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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Fine Arts and Design 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125577  Bachelor of Fine Arts and Design 
ORIGINATOR
SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance - Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First Degree  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Visual Arts 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2035-03-10  

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 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Fine Arts and Design is to equip learners with foundational and advanced, conceptual, and technical competencies necessary for professional practice. Traditionally, education has occurred in strict, segmented channels of knowledge, but with the rapid advancement of technology, fields such as the Arts and Humanities, Science, and Commerce are becoming increasingly integrated.

The qualification aims to provide creative practitioners who will result in groups of talented alumni, including entrepreneurs, television and filmmakers, and performing artists, fine artists, photographers, and designers collaborating in the creation of creative industries with innovative and sustainable projects, and by doing so, develop South Africa's creative economy.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Critically evaluate and apply theoretical domains of knowledge using well-formed arguments to inform and motivate creative choices in a range of projects and productions.
  • Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of fine art and design methodologies to apply the appropriate techniques to solve complex problems in originating an engaging and original body of creative work for exhibition in a professional environment.
  • Act ethically and professionally in a variety of contexts through the application of 21st-century skills to ensure effective production processes and to achieve successful outcomes of creative practice.

    Rationale:
    Digital Convergence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution are affecting the way new audiences and publics across the whole African continent consume creative content and skills. South Africa has a very important role to play in the burgeoning creative arts industry.

    The qualification is conceived to not only provide a high-level intervention in the creative industry as it exists, but is also structured to be responsive to the rapidly changing landscape. The clear, creative, and intellectual drive of this qualification lies with the specialist creative practitioner in a wide variety of traditional, contemporary, and emerging practices as it pertains to both individual creative expression and the ability to work collaboratively within teams of creative practitioners, all bringing unique skill sets.

    The qualification will cater for learners who want to focus exclusively on Fine Arts and Design in the context of the creative economies at large. Learners in this qualification will not only be able to achieve skill sets that are similar to more conventional qualifications in the field, but will also have the opportunity to participate in collaborative projects with learners in the other qualifications in the institution. As such, they will be able to produce the work associated with more conventional Fine Arts or Design qualifications, but also produce cross-disciplinary work in conjunction with Motion Picture and Live Performance Learners. After completing this qualification, a learner can work as a fine artist, designer, photographer, filmmaker, creative producer, or in a range of multidisciplinary roles within the creative and cultural industries. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognised Prior Learning (RPL) is a valid method to articulate access in the Higher Education Sub-framework.

    The institution provides bridging options for RPL learners who enter the qualification. An RPL learner is a Learner who wants to enter an institution without an appropriate qualification at the required NQF level, but with related academic or industry experience equivalent to the learning that has taken place in the qualification.

    RPL for Access:
    The institution allows potential learners to apply for RPL to gain access to the undergraduate qualification. This will be considered in cases where a learner does not hold a National Senior Certificate with the appropriate exemption but may be allowed access through Senate Discretion. RPL for Access is implemented by means of assessing a potential candidate's aptitude and capacity to succeed in their selected field of study through a Learning Potential Computerised Adaptive test LPCAT which is administered by an independent and registered psychometric assessor. The Learner Affairs Officer receives the written report of this assessment and submits the outcome and recommendation to the Registrar, as the delegate of the Senate, with a recommendation for acceptance or not into the qualification. Should the Registrar agree with the recommendation for acceptance, the Registrar will sign off access to the qualification, using the principle of Senate Discretion.

    RPL intake to 10% as per legislative requirements. RPL will only be considered for the 2nd year of study within this qualification.

    RPL applications are processed by the recruitment department and referred to appropriate academic staff. Relevant lecturers will have an interview with the applicant and ask for their portfolio of evidence to assess the relevant skill levels and competence in accordance with the required level of skill and competence to enter the 2nd year.

    Where required, bridging plans are implemented to integrate the RPL Learner into the qualification. The RPL Learner's progress is monitored closely.

    Practical requirements to enter the 2nd year of the qualification, as appropriate to the discipline electives:
  • A portfolio of exhibited/sold/commissioned paintings or drawings and examples of current work.
  • A portfolio of commissioned/published photographs and examples of current work.
  • A showreel of motion picture productions demonstrating production design elements.
  • A portfolio of commissioned/exhibited art installations and examples of current work.

