City Varsity, South Africa

City Varsity, South Africa

We are very privileged to offer students the opportunity to work in our flagship studio which has a Yamaha Nuage system (which caters for band recording and post-production). The sound department prides itself on creating an integrated learning environment where the theory and practical learning are combined to cater for those of us who are more practically orientated.

Cape Town Campus

Our flagship campus is situated in Cape Town. It boasts state of the art sound, film, acting and photography studios, an infinity wall, dark room, casting rooms and fully equipped labs for animation, multimedia and journalism.
We are located in the heart of Cape Town’s creative and design district. The area houses numerous advertising, animation, design and production companies and studios. Many of our alumni are employed in our immediate vicinity, fostering strong and on-going personal and professional relationships.
The area offers an array of student accommodation and you’ll find plenty of creative and intellectual stimulation from the museums, theatres, cinemas and the famous Company Gardens. All of these are just a stone’s throw away.
Student wellness is inherent in the CV mindset. For this reason, we have a student counsellor available to our students who provides confidential consultation. Recreation is also major factor in our students’ lives. Pool and foosball are taken very seriously on-campus. Our canteen is constantly bustling with constant gameplay and chatter. We have a very energetic SRC who are always involving students in various activities from soup kitchens to games nights.

Cape Town is a film hot spot. Our fantastic locations and skilled labour make us a prime destination for both local and international films. You may have recognised some areas in ‘Blood Diamond’, ‘Safe house’ or ‘Lord of War’. The creative economy grows on average of 5% a year and the film industry is a major contributor to the country’s GDP. Much of this growth and activity takes place in Cape Town. Series that have been shot here include ‘Homeland” Season 4 and ‘Black Sails’. Films lined up to be shot in Cape Town include the last instalment of ‘Resident Evil’, ‘Journey Is The Destination’, ‘Shepherds and Butchers’, and ‘Momentum’.The ‘Mother City’ brims with an immense variety of beautiful natural locations, trendy restaurants, fun activities and an eclectic mix of people from all walks of life. This incredible city is a traveler’s dream being home to 3 of South Africa’s 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. The list of things to do in Cape Town and its surrounds is almost endless- museums, theatres, cinemas, concerts (indoor and outdoor), helicopter flights around the Peninsula, sunset cruises, world-class shopping malls, wine-tasting, glass-blowing, pottery, wine-routes, hiking, surfing. For the more adventurous there’s paragliding, abseiling, skydiving, spelunking and even shark-cage diving.
With almost half of the population being less than 24-years old, Cape Town’s vibrant energy is most evident in its nightlife. Our campus is close to the world-famous Long Street, a strip of restaurants, nightclubs, cafés and a myriad of shops.
Make sure you attend at least one soccer, rugby or cricket match during your stay- each has its own uniquely indescribable atmosphere. Our point is, whatever your outlook on life, the Mother City will have something that’s right up your alley.

About Us

Established in 1996 in Cape Town, CityVarsity rapidly cemented itself as the go-to media and creative arts school in South Africa. In 2007 the demand for quality private tertiary media education led to us opening our Johannesburg campus.
Our students’ lifestyles are enriched by the proximity of our campuses to media and creative industries. The increasing number of international students bears testimony to the positive reputation we continue to spread at a global level. With a strong emphasis on practical work across all media disciplines, our graduates walk out of our doors with a portfolio of relevant work. This constant hands-on approach provides our graduates with a distinct advantage in the career market.
Over the years, CityVarsity’s dominance at national awards ceremonies has demonstrated the distinctive edge that our students possess. The academic staff is encouraged to freelance within their disciplines. This highly successful strategy results in a perpetual awareness of the trends, needs and challenges within each sector of the industry. Annual industry indabas ensure a guidance system for syllabus structure, content and direction. These are just two ways in which our students are constantly in touch with the pulse of their chosen profession. Our students’ interaction with peers from other departments produces vital networking skills and opportunities which have led to many of them forming successful independent production companies after their studies.
CityVarsity is a fully accredited Higher Education institution, offering certificates, diplomas advanced diplomas and degrees. All our curricula are registered with SAQA while the qualifications are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). In addition to this, CityVarsity is registered with the Department of Education (DOE) for the qualifications shown on Certificate no. 2001/HE07/004. Welcome to our world!

