SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Multimedia Computing

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111914	Diploma in Multimedia Computing
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)	Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences		Information Technology and Computer Sciences
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-09-03	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2033-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Diploma in Multimedia Computing will equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills to pursue a career in Multimedia Computing, focusing on:

Writing and implementing computer programmes, general and specific to the Multimedia environment.

Design, develop and implement multimedia applications on different platforms.

Design and develop multimedia elements (text, audio, graphics, video, 3D modelling and Animation to produce multimedia content).

Create interactive virtual environments.

Use applicable equipment to create multimedia content.

On completion of this qualification learners will be able to conduct research, identification, analysis, and design; propose expansion, testing, maintenance and deployment of organisational IT systems to aid innovation and for betterment of organisational responsiveness, effectiveness and/or efficiency, which improves the social and economic stance of the country.

Furthermore, this qualification bridges the gap between multimedia design and IT programming to enable learners to develop integrated multimedia solutions to IT related problems. Such learners will be sought after in the multimedia industry and can design and develop interactive virtual environments, simulations, 3D animation, games and virtual reality systems. Learners will be equipped with the knowledge and skills required to become a multimedia programmer and the qualification provides a foundation in the technical aspects of multimedia software development through knowledge of the fundamental areas of databases, data communications, multimedia systems and software development, and the skills and knowledge to facilitate the development of different types of media, including 3-D animations and interactive simulations incorporating game engines and virtual reality.

Rationale:
The increasing computing processing power coupled with enhanced internet bandwidth have led to increased usage of multimedia based applications with high quality graphics, text, audio and video components on various devices ranging from cell phones, smartphones, iPads, laptops and specialised Information and Communication Technologies. The increased usage of multimedia-based applications has led to a greater demand for people with relevant and up-to-date, high-quality technical skills. Indications suggest that demand will continue to grow as developers enter pioneering markets and move towards taking full advantage of content specifically for a broadband user-base.

The demand from employers for learners capable of working effectively in a Multimedia Computing environment continues to grow, as does their demand for technical skills and expertise. This qualification aims to provide the necessary skills and depth of knowledge to ensure that learners remain attractive to relevant employment markets.

This revision is in large due to rapid change within the vocational sector, in terms of technology and the ever-increasing skill base required by Multimedia Computing professionals. The significance of the World Wide Web and indeed the Internet, to modern society has been reflected in the revised curriculum.

This qualification is a combination of Exit Level Outcomes that has the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with workplace applicable competencies and which will provide the learner with a solid foundation for any future learning endeavours in the multimedia industries. The learner will be equipped with the necessary skills to apply for several job positions in demand in the ICT industry.

The design of this qualification is informed by the reference body of knowledge provided by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) and the IEEE Computer Society. The qualification is therefore aligned to international best practices.

The rationale for re-curriculating the qualification is to meet the ever changing demands of the organisation environment and comply with the skills shortages encountered in the local and global economy. Adhering to the national imperatives the Department of Informatics is aligning its qualifications through three major thrusts.

Learners can pursue a career in the design, implementation and maintenance of IT systems that make extensive use of multimedia. The qualification focuses on multimedia design, technology and programming. Examples of careers are multimedia designer, games programmer, animation developer, simulation developer and virtual reality designer. Also learners will be able to provide the needed knowledge and skills to function as a: junior business/system analyst; junior project manager; junior database administrator and junior requirement and user acceptance tester, within any organisation, as all organisations require Information Technology to further itself.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learners would be able to implement and recommend solutions to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) problems, thereby assisting in strengthening the country's economy. With the ever-increasing speed of technology change, especially in virtual reality and interactive environments, the shortage of developers for these new technologies are a major problem in the IT industry in South Africa.

This qualification is following the general pathway from Diploma to the Doctor of Computing.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. RPL may also be used to obtain credits for the Exit Level Outcomes. Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through formal procedures.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

A National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

A National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

Senior Certificate without endorsement.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5: 120 Credits:

Computing Fundamentals A, 15 Credits.

Computational Mathematics, 15 Credits.

Principles of Programming A, 15 Credits.

Communication for academic purposes, 10 Credits.

Life Skills, 2 Credits.

Information Literacy, 3 Credits.

Computing Fundamentals B, 15 Credits.

Discrete Structures, 15 Credits.

Principles of Programming B, 15 Credits.

Web Computing, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6: 240 Credits:

Multimedia Technology, 15 Credits.

3D Modelling, 15 Credits.

Database Principles, 15 Credits.

Object-oriented Programming, 15 Credits.

Multimedia Applications, 15 Credits.

Advanced Object-oriented Programming, 15 Credits.

3D Animation, 15 Credits.

Games Programming, 15 Credits.

Interactive Virtual Environments, 15 Credits.

Multimedia for Mobile Devices, 15 Credits.

Motion Graphics and Visual Effects, 15 Credits.

Sound Design, 15 Credits.

WIL, 60 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Develop multimedia applications, including databases containing multimedia elements.
2. Deploy, optimise and maintain multimedia applications on different platforms.
3. Model, render and animate 3D objects.
4. Apply graphic design and editing principles.
5. Edit and compose sound and video production.
6. Use multimedia equipment to produce content.
7. Design and development virtual environments and interactive games.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

Explain and define Multimedia applications.

Discuss and develop components such as databases and elements of multimedia elements.

Deploy and optimise Multimedia applications on different platforms.

Model, render animate 3D objects.

Discuss, explain and implement graphic design and editing principles.

Modify and appraise sound and video production.

Explain, implement and demonstrate the usages of multimedia equipment.

Explain and model the development and design of virtual environments and interactive games.

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated assessment takes the form of an appropriate variety of assessment methods. This includes summative assessment in the form of written or oral examinations, and formative assessment in the form of problem solving assignments, computer programmes, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, documentation. In the final year, a reflective assessment where learners will complete a single information system project in their third year that will incorporate the identification, analysis, designing and development of a real life scenario based in the Multimedia Computing environment.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification is based on the ACM and IEEE Curricula, which is used by most universities and is the best international practice. This qualification is unique in South Africa, but similar qualifications exist in the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom (UK) and Germany.

Several international universities offer a three year Diploma in Multimedia Applications or Multimedia Design. However, the main focus of these qualifications is the design of multimedia which provides the learners with the necessary skills and knowledge required to develop effective multimedia applications. Such qualifications introduce learners to the diverse aspects of multimedia including professional multimedia development, packages for multimedia development, web development, 3D animation, special effects, digital audio and digital video. The Diploma in Multimedia Computing combines such design skills with programming and databases to create interactive virtual environments or simulations. Such simulations are the core of the virtual and augmented reality technologies, which is growing rapidly all over the world.

In Malaysia two universities, the University of Kuala Lumpur and the Management and Science University, each offer a three year Diploma in Multimedia. The curriculum covers programming, but to a lesser extent than this curriculum, and there is no focus on interactive virtual environment development.

The following lists universities or colleges in America offering multimedia qualifications similar to the Diploma in Multimedia Computing:

College of Southern Nevada offers a Certificate, Associate.

Brigham Young University offers a Bachelor's.

The University of Southern California offers a Certificate.

Sam Houston State University offers a Bachelor's.

Rochester Institute of Technology offers a Bachelor's.

Madison Area Technical College provides an Associate's.

East Tennessee State University, Bachelor's.

Ferris State University offers a Bachelor's.

The University of Idaho offers a Bachelor's.

New York University offers a Bachelor's.

Other international universities offering multimedia computing qualifications are the University of Applied Sciences in Koln and the Kingston University in London.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Computer Science, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Multimedia Computing, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Design, NQF Level 7.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

NONE