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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology in Internet of Things 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119814  Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology in Internet of Things 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National First 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  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 1011/22  2022-10-04  2025-10-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-10-04   2031-10-04  

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 AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to capacitate the learners with workplace readiness competencies to further their knowledge and skills in Information and Communications Technology (ICT), with a focus on the Internet of Things (IoT), to enable learners to use ICT as well as IoT technologies in organisations to improve and streamline business processes.

Qualifying learners will gain an overall understanding of ICT, and more specifically, a well-grounded understanding of the Internet of Things and how it can add value to organisations. This will provide learners with a competitive advantage for employment and prepare them for further studies in this field.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners should be able to:
  • Apply project management techniques to effectively plan and implement an IoT project.
  • Apply cloud application development and be able to implement cloud-based applications.
  • Appy typical business processes and methodologies to streamline and enhance these processes.
  • Analyse IoT data using various techniques as well as relevant software.
  • Understand the different programming technologies and techniques used to develop mobile-based applications and develop mobile applications using best practices.
  • Apply problem-solving and research techniques to critically analyse a real-world problem and implement an IoT solution to address the problem.

    Rationale:
    The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is characterised by the utilisation of new technologies such as cyber security, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and advanced wireless technologies, among others. Unique graduate attributes are required to deliver on these technologies. In preparation for the challenges and opportunities that 4IR has ushered in, the institution will be offering the Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology in Internet of Things (IoT). The qualification has been designed to adequately prepare the qualifying learners to take on the numerous challenges posed by the 4th industrial revolution.

    Smart Cities, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Self-Driving Cars, Smart Grids, Smart Homes and Buildings, Smart Infrastructure, Smart Agriculture, Smart Health, and Smart Mobility are some of the application areas driving the phenomenal growth of the Internet of Things. Businesses are already exploring how to adopt IoT to add value to their operations, but their employees do not possess the required IoT skills and knowledge.

    The institution has collaborated with the Tianjin Vocational Institute (TVI) in China in the design of the curriculum for the BICT (IoT). In addition, the Tianjin Vocational Institute (TVI) has funded and equipped 2 Internet of Things labs (Luban Workshops) at the Ritson campus where the qualification will be offered. It must be noted that the IoT labs are the only labs in the African continent and this places the institution in a unique position in terms of offering the qualification to be able to embrace the 4th industrial revolution.

    Qualifying learners will gain an overall understanding of ICT, and more specifically, a well-grounded understanding of the Internet of Things and how it can add value to organisations. This will provide learners with a competitive advantage for employment and prepare them for further studies in this field.

    The qualification will cover key aspects of IoT by combining the study of Information and Communications Technology, Electronics, Wireless Communication Networks, and sensor devices. It is a unique qualification in South Africa and is designed to adequately prepare learners for the rapidly evolving field of ICT.

    Employment Opportunities:
    Qualifying learners may pursue their careers in typically ICT-related fields, including the following:
  • IoT software developer.
  • IoT product manager.
  • IoT solutions architect.
  • IoT research developer.
  • IoT service manager. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    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 372 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 108 Credits:
  • Engineering Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Skills, 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Computer Composition, 8 Credits.
  • Introduction to Programming, 8 Credits.
  • Analog & Digital Circuits, 12 Credits.
  • Cornerstone, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Mathematics, 12 Credits.
  • Basic Application of Artificial Intelligence, 12 Credits,
  • Introduction to Operating Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Sensor Principle and Technology, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 144 Credits:
  • Business Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
  • Programming Paradigms, 12 Credits.
  • Embedded Micro-Controller Technology, 12 Credits.
  • IoT Identification Technology, 8 Credits.
  • Business Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
  • Discrete Structures, 16 Credits.
  • Web Development, 12 Credits.
  • Data Management, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Wireless Networking Technology, 8 Credits.
  • Mobile Operating System Technology and Application, 12 Credits.
  • Narrow Band - IoT, 8 Credits.
  • Law for Life, 8 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7,108 Credits:
  • IoT Project Planning and Implementation, 12 Credits.
  • Business Process Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • IoT Data Analysis, 24 Credits.
  • Research Skills, 12 Credits.
  • IoT Project, 36 Credits.
  • IoT Security, 12 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 12 Credits. (Select one module)
  • Cloud Computing, 12 Credits.
  • Mobile Development, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply project management techniques to effectively plan and implement an IoT project.
    2. Apply cloud application development and be able to implement cloud-based applications.
    3. Appy typical business processes and methodologies to streamline and enhance these processes.
    4. Analyse IoT data using various techniques as well as relevant software.
    5. Implement the different programming technologies and techniques used to develop mobile-based applications and develop mobile applications using best practices.
    6. Apply problem-solving and research techniques to critically analyse a real-world problem and implement an IoT solution to address the problem. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use project management techniques to plan and implement and IoT related project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Develop and manage service-oriented cloud applications.
  • Analyse the programming of cloud computing services to fully reveal and understand the framework behind the various services.
  • Create and deploy cloud services.
  • Create and access SQL databases for cloud-based storage.
  • Build cloud applications, taking into consideration security, confidentiality, and audits.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Explore Business Process Engineering.
  • Illustrate BPR and its utility in relation to IoT.
  • Utilize different methodologies and approaches for BPR.
  • Explore functional and non-functional information systems.
  • Conduct an evaluation of tasks of software re-engineering.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explore the concepts and principles of developing multidimensional data models.
  • Apply the data warehouse development lifecycle to a given scenario.
  • Explore ROLAP, MOLAP and HOLAP data environments and their pros and cons.
  • Demonstrate the use of business intelligence tools.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explore mobile applications and how they are executed.
  • Acquire a solid knowledge of the human-computer interaction in the mobile environment.
  • Explore the development libraries used to build mobile applications.
  • Use best practices for developing mobile applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Develop a relationship between the computing world and contemporary real-world problems.
  • Conduct collaboration with diverse stakeholders in the design and development of computing systems.
  • Develop high-quality IoT computing systems for challenging real-world problems.
  • Evaluate the computing system for quality, efficiency, and effectiveness.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The assessment strategies utilised by the institution's assessment policy are designed to encourage the attainment of the learning outcomes. The range of assessment strategies adopted across the qualification is congruent with the assessment criteria and the learning outcomes of the qualification.