Johannesburg-campus

In 2014 CityVarsity’s Newtown Campus relocated to its new home in Braamfontein. With this move CityVarsity is able to offer students an enhanced experience without being far from the “cultural arc” and staying true to its creative roots.
The area is the home of the Braamfontein Management District that has seen to the development of Braamfontein as a central location for entertainment, business and education. Braamfontein is the location of the Johannesburg Theatre, several art galleries and studios, The Grove (a trendy student spot) and the famous Neighbourgoods Market.
Johannesburg offers loads of opportunities in the creative industries, specifically in film, television and music as well as for recording and production, crafts and design, multimedia and information technology. Our proximity to these professional creative hives (including SABC, e.tv, numerous galleries and production companies) provides our learners with vital motivation to keep pursuing their dreams.
On selected Saturday mornings, we host Open Days for our prospective students to experience a taste of our world. Be sure to keep an eye on our ‘Events’ section and Facebook page for upcoming Open Day dates. On these days, potential students are shown around our various facilities and are able to attend workshops giving them a glimpse of their chosen artistic field. Interested learners are encouraged to make appointments with our student consultants to discuss their futures.
Our campus is conducive to learning and creativity with an atmosphere based on mutual respect and dignity. Within this nurturing environment, our students are given a chance to let their talents and creative voices bloom.

Cultural diversity and innovative expression will surround you if you make the largest city in Africa your new home!
The pace is quick here; the business and economic centre of South Africa provides 16% of the GDP. Skyscrapers stand sentinel over this urban jungle; Africa’s “Place of Gold”.
Joburg is a melting pot of all tastes and interests, with Alexandra, Soweto, Gold Reef City and Carnival City & Entertainment World all in the near vicinity. Simply put, this is a beehive of activity.
This is the home of Africa’s top stadium, Soccer City, that now host to various sport events and concerts. Another spin-off from the world’s biggest sporting event was the arrival of the Gautrain, which now ensures quick and comfortable transport between Jozi, Pretoria and O.R. Tambo International Airport.
This is indeed the cradle of (hu)mankind…and it hasn’t stopped rocking…

About Us

Established in 1996 in Cape Town, CityVarsity rapidly cemented itself as the go-to media and creative arts school in South Africa. In 2007 the demand for quality private tertiary media education led to us opening our Johannesburg campus.
Our students’ lifestyles are enriched by the proximity of our campuses to media and creative industries. The increasing number of international students bears testimony to the positive reputation we continue to spread at a global level. With a strong emphasis on practical work across all media disciplines, our graduates walk out of our doors with a portfolio of relevant work. This constant hands-on approach provides our graduates with a distinct advantage in the career market.
Over the years, CityVarsity’s dominance at national awards ceremonies has demonstrated the distinctive edge that our students possess. The academic staff is encouraged to freelance within their disciplines. This highly successful strategy results in a perpetual awareness of the trends, needs and challenges within each sector of the industry. Annual industry indabas ensure a guidance system for syllabus structure, content and direction. These are just two ways in which our students are constantly in touch with the pulse of their chosen profession. Our students’ interaction with peers from other departments produces vital networking skills and opportunities which have led to many of them forming successful independent production companies after their studies.
CityVarsity is a fully accredited Higher Education institution, offering certificates, diplomas advanced diplomas and degrees. All our curricula are registered with SAQA while the qualifications are accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE). In addition to this, CityVarsity is registered with the Department of Education (DOE) for the qualifications shown on Certificate no. 2001/HE07/004. Welcome to our world!

