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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: 

Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Art 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97970  Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Art 
ORIGINATOR
Cape Town Creative Academy 
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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Art qualification aims to enable learners to acquire the necessary theoretical knowledge, technical skills and professional workmanship capabilities, necessary to act as independent and self-motivated practitioners within the contemporary art sector.
The Contemporary Art Department of the CTCA furthermore endeavours to embrace an ethos that will encourage graduates to strive to uphold and protect the integrity and sustainability of the South African arts industries.

Upon qualifying the learner will be able to:
  • Acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the core theories, methodologies and discourses of contemporary art.
  • Develop appropriate research methodologies so as to enable them to conduct self-motivated, independent and original research.
  • Display a proficient level of technical mastery over the tools, processes and software platforms used in accordance with best- practice standards of the contemporary art industry.
  • Understand and apply ethical and professional judgment necessary to successfully conduct oneself as an independent practitioner in the field of contemporary art.
  • Create creative communicative artistic outcomes that are informed by critical thinking, reflexivity and appropriate aesthetic codification.
  • Demonstrate the mental faculty necessary for an individual to critically analyse the contextual circumstances of a challenge on a systematic level.

    Rationale:
    During the development of this qualification three important factors were taken into consideration:
  • The cultural need for the further development of the South African contemporary art sector.
  • The international demand for 'African artists' and the contribution of this sector to the Gross domestic product (GDP).
  • The international demand for trans-disciplinary practice in the contemporary art industry.

    Contemporary art in and from South Africa has achieved a significant profile globally, with a substantial number of artists being exposed on major international platforms for presentation and critical reception. The sector has been invigorated by the emergence of a new generation of young artists, curators and entrepreneurs, who are increasingly connected into continental networks and critical forums.

    Studies have emphasised that this sector plays a significant role in addressing the mandate of government in the social and economic realm. In line with the findings presented in the studies, the Cape Town Creative Academy (CTCA) aims to support the growth of the sector by focusing on the following overarching objectives.

    Furthermore, it is with this insight that the CTCA wishes to offer world-class tertiary education in the field of contemporary art in order to respond to the global demand for creative innovators and artists from the African continent. The CTCA in its approach has based its qualification on the trans-disciplinary integration of a traditional creative development, technical skills training, rigorous academic education, and entrepreneurial and business management learning, to ensure the delivery of a unique offering that is unmatched by any other institution in the region. This competitive advantage enables the CTCA to maintain a demand for its offering. With a dynamic cross-pollination of technical skills training, critical - thinking development and contemporary discourse the qualification will provide a platform that encourages trans- disciplinary practice. Contemporary art learners, will be trained with a diverse set of skills, including non-traditional skills such as digital design and business management, are equipped with invaluable knowledge providing them with a competitive edge in the international art industry.

    With a trans- disciplinary approach to curricular development, this qualification aims primarily to address the needs of the following sub-sectors within the profession:
  • Independent practicing contemporary artist.
  • Academic Scholar within the field of contemporary art practices and related discourses.
  • Educator/facilitator.
  • Art critic/journalist.
  • Curator/gallerist.
  • Art consultant/art buyer. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution adheres to the principles of RPL as set forth by the National Policy for the Implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning (March 2013). The institution adapts the following criteria and methods to assess the level of entry for individuals.

    The applicant will need to submit a portfolio of evidence containing samples of professional projects relevant to the field for which the applicant applies to obtain RPL.

    The RPL panel will evaluate the application in accordance to prescribed guidelines by:
  • Identifying the level of competency and/or knowledge of the applicant.
  • Matching and assessing the competency level to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification.
  • Accredit the skills, knowledge and experience built up through informal and non-formal learning.