    Summative assessments in the form of theory and practical tests per term and a final annual theory and practical examination are the predominant mode of assessment.

    In addition, the institution uses a range of contexts for formative assessment. Within the qualification, there is also notable use of critical self-reflection, group work and case presentation. Class assignments and projects will be assessed in both written and oral formats.

    The institution scrutinises assessments to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of methods to ensure alignment with the assessment criteria and learning outcomes to maintain the validity of the assessment. The reliability of an assessment is promoted through triangulation and active attempts to reduce variables during an assessment.

    Summative assessment is used to certify the attainment of a certain level of learning, practical skill, and complex decision-making. The range of assessment strategies adopted is effective in identifying both the competent and 'At Risk' learner. The strategies employed in this qualification are aligned with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria and are carefully designed around achieving the exit level outcomes in the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Finland
    Institution: Microkatu campus, Kuopio,
    Qualification Title: The Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology (Internet of Things)
    Duration: 240 ECTS, 4 years
    Study mode: Full-time studies

    The Bachelor of Engineering, Information Technology (Internet of Things) aims to develop experts in information technology with a specialisation in Internet of Things (IoT). The qualification qualifies engineers to work in the fields of IoT and Big Data; especially, in companies operating within the digital health and industrial internet sectors. The duties of an IoT graduate may vary from software design to electrical engineering, the design of smart wireless devices, and the whole IoT system in the cloud.
    The studies consist, among others, of lessons in class, distance learning, independent studies, web-based learning, and internship. The studies include working life-oriented research and development activities.

    The qualification incorporates the Conceive, Design, Implement, Operate (CDIO) method to enhance learners' process of acquiring deep engineering know-how while developing communication, interpersonal, social and teamwork skills. IoT graduates are prepared to work in international environments and teams.
    Qualifying learners apply and strengthen the theoretical knowledge acquired in different types of laboratories such as the IoT laboratory.

    The IoT qualification develops learners' competencies with a focus on the industrial internet and digital health sectors.
    Industrial Internet: Learners get hands-on experience by working with digital factories connected with 5G communication platforms, clouds, and various digital twin technologies. Learners have the opportunity to gain scientific know-how on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and Product Life-Cycle Management (PLM).

    Digital Health: Learners learn how technology is transforming the health care industry. With the IoT health care applications, learners acquire a clear vision of how different stakeholders, such as patients, families, doctors, and hospitals, are benefited.

    Career possibilities:
    B. Engs in Information Technology will work, among other things, in project or sales engineering duties or research and related tasks. Learners will have the skills and competences needed to become:
  • Entrepreneur.
  • Product Developer or Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Research Engineer
  • Web developer
  • ICT specialist
  • Sales Engineer
  • Integration Engineer

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications apply the cloud application development.
  • Both qualifications have a research component.
  • Both qualifications develop experts in information technology with a specialisation in Internet of Things (IoT).

    Differences:
  • The Finland qualification is offered in 4 years with 240 ECTS, whereas the SA qualification is offered in 3 years with 360 Credits.
  • The Finland IoT qualification focuses on the engineering and digital health sectors. The SA qualification focuses on the Internet of Things (IoT), to enable learners to use ICT as well as IoT technologies in organisations to improve and streamline business processes.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: UCOL Manawatu in Palmerston North
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Information & Communications Technology
    Duration: 3 years, full-time
    Credits: 360
    The UCOL's qualification begins with a broad foundation in essential ICT skills and technologies and progresses toward a number of specialist areas including software engineering, systems analysis, databases, web development, network installation, and project management.

    This three-year qualification is industry-aligned learning at its best. It includes a final project or internship, which brings together and showcases the skills learners have developed and also allows them to push the boundaries by providing innovative solutions to real-world requirements. UCOL's Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology graduates are uniquely qualified, highly skilled, and have strong industry experience.

    Majors:
    Learners may choose from one of the following eight majors, or graduate with a double major:
  • Business & Systems Analysis (similar to the SA qualification)
  • Data Management & Analytics (similar to the SA qualification)
  • Network Engineering
  • Project Management (similar to the SA qualification)
  • Security
  • Software Engineering
  • Systems Administration
  • Web & Mobile Development (similar to the SA qualification)

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in 3 years with 360 Credits.
    Similar to the SA qualification;
  • Programming Fundamentals
  • Network Fundamentals
  • Advanced Programming
  • Enterprise Data Management
  • Data Analytics and Intelligence
  • Systems Security
  • Network Design
  • Network Services
  • Systems Security
  • Network Security
  • Mobile Application Development
  • Digital Multimedia 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Computer Information Systems, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Information Communications Technology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma Information Systems, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management Information Systems, 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.
     
    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.