    Entry Requirements:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4, grants access to a bachelor's degree.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework, Level 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits:
  • Research, 24 Credits.
  • Production, 48 Credits.
  • Discipline, 48 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, totalling 120 Credits
  • Research, 24 Credits.
  • Production, 48 Credits.
  • Discipline, 48 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, totalling 120 Credits
  • Research, 24 Credits.
  • Production, 48 Credits.
  • Discipline, 48 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Critically evaluate and apply theoretical domains of knowledge using well-formed arguments to inform and motivate creative choices in a range of projects and productions.
    2. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of fine art and design methodologies to apply the appropriate techniques to solve complex problems in originating an engaging and original body of creative work for exhibition in a professional environment.
    3. Act ethically and professionally in a variety of contexts through the application of 21st-century skills to ensure effective production processes and to achieve successful outcomes of creative practice.
    4. Critically reflect on iterative production processes and experiential learning to improve self-direction and decision-making skills in the creation of an original body of creative work, which can be applied in a variety of exhibition platforms. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
    ELO1: Critically evaluate and apply theoretical domains of knowledge using well-formed arguments to inform and motivate creative choices in a range of projects and productions.
  • Examine Histories of Art, Visual Communication Theories, and existing artworks, to justify and motivate the creative choices of project work.
  • Conceptualise the creation of original works through an investigation of the social, political, and cultural contexts of the self in relation to theoretical domains in the humanities.
  • Examine existing practices of artistic mediation to inform and plan the most appropriate use of media in the execution of the project work.
  • Apply an understanding of contesting contexts in which methods of enquiry are interpreted, applied, and/or modified in artistic research.
  • Use appropriate academic discourse, including information gathering, evaluation, and information management, validate the sources of information; develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments justifying creative research production.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
    ELO 2: Demonstrate detailed knowledge of a range of fine art and design methodologies to apply the appropriate techniques to solve complex problems in originating an engaging and original body of creative work for exhibition in a professional environment.
  • Use tools, techniques, materials and methods of appropriate fine art and design to originate practice-based creative research.
  • Apply knowledge of the principles, rules, and theories of art and design in the creation of an original body of work for exhibition.
  • Drawing on existing and experimental practice, apply methodologies of art and design to originate an engaging body of work for exhibition in appropriate public forums.
  • Apply a comprehensive ability to use appropriate methodologies of art and design to create a unique and original body of work for exhibition or use in the creative economy.
  • Illustrate the skills to exhibit creative work in a work-simulated environment with the intent to secure a review, sale or commission.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
    ELO3: Act ethically and professionally in a variety of contexts through the application of 21st-century skills to ensure effective production processes and to achieve successful outcomes of creative practice.
  • Analyse and critically evaluate challenges related to creative processes to identify and apply appropriate problem-solving strategies for improved creative practice.
  • Apply knowledge of key concepts, principles, and theories of creativity to identify and apply appropriate strategies for improved creative practice.
  • Apply a clear understanding of the need for, and the ability to take professional notes, take full responsibility for originating work, use resources responsibly, work on briefs and work professionally to deadlines.
  • Apply key concepts in values, ethics and goal setting to enable professional and respectful conduct when collaborating with diverse peers in different projects.
  • Identify, evaluate, select, and apply appropriate technologies to originate engaging and unique works of art and design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
    ELO4: Critically reflect on iterative production processes and experiential learning to improve self-direction and decision-making skills in the creation of an original body of creative work, which can be applied in a variety of exhibition platforms.
  • Identify, evaluate, and address learning needs in a self-directed manner.
  • Revise problem-solving strategies appropriate to different contexts.
  • Using ethical and professional decision-making practice, reflect on and evaluate past decisions and actions for continuous improvement.
  • Critically reflect on work produced with the aim of continuous improvement.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Integrated assessment is achieved through formative and summative evaluations.

    Formative Assessment:
    Informal and formal critique sessions with learners and groups of learners occur throughout the term, where tutors assess attendance, participation, and contributions of learners at these sessions.

    Learners are also assessed by the tutor on the application of the 21st-century skills in general planning for the execution of their projects. Formative assessments account for 33% of the module's credits. First draft submission of the research assignment during the term, where learners will receive feedback from tutors/lecturers with due consideration for the final hand-in date at the end of the term. This accounts for 33% of the term mark.

