AFDA, the South African School of Motion Picture Medium, and Live Performance, is a premier institution dedicated to nurturing creative talent in the fields of film, television, and performance.
Established in 1994, AFDA has grown into a leading educational hub for aspiring filmmakers, actors, and media professionals.
With campuses in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth, AFDA offers a dynamic learning environment that emphasizes practical experience, creativity, and innovation.
In this article, we’ll show you all of AFDA courses alongside the requirements and fees.
Table of contents
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How Long Do the Courses at AFDA Usually Take?
AFDA (African Film Drama Art) courses are usually of different lengths depending on the one you choose.
For most undergraduate courses, the time to finish study is around three years.
This gives students ample time to dive deep into their chosen field, whether it’s film, television, performance, or other creative disciplines.
AFDA also provides shorter courses and workshops for learners who wish to improve their expertise or enter into the fields that they wish to do without taking up a full degree of studies.
They’re anywhere between a few weeks to several months long, so they are feasible for aspiring creatives to integrate the learning into their busy schedules.
In general, AFDA offers a range of choices that are flexible based on personal interests and time scales.
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Can I study part-time at AFDA?
You can study part-time at AFDA. The school offers optional choices to students with other commitments, such as jobs or family. That is to say, you can develop or enhance a passion for film and television or other allied creative fields while maintaining control over your own time and lifestyle.
Part-time study allows you to take the curriculum at the pace you feel most comfortable with to prevent getting lost and stay focused on the amount of study work that you are as smart as you can be with.
If you’re considering this path, I recommend reaching out to AFDA’s admissions team for specific details on available part-time programs and how they can fit into your schedule.
What Programs Does AFDA Offer?
AFDA provides a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, each designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the creative industries.
The courses are structured to foster both theoretical understanding and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the demands of their chosen fields.
Higher Certificate Programs
- Higher Certificate in Film, Television, and Entertainment Production
This program equips students with foundational skills in storytelling, production design, and technical operations, providing a pathway to a degree in related fields. - Higher Certificate in Performing Arts
Focused on acting, music, and stage performance, this program blends theory with practical workshops, preparing students for careers in live performance or further studies.
Requirements to Enroll in AFDA Higher Certificate Programs
- To qualify to study an AFDA Higher Certificate program, you need to have matriculated with a National Senior Certificate (South African Grade 12/Matric) with a Diploma/Higher Certificate pass.
- Should you not have the above, you may still be able to qualify by completing and passing the AFDA Entrance Exam.
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Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Here are some of the undergraduate AFDA courses you may want to take.
1. Faculty of Film and Television
The Faculty of Film and Television at AFDA focuses on the art and craft of storytelling through visual media.
This faculty offers a variety of courses that cover all aspects of film production, from scriptwriting to directing and cinematography.
Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Film
- A comprehensive program that covers the fundamentals of filmmaking, including directing, producing, and editing.
- Bachelor of Arts in Television
- This course focuses on television production, including live broadcasting, scriptwriting, and post-production.
- Bachelor of Arts in Motion Picture Medium
- A specialized program that delves into the technical and creative aspects of motion picture production.
Fee Structure:
- Tuition Fees: Approximately ZAR 60,000 per year
2. Faculty of Performance
The Faculty of Performance is dedicated to developing the next generation of actors, directors, and performers.
This faculty emphasizes practical training and performance skills, preparing students for careers in theatre, film, and television.
Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Live Performance
- A program that trains students in various aspects of live performance, including acting, directing, and stage management.
- Bachelor of Arts in Acting
- This course focuses specifically on acting techniques, character development, and performance skills.
- Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre
- A unique program that combines acting, singing, and dancing, preparing students for a career in musical theatre.
Fee Structure:
- Tuition Fees: Approximately ZAR 60,000 per year
3. Faculty of Creative Technologies
The Faculty of Creative Technologies explores the intersection of technology and creativity.
This faculty offers programs focusing on the technical skills required in the media and entertainment industries, including sound design, animation, and visual effects.
Courses Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Animation
- A program that teaches students the principles of animation, character design, and storytelling through animation.
- Bachelor of Arts in Sound Design
- This course focuses on the technical aspects of sound production for film, television, and live performance.
- Bachelor of Arts in Visual Effects
- A specialized program that covers the creation of visual effects for film and television, including composing and 3D modeling.
Fee Structure:
- Tuition Fees: Approximately ZAR 60,000 per year
4. Faculty of Business and Management
The Faculty of Business and Management at AFDA prepares students for the business side of the creative industries.
This faculty offers programs that focus on entrepreneurship, management, and marketing within the context of film and media.
Courses offered:
- Bachelor of Business Administration in Creative Industries
- A program that combines business principles with a focus on the creative sectors, preparing students for management roles in the industry.
- Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television Business
- This course focuses on the business aspects of film and television production, including financing, distribution, and marketing.
Fee structure:
- Tuition Fees: Approximately ZAR 60,000 per year
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Requirements to enroll in AFDA undergraduate programs
To be eligible to study a 3-year degree program at AFDA, you must have been matriculated with a National Senior Certificate (South African Grade 12 Matric) Bachelor’s pass.
If a student has completed the AFDA Higher Certificate program, the student may enter an AFDA degree program.
You may also apply to an AFDA degree program if you have one of the following:
The National Skills Certificate National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) at NQF Level 4 with 3 core subjects (compulsory English included) above 60% and 4 vocational subjects above 70%.
Technical N5 certificate with 4 subjects successful at N5 level, including math and English.
The school of tomorrow (Accelerated Christian Education) at the attainment of an education equivalent to the matric exemption level.
Not having matric exemption but having successfully passed the first year of an accredited NQF 6 or 7 aligned programme (first year of a diploma or degree programme).
If you are 23 or older and do not hold matric exemption but have taken a diploma, foundation, or degree through a HESA-recognized institution, you will be eligible to apply for an exemption to study for a degree at AFDA.
If you do not have any of the above, you may still be eligible by taking and passing the AFDA Entrance Examination. Contact your local AFDA campus to learn more.
Postgraduate Programs
- Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation
Integrates business acumen with technological innovation to foster creativity and entrepreneurship in the arts. - Master of Fine Arts in Motion Picture Medium
Designed for advanced practitioners, this degree focuses on mastering storytelling and monetizing entertainment content.
If you are looking to apply to AFDA to study any of their courses, Apply Here
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AFDA Courses-Frequently Asked Questions
AFDA offers state-of-the-art studios, editing rooms, sounds, and technology that enables its students to be used in real-world situations.
There’s no specific age limit. They encourage all learners, no matter their age, who are interested in working in the creative industry.
Application is easy. Just visit the website, fill out the online application form, and submit any required documents. The admissions team will guide you through the rest.
Conclusion
AFDA stands out as a leading institution for those aspiring to make their mark in the creative industries.
With a diverse range of courses across various faculties, students have the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields.
The tuition fees for each program are approximately ZAR 60,000 per year, making AFDA an investment in a promising future in film, television, and performance.
For more information about courses, application processes, and campus life, visit the official AFDA website.
References
- afda.co.za-Consider yourself a cut above the rest with a qualification from AFDA
- afda.co.za-Entry Requirements
- studentroom.co.za-Courses offered by AFDA: Full List
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