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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110089  Bachelor of Science Honours in information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (Pty) Ltd) 
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  2019-07-25  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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to provide a learner with the necessary expertise and knowledge to take on appropriate professional positions in Information Technology industry upon graduation and grow into leadership positions or pursue research in Information Technology or any related field.

This qualification seeks to provide learners with the aptitude and fortitude to deal with the responsibilities connected to the Information Technology field and respond to senior level managerial challenges, both internal and external to the organisation, including international environment. It will also equip learners with the managerial functional and reflective competences to deal with the broad based Information Technology issues related to optimising the competitive positions of the organsation by acquiring competences relating to computer and information security, software engineering, databases and research. In essence, the focus of this qualification is to improve the practice of information technology management and leadership.

Rationale
The overall demand for Honours qualification is driven by the growing market needs for Information Technology (IT) leadership in the country. The urgent demand for competent personnel has been increasing over time. This is coupled with the need for sound business acumen and Information Technology expertise. These are key drivers that have encouraged the institution to offer the Postgraduate qualification in Information Technology.

This qualification is expected to sustain continuous learning and development of learners as well as meet needs of other stakeholders. The national scarce skills list provides a dyn amic process of identifying job in demand by learners and occupations that are vacant by businesses.

This qualification attempts to address the educational requirements of the masses of disadvantaged learners who cannot attend full time education institutions. It will incorporate the best in class business practice and match full time classroom teaching standards. Thus, this qualification will meet the learner demand for higher education at Honours level and allow them to pursue full time jobs and their work fields of study.

Qualifying learners will be able to provide professional services to various types of businesses as Systems Analysts, IT Managers, IT Consultants, Security Specialists, Software Development Team Leaders, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Administrators, Knowledge Managers, or to work as members of ICT project teams. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners may apply for recognition of prior learning for specific modules. The institutional RPL Policy guides this process. RPL applications will be considered in terms of previous formal studies and demonstrated work experience.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum admission requirement is an appropriate Bachelor's Degree or an appropriate Advanced Diploma at Level 7. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules:
  • Research Methodology in Information Technology, 15 Credits.
  • Computer and Information Security, 15 Credits.
  • Discrete Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Human Computer Interaction, 15 Credits.
  • Information Technology Strategy and Governance, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Software Engineering, 15 Credits.
  • Data Mining, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the knowledge and engagement of appropriate information technologies and apply suitable methods to help an individual of organisation to achieve its target goals and objectives.
    2. Function as a user advocate of Information Technology (IT) by demonstrating an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties as well as selecting and applying appropriate procedures, processes or techniques to solve unfamiliar problems.
    3. Anticipate the changing direction of Information Technology as well as evaluate and communicate the likely of emerging technologies to an individual organisation, and address complex or abstract problems arising thereof.
    4. Demonstrate an understanding of the principles, theories, methods and techniques of Information Technology to contribute to the scientific, mathematical and theoretical foundation upon which Information Technology is built.
    5. Demonstrate a critical awareness of the ethical, social and legal issues that can be associated with the development and deployment of Computing and IT systems.
    6. Select and apply appropriate techniques and tools for abstracting, modelling, problem-solving, designing and testing computing and IT systems, and be aware of the limitations thereof. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The ability to support business performance through technology effectively is demonstrated.
  • New or emerging technology that will facilitate and support business process is evaluated.
  • Specific business functions in the context of information technology are assessed.
  • An implementation plan to deploy information systems effectively is developed.
  • Information technology is contextualised in support of business process from a service driven perspective.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • In-depth knowledge of strategic planning for information systems and infrastructure is demonstrated.
  • The ability to develop a strategic plan to support business growth through Information and communications technology (ICT) is displayed.
  • Contingency and continuity plans for information availability in an organisation are developed.
  • The ability to formulate and deploy an Information Technology (IT) governance system in business effectively is demonstrated.
  • The viability of enterprise wide systems integration for a given business case is evaluated.
  • The ability to develop and implement an IT security strategy for various case studies and scenarios is illustrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The best approach for risk analysis and management and how standards and best practices can be used is evaluated.
  • Strategy Maps to the organisational vision to derive the organisational strategies and business objectives are applied.
  • Balanced Scorecards to determine the measures and targets for each strategy and business objective are applied.
  • Information security management concepts by using various models and frameworks are reported.
  • A policy framework on information technology asset security and the management of information technology security is developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A research proposal related to an information technology challenge is formulated.
  • A research is conducted in an academically appropriate manner and the process and findings are reported on.
  • The ability to present research findings to an audience of peers is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • A deep understanding of leadership principles and practices in Information Technology is demonstrated.
  • The characteristics and approaches inherent to successful leadership of Information Technology teams are identified.
  • The ability to lead teams to achieve business objectives through the effective use of technology is demonstrated.
  • The relationship between project success and collaborative team management is evaluated.
  • The philosophical concepts involved are demonstrated.
  • Awareness of the need to bring into information technology analysis and design considerations of the impact of technology on society, the personal, social, cultural values and requirements of those affected by information technology activity is applied.
  • Critically awareness for the need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of competence is illustrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify and formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs.
  • Perform design tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation.
  • Evaluate alternatives and preferred solution: exercise judgement, test implementability and perform techno-economic analysis.
  • Communicate the design logic and information.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is integrated with most modules and learners complete a series of assignments as they progress to build a portfolio. Assignments and tasks are marked and feedback given to learners. The feedback will direct and support their learning, achievement of outcomes, and prepare them for examinations. Tasks included in portfolios may include projects, case studies, essays, simulations, experiments, assignments, online activities interactions, and presentations. Portfolios are assessed to determine a module year/semester mark. A minimum of 40% is required for entry into the examination which serves as the summative assessment which evaluates the achievement of outcomes and mastery of the larger body of knowledge which forms part of the curricula. The final examination is undertaken under normal exam conditions.

