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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101149  Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-06-30   2029-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The intended purpose of this Qualification is to give the successful learner the competence in providing professional, technical and developmental support in the computer industry.

Rationale:
A learner who has completed this qualification will be competent in providing professional, technical and developmental support in the computer industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements.
The minimum requirement is:
  • National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling at 442 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 150 Credits:
  • Electrical Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
  • Social Intelligence 1, 3 Credits.
  • Mathematics 2, 10 Credits.
  • National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Skills 1, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
  • Computing Applications 2, 7 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.
  • Safety Principles and Law 1, 5 Credits.
  • Engineering Skills 1, 5 Credits.
  • Mathematics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Digital Systems 1, 10 Credits.
  • Operating Systems 1, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Programming 1, 10 Credits.
  • Electronics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Software Engineering 1, 10 Credits.
  • Networks 1,10 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning 1 (Computer), 14 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 5, 70 Credits:
  • Physics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Physics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Chemistry 1, 10 Credits.
  • Information Technology (IT) Essentials 1, 10 Credits.
  • Electrical Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
  • Electronics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Digital Communication 2, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 142 Credits:
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
  • Engineering Programming 2, 10 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
  • Digital Systems 2, 10 Credits.
  • Networks 2, 10 Credits.
  • Software Engineering 2, 10 Credits.
  • Operating Systems 2, 10 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning 2 (Computer), 16 Credits.
  • Engineering Programming 3, 10 Credits.
  • Digital Systems 3, 10 Credits.
  • Networks 3, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Project 4 (WIL), 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 50 Credits:
  • Mathematics 3, Credits 10.
  • Statistics 1.1, Credits 10.
  • Operating Systems 3, Credits 10.
  • Software Engineering 3, Credits 10.
  • Electronics 3, Credits 10.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 30 Credits
  • Networks 4, 10 Credits.
  • Engineering Programming 4, 10 Credits.
  • Digital Systems 4, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1.Communicate, develop, maintain and implement software systems.
    2.Develop, implement and maintain hardware systems in the computing environment.
    3.Implement and maintain network hardware and operating systems.
    4.Implement the theoretical principles supporting the computing environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply generic solutions and programming principles to a given problem.
  • Utilise state-of-the art techniques for developing a specific application.
  • Link a specific application to a database application.
  • Solve problems through effective algorithms and programme results.
  • Submit projects demonstrating object structures.
  • Integrate current trends in application development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify electronic components and their application.
  • Calculate relevant quantities and their units.
  • Design amplifiers, filters and signal transmission systems.
  • Execute circuit analysis.
  • Distinguish between different electrical quantities.
  • Identify correct measuring techniques.
  • Test and troubleshoot digital/electronic/electrical devices or systems.
  • Design, programme and construct microprocessor-based systems.
  • Design digital circuits using binary concepts.
  • Describe, implement and fault-find hardware systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Plan directory and security structures for a network based system.
  • Decide on topologies and hardware requirements for a given network system.
  • Perform installation configuration and fault finding for networked systems.
  • Describe the fundamental principles of operating systems.
  • Install, configure and demonstrate single- and multi-tasking operating systems.
  • Describe the fundamentals of digital electronic communications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Provide solutions to mathematically based problems.
  • Provide solutions to theoretical electrical problems.
  • Provide the documents for an elementary research and development project.

    Integrated Assessment.
    Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification. The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading. Timely feedback to learner forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are similar international qualifications, but individual institutions have unique offerings which may/may not articulate with this qualification entirely. There is undoubtedly synergy in courses with variations ranging from slight to extreme synergy-depending on the institution. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation:
    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Computer Application Technology, Level 7.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Level 6. 
    		•

    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. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.