    Entry Requirements:
    For admission to this qualification a learner must have:
    National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
    Senior Certificate with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory Modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 5, 60 Credits:
  • Academic Skills 100, 10 Credits.
  • Business Studies 120, 10 Credits.
  • Contextual Studies 100, 20 Credits.
  • Technical Development 100, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 6, 180 Credits:
  • Studio Practice 100, 60 Credits.
  • Business Studies 220, 10 Credits.
  • Collaborative Practice 210, 10 Credits.
  • Contextual Studies 200, 20 Credits.
  • Studio Practice 200, 60 Credits.
  • Technical Development 200, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, at NQF Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Business Studies 300, 20 Credits.
  • Collaborative Practice 300, 20 Credits.
  • Contextual Studies 300, 20 Credits.
  • Studio Practice 300, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Acquire an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the core theories, methodologies and discourses of contemporary art.
    2. Develop appropriate research methodologies so as to enable them to conduct self-motivated, independent and original research.
    3. Display a proficient level of technical mastery over the tools, processes and software platforms used in accordance with best - practice standards of the contemporary art industry.
    4. Understand and apply ethical and professional judgement necessary to successfully conduct oneself as an independent practitioner in the field of contemporary art.
    5. Create creative communicative artistic outcomes that are informed by critical thinking, reflexivity and appropriate aesthetic codification.
    6. Demonstrate the mental faculty necessary for an individual to critically analyse the contextual circumstances of a challenge on a systematic level. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Insight and a comprehensive understanding of all the relevant theoretical knowledge are applied.
  • The core concepts, principles and theoretical frameworks of Contemporary Art are comprehended, analysed and applied.
  • Theoretical knowledge is critically applied to the practical outcomes.
  • Knowledge within the context of a design problem is analysed, applied and critically responded to.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Specialised information is identified, processed, critically reviewed and integrated from a diverse set of information sources, and such information is used as the foundation.
  • The ability to think of a creative response to specific design problem is displayed.
  • An understanding of the research question at hand is shown.
  • Relevant and appropriate scholarly research methodologies are followed.
  • All project outcomes are rooted in rigorous and congruent field specific research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Efficiency in the application of the appropriate tools, techniques and practical methodologies is displayed.
  • The appropriate media and methods for the challenge at hand is effectively selected.
  • All the project outcomes to the applicable production specifications are adhered to.
  • All the project outcomes are presented in completeness, professionally and on time.
  • All project outcomes are presented in accordance with the specified requirements.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The growth and sustainability of the contemporary art sector is contributed to in a responsible and sensible manner.
  • A sensitive awareness of the social, economic and environmental impact of their project outcomes is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The ability to process and execute a project with creative innovation is displayed.
  • The ability to execute projects with aesthetic sensitivity and visual competence is displayed.
  • Perceptual ability or observation is demonstrated.
  • The aesthetic decision-making supporting the communicative function of the project outcomes is shown.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Information is analysed to develop and voice a critically informed opinion.
  • The wider context of the challenge at hand is understood.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution supports assessment that is appropriate, fair, manageable, integrated, valid, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic and open. Learning only takes place when the desired exit level outcomes are clear. The assessments must articulate performance targets. The assessment of cognitive dexterity, aesthetic sensitivity and technical ability will have a hierarchical development and lead a learner to build from a knowledge base to strategic application.

    The institution relies strongly on formative assessment, as a strategic component of teaching and learning activities. Due to this qualification's extensive focus on practice-based outcomes, it is vital that learners receive ample formative assessment feedback, as an integrated component of teaching and learning. Formative assessment will occur continually throughout, providing learners with ample, real-time feedback on their progression in the attainment of desired outcomes. The process of formative assessment will help the learner in his/her preparation for summative assessment that occurs at the conclusion of all modules. Formative assessment will be conducted in the form of:
  • Seminar presentations.
  • Project proposals.
  • Progress reviews.

    Summative Assessments:
    Summative assessment practices will ensure the fair and accurate assessment of the learner's competence in relation to the qualification's exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The results will provide a comprehensive reflection of the learner's academic standing. Summative assessment will be conducted in the form of:
  • Research projects.
  • Formal examinations.
  • Practical projects.
  • Artist statements/rationales.
  • A body of work/portfolio.

    Project Requirements:
    The project requirements will be communicated through a detailed project brief in order to ensure the explicitness of project outcomes and how they will be assessed. The project brief will list and describe the relevant associated assessment criteria to be used in order to measure the learner's competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    At the University of Deakin, in Australia, the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts) is offered. This qualification enables learners to attain a range of skills including: a grounding in the fundamental skills and techniques used in the broad field of the visual arts; exploration of diverse art forms and collaborative practice; the experience of bringing art forms together in major projects; training in creative arts enterprise and management; a grounding in the academic knowledge necessary to understand the arts; and critical, contemporary practices that prepare learners for both higher degree research and careers as professional practitioners.

    In addition the qualification will enable learners to gain skills and knowledge for professional practice in the visual arts, and to understand and be able to exchange across disciplines. Learners will develop skills for a specialised industry vocation or a broader role in the fields of culture and the arts. At the same time learners will be introduced to critical and historical discourses that situate their practice in a research framework. The course combines cutting edge, contemporary theory with specialised studio practice incorporating digital technologies and interdisciplinary practices.

    At the Paris College of Art the Bachelor of Fine Arts is offered. This qualification promotes the development of artistic skills, the expression of creative processes, and an informed awareness of how art practice intersects with current visual, cultural and societal concerns.
    Learners gain a strong foundation in the artistic tradition via both established and new media, thus enriching their capacity for communication and expression as a whole. The curriculum balances a full investigation of traditional media: drawing, painting and sculpture, with extensive explorations in video, installation, performance, photography and digital imaging. The Interdisciplinary practice provokes learners to pursue and develop individual artistic modes of inquiry.

    Application of theory and criticism will shape the learners' ability to work and think critically and analytically. The qualification also offers Art History and Critical Studies, enables learners to critique, debate and engage in tutorials. The institution has a large amount of resources available in Paris, to direct learners to an informed exploration within both historical and contemporary art practices. Museum and gallery visits are an integral aspect of the curriculum.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with the above cited international qualifications in terms of the knowledge and skills that learners will acquire upon completion. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates vertically and horizontally as follows:

    Horizontal Articulation:
    Bachelor of Arts in Communication Design, at NQF Level 7.
    Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary English and Multilingual studies, at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Bachelor of Arts Honours, at NQF Level 8.
    Bachelor of Arts Honours in Visual Communication Design, at NQF Level 8. 

    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. Cape Town Creative Academy 
    2. Cape Town Creative Academy (Pty) Ltd 


    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.