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Course List

5Vid101

Video Post Production & Non-Linear Editing - 5

This hands-on course introduces students to the primary feature set and basic interface of a professional video editing system. Topics include: Basic set up, Adjusting and customising preferences and settings, Capturing video and audio, Various editing and trimming techniques such as ripple, roll, slip and slide tools, Applying visual effects Finishing and final output.

5VidCon

Content Creation

This introductory course covers the essential concepts and practices involved in the creation of screen media content, with a focus on the basic structure of production and the roles of relevant personnel. Students will be introduced to the fundamental technical aspects of television production, including formats, aspect ratios, and their relevance in modern broadcasting. They will also gain insights into the art of pitching and presenting ideas in the screen media industry. The course will conclude with an exploration of self-distribution on digital platforms, aggregators, and streaming services, comparing these emerging digital models to traditional physical distribution methods.

5VidPro

Production Training & Methodologies

This introductory course provides a practical and methodical understanding of how professional video productions are planned, coordinated, and executed. Learners will develop the essential operational skills required to support technical production teams in broadcast, event, and digital media contexts. Key topics include communication setup between video areas, camera setup and operation, stage and interview lighting techniques, and vision mixing fundamentals. Learners will explore the use of PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras, ATEM fibre optic converters, and live streaming configurations, gaining familiarity with both traditional and IP-based production workflows. The course also introduces NDI (Network Device Interface) technology — explaining its role in modern broadcast systems and live production networks. Emphasis is placed on safe equipment handling, professional conduct, and production etiquette in collaborative environments. Learners engage in supervised, hands-on activities that replicate real production conditions — from pre-production setup and live broadcast mixing to managing audio-video synchronisation. Through structured exercises and guided practice, students will learn how to establish communication systems, operate cameras, manage multi-camera setups, and integrate production hardware such as ATEM switchers, PTZ cameras, and NDI networked video systems. The course prioritizes teamwork, precision, and technical competence — preparing learners for entry-level roles in production crews, control rooms, and live streaming environments. By the end of the course, learners will be able to: Configure and operate fundamental production systems in a studio or field environment. Communicate effectively with team members across technical and creative departments. Demonstrate safe and professional handling of broadcast and streaming equipment. Support live and recorded productions through sound technical judgment and teamwork.

5VidSet

On Set and Location

This course provides practical, hands-on demonstrations of sound, lighting and video set-ups and involves participation in recordings, live shows, radio broadcasts, or broadcast simulations to gain workplace experience. Students will complete a variety of practical assignments designed to address the diverse skill sets required for successful employment in the entertainment arts industry. The course emphasizes compliance with industry regulations, standard operating procedures, and occupational health and safety (OHS) requirements. Through applied learning and supervised practice, students will: Learn to identify and minimize potential hazards during set construction, rigging, shooting, and strike periods. Understand the correct use and handling of equipment such as cables, lighting stands, zip-towers, ropes, sandbags, and electrical gear. Demonstrate the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves, closed shoes, and high-visibility garments. Apply safety procedures specific to various departments — camera, lighting, sound, grip, electrical, and production. Develop effective teamwork and communication skills for maintaining safe work environments. Participate in practical safety simulations, equipment checks, and on-set protocols that mirror real production settings.

5VideoC

Camera and Lighting

This introductory learning unit provides a comprehensive foundation in the essential principles of camera and lighting techniques for screen media production. The course covers both theoretical and practical aspects of camera operation, audio requirements, lighting design, and video production, with a focus on developing the technical skills necessary for professional screen media projects. Students will explore basic photography principles, lighting concepts, video techniques, and location sound capturing, while also learning about the crucial role of the camera assistant in supporting these processes. With a strong emphasis on the role of the camera assistant, this course covers fundamental camera operations, lighting setups, and sound recording techniques. Students will also explore basic electronic principles to understand and manage camera and lighting equipment effectively. Through hands-on workshops, simulated production scenarios, and collaborative exercises, learners will develop the technical proficiency and problem-solving skills required to contribute effectively to professional screen media projects. By the end of this course, students will be able to operate cameras, manage lighting setups, capture location sound, and support production teams with technical expertise, ensuring seamless execution in various production environments.

5WILHAA

Productions and Projects

This course provides practical, hands-on demonstrations of sound, lighting and video set-ups and involves participation in recordings, live shows, radio broadcasts, or broadcast simulations to gain workplace experience. Students will complete a variety of practical assignments designed to address the diverse skill sets required for successful employment in the entertainment arts industry.

