Higher Certificate in Performing Arts Technology at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

One-year, NQF level 5 Higher Certificate in Performing Arts Technology (HCPAT1, SAQA ID 119963) at Ritson Campus, first offered in 2024. It gives introductory training for working behind the scenes and backstage in theatre, live events and performance production, and offers a potential route into the Diploma in Drama (subject to audition).

Faculty: Faculty of Arts and Design | Department: Department of Drama and Production Studies | Duration: 1 year full-time | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

Cornerstone, Elements of Theatre Design 1A and 1B, Introduction to Technopreneurship, Lighting & Sound Theory and Practice 1 and 1B, Stage Technology 1A and 1B, Theatre Study 1A and 1B, and Technical Production and Stage Management (144 credits). Practical stagecraft and equipment operation, with after-hours practical work for some projects.

Career pathways

Theatre lighting technician/operator, sound operator, assistant stage manager, general stage crew, technical production assistant, event production crew, apprentice to lighting/set designer.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC higher certificate entry: English rating 3; Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy rating 3; and three further recognised 20-credit subjects at rating 3 (not Life Orientation, only one may be an additional language). Senior Certificate: HG E / SG C in those subjects. NCV: 50% in English, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and three other subjects. Applicants meeting the minimum are invited to an online interview (mid-October to early November, one attempt only) assessing interest in and aptitude for backstage and technical theatre; the top 15 scorers are offered the 15 places. Apply through CAO (code DU-D-HP2) by 30 September.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Duration: 1 Year

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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