Programme: BAHons specialising in Drama and Film Studies

Kindly take note of the disclaimer regarding qualifications and degree names.
Code Faculty Department
01240483 Faculty of Humanities Department: School of the Arts
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 1 year Total credits: 120 NQF level:  08
Contact:
Dr AC Parker
[email protected]
+27 (0)124204856

Programme information

This qualification builds on the foundations laid in the undergraduate Drama and Film Studies programme. It offers students the opportunity to extend their knowledge and practical skills within specific focus areas and to engage in both theoretical and practice-based research as a means to develop their own fields of interest and specialisation, which can then be pursued in future postgraduate studies.

Admission requirements

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)

  1.  All applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 
    1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level; 
    2. Certified copy of ID or passport; 
    3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
  2.  All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9: 
    1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
    2. *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable) 
    3. Certified copy of passport.
  3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 
  4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable). 
  5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year. 
  6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. 
  7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. 
  8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot  accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project. 
  9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. 
  10. All applicants must be computer literate.
  11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
  12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy. 

Minimum admissions requirements:

  1. Relevant bachelor's degree (NQF level 7)
  2. A weighted averageof at least 65% at final-year level
  3. Drama and Film Studies (DFK at the University of Pretoria, or equivalent module at another university, passed.

Note:

  1. An admissions essay/examination may be required
  2. Additional work/modules may be required in order to reach the desired level of competency

Other programme-specific information

The presentation of modules is dependent on available funds and resources, the availability of appropriate staff and sufficient students interested in the module.

 

Minimum credits: 120

Please note:

SOA 700 is compulsory.

Students need to choose TWO additional modules to the value of 80 credits.

Core modules

  • Module content:

    This four-part module focuses on the construction of a visual narrative. Autobiographical writing: This part of the module develops creative writing skills through exploring and recording personal narratives. The student also investigates principles of literary theory.
    Stage plays: The module introduces notions of structure, narrative, plot, dialogue and character development. The student is familiarised with various format and conventions of the stage play, as well as the languages of drama and performance. The student will produce at least one stage play script.
    Television writing: Students become familiar with the three-act structure, story, narrative, content, plot and genre (such as soap operas and situational comedy). Students are required to write a sample screenplay of a pre-existing television programme ("show script") as well as an original television script.
    Film writing: The module introduces students to the language and theory of film. Students will watch films, read screenplays and write their own short film screenplay. The module also includes the formalities of screenwriting, such as script formatting and pitching.

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  • Module content:

    This module investigates the theoretical and practical components of different approaches to performance in selected theatrical and media contexts. The module aims to interrogate audience/performer relationships with the view to challenging accepted models in order to promote innovative ways of conceptualising and presenting performances.

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  • Module content:

    This module contextualises and interrogates the roles of the director in contemporary theatre. The investigation includes a critical analysis of selected directors’ contributions to theatre and the opportunity for students to develop their own theoretical and practical approaches to directing.

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  • Module content:

    This module develops strategies for using drama and theatre as modes of intervention in educational and community contexts. The uses of drama in disseminating information, as agents for change, for concientisation and for social empowerment are explored. Existing pedagogical and methodological approaches are investigated and innovative approaches to interventionist performances are encouraged.

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  • Module content:

    This module investigates selected pedagogies relating to physical training and choreography. Students theorise modes of constructing, reading and presenting physical performances in order to contextualise their work within existing paradigms and to encourage discourse around their own creative work.

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  • Module content:

    This module explores performing arts management within local contexts, develops strategies for defining, positioning and pricing performances, formulates marketing strategies, and offers approaches for designing and managing market-effective organisations. The module also includes professional and developmental approaches to events marketing and management.

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  • Module content:

    New and digital media investigates digital film-making, computer media and the internet in relation to performance and culture. The main emphasis is on digital film production and editing, with a secondary focus on distribution and screening.

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  • Module content:

    A research report on an approved topic.

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General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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