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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110973  Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology 
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
Postgraduate Diploma  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  2019-08-08  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 qualification will expose the learner to business analysis tools and data analytics to further contribute to long term strategic decision making at an organisational level and to support these strategies with effective and complex database systems and software engineering methodologies and tools. Also, a learner completing this qualification will be able to identify and investigate problems in an organisational ecosystem and conduct appropriate research by applying applicable methodologies, tools and techniques to formulate findings and recommendations.

Also, a learner completing this qualification will be able to identify and investigate problems in an organisational ecosystem and conduct appropriate research by applying applicable methodologies, tools and techniques to formulate findings and recommendations.

Rationale:
This qualification has been developed in conjunction with relevant stakeholders and industry experts and aligns well with demands of industry which will further improve the employability of learners completing this qualification. This qualification is in great demand by the industry as economies move from agricultural-based and manufacturing-based to knowledge-based economies. These fields have also been identified and classified by the Department of Labour as scarce skills and greatly sought by local community and economic development.

The Postgraduate Diploma will be offered at the institution in the discipline of Information Technology. It will provide current internal learners and learners coming from external institutions with relevant NQF Level 7 qualifications the necessary knowledge and skills to improve employability and provide articulation to further postgraduate studies on NQF Level 9. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification may be granted, according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses provided they can demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.
  • An RPL process may also be used to credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning.
  • Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment and may be required to submit a portfolio of evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.
  • The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place:
    > The learner applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-HOD).
    > An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
    > Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
    > Only then may the prospective learner continue with full registration.

    The principles of RPL will be used to assess two broad kinds of prior learning for credit:
  • Recognition of prior accredited learning. (Formal RPL) The current qualification can be completed through recognition of unit standards, modules or qualifications obtained.
  • Recognition of prior experiential learning. (Work experience, Informal, Non-formal) Recognition of prior experiential learning (work experience) is based on the principle of matching previous learning with the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification and by this means, "translating' the prior learning into the "levels and credits' of the qualification framework in the formal system. This refers to learning acquired in an 'uncredentialled' context, such as through work experience or life experience.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
    ¿ Advanced Supportive Techniques and Technologies, 10 Credits.
    ¿ Business Intelligence, 20 Credits.
    ¿ Software Engineering, 20 Credits.
    ¿ Strategic Business Analysis, 20 Credits.
    ¿ Database Administration, 20 Credits.
    ¿ Research Project in Information Systems and Technology, 30 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of strategic business analysis tools and techniques with the aim of long-term strategic decision making that is support via the use of data analytics within organisations.
    2. Apply critical judgment and evaluation of business analysis concepts in the enhancement of business processes in organisations.
    3. Demonstrate competency in applied research using appropriate research methodologies to formulate findings and recommendations based on an identified problem in an Information Technology (IT) environment.
    4. Demonstrate and apply an advanced understanding of the installation, maintenance and optimisation of a high-volume data source within an organisation.
    5. Understand and explain software design approaches; understand and apply the methods and techniques used in these approaches, acquire conceptual and modelling capabilities for the design of software systems using these methods and techniques.
    6. Apply different supportive technologies and techniques that supports projects in business intelligence, software engineering, business analysis, databases, Information Technology (IT)-based research and other IT-based projects. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss different Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) architectures.
  • Apply Business intelligence (BI) best practices given specific case studies.
  • Produce key BI outputs and propose improvements for competitiveness and profitability.
  • Propose appropriate BI tools for given scenarios.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Use established tools and models to determine the market position and market direction for a specified business case or scenario.
  • Apply strategic business analysis knowledge to compare and critique various theoretical approaches in developing information technology (IT) driven business strategies.
  • Produce IT-driven strategies that exploit market position and direction, and offset threats and weaknesses for IT-based scenarios and case studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Critically analyse the significant research problem in the field of information systems and technology.
  • Apply knowledge and skills to reveal the use of applicable research theories, ethics, methodology and techniques.
  • Develop various research documents based on related information systems and technology problems.
  • Justify significant project results of the research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply the relevant skills to develop, configure, manage and improve high-volume database instances and storage structures.
  • Illustrate an understanding of how to develop and manage users, privileges and resources in the database environment.
  • Apply different tools to identify and troubleshoot database problems to improve the performance of high-volume databases.
  • Evaluate the different recovery strategies associated with high-volume databases and implement a logical and physical backup and disaster recovery.
  • Evaluate and utilise different task automation tools available in high-volume database to improve efficiency in data processing and storage.
  • Apply relevant skills to design, develop and implement high-volume database systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Design, implement and analyse software using software engineering methodologies.
  • Develop software for different types of organisations and scenarios using software engineering methodologies.
  • Apply the skills for building distributed software in the design and development of distributed software systems for an organisation or scenario.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Develop a portfolio of evidence indicating an achieved competency in various techniques and technologies.
  • Demonstrate the use of different techniques and technologies to scaffold IT-based projects and scenarios.
  • Analyse differing datasets and produce output using an appropriate supportive technology.
  • Produce various IT-related project outputs using support techniques and technologies.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and summative assessments will be conducted throughout the semester. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The following international qualifications were identified for the comparability study from the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand.

    In the United Kingdom (UK) at the University of London, a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems and Data Science is offered.

    The following Exit Level Outcomes of the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Systems and Data Science were compared:
  • Explain and critically assess a range of machine learning and statistical data mining techniques used in data analytics and other related areas.
  • Critically evaluate emerging data analysis technologies and assess how it can be applied to different types and amounts of data.
  • Analyse in depth how data analysis techniques can be applied to a range of interdisciplinary research areas.
  • Critically analyse the application of technology to a range of real-world problems particularly in industry and interdisciplinary research.
  • Apply advanced skills and research-led specialist knowledge in the areas of machine learning and statistics to the design of software and data analyses.
  • Demonstrate a deep understanding of cutting edge technologies in the creation of a substantial commercially and/or research-wise relevant project.
  • Design and program sufficiently complex computer software and data products.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the University of London in terms of the Exit Level Outcomes.

    In New Zealand at the Southern Institute of Technology, a Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology is being offered.

    The following Exit Level Outcomes of the Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology were compared:
  • Learn independently and recognise the importance of continued learning.
  • Engage in rigorous intellectual analysis, criticism and problem-solving.
  • Show evidence of advanced knowledge about specialist areas of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
  • Work effectively in teams and take on leadership roles.
  • Recognise, evaluate and address ICT-related ethical issues.
  • Apply acquired knowledge and skills in practical situations.
  • Communicate effectively orally, visually and in writing.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the research process.
  • Analyse and critique ICT research literature.
  • Undertake Master's study.

    This qualification is similar to the qualification offered by the Southern Institute of Technology in terms of the Exit Level Outcomes. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Information Technology, NQF 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.
     
    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.