SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112583  Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
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  2019-10-30  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 Communication Technology in Applications Development is to provide learners with an opportunity to gain a further and more in-depth understanding of the area of applications development by enabling them to engage critically with the new trends in Information Communication Technology (ICT) in applications development.

The modules for this qualification will further enable learners to engage with emerging trends in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The modules on databases and application development allow learners to gain in-depth knowledge of managing and manipulating small and big data, linked to the emerging area of data science. Applications development is a growing area with a Project module demand for Application Developers who can design solutions relevant to local, national and international business operations.

Literature confirms that Africa is lagging when it comes to developing computing solutions that take into account the African context. The Project module allows the learners to have close contact with industry and communities. They will formulate implementable solutions that solve real-life challenges. The inclusion of the Research Methodology module will further strengthen the graduate attributes of this qualification. The module will comprise research methodology concepts for preparation for further studies and research in the ICT field. The skills set will provide society with ICT learners who are innovative with applied and cognitive competencies. Learners will be able to acquire, interpret and apply ICT principles to be able to take up professional and ethical roles and responsibilities within society and industry projects.

Rationale:
ICT is an enabler for diverse sectors of the economy. ICT is a scarce skills field in the National Labour Scarce Skills Document. This qualification will support the Mpumalanga Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS), which identified ICT as one of the priority areas in their provincial strategic development plan. This qualification will support the growing need for ICT skills. Recently there has been an exponential growth in the use of smart devices such as smartphones and tablets. These devices require user-ready apps to meet the evolving and dynamic needs of information and communication technologies. The development of mobile applications targeting smart devices and with a deliberate focus on the IoT and analytics can arguably be deemed to be the next generation market for innovative projects. Therefore, an Advanced Diploma will enable learners to focus on how to develop user-ready, secure and efficient applications to meet the growing demand is a justifiable call.

The Advanced Diploma has been developed to build on the foundations laid by the Diploma in Information and Communication Technology, the National Diploma in Information Technology and other similar qualifications within the area of ICT. The combination of the Diploma and Advanced Diploma curricula will produce learners with the practical, professional and soft skills that are necessary to be competitive in the field.

The Advanced Diploma will create an opportunity for progression for the learners who intend to further their career and studies by acquiring postgraduate qualifications. Learners who complete this qualification can progress to the Postgraduate Diploma and further Postgraduate studies. Such studies will enable them to produce original research relevant to the African context and allow South Africa to shape its future. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL is in line with the university's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer.

The university will use the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) as essential tools to widen access, to achieve inclusion and to overcome barriers for access in higher education. RPL and CAT will play crucial roles in promoting lifelong learning and in redressing inequities by providing alternative routes into higher education. The mechanism for promoting and facilitating articulation between qualifications within the NQF is CAT.

RPL will measure, evaluate and translate informal learning into perceived formal equivalents for recognition across different contexts. The goal of RPL is the facilitation of alternative access and admission to higher education or progression within a qualification. In summary, for the Advanced Diploma in ICT, meeting the minimum entrance requirements, RPL may be used to gain access to the qualification by translating informal learning into perceived equivalents.