See Also ->  Central Johannesburg College History

Programmes

  • Full-time
    • Bachelor of Arts in Professional Acting for Camera
    • Diploma in Animation / Advanced Diploma in Animation and New Media
    • Bachelor of Arts: Film and Television
    • Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera
    • Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Film and Television Production Techniques
    • Higher Certificate in Journalism and Digital Media
    • Higher Certificate in Motion Picture Make-up
    • Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Design And Production
    • Higher Certificate in New Media Development
    • Diploma in Professional Photography
    • Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Sound Engineering
  • Short courses
  • Acting for Camera 1
  • Acting for Camera 2
  • Basic Camerawork and Lighting
  • Basic Photography
  • Basic Scriptwriting
  • Creative Writing
  • Digital Video Editing
  • Directing
  • Feature Writing
  • Graphic Design (Digital Media)
  • Graphic Design (Print)
  • Intro to DSLR Filmmaking
  • Music Production (Cubase)
  • Photo Editing (Photoshop)
  • Presenting for TV
  • Production Design
  • Promotional Corporate Video
  • Short Video Production
  • Sound Engineering
  • Vocal Training for Radio
  • Web Application Development
  • Web Design
  • Web Design (WordPress)

 

  • Online courses
    • Write Creatively the Right Way – Foundations of Creative Writing
    • Snakes and Ladders of Social Media – Social Media Pitfalls
    • Graphic Design for Digital Artists – Principles of Graphic Design
    • Photography Behind the Lens – Foundations of Photography
    • Cracking the Code of Web Design – Introduction to Coding For Websites
    • Introduction to Digital Cinematography Online Short Course
    • Introduction to Documentary Production Online Short Course
    • Introduction to Screenwriting Online Short Course
    • Introduction to DJing Online Online Short Course
    • Introduction to Search Engine Optimisation Online Short Course
    • Mobile App Design Online Short Course

 
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor of Arts in Professional Acting for Camera

SAQA Code: 93731

Prepare to push your body, heart and mind to the limits.
Live Performance, Stage Fundamentals, Improvisation, Audition Techniques, Voice Training, Presenting, Stage Combat, Poetry and Prose Interpretation are some of the skills you will be exposed to.
Our graduates perform in national and international feature films, TV shows, commercials and theatrical productions. In addition to this, they also find employment as presenters on radio, television and corporate videos (a big industry in South Africa).
The world’s a stage, now get out there!
Qualification
BA Degree
Duration
3 years

Diploma in Animation / Advanced Diploma in Animation and New Media

SAQA Code: 48446 / 62950

DIPLOMA IN ANIMATION
COURSE CONTENT
FIRST YEAR
During the first year of the Animation course, students are given a strong foundation in the principles of Animation and precise instruction on drawing and anatomy. The emphasis is on paper-based animation training to establish the skills required to translate a story into an entertaining animated piece. Emphasis is given to the understanding of the visual language on screen and the techniques to produce effective images that communicate to an audience.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Animation Pre-Production 1
  • Animation 1
  • Digital 1
  • Animated Titles 1
  • Contextual Studies 1 – Film Appreciation, Art History and Visual Literacy

SECOND YEAR
During the second year students the fundamentals are built on and students are introduce to more technical aspects of the software and theory behind translating traditional animation principals onto software packages. During the year, a number of different aspects of the animation industry are covered and the specialist skills can be investigated, which will form part of the path to the Higher Diploma. An important aspect of the course is for the student to build a showreel of all the work completed, to showcase to a potential employer all the skills achieved.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Animation Pre-Production 2
  • Animation 2
  • Digital 2
  • Editing
  • Compositing 2
  • Contextual Studies 2 – Visual Literacy 2, Art History 2

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN ANIMATION AND NEW MEDIA
The 3rd Year of the Animation course is a crucial year to find your skills and hone your talents in one of career paths that have been identified during the 2nd year as the most relevant to your passion and strengths. The options to specialize in are, 2D or Traditional Animated short film, 3D Animation Short Film, Visual Effects or Game Design.
The technical skill is at a higher level, research is used to form the final showreel piece and each specialization has a specific focus which is guided by a lecturer who specializes in that field.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Professional Development
  • Animation 3
  • Digital 3
  • Work Integrated Learning
  • Compositing 3

Qualification
Diploma in Animation (2 years)Advanced Diploma in Animation and New Media (1 year)
Duration
Diploma in Animation (2 years)
Advanced Diploma in Animation and New Media (1 year)

