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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111573  Diploma in Information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 Diploma in Information Technology will enable learners to be competent in the development of IT systems in a distributed computing environment, after specialising in one of the following three fields:
  • Software Development:
    Design and produce software products and systems to meet specific needs so that they work reliably, and their production and maintenance is cost-effective. To equip Web professionals with the necessary skills to pursue a career in IT using the Internet to create, build and maintain Web sites.
  • Communication Networks:
    Design, development, implementation and management of networks by integrating knowledge of modern network topologies and protocols to create an appropriate and adequate environment of communication and information sharing.
  • Support Services:
    Identify the various types of end users and explore their possible needs. These needs include support in the use of existing software packages, basic maintenance of computers and equipment, and support for the development of end users' own computer applications. Support services will also include management of information centres.

    Rationale:
    The qualification prepares learners to possess the right combination of knowledge and practice. Furthermore, to enable them to design, implement, manage and support solutions to an organisation's information technology infrastructure and systems and give quality service to the people who use it.

    Information Technology is the emphasis on the technology itself more than on the business aspects involved.

    Organisations of every kind are dependent on information technology. They need to have reliable, secure, maintained, and appropriate systems in place. Employees throughout an organisation require support from IT staff who understand computer systems and their infrastructure and software.

    Graduates of Information Technology qualification will address the gap between understanding the information needs of the business and implementing and developing new algorithms. And the components by having an organisational infrastructure and integration focus. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution's RPL will apply where it is relevant. Both admission status and module credits may be granted through the RPL process.

    RPL for Admission:
    RPL implementation will use a triangulated verification approach using academic records, portfolios and interviews conducted by a panel of academic and external experts. Learners who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which, the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the FMC. The learner will approach the Head of Department regarding the RPL policy and process. The HOD will explain the RPL assessment process, the specific assessment criteria and the type and format of evidence(s) required. Learners who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the FMC.

    Learners must provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently.
    The material must:
  • Indicate adequate knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental principles of IT;
  • Demonstrate the ability to gather and collate multiple sources of information and competing perspectives to support a theoretical understanding of relevant issues;
  • Involve the application of discipline-based knowledge to the analysis of practical and/or conceptual problems.

    Assessment of the learner's application will involve the following steps:
  • The learner must submit a portfolio containing evidence of all of the above.
  • The internal assessor, will assess the learner's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation will be submitted to the HOD.
  • The final decision regarding the RPL status of the applicant will be presented to the FMC. The FMC secretary will communicate the FMC decision to the Faculty Officer, who in turn will communicate the outcome to the learner.

    RPL for Credits:
    For learners who have already qualified or are currently registered with a cognate qualification and have modules in their qualification that are similar to modules may apply for credits. The learner will complete a Request for Module Credits form and must supply the curriculum of the module/s within their completed qualification. This will then be considered by the Head of Dept. The outcome will be communicated to the learner.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, Credits:
  • Development Software I, 30 Credits.
  • Information Technology Skills I, 30 Credits.
  • Systems Software I: Networks, 15 Credits.
  • System Software I: IT Essentials, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems IA, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems IB, 15 Credits.
  • Technical Programming I (Software Development), 30 Credits.
  • Mathematics I (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
  • Digits I (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
  • Graphical User Interface Design I (Compulsory for Software Development, Optional for Support Services), 30 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, Credits:
  • Development Software II (Software Development and Communication Networks), 30 Credits.
  • Internet Programming II (Software Development), 30 Credits.
  • Information Systems II (Software Development and Support Services), 30 Credits.
  • Support Services II (Communication Networks and Support Services), 30 Credits.
  • Communication Networks IIA (Communication Networks and Support Services), 15 Credits.
  • Communication Networks IIB (Communication Networks and Support Services), 15 Credits.
  • System Software II (Support Services), 15 Credits.
  • Technical Programming II (Software Development), 30 Credits.
  • Installation Management (Support Services), 30 Credits.
  • Digits II (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
  • Digits III (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, Credits:
  • Development Software III: C# (Software Development), 15 Credits.
  • Development Software III: Project (Software Development), 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems III: Systems Analysis and Design (Software Development), 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems III: Project Management (Software Development), 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems III: Advanced Design (Software Development), 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems III (Support Services), 30 Credits.
  • Support Services III (Support Services), 30 Credits.
  • Communication Networks IIIA (Compulsory for Communication Networks, Optional for Support Services), 15 Credits.
  • Communication Networks IIIB (compulsory for Communication Networks, optional for Support Services), 15 Credits.
  • Distributed Systems III: Network Operating Systems (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
  • Distributed Systems III: Project (Communication Networks), 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and design software solutions to industry-related Information Technology problems.
    2. Utilise the required technical skills to implement the designed solutions in a distributed IT environment effectively.
    3. Utilise the required technical skill to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
    4. Demonstrate the effective utilisation of business and management skills to bridge the gap between the IT discipline and the business functional areas in the industry.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to use hardware to its full potential and understand the technical operation of the device and to control it on a low level.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to provide support services. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply modern analysis and design techniques and methodologies in the development of IT software systems.
  • Integrate multi-platform environments effectively.
  • Design the database structures to support IT business systems.
  • Provide solutions for specific business situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply user interface design principles and provide solutions for specific business situations.
  • Apply IT solutions, the appropriate software programming languages and development environments.
  • Implement software solutions in a client/server environment.
  • Integrate multi-platform environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design and implement a network in a secure multi-server environment.
  • Design and implement secure Internet solutions in a client-server environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Utilise business skills are effectively in the application of technical skills in an IT business environment.
  • Apply management techniques to utilise IT resources effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe and manipulate computer hardware.
  • Use Digital electronics to implement essential computer functions.
  • Use low-level programming languages to implement solutions for embedded systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Develop a plan to manage a call centre effectively.
  • Understand basic PC maintenance.
  • Develop management reports.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Most of the modules in the Diploma are examinable modules. These modules provide the theoretical foundations for analysing networking, software and Support Services problems and policies.