    The programme is capped by a research and development project comprising an advanced application of mathematical modelling, computer programming and or computer hardware implementation, which requires an integration of acquired knowledge. The outcomes are assessed on the basis of practical demonstration of results achieved and a written report, which must clearly show that a thorough scientific process was followed to arrive at results. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Name of Country: Australia.
    Name of Institution: University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
    Title of qualification: Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology.

    UTS offers a Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology programme (BSc Hons in IT) for a duration of one year, full time. The programme aims to provide students with a sound research methodology for the in-depth study of particular topics in information technology, the experience of undertaking a research-oriented project and a basis for Postgraduate research or a career in industrial research and development. This aligns with the purpose of Richfield's Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology programme which is to provide students with the necessary expertise and knowledge to pursue research in Information Technology or any related field, as well as take on appropriate professional positions in information technology industry upon graduation and grow into leadership positions. Also, UTS's BSc Hons in IT programme contains the Technology Research Method module as well as the Research Project which compare well with the Research Methodology for Information Technology Module, as well as the Discrete Research Project in Richfield's BSc Hons in IT programme.
    The University of Technology Sydney was chosen for benchmarking due to its high ranking in research and technology, as well as graduate employability. Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2019 ranked it the highest performing university in Australia under 50 years old and was also ranked in the top 200 universities globally by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019. UTS is part of the Australian Technology Network of universities: a group of five prominent universities committed to working with industry and government to deliver practical and professional courses.

    Name of Country: New Zealand.
    Name of Institution: Whitireia New Zealand, Wellington Campus.
    Title of qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology.

    Whitireia offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology programme (PG Dip in IT) for a duration of one year, full time. The programme contains content such as Business Intelligence and Data Mining, Network Security and Forensic, Research in Information Technology, Information Management and Research Project, which compare favourably with content in Richfield's Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology, especially in modules such as Data Mining, Computer and Information Security, Research Methodology in Information Technology, Information Technology Governance and Discrete Research Project respectively.
    Whitireia New Zealand is a category 1 institution as per New Zealand Qualifications Authority's report. The authority gave the institution a high confident rating due to the institution's educational performance. Whitireia is a long-established and highly-successful institute of technology and polytechnics, which is widely respected by employers due to the quality of its programmes.

    Name of Country: United Kingdom, UK.
    Name of Institution: University of Huddersfield.
    Title of qualification: Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology.

    The University of Huddersfield offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BSc Hons in IT) programme with a view to give students the skills to perform strongly in information systems/technology positions and prepare them for a career in the dynamic area of computing. This is in line with Richfield's BSc Hons in IT programme's purpose which is to provide students with the necessary expertise and knowledge to pursue research in Information Technology or any related field, as well as take on appropriate professional positions in information technology industry upon graduation and grow into leadership positions. The University of Huddersfield's programme contains content in Data Analysis, Databases, Advanced Web Programming and Systems Strategy, which is related with content in Richfield's programme, such as Data Mining, Advanced Software Engineering and Information Technology Strategy and Governance.
    University of Huddersfield is recognised as a gold-rated University by the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). Based on the evidence available the TEF Panel judged that the University delivers consistently outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for its students. In addition, their programme is partially accredited by the British Computer Society (BCS), the chartered institute for the IT industry. BCS accreditation is awarded to courses that provide a solid foundation in computing. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Informatics, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Information Technology, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Computer Science, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Information Systems, Level 9.
  • Master of Science in Informatics, Level 9. 
    		•

    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 


    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.