Bachelor of Arts: Film and Television

SAQA Code: 83849

The Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television covers the basics of TV, Film and Digital Movie making , but adds the theoretical overview necessary to becoming a leader in the field.
All aspects of the course, theoretical and practical, are aimed at developing industry leaders such as directors, producers and screenwriters, with an additional focus on business and entrepreneurial skills.
The aim of the course is to equip graduates with the skills and abilities to contribute to the creative and cultural development of the film and related industries as well as educating them more broadly about Film and Art History and the role of media in society.
While the course is weighted towards theory, emphasis is placed on developing hands on practical skills through the production of a variety of film and TV productions, including short films, adverts, music videos and public service announcements.
Major Subjects that run for all 3 years are:

  • Directing
  • Scriptwriting
  • Producing
  • Visual Studies
  • Film Analysis, with modules of Film History and Film Appreciation

Subjects that run for 2 years are:

  • Camerawork and Lighting
  • Editing

Qualification
Bachelor Degree
Duration
3 Years

Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera

SAQA Code: 48455 / 62951

Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera
This two-year diploma provides students with a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals of acting for film and television. While the end emphasis is on acting for camera, a lot of focus is placed on developing practical, theoretical and technical aspects of live performance acting, which is the basis for a strong actor. Imagination and creativity are encouraged and students are prepared for the realities of working as professionals in the film, television as well as live performance industries.
The course is fully integrated with CityVarsity’s other departments, providing the opportunity for acting students to collaborate with students in other disciplines on selected projects including film production, sound engineering, make-up, and film animation. This unique integration provides practical, hands-on experience in a professional, creative working environment which encourages teamwork.
First Year:
• Movement 1
• Voice 1
• Acting for Camera 1
• Live Performance 1
• Professional Practice 1
• Drama Theory 1
Second Year:
• Movement 2
• Voice 2
• Acting for Camera 2
• Live Performance 2
• Professional Practice 2
• Drama Theory 2

See Also ->  HEALTH, SPORTS & WELLNESS COURSES

• TV Presenting
Successful completion of the CityVarsity Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera is required for entrance into the Advanced Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera.
The purpose of this programme is to train and equip students to become actors and/ or presenters in film, television and theatre. The programme aims to produce versatile, disciplined and professional actors/presenters with a sound knowledge of the technical and artistic requirements of acting, as well as the understanding of the processes involved in the making of productions for the film, television and theatre industries.
Advanced Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera
• Live Performance Projects 3
• Acting for Camera Projects 3
• Professional Practice 3
• Advanced Acting 3
• Movement and Voice 3
Upon successful completion of this programme, graduates will be able to seek career opportunities in the film, television, radio and theatre industries as freelance performers. Graduates will have the competencies to perform as actors in a variety of film, television, and theatre acting styles, and have an opportunity to perform in front of agents. Students will have been guided through several projects with professional practitioners to be better prepared for the demands of the industry.
Qualification
Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera
Duration
Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera (2 years)
Advanced Diploma in Professional Acting for Camera (1 year)

Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Film and Television Production Techniques

SAQA Code: 48456 / 48453

INTRODUCTION
The two-year Diploma Course in Film and Television Production Techniques. In involves work in many areas of Film and Television Production Techniques. An optional and advised third year. The course offers both the theory and practice of Film and Television, with a focus on the practical application of these skills in the workplace. Teamwork is encouraged and students learn to work in groups to complete their projects.
COURSE CONTENT
FIRST YEAR
During the first year of Film and Television Production, students are given a strong foundation in the principles of Filmmaking. The emphasis is on workshops and shoots to learn the fundamentals of filmmaking.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Directing
  • Producing
  • Camera work and Lighting
  • Scriptwriting
  • Editing
  • Contextual Studies

SECOND YEAR
During the second year students hone their creative skills and produce projects that will form the basis of their portfolio. Students work a variety of projects including narrative films, commercials, music videos and corporate work. As part of the requirement for the completion of the course, students spend three weeks in on a compulsory industry internship.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Directing
  • Producing
  • Camera work and Lighting
  • Scriptwriting
  • Editing
  • Contextual Studies

ADVANCED DIPLOMA
The advanced Diploma is an optional, though highly recommended year in which students focus on their speciality in a longer form project. Including a strong tie to the industry with projects that mirror the industry and a compulsory internship period students are equipped to enter the workplace as a skilled practitioner in their chosen field with a significant showreel that shows off their work.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Directing
  • Producing
  • Camera work and Lighting
  • Scriptwriting
  • Editing
  • Contextual Studies

