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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101193  Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks 
ORIGINATOR
Walter Sisulu 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
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 purpose of this Diploma is to provide a professional and vocational qualification for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, combining theory and practical exposure to enable a graduate (diplomate) to analyse, design, develop, implement and manage reliable and cost effective communication networks by integrating current network topologies and protocols to create an appropriate and adequate environment of communication and information sharing.

Rationale:
Nearly every business organisation depends on the smooth running of its communication networks. This qualification provides a learner with the necessary knowledge, competence and skills in Communication Networks, and have a higher than average chance of being employed. The qualification provides certification path in computer networking for learners to be more equipped for the next generation of skilled technopreneurs.

The qualification also seeks to satisfy the South African demands for both public and private sectors in ICT.

Computer network specialists/administrators/technicians are required locally, nationally, and internationally in any business organisation/industries. 

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. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. Learners who already work in the ICT industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcome (ELOs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path inInformation and communication technology (ICT) enabled fields and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through Institutions' approved methods. Any other evidence of Prior Learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

The structure of this non-unit standard based qualification makes RPL possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements are:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry to Diploma studies with the achievements in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects such as English Home Language or First Additional Language and either in Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with Conditional Exemption or Mature Age Exemption if the Candidate is 23 years on the year of registration with the following subjects:
    > English First Language.
    > English Second Language.
    > Mathematics.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 4 allowing entry to Diploma studies with the following (minimum) percentage score for the fundamental subjects.
    > English.
    > Mathematics.
    Or
  • Mathematics literacy.
    > Life Orientation.
    In addition, must obtain 60% for three of the following compulsory vocational modules (in any combination):
    > Systems Analysis and Design.
    > Data Communication and Networking.
    > Computer Programming.
    > Physical Science. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 and at Level 6, totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 150 Credits:
  • Development Software I, 30 Credits.
  • Information Systems I, 30 Credits.
  • System Software I, 30 Credits.
  • Information Technology Skills I, 30 Credits.
  • Information Technology Electronics II, 30 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 210 Credits:
  • Communication Networks II, 30 Credits.
  • Network Programming II, 30 Credits.
  • Distributed Systems II, 30 Credits.
  • Communication Networks III, 30 Credits.
  • Emerging Technologies III, 30 Credits.
  • Network Project Management III, 30 Credits.
  • Network Security Concepts III, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively with all role players related to the Information and communication technology (ICT) field the learner will operate in.
    2. Develop communication networks based on a needs assessment.
    3. Solve communication network problems for a given scenario.
    4. Administer communication networks.
    5. Implement and maintain a secure communication network.
    6. Use programming skills to address networking issues.
    7. Implement and maintain enterprise communication network policies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Meet with role players in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) fields.
  • Written reports are produced.
  • Analyse the effectiveness of written and verbal communication generated through research based projects.
  • Presentations are made based on the project.
  • Information is analysed and documented.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe networking concepts.
  • Describe routing and switching concepts.
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop and practise the network problem solving skills.
  • Describe tools and techniques associated with network project management body of knowledge life cycle.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Develop basic practical networking skills.
  • Describe general IT troubleshooting procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop advanced router and switch configuration.
  • Demonstrate advanced router and switch troubleshooting skills.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe security concepts for the network devices, storage media devices and security topologies.
  • Demonstrate skills in choosing, implementing and maintaining appropriate security solutions within a deployed network communication environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate programming of I/O handling, multithreading and synchronisation, Uniform Resource Locator (URL) class, secure socket programming.
  • Demonstrate Network server programming.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Use internationally recognised tools and techniques for developing enterprise specific network policies.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessments are designed to evaluate knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective and the applied competencies (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) required by this qualification. To achieve this, assessments take a variety of forms including assignments/projects (individual and/or team), quizzes, written and/or practical tests and final examinations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability of this qualification is ensured by following the current standards followed by similar qualifications internationally such as the ACM and IEEE curriculum. Standards are comparable with those ofInformation and Communication Technology (ICT) qualifications in countries having comparable ICT education systems to South Africa. On completion of the qualification, learners will not only have improved their knowledge of and skills in this field of studies, but they will also be confident that they will fit in easily with the graduates elsewhere around the world. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation is possible, within or outside the institution:
  • Advanced Certificate in Information Technology, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information Technology, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation is possible, within or outside the institution:
  • Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, Level 7.
  • Bachelor Degree in Information Technology at. Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Walter Sisulu University 


    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.