5WriteA

Writing Fundamentals

This course focuses on developing the fundamental skills necessary to write short-form scripts suitable for digital screen media, including formats such as news scripts, weather reports, public announcements, promotions, and advertisements. Students will start by mastering basic writing techniques, such as constructing clear and concise sentences and organising their thoughts logically, ensuring that students can write with accuracy and precision. Through practical exercises and guided writing tasks, students will develop the confidence to express their ideas in writing, preparing them for more advanced courses or practical applications in writing for screen.

5WriteD

Writing & Directing - 5

This first-year course introduces students to the fundamental aspects of writing and directing for screen media. It covers key storytelling elements, such as narrative structure, character development, dialogue, and genre conventions. Students will learn how to properly format scripts for various screen media, including film, television, and digital platforms. In addition to writing, the course explores essential principles of directing, focusing on how to translate scripts into visual storytelling. This includes teaching students shot composition, camera angles, blocking, and how to direct actors. A key component of this process is the use of storyboards, which are introduced as an essential tool for planning shots and visualising the flow of a scene before production begins. The course also encourages creative thinking through a series of exercises designed to enhance the idea generation process. Students will engage in practical assignments where they write short-form scripts. The creative process and teamwork are central to the course, with an emphasis on collaboration between writers, directors, and other key crew members. Through practical projects, peer reviews, and class discussions, students will learn to communicate their creative vision effectively, both in writing and in directing.

6Academ

Academic Writing and Programme Review

This course focuses on developing academic writing skills. Learners will gain proficiency in structuring academic essays, reports, and research papers, while adhering to orthodox academic referencing conventions such as the Harvard method. The course places emphasis on the importance of critically reviewing academic literature, constructing coherent arguments, and evaluating programme outcomes based on researched evidence. Learners will also explore effective time management and resource utilisation in producing high-quality academic work. It also provides a comprehensive review of the programme, discussing course content in all of the majors, and elective choices. This provides students with a forum in which to discuss the study options available to them.

6BrdcsA

Broadcasting Concepts, Theory and Practice - 6A

In this course, students will gain insights into the infrastructure of radio stations and the characteristics of the medium while developing hands-on experience in production techniques, editing, and programming. Emphasis is placed on industry standards, such as loudness normalisation, and the role of producers in shaping content. By the end of the course, students will understand the workflows, technical requirements, and creative opportunities in radio broadcasting, preparing them for further studies or entry-level roles in the industry.

6BrdcsB

Broadcasting Concepts, Theory and Practice - 6B

This course on the practical implementation of audio equipment in the production of radio content and radio shows incorporates a significant practical component, which consolidates and builds on the theoretical understanding gained in earlier studies. The aim is to ensure that learners, finding employment at broadcasting facilities or producing content for broadcasters, will be familiar with the details of broadcasting workflows and production techniques. Furthermore, most of these principles and techniques can be directly applied to the production of audio content for television productions. Content to be produced shall include drama, adverts, sung jingles, station and programme IDs, stings and bumpers.

6BrdcsC

Broadcasting Capstone Project

The Capstone Project represents the culmination of the programme and requires students to complete a substantial project within their chosen area of specialisation. The project is designed to integrate and apply the technical, creative, and professional competencies developed throughout the course into a cohesive, industry-aligned body of work. Students will identify a focused area of speciality aligned with their career goals and submit a formal proposal outlining the project’s objectives, methodology, workflow, timeline, and intended outcomes. Once approved, students will take primary responsibility for the planning, execution, and delivery of the project. While the project is largely student-driven, it is conducted under the guidance of an appointed supervisor. The supervisor will provide structured direction, feedback, and milestone reviews to ensure academic rigor, professional standards, and appropriate scope. Students are expected to respond constructively to feedback and demonstrate the ability to refine their work through an iterative process. The final submission will include the completed practical outcome (or equivalent deliverable), supporting documentation of process and workflow, and a critical reflection situating the project within current industry practices.

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© 2023 Academy of Sound Engineering. info@ase.co.za |  Tel: +27 (11) 482 9200

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Academy of Sound Engineering (PTY) Ltd is registered as a private higher education institution in terms of section 54(1)(c) of the Higher Education Act, 1997 (Act No. 101 of 1997) and Regulation 16(4)(a) of the Regulations for the Registration of Private Higher Education Institutions, 2002, to offer its registered programmes at the following sites of delivery: A. Johannesburg; B. Cape Town.


Academy of Sound Engineering (Pty) Ltd is registered to offer the following programmes: (1) Higher Certificate in Audio Technology (A, B) (2) Higher Certificate in Television and Screen Media (A) (3) Diploma in Audio Technology (A, B) (4) Diploma in Television and Screen Media (A) Registration certificate No.2009/HE07/011

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