Film Show Case (Year-end showcase)
CityVarsity holds an annual Showcase to give the Film industry an opportunity to view students’ work and to speak to them personally about their projects and specializations.
Qualification
Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Film and Television Production Techniques
Duration
Diploma in Film and Television Production Techniques (2 years)
Advanced Diploma in Film and Television Production Techniques (1 year)

Higher Certificate in Journalism and Digital Media

SAQA Code: 57224

INTRODUCTION
Journalism and DigitalMedia Higher Certificate is an intense 1 year course which enables the graduate to enter the industry at an entry level.
The certificate acknowledges that the face of journalism is constantly changing and students are trained to be able move between and integrate the various platforms of journalism. It is the only course of its kind that offers Creative Writing as a subject which runs concurrently with the rest of the certificate.
Although the certificate incorporates the appropriate theory, the focus of the certificate is one of practicality. Graduates leave with an understanding of the field and confidence in their ability to produce work for the various forms. They are encouraged to think critically and become fluent in general knowledge.
Staff are actively involved in their professional fields and are therefore in touch with the industry and able to convey its demands to the students. Students come from all walks of life and a range of ages.
The course is held on a wonderfully diverse campus and students are encouraged to interact with other disciplines.
Students are required to do 100 work experience hours in the industry during the mid- year vacation as an introduction to the industry is about. Guest speakers form an important part of the course with the potential of leading to employment.
One of the highlights of the course is the glossy magazine containing pieces written by students.
COURSE CONTENT
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Print journalism
  • Creative Writing
  • TV journalism
  • Radio
  • Contextual Studies
  • Digital Media

Qualification
Higher Certificate in Journalism and Digital Media
Duration
1 year

Higher Certificate in Motion Picture Make-up

SAQA Code: 57223

If you enjoy variety in life, you couldn’t choose a better career, since no two days are ever the same.
Make-up artists work with all kinds of performers, models and celebrities in immensely varied environments. These artists play a pivotal role in presenting a specific reality to the audience. You will be introduced to various make-up forms including beauty, corrective, avant-garde, character, period and special effects.
You will also practice basic styling, props fabrication, drawing, art theory and film appreciation. The course is highly collaborative (our students work with most departments) resulting in products and projects that are both challenging and rewarding.
Qualification
Certificate
Duration
1 Year

Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Design And Production

SAQA Code: 48445 / 48448
DIPLOMA IN MULTIMEDIA DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
The two-year Diploma Course in Multimedia Design involves work in many areas of graphic and new media design and equips students to become accomplished in the design and production of print media, web design and interactive media design. An optional and advised third year affords the opportunity to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Multimedia where students gain industry experience, work in a simulated creative agency and specialize in either digital design for print and interactive media or web application development for desktop monitors and hand-held/mobile devices.
The course offers both the theory and practice of Multimedia communication, with a focus on the practical application of these skills in the workplace. Teamwork is encouraged and students learn to work in groups to complete their projects.
COURSE CONTENT
FIRST YEAR
During the first year of the Multimedia Design course, students are given a strong foundation in the principles of design. The emphasis is on paper-based design training to establish the skills required to translate a design brief into an effective piece of visual communication.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Graphic Design 1
  • Illustration 1
  • Digital Design 1
  • Contextual Studies 1 – Media Studies and Visual Literacy

SECOND YEAR
During the second year students hone their creative skills and produce projects that will form the basis of their digital CV and portfolio. Students work on interdepartmental projects learning to work with their colleagues as clients and also work on real industry projects where applicable. As part of the requirement for the completion of the course, students are spend two weeks in an agency/studio environment. The time allocated for this falls within the vacation periods and students find their own unpaid placement in a workplace of their choice.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Graphic Design 2
  • Digital design 2
  • Scripting for the Web 1
  • Contextual Studies – Visual Literacy 2, Media Law, Sound for MultiMedia, and Internship

