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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Higher Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
86986  Higher Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects 
ORIGINATOR
SAE Institute South Africa (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 02 - Culture and Arts  Cultural Studies 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  140  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

Qualifying learners entering the Higher Certificate in Animation and Visual Effects (VFX) will obtain vocational and academic skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully enter into a variety of areas within the specified industry and become valuable contributors within their selected field. 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.

After successful completion of this qualification learners will be able to demonstrate:
  • Analytical writing and reporting skills and abilities.
  • Basic data gathering techniques.
  • Basic project management skills.
  • Fundamental technical skills and processes.
  • Professional production techniques and applications.

    Rationale:

    The SAE Institute South Africa Higher Certificate: Animation and VFX has been developed to meet the ever-changing nature of the animation industry in the global media industry. The curriculum has been contextualised for the South African media sector and aims to contribute to the growth, quality and competitiveness of creative media and animation on the African continent.

    The qualification provides learners with knowledge of fundamental research tools and encourages life-long learning through on-going systematic enquiry into industry-related areas. Throughout, the qualification emphasises analytical and conceptual thinking and the development of academic abilities and practical problem-solving skills.

    Learners, who wish to pursue a career in animation and visual effects, will acquire proficiency for technical, creative and computer abilities. The learner should display the following attributes:
  • Critical and conceptual thinking.
  • Ability to systematically analyse production methods and processes.
  • Effective oral and written communications skills.
  • Independent research skills and abilities.
  • Professional production skills.
  • Team orientated skills.
  • Creative expression. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following actual knowledge is assumed to be in place in order to embark on learning:
  • Mathematical literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Communication and language competence in English at NQF Level 4.
  • Computer literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Applicants who have not completed Grade 12 but who have worked in a relevant field and wish to further their education will be assessed individually according to the Prior Learning principles. These applicants need to illustrate their knowledge and relevant output by means of panel meetings and an investigation into their prior learning experience.

    Access to the Qualification:

    Learners will require a South African National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent NQF Level 4 Qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The Higher Certificate: Animation and VFX consists of 12 Compulsory modules, eight of which have 10 credits and four have 15 credits, making a total of 140 credits.

    Modules:
  • Fundamentals of drawing, 10 credits.
  • Principles of 3D modelling, 10 credits.
  • Introduction to digital imaging, 10 credits.
  • Stop-motion animation, 10 credits.
  • Scripting and Storyboarding, 10 credits.
  • Motion graphics, 10 credits.
  • Modelling 3D environments, 10 credits.
  • Principles of 3D animation, 10 credits.
  • Principles of 2D Animation, 15 credits
  • Advanced character animation, 15 credits.
  • Animation for Film and Television, 15 credits.
  • Creative project, 15 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the sector and use creative literacy in the context of animation.
    2. Manage the Planning and Preparation of an animation project.
    3. Understand and apply the history and theory of animation and visual effects.
    4. Use of animation software technologies as applied in the context of film, television, video and web-applications.
    5. Demonstrate high skill to execute a final animation product according to industry standards.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 Document thought processes according to given brief.
    1.2 Carry out given application techniques according to a developed concept.
    1.3 Compare and analyse existing products through research.
    1.4 Use analysed data to determine viability within industry requirements.
    1.5 Interpret a creative brief to establish and produce the drawing specifications and layout drawings for animated productions.
    1.6 Use a variety of media concepts and methodologies taken from real life and transform these into character and/or landscape design.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 Produce script and storyboard according to correct formatting and industry standards.
    2.2 Create/construct a schedule to determine the duration and requirements of the project.
    2.3 Choreograph character animation according to recognised industry standards.
    2.4 Apply storytelling in product development and indicate the relationship between characters, their environment and influence on animation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Use knowledge of various software capabilities and availability in the industry.
  • Range: 2D, 3D, VFX and plug-ins.
    3.2 Apply correct software according to industry standards.
    3.3 Analyse available current software packages for their capabilities and limitations.
    3.4 Document the history and development of animation technologies.
    3.5 Navigate the user interface of different types of animation software.
    3.6 Apply cinematic elements and principles of animation according to specifications.
  • Range: lighting, composition and layout.
    3.7 Access and explain knowledge of the film, television, audio and multimedia industries, including the role of different industry sectors and the impacts of changing technology.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 Apply software applications according to industry-accepted workflow and methods.
    4.2 Save source files and formats correctly according to industry standards.
    4.3 Apply production processes correctly for successful completion of the specific stages within the work-flow.
    4.4 Use digital animation techniques and industry-standard software to create animation for a range of media applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Execute creative adaptations of animation products.
    5.2 Analyse and review the reflective logbook to show understanding of adaptations and changes.
    5.3 Create visual effects for screen productions.
    5.4 Execute the final product according to required processes for successful completion of the animation project.
  • Range: modelling, texturing, rigging, compositing and rendering.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification should be integrated.

    Assessment involves written examinations, written assignments, multiple-choice examinations, seminars, viva voce/practical and practical assignments. Marks that are awarded for these assessments are weighted in accordance with the unit outlined. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the Following qualifications:
    1. The Higher Education Diploma of Screen (Animation) from Quantum Australian, as accredited in 2007 by the New South Wales Government Department of Education and Training and which complies with the Australian Qualifications Framework.
    The qualification modules at level 5 include:
  • Multimedia development,
  • Graphic design,
  • Interface design,
  • Interaction design for internet and broadcast media,
  • Scriptwriting,
  • Storyboarding,
  • 2-D and 3-D animation,
  • Video and sound editing,
  • Development and programming on industry standard software.

    2. Certificate in 3D Animation, offered by the New York Film Academy that produced stars who created animations such as "Men in Black" and "The Incredible Hulk". Learners must complete the following modules at level 6 to acquire this qualification:
  • Animation goals
  • Script writing
  • Storyboard
  • Modeling
  • Shades
  • UV Mapping
  • Advanced UV's
  • Rigging
  • Animation
  • Dynamics
  • Cameras
  • Rendering

    3. The 3D Animation and VFX Plus, offered by the Animation Institute, New Deli, India, contains the following modules that are equivalent to level 5 on the NQF in South Africa:
  • Media Animation
  • Character Modelling
  • Character Animation
  • Special Effects In Movies
  • Games Modelling
  • Texturing For Games
  • Rigging Artist
  • Scientific Animation
  • Architectural Walkthrough
  • 3D For Graphic Designer

    From the three qualifications used for comparison it can be deducted that the Higher Certificate: Animation and Visual Effects compares well with to similar qualifications offered internationally. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Higher Certificate at NQF Level 5.

    Vertical articulation:

    This qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Advanced Certificate or Diploma at NQF Level 6. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    To ensure that assessment is valid, reliable and fair moderators with the appropriate competencies and registration with the relevant accrediting body are appointed. These moderators are from the industry in the various fields of discipline that makes up Animation and Visual Effects. They are appointed by the provider according to existing moderation guidelines of the relevant Quality Council (QC). 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • A qualification one level higher than the exit level of this qualification.
  • Interpersonal skills, relevant subject matter expertise and assessment experience.
  • Competence in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes.
  • Minimum of one year of experience within the animation and visual effects environment.
  • Assessors need to be recognised by the relevant QC. 
    		•

    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. SAE Institute South Africa (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.