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:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Information Technology

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100877	Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Information Technology
ORIGINATOR
North West University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Honours Degree	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	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
72762	Bachelor of Science Honours	Level 7	NQF Level 08	128	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose is to train Computer and Information Technology Science graduates scientifically in an outcomes-based programme that will ensure their immediate employability nationally as Computer and Information Technology scientists and programmers in different organisations, ready to commence with MSc studies in Computer Science. The advanced training in Computer Science and Information Technology is based on a sound undergraduate programme in Computer Science, which conforms to the requirements of occupational prospects and labour requirements in South Africa. The student is also trained in research methodology with the intention of continuing with MSc studies and further specialisation.

Rationale:
There is an urgent need in South Africa (and also worldwide) for more scientists and information technologists and the proportion of students enrolled in science and technology programmes in Higher Education should increase. There is a strong need to produce computer scientists and information technologists with specific skills and Government and employers have recognised this. The students are either doing very well in the workplace (industry) or further their studies at tertiary level. This honours programme provides an opportunity to establish curricula that emphasise enquiry, innovation and science within social development, and which develop skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective personal and inter personal communication, analysis, entrepreneurship and critical thinking.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Information Technology, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the honours degree study after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed successfully. Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the institution and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a BSc or an equivalent qualification in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology at the institution or other equivalent institution. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that RPL constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:

Bachelor of Science with Computer Science and Information Technology passed at Level 7 with at least 60%.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8: 32 Credits:

Project I, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8:

Decision Support Systems I, 12 Credits.

Artificial Intelligence I, 12 Credits.

Computer Security I, 12 Credits.

Information Systems Engineering I, 12 Credits.

Databases I, 12 Credits.

Linear Programming I, 12 Credits.

Decision Support Systems II, 12 Credits.

Image Processing II, 12 Credits.

Data Warehouses I, 12 Credits.

Artificial Intelligence II, 12 Credits.

Computer Security II, 12 Credits.

Information Systems Engineering II, 12 Credits.

Databases II, 12 Credits.

Linear Programming II, 12 Credits.

Data Warehouses II, 12 Credits.

Image Processing I, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of scientific principles, bodies of content and conceptual issues.
2. Apply the techniques and strategies involved in scientific enquiry and problem solving.
3. Think critically and creatively while working as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments, showing leadership and performing critical functions.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with scientific and lay audiences using high-quality technology.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry.
6. Identify and analyse problems in computer based systems.
7. Execute research work, interpret collected data and information in scientific literature, and be competent to report in detail on such work.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

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

Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.

Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.

Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.

Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.

Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.

Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment:

Formative or continuous assessment serves as a monitoring instrument to enable students to determine their progress in the learning process and to enable lecturers to determine the effectiveness of their teaching. This will also enable lecturers to make timeous adjustments to ensure that the teaching and learning process is more effective.

Formative Assessment:

Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practicals, class discussions, semester tests.

Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and Exit Level Outcomes.

Summative Assessment:

Written exam papers and oral presentations.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The level descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 7 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Thus, the generic Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification compares favourably with other similar BSc qualifications, nationally and internationally with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, programme design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology.

Master of Science in Information Systems.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

N/A

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.

1.	North West University