ADVANCED DIPLOMA IN MULTIMEDIA DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
An optional third year affords the opportunity to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production specializing in advanced level Digital Design for print, web and interactive media for desktop, tablet and mobile devices. Students will develop a conceptual approach to working with an advertising brief and will experience a design environment similar to that of an agency. Students will gain knowledge of branding, art direction, client service and interactive design during the course.
Projects undertaken during the third year of the Diploma course are of a recognized professional industry standard and where ever possible, incorporate real world working experience.
The year covers:

  • Graphic Design 3
  • Digital Design3
  • Contextual Studies 3
  • Electives
    • Web and Mobile App Development
    • Interactive Media
See Also ->  Cape Peninsula University of Technology Transport

Multimedia Exhibition
CityVarsity holds an annual Multimedia Exhibition to give the design industry an opportunity to view students’ work and to speak to them personally about their projects and specializations.

Qualification
Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production
Duration
Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production (2 years)
Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Design and Production (1 year)

Higher Certificate in New Media Development

SAQA ID: 97802

The Higher Certificate in New Media Development for 2024 will focus strongly on the development of web applications for the Semantic Web.

  • Learn how to develop responsive and dynamic web applications and content management systems for desktop monitors, tablets and mobile phones that are cross platform and browser compatible.
  • Learn how to develop native mobile apps.
  • Develop in-depth theoretical knowledge and practically skills in the application of the following coding and scripting languages:
    • HTML5 (Hypertext Markup Lanuage – for containing data. Some of the new features are designed to make it easy to include and handle multimedia and graphical content on the web without having to resort to proprietary plugins and APIs.)
    • CSS3 (Cascading Style Sheets style the appearance and layout of web pages)
    • CSS3 Media Queries (For Responsive Web Page Layout)
    • JavaScript (A client side scripting language that adds interactivity to a webpage based on browser and user interaction)
    • jQuery (JavaScript Scripting Library that adds highly interactive user interface features to a web page)
    • Ajax (A technique that uses the JavaScript XMLhttpRequest object to transport data between client and server without page refresh)
    • HTML Document Object Model (A model for manipulating HTML through the HTML node tree)
    • MySQL (Structured Query Language using the MySQL Relational Database Management Server)
    • PHP (Hypertext Preprocessor)
    • JSON-LD for data serialization using the Schema.org ontology
    • Angular-JS for mobile app development
  • Develop in-depth theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the following related areas:
    • User Interface Design for desktop, mobile phone and tablet applications
    • Application Development Architecture
    • Practical Application Development (PHP/MySQL)
    • Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
    • Data structuring using microdata, JSON-LD and Schema.org
    • Social Media Integration and Marketing
    • HTML email design
    • WordPress
    • Content Management System Architectural Design and Development
    • WAMP Server administration and management
    • Cross Browser and Cross Platform compatibility testing and bug fixing
    • Web security

Qualification
Higher Certificate in New Media Development
Duration
1 year

Diploma in Professional Photography

SAQA Code: 48452
INTRODUCTION
Starting with the basics, this course will guide you to develop your own visual language and communication skills. These skills include Visual Literacy, Darkroom Skills, Photojournalism, Studio Lighting, Software Applications and Visual Design.
COURSE OUTCOMES

  • Technical proficiency and experience shooting on different camera formats, digital and analogue
  • A photographic portfolio
  • An online portfolio in the form of a website
  • Internship / job shadowing experience
  • Experience in image management and post-production
  • Exhibition experience
  • Experience in producing a personal body of work
  • The necessary theory, critical thinking and discursive skills

COURSE CONTENT
FIRST YEAR
Technical theory

  • Camera anatomy
  • Theory of film
  • Theory and practice of darkroom
  • Pinhole photography.
  • Creative darkroom.
  • Enlarging
  • Flash
  • Digital crossover

Applied photography

  • Portraiture in environment
  • Intimate portraiture
  • Directions of light
  • Landscape photography
  • Event photography
  • Photojournalism

Studio photography

  • Various light set ups
  • Use of reflectors and other studio equipment
  • Portraiture
  • Still-life
  • Pack shots
  • Fashion
  • Beauty

Visual communication

  • Visual literacy
  • History of art
  • History of photography
  • Live history

Digital media

  • Photoshop
  • The digital darkroom, learning the tools.
  • Enhancement of regular images.
  • Saving and filing visual images. Learning about file types, quality, resolution and compatibility.
  • Manipulating images, changing and creating new forms out of the old.

