Diploma Programme
About the Programmes
The Diploma programmes are structured into two modules.
The First Module
The programmes begin with the first module, which is the Certificate level. This beginner’s module is a twenty six (26) week preparatory course for school-leavers who want to experiment their interest in the media as well as those who want to qualify for a place on the NAFTI Diploma Programmes in Film Directing, Television Production, Animation, Production Design, Editing, Cinematography, Sound Production, Broadcast Journalism and Multimedia Production. The module is almost practical in nature, although increasingly elements of theoretical aspects are introduced. The module teaches basic versions of film and video productions as well as broadcast journalism practices. Students are introduced more to the general practices in media industry and thus focuses on the core skills that are perceived to be common to all filmmaking, video production and broadcast journalism practices
In this module, students learn digital media, film/video and television production principles through practical studio projects and workshops, led by teaching and industry professionals. Students experiment with ideas with industry standard equipment in order to create a unique portfolio of work that defines their prospects for the industry. They also gain practical design and media skills which will help them develop work and study skills that sets them on the right track for higher educational training in media studies.
The module introduces to students the advantage of studying in a higher educational environment with access to industry standard equipment and software. It is also aimed at people returning to education as well as those with an interest in Film/Video and Television Production, Broadcast Journalism and Multimedia. It is also targeted at people who have broad interests in film, video production, animation, broadcast journalism and multimedia. The module gives students the opportunity to consider their creative interests and develop the skills, techniques and confidence they will need for the Diploma level study as it is a prerequisite for the completion of a Diploma.
The Second Module
The second module focuses on the specialisation of the specific areas of Film and Television Production (Film Directing, Television Production, Documentary Production, Animation, Production Design, Cinematography, Editing and Sound Production), Multimedia and Broadcast Journalism. These areas of specialisation are designed to provide skills training in a variety of media professions. Specific skills are taught in the specialisation areas, which enable the student to deepen and develop their specialist knowledge within their chosen subject area.
This makes it a specialist learning experience, which involves detailed analysis of a high level of information and knowledge in the special area of work or study. As such, the module provides the technical expertise for the student to get a foothold or advance in their career in the highly competitive media industry. The module also offers students the opportunity to develop various skills through practical classes and production projects, while imparting intensive theoretical instructions.
Candidates for the Diploma must complete a minimum of 140 credit hours of required and elective courses and a project
Entry Requirements for Diploma Programmes
SSSCE Holders:
Five (5) passes (A-D) in three core subjects, including English Language, Mathematics and two (2) electives.
WASSCE Holders:
Five (5) passes (A1-D7) in three core subjects, including English Language, Mathematics and two (2) electives.
Applicants with a pass in the NAFTI Certificate programme will be admitted into the second module of the Diploma programme
Programmes’ Segments
| FIRST MODULE | |||
| SEGMENTS | ACTIVITY | NO OF WEEKS/ DURATION | CREDIT HOURS |
| First Segment | Lectures on Generic Specialisation | 6 Weeks | 15 |
| Second Segment | Rotational Exercise | 4 Weeks | 10 |
| Third Segment | Lectures on Core Specialisation | 8 Weeks | 15 |
| Fourth Segment | Production/Postproduction | 1 Week (Pre-Production) | 20 |
| 7 Weeks | |||
| Fifth Segment | Assessment | 1 Week | – |
| A TWO – WEEK BREAK PERIOD | |||
| SECOND MODULE | |||
| Sixth Segment | Lectures on Theory and Practice | 9 Weeks | 20 |
| Seventh Segment | Production/Postproduction | 1 Week (Pre-production) | 30 |
| 5 Weeks | |||
| Eighth Segment | Assessment | 1 Week | – |
| Ninth Segment | Internship | 10 Weeks | 30 |
| TOTAL | 52 WEEKS | 140 |
The first segment is the Generic Specialisation stage. This stage focuses on the core disciplines of the specialisation of Film and Video Production (directing, television, editing, sound, cinematography, production design and animation), Multimedia and Broadcast Journalism. At this stage students are introduced to the basic concepts in their area of interest and serves as the introductory stage of their learning experience at the Diploma level. This stage has a duration of 6 weeks.
The second segment is the Rotational Exercises Stage. At this stage, all students are required to experiment in all areas of the film making process and disciplines as well as media production processes. Students get to have hands on experience which prepares them for their production projects. This stage also helps students to develop a sense of where their skills and interests lie so that they can confidently choose the next stage of the course. This stage has a duration of 4 weeks.
The third segment is the Core Specialisation Stage. At this stage, students are referred to their respective areas of specialisation where they are taken through the specific training in their preferred area of specialisation. The duration of this stage is 8 weeks.
At the 4th week students are assessed through an interim examination. This is done departmentally.
The fourth segment is the Production Stage. At this stage, students are assigned into teams and scheduled for productions. During this stage, students are made to under-take and complete a major seven-week project, reflecting on their chosen specialist area. This project culminate in the final project for assessment in the first module. The duration for this stage is 8 weeks. This includes a one week preproduction where students are to visit and scout locations and settings for their productions.
The fifth segment is the Assessment of Productions. At this stage, students meet a panel to defend their projects. The duration for this stage is 1 week.
The sixth segment is the Theory and Practice. At this stage, students are taken through the necessary theoretical underpinnings of their specialisation areas. These theories are meant to make the student understand the bases of certain practical tasks. The knowledge of the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ in their area of specialisation provide good grounding in understanding their practice. (10 weeks)
The seventh segment is the Production Stage. At this stage, students are put into teams where each student contributes through his/her specialisation area to produce a short production in media. (5 weeks). The 5 week period is inclusive of a one week preproduction period for students to scout and visit locations for their shoot.
The eighth segment is the Assessment. At this stage, students face a panel of assessors to defend their works from the perspective of their areas of specialisations. (1 week).
The ninth segment is the Internship Phase. Students are required to undergo a 10 week internship program at selected media houses and organisations. This provides an industry experience which prepares the student for the world of work.