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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Film Music 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
98914  Postgraduate Diploma in Film Music 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 purpose of the qualification is to develop and strengthen candidates' knowledge of film scoring by means of a systematic study of film scores, orchestration, theory and technology. The proposed curriculum consists of four modules that will focus on a blend of skills and theoretical foundations that can be applied in the creation of film scores.

Learners should, upon completion of the qualification, be able to demonstrate:
  • Development of compositional creativity and technique, as well as the development of skills in orchestration and knowledge of instruments and voice.
  • The development of all techniques that relate to the craft of film music creation and its full realisation through theory and practice.
  • Development of a comprehensive knowledge base as well as research and analytical skills in respect of film music.
  • Application of research methods.

    Rationale:
    The nature of this qualification allows for a much more inclusive learner population as it is aimed at students who do not have formal training in music. The current situation in the South African film industry indicates that the largest proportion of film music composers do not have formal training. Since candidates will be credited for creative work produced in this more informal context, it will contribute to a diversified student body. The qualification is also future-driven since it aims to address a growing need in the industry. More particularly, the Postgraduate Diploma in Film Music will contribute to building scientific, technological and intellectual capacity in Africa. In doing so, it takes cognisance of the changing environment, both geopolitically and in higher education. In the case of the latter it is important to realise that a revolution in information and knowledge spheres introduced by the reliance on technological solutions to creative and aesthetic challenges in the film industry has created a need for training. These include developing skills in the composition, arrangement and creation of film music. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Stellenbosch University rules and practices regarding RPL are applied.

    RPL may be used to grant access to the qualification
    The first phase is pre-assessment. Applicants will contact the Music Department and the potential success of the application will be gauged by meeting with the applicant. In case of a high probability of a successful application the applicant will be advised to formally apply for the qualification. In the second phase a RPL committee approved by the Dean, followed by the Teaching Committee and the Faculty Board, screens the application.

    The measurement instruments used for RPL applications for this qualification will include formal study at university level in related disciplines, work experience in a field relative to the field of study, as well as portfolios that showcase the abilities and skill sets of the applicant. Examples of these include compositions and sound design.

    Once accepted into the program various forms of academic support is available to applicant to compensate for the lack of formal academic study in this discipline.

    RPL may also be used to grant credits towards the qualification for prior formal and informal learning.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Music, Level 7.
    Or
  • Advance Diploma in Film Music, Level 8.
    Or
  • Equivalent qualification approved for this purpose by Senate. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Musicology 36 Credits.
  • Composition, 24 Credits.
  • Film Music Creation, 48 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop compositional creativity and technique, as well as skills in orchestration and knowledge of instruments and voice.
    2. Develop all techniques that relate to the craft of film music creation and its full realisation through theory and practice.
    3. Develop a comprehensive knowledge base as well as research and analytical skills in respect of film music.
    4. Acquire introductory knowledge of research methods as preparation for the one-year Masters' Degree. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply a basic knowledge of all instruments and voice.
  • Understand the introductory principles of composition, orchestration and arrangement techniques.
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the fundamentals of musical style criticism.
  • Practically apply knowledge and developed skills by means of a number of assignments, including the composition of a portfolio of musical works.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate familiarity with fundamentals of film music practice.
  • Understand all the technical aspects of film score production.
  • Grasp the principles of score preparation and of film music orchestration, including texture and timbre design.
  • Critically engage with and analyse a wide body of works in terms of their orchestral style, practices and techniques.
  • Practically apply knowledge and skills by means of a comprehensible portfolio of assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate familiarity with the musicology of film music, including the appropriate research skills.
  • Apply analytical skills in respect of film music.
  • Understand the link between the technical, compositional and musicological aspects of film music.
  • Practically apply knowledge and developed skills by means of a number of research assignments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply research process, design and procedures.
  • Demonstrate the ability to critically interpret results and findings.
  • Practically apply knowledge and developed skills through the writing of research assignments.

    Integrated Assessment:
    With reference to the Assessment Policy of Stellenbosch University, lecturers will be encouraged to apply the following criteria for effective assessment: validity, reliability, academic integrity, transparency, fairness, achievability and timely feedback. The application of the criteria, the use of appropriate assessment methods and the integration of assessment will be monitored. Assessment will form part of the information that is used for feedback purposes to evaluate the quality of the qualification.

    In order to graduate learners will have to achieve a minimum of 50% for each module. To effectively promote learning, assessment will ensure engagement with both theory and practice. There will be more than one assessment opportunity per module. Modules will use a variety of assessment methods, including essays, practical composition, orchestration and technology projects. Every module will have components of both formative and summative assessment. Detailed and timely feedback will be provided on formative assessment opportunities, enabling learners to develop the desired knowledge, skills and attitudes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Countries that are the most active in the film and television industry are India, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Canada, Switzerland, the United Kingdom (UK), Russia and the United States of America (USA).

    USA and UK qualifications separate film from television, and combine television and radio in other qualifications. The South African market cannot sustain this separation at the present time, thus this entry-level qualification allows for both television and film specialisations (radio is included in the South African entry-level journalism qualification). Also, many countries do not have a qualification at a level equivalent to this qualification, and entry level is undergraduate qualifications. However, many short courses are available. The South African qualification is the only one that includes a component for stunt performance competence.

    In the USA, television and radio production qualifications are combined, and film learning qualifications are separate. One year qualifications (usually not accredited) are offered by some providers, focusing more on skills than knowledge components. The one-year qualifications usually include entry level competence for 16mm, 35mm and digital filmmaking, acting, cinema studies, screenwriting, film production, casting, producing, sync-sound recording, cinematography, editing and sound design, pre-production, and post-production. Differences with this qualification (in addition to the level assigned to it) are that the South African qualification does not include screenwriting and acting.

    Various qualifications exist in the UK for each of the outcomes/modules in the South African qualification. For example, learners can attain a qualification in camera assistance, or camera operations. There are three qualifications for film and television production, at the equivalent of South African NQF Levels 3, 4 and 5. The UK Level 3 qualification (South African NQF Level 4 equivalent) is very similar to this South African qualification's core component and aspects of the production administration, accounting and assistant directing elective components.

    New Zealand has an equivalent qualification, at an equivalent level and of equivalent duration. The Further Education and Training in Film and Television contains 60 Credits in the elective component, for camera, delivery, foundation skills, post production, production management, script writing, technical management, production design, production lighting and production sound. The major differences between the New Zealand and the South African qualification are that compulsory modules in the New Zealand qualification are electives in the South African qualification, and the core of the South African qualification is not included in the New Zealand qualification (or any of the other international qualifications).

    Conclusion:
    The separation of qualifications for film and television in the UK and USA is the practice in South African qualifications at lower levels, but this qualification combines learning for the two media.

    Qualifications in India focus more on performance and aesthetic components, whereas this South African qualification is longer and more production-focused. Compared with other African countries, the entry requirements level in South Africa are at a lower level, allowing increased access to the sector.

    Overall, the South African qualification compares favourably with the leading industry qualifications internationally, in India, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA, as well as with other emerging economies and developing countries (Argentina, Brazil and other African countries). 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers articulation opportunities with the following qualifications offered by Stellenbosch University:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology, Level 8, 9ID 93831).

    The qualification offers systemic articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the student meets the minimum admission requirements. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation
  • Bachelor of Music, at NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Music in Performing Arts, at NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Music: African Music and Dance, at NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Music Technology, 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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.