Vision

To be the benchmark in academic excellence by empowering creative minds through cutting-edge technology pursuing innovation, entrepreneurship and providing access to state-of-the-art equipment, enabling students to excel in the screen arts as visionary creators.

Mission

To be a leading school of film and television globally, pioneering the fusion of creativity and technology.

Values

Fostering: Tenacity, Excellence, Curiosity, Creativity, Mutual Respect and Kindness

Slogan

Onqondonqondo Bomabonakude (Film and Television Visionaries)

 

Now, more than ever, the future of video glows bright. The need for content has increased enormously with the advent of social media and digital broadcasting, both in South Africa and around the world. The Internet, also, has provided a home for emerging forms of video such as webisodes and webcasts. Mobile platforms, such as cell phones and tablets, make it possible to view video anywhere, anytime. Video is the medium of the day. Making a television or video programme is a highly specialized task. It requires a team of bright, creative, and hardworking individuals. It demands great technical skill. It needs people who are well trained.

If you would like to work in the television and video industry the first, most important step, is to get the right training and qualifications to equip you for your chosen career.

Durban University of Technology’s Television School is the leading tertiary institution in South Africa to offer specialised, hands-on training in all aspects of television and video production. We are the only school in South Africa whose graduates have won 4 Emmy awards and the only school to train in Outside Broadcasts.

The Degree covers all aspects of production, including researching, script writing, production management, camera operations, lighting, editing, sound recording/mixing, and directing. All necessary equipment is available for students to complete their projects. Facilities include two TV studios, digital editing suites, an outside broadcast vehicle, professional digital camera kits, a Jimmy Jib, specialist underwater housings and additional laboratories.

Students create a variety of programmes as part of their course:

  • Magazine Programmes
  • Inserts
  • Public Service Announcements
  • Music Videos
  • Corporates
  • Outside Broadcasts
  • Dramas
  • Documentaries
  • Reality Shows
  • Webisodes

These practical course components are supplemented by theory lectures. Lecturing staff have considerable industry experience, as well as the relevant academic qualifications.

PROGRAMMES OFFERED

Bachelor of Applied Arts in Screen Arts and Technology –

Welcome to the cutting-edge world of storytelling and innovation in the Bachelor in Applied Arts in Screen Arts and Technology! Our program is designed to ignite the creative spark within aspiring filmmakers, animators, and digital storytellers, offering a dynamic fusion of artistic expression and technological prowess. As a student in our program, you will embark on a transformative journey where traditional arts seamlessly merge with the latest advancements in screen technology. Our dedicated department and state-of-the-art facilities empower you to bring your cinematic visions to life, fostering a rich learning environment that prepares you for a thriving career in the ever-evolving realm of screen arts. Join us in shaping the future of visual storytelling and discover the endless possibilities that await you in the vibrant and dynamic world of screen arts and technology.

 

Entry Requirements –

 

General Rule G7 applies. In addition, students should have experience or interest in the field of television or an allied subject area such as film and must be prepared to present themselves for a selection interview. The minimum entrance requirements are a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with endorsement for Degree Entry, with the following subjects at NSC rating or above, OR the minimum requirement for applicants with a Senior Certificate is Matriculation Exemption with the following subjects at the appropriate ratings, as per the following table:

 

NSC  SC 
Subject  NSC Rating  Subject  HG  SG 
English (Home Language) or  4  English First Language or  D  C 
English (First Additional)  5  English Second language  C  B 

 

Applicants must have at least 36 points derived at in the following way:

 

The following Subjects point scores are TRIPLED (i.e. X3) The following Subject point scores are DOUBLED (i.e. X2)  The following Subjects are scored normally 
Art 
Dramatic Arts 
Engineering Graphics and Design 
Information Technology 
Mathematics 
Music 
Physical Sciences 
Visual Arts  		  

Advanced Programme Mathematics 
Business Studies 
Computer Applications Technology 
Consumer Studies 
Electrical Technology 
English Home Language 
English First Additional language 
Geography 
History 
Life Sciences 
Mechanical Technology 
Tourism  

 

 ALL other Subjects except Life Orientation which is not scored 

Bachelor of Applied Arts Honours in in Screen Arts and Technology

Welcome to the pinnacle of creative excellence in the world of film, television and online content in the Bachelor of Honours in Applied Arts in Screen Arts and Technology! Elevate your skills and artistic vision to new heights as you delve into an immersive and advanced program designed for those who seek to master the art and craft of visual storytelling. Throughout this intensive program, you will engage with cutting-edge theories, hands-on projects, and industry-relevant research, all under the guidance of our accomplished department. Join us in the Bachelor of Honours in Applied Arts in Screen Arts and Technology for a unique and rewarding experience, where your passion for screen arts and technology can flourish, and your potential can be fully realized. Embrace the opportunity to become a trailblazer in the field and make your mark on the future of visual storytelling.

 

Entry Requirements –

 

For an applicant to be accepted for an Interview, the applicant must have passed an undergraduate Bachelor of Applied Arts in Screen Arts and Technology degree, or equivalent degree.

 

All students are selected for the Honours degree using 3 criteria which are weighted using a 10-point scale, with distribution as follows:

 

1. Relevant undergraduate degree: maximum 4 points

Distribution criteria:

50-60%: 1 point

61-70%: 2 points

71-80%: 3 points

81-100%: 4 points.

