SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Informatics

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
100914	Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Informatics
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
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
72758	Bachelor of Commerce Honours	Level 7	NQF Level 08	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose is to train Computer Science and/or Informatics graduates scientifically in an outcomes-based programme that will ensure their immediate employability nationally as Computer Scientists and programmers in different organisations, ready to commence with Master Commerce studies in Informatics and Computer Science and/or Informatics. The advanced training in Informatics is based on a sound undergraduate programme in Computer Sciences and/or Informatics, 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 Master Commerce 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. 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 interpersonal communication, analysis, entrepreneurship and critical thinking.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This 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. This Institution endorses the view that recognition of prior learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirements for admission into the Honours Degree studies are:

Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree with Informatics passed at Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

Electives Modules Level 8:

Decision Support Systems I, 12 Credits.

Computer Security I, 12 Credits.

Information Systems Engineering I, 12 Credits.

Databases I, 12 Credits.

Decision Support Systems II, 12 Credits.

Artificial Intelligence II, 12 Credits.

Computer Security II, 12 Credits.

Information Systems Engineering II, 12 Credits.

Databases II, 12 Credits.

Data Warehouses I, 12 Credits.

Artificial Intelligence I, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 8:

Project I, 32 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate advanced knowledge of scientific principles, bodies of content and conceptual issues.
2. Demonstrate 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 and be computer literate.
5. Understand the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry, identify and analyse problems in computer based systems, 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:

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests and so forth are employed, as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation, project or report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed.

Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the workplace.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) level descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 8 were used to design the qualification standard. This Level Descriptor 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 Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Honours qualification compares favourably with other similar BCom Honours qualifications, nationally and internationally with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, programme design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time. The graduates that complete this programme will be ready for further study in, and Information Systems on post graduate level internationally.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for vertical articulation.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Commerce qualifications/programmes, with major in Informatics.

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