SECOND YEAR
Applied photography

  • Architectural photography
  • Night photography
  • Fine art photography
  • Photojournalism
  • Darkroom theory and practice (optional)

Studio photography

  • Various advanced light set ups
  • Advanced uses of reflectors and other studio equipment
  • Creative portraiture
  • Conceptual work
  • Still-life
  • Pack shots
  • Fashion
  • Beauty

Enterpreneurship

  • The business of photography

Visual communication

  • History of art
  • History of photography
  • Contemporary theory

Digital media

  • Advanced Photoshop
  • Photo retouching
  • Web design for portfolio and personal marketing

Work integrated learning

  • Placed internships where the student works in studio, gallery, magazine shadowing an industry professional
  • Social responsibility project, students liaise with NGO or appropriate external company and provide photographs and a marketing product.
  • Joint liaison with drama/art department to photograph make up for student portfolios.
  • CityVarsity joint film project, on set film stills providing images for marketing materials.

Career preparation

  • Building a portfolio
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Website of personal portfolio
  • Hard cover portfolio (optional)

Final graduate exhibition
An overview and application of the processes involved in curating a photographic exhibition.
Qualification
Diploma in Professional Photography
Duration
2 years

Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Sound Engineering

SAQA Code: 48450 / 48447
INTRODUCTION
The two-year Diploma Course in Sound Engineering involves work in the main areas of Sound Engineering in the current industry, and equips students to become accomplished in the operation and production of Location and Post-production (sound for film), Band recordings and mixing, and Music Production. An optional and advised third year affords the opportunity to pursue an Advanced Diploma in Sound Engineering where students get to specialize in a vocation of their choice – either post, band, or music.
Within the Advanced Diploma the students have the opportunity to work in world class facilities with real world outcomes, assessments and deadlines. Techniques for the three focus areas are further developed and enhanced during the course of the year. Teamwork is encouraged and students learn to work in groups to complete their projects as well as steering their own productions with 1st years acting as assistants within the studio environment. This emulates industry practice and as such gives the students a bearing on studio personnel practice.
COURSE CONTENT
FIRST YEAR
During the first year of the Sound Engineering course students are given a strong foundation in the principles of sound, acoustics and production techniques. The emphasis is on the practical side with a theoretical understanding which establishes the skills required to record, manipulate and design sound within a basic field of practice.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Sound Recording Engineering 1
  • Audio 1
  • MIDI 1
  • Music 1
  • MAPP 1 – Media Appreciation

SECOND YEAR
During the second year students hone their auditory and mixing skills and produce projects that relate directly to the industry. Students work on interdepartmental projects learning to work with their colleagues as clients and also work on real industry projects where applicable – from finding their own bands to record, to location recording, to writing music for a short film produced by the film department. The second year of study focusses on improving aesthetic standards and practices, and preparing the student to enter the world of sound as an independent entrepreneur, both on an artistic level and with business skills.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Sound Recording Engineering 2
  • Audio 2
  • MIDI 2
  • Music 2
  • Bizzlaw 2 (Business principles, Law of music business)

ADVANCED DIPLOMA
Students are required to work with real world examples of recordings within their chosen line of study. Whether they have to work on the films, record bands, or transcribe and record film scores, the standard of completion of the assignments is in line with industry delivery standards. This course shapes the diploma graduate into a confident, knowledgeable sound engineer who understands all workflows and who realizes the responsibilities of the workplace.
Subjects throughout the year are:

  • Specialization 3
  • Mastering 3
  • Law 3
Qualification
Diploma / Advanced Diploma in Sound Engineering
Duration
Diploma in Sound Engineering (2 years)
Advanced Diploma in Sound Engineering (1 year)

Contact of City Varsity, South Africa

Contact us for more details

Cape Town
18 Roeland Street,
Cape Town
Tel: +27(0)21 466 6800
Johannesburg
125 Simmonds Street,
Braamfontein

Tel: +27(0)11 242 6360