 

2. Portfolio – maximum 4 points

Distribution criteria:

Creativity: 0-1

Innovation: 0-1

Technical skills: 0-1

Design of Portfolio: 0-1

 

3. Interview – maximum 2 points

Ability to communicate effectively 0-1

Enthusiasm, motivation and commitment to study 0-1

 

Acceptance criteria for the Honours degree:

The applicant must have scored a minimum of five points to be considered for acceptance into the degree. The maximum of ten applicants with the highest scores with a minimum of five points will be accepted into the Honours degree

Staff

 

Secretary: Video Technology
Tel: 031 373 6627
Email: rajeshreej@dut.ac.za 
 
Bio: Rajeshree John, popularly known to staff and students as Irene John, is the secretary of the Department of Video Technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). She has a 34-year career in the administration sector which includes 28 years at the DUT. She is the Department’s indispensable front line point person for all administrative issues relating to staff and students. In 2019 she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Office Management & Technology; and was awarded the Dean’s Merit Award. Irene is a high achiever who scooped the Secretary of the Year Award within the Faculty of Arts and Design in 2020 – the first year of her becoming a department secretary.
Acting Head of Department: Dr. Lance Lutge
Tel: 031 373 3609
Email: lancel@dut.ac.za 
 
Bio: Lance Lutge is an award-winning filmmaker and a seasoned lecturer with a rich blend of academic expertise, research, engagement and practical industry experience. With many years of dedicated service to the Durban University of Technology and current Acting Head of the Video Technology department, Lance has consistently demonstrated his commitment to enhancing the student experience by fostering an environment of innovation, practical learning, and academic excellence. Lance’s extensive industry skills, combined with his passion for educating the next generation of filmmakers, make him a dynamic and valuable leader.
Lecturer: Mike Hatton
Tel: 031 373 6687
Email: MichaelH@dut.ac.za
 
Bio: Mike is an award-winning director and scriptwriter having won the prestigious Gold Camera at the United States International Film and Video Festival and numerous SA awards including Avantis for directing and writing. He was a finalist in the best South African newcomer filmmaker in 1999 and is a multiple Loerie Award finalist. He is a graduate of the New York Film Academy in Manhattan and holds a Masters degree from UKZN in Film Studies. He has taught filmmaking in New York, UKZN, AFDA and now DUT. He is currently working on a PhD exploring holograms in education.
Lecturer: Sicelo Nxumalo
Tel: 031 373 6628
Email: sicelon@dut.ac.za 
 
Bio: Sicelo Nxumalo is a lecturer in the Department of Video Technology that focuses on Sound, Production Management and Business for Film. He has worked at the Durban University of Technology as a technical support staff and now as an academic. With over 10 years’ experience in the Entertainment industry, he has worked in various sectors such as Government, Private Sector and now Higher Education institution as a Technical Expert and Consultant specializing in Sound, Lighting, Audio Visual, Conference Systems and Project Management. His Masters research was based on university student’s interest on identifying and developing business concepts within the field of Arts and Design. He is enrolled for PhD, with the research study focusing on Sound Design for Film production at the University of KwaZulu Natal.
Lecturer: Samuel Ntsanwisi
Tel: 031 373 6625
Email: sicelon@dut.ac.za 
 
Bio: Holds dual master’s degrees, one in Film and Television from the University of the Witwatersrand and another in Business Administration from Tshwane University of Technology. With published articles, his fervour lies in leveraging academia to empower youth by providing solutions to their challenges, a commitment rooted in his extensive experience in nonprofit youth development.
Lecturer:Arushani Govender
 
Bio: Arushani is an interdisciplinary creative professional with over a decade of experience in the film and television industry. Holding a Master’s degree from the University of the Witwatersrand, she has worked on numerous international and local productions. As a dedicated researcher, producer and writer, her work engages with decolonisation and the reimagining of marginalised histories. Formerly the Programme Coordinator for the School of Postgraduate Studies at AFDA, she now lectures at the Durban University of Technology, driven by her passion for storytelling, content development, and education.
Lecturer: Nisha Naidoo
Tel: 031 373 3610
Email: nishan@dut.ac.za
 
Bio: Nisha has worked and consulted for leading national and international production companies. She has been the manager of 2 international film festivals and the lead technical advisor on the design and launch of the Durban Film Mart – Africa’s leading financing and co-production market. She has served on the industry advisory panels of the South African Film and Video Foundation and the KZN Film Commission. Her most fulfilling role is as a lecturer, tutor, mentor and advisor to African screen industry students and professionals. Nisha holds an MBA degree from the UK; an MBA specialisation in film from the USA; an MFA degree in film production from Canada; and a Bachelor of Arts Honours Degree in culture and media studies from South Africa. She has completed professional screen industry training in film financing in South Africa, multi-platform media production in Spain and France, festival production and management in Germany and documentary film-making in the Netherlands.
Specialist IT Technician: Niresh Singh
Tel: 031 373 6659
Email: nireshs@dut.ac.za 
 
Bio: Niresh is the IT Technician responsible for the department’s digital infrastructure, overseeing the maintenance and operation of computer laboratories, non-linear editing suites, and associated equipment. Drawing on professional experience in broadcast environments, he supports industry- and broadcast-standard video workflows to ensure students receive training aligned with professional practice. He holds a Master’s degree in Journalism, with a focus on virtual reality and 360-degree video.
Technician: Sibongiseni Mthalane
Tel: 031 373 6629
Email: sbomthi@dut.ac.za
 
Bio: Sibongiseni, a technician for the department, holds a National Diploma in Electronic Engineering. He commenced employment at DUT with the Department of Electronic and Power Engineering as a tutor and later as a part time lecturer. He is responsible of the maintenance of the department’s video production equipment.
Lecturer: Nisha Naidoo
Tel: 031 373 6630
Email: salusiwex@dut.ac.za 
 
Bio: Fondly referred to as Shepherd, he holds a national diploma in Video Technology. Shepherd’s primary responsibility is to issue camera gear/equipment to students and ensure its maintenance in pristine condition.