. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered by the following countries.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Auckland (UA)
    Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Music (PGDipMus)
    Duration: One year full-time.

    Entry requirements
  • A Bachelor of Music (BMus) at the University of Auckland in the same field of study as you intend to undertake within the PGDipMus. The learner must have completed a degree within two years of starting the PGDipMus.
    Or
  • If the learner does not have a Bachelor of Music, the application will be subject to the qualitative assessment of a portfolio applicable to the area of study being applied for within the PGDipMus.
    Or
    Alternatively, an undergraduate music degree at a recognised university (or similar institution) in the same discipline as the major you are applying for.

    Purpose
    The PGDipMus is a 120-point qualification of focused study to hone skills and development in preparation for the professional world. Whether the learner is a performer, composer, or musicology learner, the learner will focus exclusively on their area of specialisation and further develop the required intellectual and creative skills to thrive in the industry.
    Articulation: Master of Music.

    Modules:
  • Performance.
  • Advanced music analysis.
  • Contemporary music
  • Music and cultural identity.

    Similarities:
  • Both the UA and SA qualifications have 120 Credits.
  • Both qualifications are offered over a period of one year full-time.
  • Both UA and SA qualifications allow learners who completed a bachelor's degree in a music-related field.
  • Both qualifications offer compulsory modules.
  • Both UA and SA qualifications progress vertically to Master of Music.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Trinity Laban Conservatory of Music (TLCM).
    Qualification title: Graduate Diploma (specialisations) Composition, Ensemble, Jazz, or Music Performance.
    Duration: One year full-time

    Purpose:
    The Graduate Diploma qualification is ideal for instrumentalists, vocalists and composers who have gained a degree and want to deepen their skills before undertaking postgraduate study.

    Entry requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent, although other qualifications or professional experience will be considered.
    Or
  • IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum 5.5 in all four areas or Trinity College London's Integrated Skills in English II (ISEII) if English is not your first language.

    Assessments:
    The assessment methods aim to mirror professional contexts. For the principal study module, a learner will be assessed in a performance context (Performance and Jazz pathways) or by portfolio (Composition pathway). For CoLab learners will be assessed continuously on engagement and for the collective performance, a learner will be assessed through a mixture of continuous assessment and written reflection.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered for the period of one year full-time.
  • Both TLCM and SA qualifications allow learners who completed a Bachelor's degree.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose which is to provide advanced and specific skills related to musical performance disciplines.
  • Both TLCM and SA qualifications assess learners through performance and written assessments. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Music, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Music, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Music Honours in Music Communication, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Music in Music Performance, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Music, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Music in Applied Choral Conducting, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Music in Music Composition, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    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. University of the Free State 


    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.