    Knowledge outcomes for the modules will be assessed principally through projects, assignments, class tests and examinations which require learners to demonstrate competence to apply knowledge of fundamental principles to analyse and solve IT problems.

    Outcomes demonstrating insight and understanding will be assessed principally through assignments, which require learners to conceptualise, discuss, evaluate or extrapolate and apply concepts and techniques of particular aspects of theory by discussing or demonstrating its application to the solution of a problem or to apply to a case study.

    Skills outcomes at this level will be assessed in terms of the effective use of the tools and techniques acquired to create appropriate solutions to specified case studies. These will be assessed principally through practical testing which may include work using subject-specific software.

    Attitudinal outcomes will be assessed through learner participation in project work and group assignments, which will require them to plan and work collaboratively.

    Assessment rubrics will guide assessment and moderation in the case of assignments, practical work and projects.

    In the final year of the qualification the learners have to do a Project which integrates all the knowledge that the students have gained in the previous years' modules. This is a group project and therefore assessed as a group. As this is a continuation assessment module, there are a number of iteration assessments done throughout the year. These assessments include assessments done on the design, implementation and documentation of the project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    At the Southern Institute of Technology in Queenstown, New Zealand a two year diploma (240 Credits) that concentrates on the programming aspect of IT. It is a level 6 qualification. After completion of this qualification the learners can register for a Bachelor Degree.

    Purpose: To provide learners who have attained a range of Information Technology (IT) knowledge, specialist practices and technical skills in software development.

    Admission Requirements: University Entrance - NCEA or a Certificate in Information Technology.

    This qualification addresses the Software Development specialisation in the Diploma in Information Technology. It addresses the Analysis and Design of Software Systems. It does not introduce the learners to the Infrastructure and networking aspects.

    At the North Tec - Tai Tokerau Wananga a two- year qualification (240 Credits).

    Purpose: This qualification prepares learners to work in the sought-after area of software development. Learners will gain key skills in coding, scripting and app development, and are able to analyse, design and develop software systems and solutions in a range of organisational contexts. Learners will be able to:
  • Analyse requirements, design and document software solutions for a range of problems in an organisational context.
  • Write and maintain programs using design patterns, data structures and algorithms to meet specifications.
  • Apply a range of software quality assurance techniques to verify correctness of systems.
  • Apply data management and storage technologies to support the software application and the development process.
  • Establish application security by integrating security principles throughout software development to ensure system integrity.
  • Choose, justify and apply architecture, technologies, and tools, to implement the software solution.
  • Apply IT technical support concepts and practice to manage hardware and software resources to meet organisational requirements in a software development context.

    Admission Requirements: University Entrance - NCEA or a Certificate in Information Technology.

    The qualification is designed for people seeking to focus on one or more application domains, such as general Application Development, Web Development, Games Development, and Mobile Applications Development.
    At the University of Mascareignes, Mauritius a Diploma Software Engineering (2 year - 240 Credits) is offered. This is a two-year full-time qualification which aims at preparing learners to become ICT professionals and support the fast developing ICT sector of Mauritius.

    Admission Requirements:
    2 Subjects at A-level at Higher School Certificate Examination or a pre-University qualifications.

    Teaching and learning take place through lectures, tutorials, laboratory work, individual and group projects, seminars and industrial placement. Learners are expected to spend a considerable amount of time on private independent study. Even though the main medium of instruction will be English, some modules may be taught in French. Some parts of the final year project may also be written in French. Our aim is to train bilingual professionals who will have a definite advantage in today's competitive and globalised job market. On successful completion of this qualification, learners will be awarded a Diploma in Software Engineering.

    This qualification addresses the Software Development specialisation in the Diploma in Information Technology. It addresses the Analysis and Design of Software Systems. It does not introduce the learners to the Infrastructure and networking aspects.

    At the Centennial College, Toronto, Canada a Diploma in Computer Systems Technician - Networking is offered. This qualification will address the Support Services and the Communication Networks specialisations of the Diploma in Information Technology.

    Entrance Requirements: Learners must have an Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent. Subjects required: English and Mathematics.

    Qualification Description:
  • The Computer Systems Technician - Networking qualification offers a strong focus on hands-on labs and technical problem solving.
  • Learners are positioned to pursue industry certifications such as CompTIA A+, Net+, Security+, Microsoft MTA, MCSA and Cisco CCNA. The two-year Diploma and they form the foundation for the Bachelor's Degree in In Information Technology. Learners will do two-year Diploma and then qualify for the final 2 years in the Degree. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Information Technology in Programming, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information Technology in Network Management, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Information Resource Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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.