AniebietAFDA (The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance) is South Africa’s premier institution for film, television, performance, and entertainment education. With campuses in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban, AFDA has established itself as a leader in creative arts education, offering a wide range of accredited undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Whether you aspire to be a filmmaker, actor, writer, director, or producer, AFDA equips you with the skills, knowledge, and practical experience necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
In this article, we will explore the list of courses offered at AFDA, along with the admission requirements for each program, to help you determine the best path for your creative career.
1. About AFDA
Founded in 1994, AFDA has grown into a world-renowned institution dedicated to nurturing creative talent in the fields of film, television, live performance, and new media. AFDA’s unique curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience, allowing students to engage in real-world projects that mirror industry standards.
The school is fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), ensuring that its qualifications are recognized both in South Africa and internationally. AFDA also boasts a track record of alumni who have gone on to achieve success in the entertainment industry, making it an ideal choice for those looking to pursue careers in film, television, and performance arts.
2. List of AFDA Courses
AFDA offers a diverse array of courses, spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programs. These courses cater to individuals with a passion for creative expression, as well as those seeking careers in the entertainment and media industries. Below is a comprehensive list of courses available at AFDA.
a. Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium (BA in MPM) The Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium (BA in MPM) is one of AFDA’s flagship undergraduate programs. This degree is designed for students interested in the filmmaking process, including directing, producing, cinematography, sound, and editing. Students will learn both the technical and creative aspects of film production, preparing them for a wide variety of roles within the film and television industry.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Film Production, Cinematography, Scriptwriting, Editing, Directing, Production Design, Sound Design, Documentary Filmmaking.
- Admission Requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% in English. A strong portfolio or evidence of creative aptitude (e.g., personal projects, short films, or writing samples) may be required.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Live Performance (BFA in LP) The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Live Performance focuses on developing performance skills for the stage, television, and live entertainment industries. This degree is perfect for individuals passionate about acting, directing, or producing live performances, whether on stage, for television, or in multimedia formats.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Acting, Directing, Performance Theory, Movement, Voice Training, Drama History, Stage Management.
- Admission Requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% in English. Applicants may be required to attend an audition to assess their acting and performance skills.
- Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance and Film Production (BAP in LFP) This interdisciplinary program combines the practical skills of film production with the artistic training of live performance. Students are prepared for careers as directors, producers, actors, and crew members who specialize in live performance production and film.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Acting, Film Production, Cinematography, Stage Design, Directing, Sound Design, Performance for Screen.
- Admission Requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% in English. A portfolio showcasing relevant work may be requested.
- Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing (BA in CW) The Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing is ideal for those who wish to focus on writing for film, television, and other creative media. This program covers scriptwriting, storytelling, and narrative techniques used in various entertainment formats, including film, television, and video games.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Screenwriting, Storytelling, Fiction Writing, Writing for TV, Creative Non-fiction, Narrative Structures.
- Admission Requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% in English. A writing portfolio may be required as part of the application process.
- Bachelor of Arts in Animation (BA in Animation) The Bachelor of Arts in Animation prepares students for careers in animation, visual effects, and digital media production. This program covers the fundamentals of 2D and 3D animation, visual storytelling, and motion graphics, equipping students with the skills needed to create animated content for film, television, and digital platforms.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: 2D & 3D Animation, Visual Effects, Storyboarding, Character Design, Motion Graphics, Animation Production.
- Admission Requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% in English. A portfolio demonstrating drawing and animation skills is required.
- Diploma in Digital Media (Dip in DM) The Diploma in Digital Media focuses on the technical aspects of media production, including digital video, audio, and interactive media. This program is ideal for students interested in creating content for online platforms, social media, and other digital spaces.
- Duration: 2 years
- Key Modules: Digital Filmmaking, Audio Production, Digital Photography, Web Design, Interactive Media.
- Admission Requirements: A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% in English.
b. Postgraduate Programs
- Master of Fine Arts in Film (MFA in Film) The Master of Fine Arts in Film is a graduate-level program designed for individuals seeking advanced training in filmmaking, with a focus on producing high-quality films, television series, and digital content. This program emphasizes research and practical production skills, preparing students for leadership roles in the entertainment industry.
- Duration: 2 years
- Key Modules: Advanced Film Production, Screenwriting, Directing, Cinematography, Film Criticism, Research Methodologies.
- Admission Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree in Film or a related field, with a minimum of 65% in the final year. A portfolio of previous work and a research proposal are required.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Screenwriting (PGDip in Screenwriting) This diploma is designed for individuals who wish to specialize in writing for film, television, and new media. The program provides an in-depth exploration of narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and genre conventions, preparing graduates for a career as screenwriters.
- Duration: 1 year
- Key Modules: Screenwriting Techniques, Script Development, Genre Writing, Writing for Television, Writing for Web Series.
- Admission Requirements: A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification, with a portfolio of written work (scripts, short stories, etc.).
3. Admission Requirements for AFDA Courses
The general admission requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate courses at AFDA include:
a. Undergraduate Programs
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with at least 50% in English.
- Portfolio or Audition: Applicants may need to submit a portfolio (e.g., short films, writing samples, or art work) or attend an audition (for performance-based courses like acting or live performance).
- Additional Requirements: Some programs, like animation or creative writing, may require specific subject knowledge or additional evidence of creative skills.
b. Postgraduate Programs
- Bachelor’s Degree: A relevant Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification is required for postgraduate programs.
- Portfolio or Thesis: A portfolio of prior work, research proposal, or thesis is often required for admission.
- Minimum GPA: A minimum of 65% or equivalent is often required for postgraduate applicants.
c. English Proficiency
All courses at AFDA are taught in English, so applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the language. This can be done through the NSC or an equivalent qualification that includes English as a first or second language.
4. How to Apply for AFDA Courses
Applying to AFDA is a straightforward process:
- Choose Your Program: Browse through the list of available programs on the AFDA website and select the course that aligns with your career goals.
- Check Admission Requirements: Ensure that you meet the academic and portfolio/audition requirements for the program you wish to apply for.
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather the necessary documents, including your NSC certificate, portfolio (if required), and proof of English proficiency.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form on the AFDA website.
- Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application along with the required documents.
- Attend an Interview/Audition: If required, attend an interview or audition as part of the selection process.
- Wait for Acceptance: After the application has been reviewed,
you will receive notification of your acceptance status. 8. Register and Pay Fees: Once accepted, proceed with registration and payment of tuition fees.
For more details or to apply, visit the official AFDA website at www.afda.co.za.
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