Implementation of RPL:
The assessment of RPL learners and the decisions concerning status recognition and admission are academic tasks undertaken by discipline experts and quality assured by the faculty. The RPL process at the university will involve the following:
¿ Before formal application, learners seeking access via RPL will need to approach the Registrar's Office and the appropriate Head of School.
¿ The Head of School will screen and advise the learner whether RPL is an option that they could pursue and what the procedure will entail.
¿ The learner will then complete an RPL application form.
¿ The Head of School will identify an appropriate assessor(s) (usually the programme leader).
¿ The assessor(s) will advise the learner on how to gather and present the evidence required to demonstrate that they have met the stated Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria.
¿ Understanding the assessment of the learner will be in a fair, transparent way against explicit Associated Assessment Criteria.
¿ The outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor(s) and a recommendation regarding status recognition and admission to the qualification, articulation or recognition for a module, will be documented by the Head of School.
¿ The DVC (Academic) and Registrar will consider the appeals concerning the outcome of RPL results and the decision will be final.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Information and Communication Technology, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7:
  • Advanced Database, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Applications Development, 15 Credits.
  • Human-Computer Interaction, 15 Credits.
  • Project, 30 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Emerging Technologies, 15 Credits.
  • Cyber Security, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of current concepts and principles as they apply to the field of applications development.
    2. Integrate theoretical knowledge, principles and appropriate practical skills to develop applications that provide solutions to industry and community challenges.
    3. Perform the functions required of an ICT specialist (analyst and developer), directed at developing and promoting ICT in various industries.
    4. Provide high-quality professional ICT related advice to a range of clients.
    5. Apply the principles of business management to find solutions to practical business challenges.
    6. Demonstrate an understanding that knowledge by contesting, for example, different industries and community members may have an understanding of ICT role in their respective businesses, and be able to embrace it in executing their business needs.
    7. Undertake independent research and show the ability to identify a research topic and question, through consultation with industry and, or a community, gather, analyse and synthesise information using a range of methods and tools, to make recommendations to address issues and solve problems related to ICT.
    8. Undertake independent research and identify a research topic and question, through consultation with industry and, or a community, gather, analyse and synthesise information using a range of methods and tools, to make recommendations to address issues and solve problems related to ICT.
    9. Demonstrate a professional attitude that meets industry expectations, including that of ethical behaviour.
    10. Communicate efficiently and effectively with different audiences in written and spoken word.
    11. Perform the functions required by an ICT specialist directed at developing and promoting ICT in various industries.
    12. Manage and demonstrate the attributes of learning-driven and self-directed learning.
    13. Work in a group as a member or leader, and take full responsibility for work and, where applicable, that of fellow-learners, as well as accountability for her/his actions and where necessary, those of fellow learners. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Show an understanding of current advances in the following:
  • Applications development.
  • The human-computer interface.
  • Cyber security.
  • Advanced data bases and big data.
  • IoT.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Integrate theoretical knowledge and appropriate practical skills using the principles and tools in bringing solutions through data analytics, security and applications development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate a full range of functions expected of an ICT specialist.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate appropriate skills, attitude and values in conducting oneself in the ICT industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Apply best practices; IT-related standards and procedures in solving ICT related business challenges for different organisations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Investigate multiple sources of ICT solutions to address various ICT related challenges to different small, medium and large organisations.
  • Demonstrate the knowledge and management of different views in terms of ICT role in their particular needs.
  • Consider IT transformation in terms of multiple stakeholders, input for possible ICT solutions in their organisations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate an informed report of IT gaps and propose solutions based on suitable and discipline-specific methods.
  • Justify the selection of the proposed applications for the development of the system.
  • Demonstrate how the method selected leads to the selection of specific techniques for systems and user manual development.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate techniques and methods for the proposed solution within organisation financial constraints.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Formulate research question(s) to guide enquiry.
  • Submit clear and concise research proposal.
  • Demonstrate critical analysis of issues and data.
  • Demonstrate critical thinking.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity in reporting findings.
  • Demonstrate a critical and reflective attitude in the discussion of findings.
  • Demonstrate honesty and integrity in the interpretation of results.
  • Demonstrate acceptance and rationalisation of findings.
  • Indicate possible reasons for the inconclusiveness of findings.
  • Draw links between acknowledged limitations and inconclusiveness of findings.
  • Recommend for policy and practice.
  • Reformulate and formulate further research questions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Take decisions and act ethically and professionally and justify those decisions and actions, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Write reports and ensure oral presentations are logically structured, well presented and use appropriate technology.
  • Use language that is appropriate for the audience.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Integrate knowledge, skills in a range of scenarios and real industry and community settings, to address familiar and unfamiliar problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Prepare for classes.
  • Submit tasks timely.
  • Pay due attention to feedback and implement recommendations.
  • Demonstrate a self-directed and autonomous approach to project development.
  • Reflect on learning during ICT project and research.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Demonstrate leadership skills in terms of initiating and communicating ideas.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity in interacting with others.
  • Show respect for others' views and opinions.
  • Demonstrate humility in acknowledging her/his role.
  • Demonstrate care in assisting.
  • Demonstrate modesty in her/his approach to offering assistance to fellow learners.
  • Demonstrate full accountability for her/his actions.
  • Demonstrate fairness in her/his dealings with others.
  • Demonstrate honesty in her/dealings with others.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment of learning in the Advanced Diploma will be both formative and summative.

    For formative assessment, learners will submit a range of assignments for the modules, and the feedback will be used by the learners to improve their learning. Due to the implementation of a developmental approach to assessment, assessment tasks will be regularly. Also, comprehensive feedback is provided to help learners and opportunities are provided for learners to demonstrate that their learning has developed or progressed.

    Assessment of the research methodology module is as follows:
  • Two tests, 50%.
  • Project proposal, 50%.

    The assessment of the project module is as follows:
  • Software project management plan, 20%.
  • Software requirements specifications, 20%.
  • Software design description, 20%.
  • Software test documentation, 20%.
  • Total for formative assessment, 80%.

    Summative Assessment:
  • Final presentation and application testing, 20%.

    For the summative assessment, the extent to which learners have passed the outcomes of each module will be assessed using tests and assignments (one test and two assignments per module). A formal summative examination will conclude each module, with examinations written in June or November.

    Calculation of the final mark for the Advanced Diploma is as follows:
  • Class record: 50% of the final mark and based on the assessments written during the modules.
  • Examination: 50% of the final mark, with one examination for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) is an umbrella body for academic and scholarly interests in computer science and defines qualification standards in the study. International and national institutions of higher learning in the field of study develop qualifications based on ACM standards and needs to close the industry gap.

    Oxford University in the UK offers the Advanced Diploma type of qualification which is similar to this qualification. This qualification is similar to a third-year undergraduate level (FHEQ Level 6) in the UK which is completed in one year and builds on learners existing knowledge and skills in IT. Like this qualification, it combines theory modules with a group project.

    The Association of Computing Machinery (ACM) document "Information Technology Curricula 2017 IT2017: Curriculum Guidelines for Baccalaureate Degree Programs in Information Technology - A report in the Computing Curricula Series Task Group on Information Technology Curricula, Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), and IEEE Computer Society (IEEE-CS)", is an international standard used worldwide to establish best practices for curriculum development of computing qualifications. The standards describe how different computing streams are classified and grouped for the benefit of producing graduates that are relevant for specific specialisations. It also outlines different competencies needed by the industry to develop relevant and up to date qualifications that address computing skills relevant to the industry needs. The standards outline the important attributes of the qualification such as
  • ICT competencies,
  • industry perspectives on ICT,
  • ICT curricular framework,
  • Implementation of the ICT Curricular Framework,
  • Importance of institutional adoption for local context and institution hosting the qualification.

    The comparison is relevant because there are comparisons with international best practice and standards. Furthermore, the ACM standards have been developed as a step towards international standardisation and are thus relevant to the qualification in South Africa. In summary, the Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development is similar in format and content to the international qualifications cited and is comparable with the standards of the ACM. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced diploma in Information Technology, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Software and Media Application, NQF Level 8
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology, NQF 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.
     
    1. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.