SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111254	Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje 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
Advanced 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 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-08-23	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 the Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development is to produce learners that have a good theoretical knowledge and practical skills of systems analysis, design and applications development. The qualification is designed to enable a learner to, not only apply the concepts and skills of the specialisation sufficiently for a smooth transition into the work place, but also to solve complex problems adapting to the requirements of the organisation's environment.

Rationale:
The qualification is intended to deepen the professional knowledge, practice and attitudinal skills development of learners and facilitate the access to higher-level qualifications such as the Postgraduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral studies. In addition, this qualification provides learners with continuing specialised learning in their chosen career. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) as a pervasive discipline is subject to global market forces and the curriculum needs to be responsive to all disruptive innovations that present unique challenges to the related business environment.

The field of Applications Development is one where changes occur at a rapid pace and there is always a constant demand for skilled personnel. Therefore, this offering enables qualifying learners holding the Diploma in ICT in Applications Development to further their learning as they progress in their chosen careers.

The focus of this offering is to provide advanced technical skills in Application Development, as well as to cater for the professional development. The qualification is built on the foundations laid by the Diploma in Applications Development and advances the applied and general skills through the core subjects Software Engineering, Development Software, and the Project offerings.

ICT is an enabler tool for diverse sectors in the industry, the institution is committed to introduce this qualification to stimulate the economic growth and improve regional, national and international ICT shortages skills. In order to achieve this milestone, the learners will be exposed to practical and theoretical knowledge through various attributes such as ICT projects development and self-professional development, which will be the main driver of this qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an RPL policy in place. Admission via RPL is possible. Learners for RPL admission will be required to demonstrate suitability either through work experience or other prior learning that has taken place.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Diploma in Information and Communication Technology, Level 6, 360 Credits.
Or

A related qualification in the same field, Level 6, 360 Credits.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Project, 24 Credits.

Advanced Data analysis and Visualisation, 16 Credits.

Development Software, 16 Credits.

Database Systems, 16 Credits.

Advanced Development Software, 16 Credits.

Information Security, 16 Credits.

Software Engineering and Design, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.
2. Identify and analyse user needs and take them into account in the selection, creation, evaluation and administration of software application systems.
3. Operate on a higher level in order to solve complex problems adapting to the requirements of the organisation's environment.
4. Acquire and develop sufficient knowledge to solve complex problems in an ethical and professional manner by obtaining, processing, evaluating, managing and communicating related information using a range of suitable methods within the area of study as indicated by the different specialisation purpose statements.
5. Gather the ability to interpret and discuss new knowledge, the critical evaluation of facts, the practical application thereof and the solution of problem situations in practice are the expected outcomes.
6. Acquire more advanced skills, the emphasis is also placed on developing a person who is skilful with a good understanding of his/her role in society. Therefore, the three core components of knowing, doing and being are developed for meaningful engagement in the IT discipline and practice on the appropriate level.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:

Demonstrate Logical thinking and identify naīve and flawed scientific reasoning.

Apply the knowledge of theory to particular real-world contexts.

Demonstrate the selection and application of appropriate methods and tools for the development of solutions to specific real world problems.

Integrate knowledge from various disciplines or modes of enquiry, in solving scientific problems.

Identify, describe and explain the core concepts and principles of the discipline.

Demonstrate the relationships among the core concepts and principles.

Structure a problem into natural components and critically evaluate piece of analysis and development work.

Formulate, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems, in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.

Demonstrate effective time management by completing tasks to deadlines.

Integrated Assessment:
The institution has an Assessment policy in place to ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices, in keeping with the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability.
Integrated assessment is used extensively across the qualification. Learners will be doing a project where aspects covered in various modules come together in the project. Self- and peer assessment takes place in various ways in the face-to-face context, including through classroom activities, assignments, and written work. Summative and Formative Assessments are integrated into the learning in each of the constituent modules of the qualification.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Manipal Institute of Technology in India has a department of Information and Communication Technology that offers a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology which has modules that are similar to this qualification. In addition, this qualification has been benchmarked with the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curriculum both in subject content, learning outcomes, and vertical articulation from diploma through to the advanced diploma. The learning outcomes, contact hours and assessment model are all within the Council on Higher Education(CHE) guidelines for offerings at this level. The subject offerings are all at the NQF Level 7. These are within the given Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) curriculum guidelines.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Science Honours: Information Technology, Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology, Level 8.

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.

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