    Summative Assessment:
    Final submission of the research assignment at the end of the term, where learners must incorporate the feedback from tutors/lecturers as received during formative assessments. This accounts for 67% of the term mark.

    Production Module:
    Integration of knowledge from Research, Discipline, and Production modules as it manifests in the project. This assessment is conducted at Final Review. During preproduction presentations and final reviews, the way in which learners conduct these sessions is assessed. Summative assessments account for 67% of credits in the module.

    Learners prepare examples of work in their assigned project focus area, which not only demonstrates their understanding of the theoretical principles and rules of the discipline area, but also their ability to apply its technical and discipline practices. These examples are assessed for both theoretical and practical applications, and learners receive verbal and written feedback. Although this is the summative assessment in the discipline, it also serves a formative purpose for the required assessments in the Production Module.

    Learners are required to keep a journal during the course of a project cycle. At the end of the project cycle, learners use this journal to complete and submit a summative Reflection assignment. The Reflection assignment provides learners with the opportunity to critically reflect on their process in preparing and executing the project work.

    Formative feedback received during the course of a term accounts for 33% of the module's credits. Summative assessments account for the remaining 67% of credits in the module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to similar qualifications from Australia and England.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Queensland College of Art, Griffith University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Design
    Duration: three years
    Credits: 240

    Entry requirements:
    Academic entry requirements apply to international applicants for undergraduate qualifications (South African):
  • National Senior Certificate.
  • Learners' entry requirements include a Grade average of 4.7 in the best 5 subjects in the final year (excluding the subject 'Life Orientation' and `Mathematics Third Paper').

    Recognition of prior learning (RPL) to meet entry requirements is assessed at the time of admission. If approved, learners' offers and qualification duration will automatically reflect this. Learners may also be eligible for additional credit if they have prior study or experience beyond what is required for entry.

    Purpose/rationale:
    The Bachelor of Design addresses the global need for designers who can navigate the complexities of contemporary society, creatively, ethically, and sustainably.

    Pathways to further study:
  • Qualifying learners of this program may continue their studies by undertaking the Bachelor of Design (Honours).

    Similarities:
  • The Australian and South African qualifications are both 3-year undergraduate creative qualifications.
  • Both prepare learners for careers in the creative and design industries.
  • Both allow RPL and pathways to Honours-level study.
  • Both qualifications articulate Bachelor Honours.

    Differences:
  • The Australian qualification is design-only, while the South African qualification is multidisciplinary (fine arts, design, film, performance, photography, etc).
  • The South African qualification has a strong economic and creative industry ecosystem focus.
  • Credits differ because the countries use different frameworks (Australia 240 vs South Africa 360).

    Country: England
    Institution: Manchester School of Art (MSA)
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Fine Art and Design
    Duration: Three years full-time
    Qualification credits: 360

    Purpose/rationale:
    The qualification prepares learners to become informed, critically capable art practitioners, able to take learners' place as professionals in the arts and the wider cultural industries. The qualification also offers learners the opportunity to enhance their employability through placement and overseas study.

    Entry requirements:
  • IB Diploma - Pass overall with a minimum overall score of 26 or minimum 104 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules:
  • Art History: The Nineteenth Century and the Early Twentieth Century.
  • Future X: Kinship.
  • Studio 1.
  • Intra-actions.
  • Art History 4: Interpretations.

    Similarities:
  • The Manchester School of Art (MSA) and South Africa (SA) qualifications are both 3-year undergraduate qualifications.
  • Both aim to produce qualifying learners who are prepared for creative-sector careers.
  • Both qualifications have 360 credits (120 credits per year).

    Differences:
  • Manchester qualification articulates mainly into the Master of Fine Arts and related fields, while the South African (SA) qualification articulates into a wide range of Honours degrees across Fine Art, Visual Art, Design, and Motion Picture. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art, NQF level 7.
  • Bachelor of Fine Arts, NQF level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Motion Picture Medium, NQF level 8.
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Art, NQF level 8.
  • Bachelor of Visual Arts Honours, NQF level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • There is no registered diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. SA School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance - Johannesburg 


    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.