Courses and Requirements – Human Sciences
Photography
Faculty of Human Sciences
Department: Visual Arts and Design
Diploma: Photography
B Tech: Photography
Advance Diploma: Photography
- Admission Requirements: NSCA
A Grade 12 certificate allows application. This is followed with a selection interview to secure placement in the programme.
Compulsory subjects | Additional Admission Requirement: Photography qualification candidates will have to complete assessment test:
-Personal interview -Completion of assessment questionnaire -M Score of 26 points or higher |
|
English | 4 | |
Other Language | 4 | |
Mathematical Literacy | 4 or | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Any other 4 subjects totaling (min. of 3 each subject) | 12 | |
Recommended subjects:
Art, Design, History, Computer Application Technology |
||
L/O | 0 | |
Total | 23 (with Maths Lit), 24 (with Maths) | |
Matric certificate must indicate admission to Diploma/B-degree |
1.1 Requirements SC
A minimum rating of E (40-49%) for HG and D (50-59%) for SG subjects. English and Mathematics are compulsory. A total of 24 on the Swedish scale is required.
1.2 Requirements: N3-N6
A complete N6 related/appropriate qualification in the field of study. Exemption may be awarded for equivalent subjects scored (50-59%) with a 60% similarity in content.
1.3 Requirements: NASCA/NCV (4)
To register and complete the Foundation programme in the specific discipline with VUT, subject to the admission requirements for the Foundation programme for this specific discipline.
1.4 Requirements: International
All international qualifications will be evaluated by the International Office based on the Swedish scale and SAQA
1.5 Requirements: Transfers
Applications from students to transfer from other institutions will be dealt with in terms of the Recognition of Prior Learning and Continuation of Studies policies of VUT
- Curriculum and Course Structure
Theory of Photography I, II, III: This subject deals with relevant theory related to the technical understanding of the mechanisms of photography, motion and sound. An emphasis is placed on the digital advances revolutionising the current imaging industry. Professional Practice I, II, III: This subject consists of modules: EDL, English communication skills and Business Practice.
Visual Communication I, II, III: Aesthetic developments are covered in depth, with an emphasis on visual literacy as an important component in the holistic education of a prospective professional photographer and media specialist. The subject also includes the relevant history of photography, motion and sound applicable to the course. Applied Photography I, II, III: The application of photography, motion and sound, in a two dimensional communication media, can be seen as the most important aspect of this course. The prospective photographer and media specialist must be skilled in techniques, including: image capture, formats, lighting, digital treatment and design as well as narrative productions that include sound, video and stills, to mention but a few. An aesthetic appreciation of current visual trends and the individual interpretation thereof must be realised in the applied work.
BTech Degree: This Degree programme, after the Diploma course, consists of Research Methodology, Theory of Photography and Applied Photography component. The course is practiced based in nature and in line with the norms of industry.
Advanced Diploma: Dissertation and body of Applied work. The advanced diploma is practiced based in nature and consists of an applied project, supported by a written context of the work, investigating a proposed field of study within the field of photography and/ or motion and sound. The investigation is of an advanced standard. Under normal circumstances the study will take at least 2 years. A Doctorate degree can be pursued after completion of an advanced diploma
- What does a Photographer / media specialist do?
Photographers work in the world of visual communication. Through the media of still and motion images as well as sound they communicate with individuals and the masses. Their role is to convey ideas, concepts, and information by means of a photograph and / or video and audio productions. This form of communication can be found in newspapers, magazines, pamphlets, billboards, books, posters and many other media. The photographer and media producer may photograph and video a broad or narrow range of subjects, such as news events, advertising, still life, fashion, manufacturing industries, scientific studies, portraits, buildings and anything for which there is a demand. Work can be done for exhibitions, printing in publications, packaging and posters or for use in audiovisual presentations, multimedia productions and the internet. Photographers are required to work with sophisticated equipment and to be familiar with the various photographic, video and sound processes. Most photographic and related multimedia work presents a range of practical problems including lighting, composition, exposure, as well as stills, video and sound post-processing. The photographer /media producer is a businessperson, dealing with a variety of clients on a day to day basis, making a living through effective visual communication.
- Career Opportunities
Photographers and media specialists are mostly self-employed, though many find opportunities for full-time employment in various industries including media consortia, law enforcement, multi-national corporates & medical organisations. A freelance photographer and media specialist, on the other hand, would work for a wide-ranging clientele ranging from editorial, news agency, industrial, mining & advertising, each demanding a unique, yet creative solution by the photographer to their problem at hand. With the digital media revolution, the door to the world of electronic media opens with many new and exciting career options. Photographers or media specialists from VUT are now trained to be narrative media specialists. This skill allows them to plan, produce and deliver a combination of communication strategies that can include stills, video and sound.
At VUT, cutting-edge, individually focused education in photographic, motion and sound technologies and the creative application thereof are offered. A considered curriculum is aligned with contemporary industry demands focuses on narrative digital multi media. The facilities include specialised DSLR video rigs, on location sound recording gear, time-lapse rigs, a state of the art drone for capturing aerial footage, motion sliders, jibs, stabilizers, a professional sound recording studio, professional video post-production facilities, state-of-art computer laboratories, an in-house professional printing facility that can deliver uniquely profiled prints on archival material up to 64 inch, a professional mounting and framing facility and a well-equipped photography studio with a range of specialised lighting including LED, strobe, light painting, fiber lighting and high speed imaging. General capture equipment includes high-end DSLR and medium format digital capturing options as well as specialised lenses for a wide variety of imaging options.
- Enquiries
Enquiries may be addressed to: The Head of Department: Visual Arts and Design.
Faculty of Human Sciences
Vaal University of Technology, Private Bag X021 VANDERBIJLPARK 1900 Tel: (016)950-9309/950-9174 Fax: (016)950-9110 e-mail: photography@vut.ac.za www.vut.ac.za www.vut.ac.za/visual