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 Application Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
120603  Advanced Diploma in Application Development 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
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
Registered  EXCO 0714/23  2023-03-08  2026-03-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-03-07   2030-03-07  

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 Application Development is to provide learners with an advanced understanding of application development. This qualification offers a thorough, focused, and applied specialisation which meets the requirements for application development in commercial enterprises and entrepreneurial ventures. This qualification will enhance the flexibility and agility of application solution developers through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology in application development.

The qualification will produce learners with the necessary specialised theoretical and practical skills in the latest techniques and technologies employed within the Information Technology industry. This qualification will strengthen and deepen the learner's knowledge and develop their applied competence in analysing, interpreting, and understanding application development technologies and tools. It will further develop the learner's depth of knowledge in programming, research, and professional skills while offering an opportunity for learners to pursue postgraduate studies.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Analyse system requirements and develop and design secure applications and application solutions on various platforms, integrating knowledge from the fields of application development, information technology and systems.
  • Analyse system requirements and propose appropriate application architecture solutions to mitigate these.
  • Design advanced applications to meet organizational system requirements.
  • Develop application solutions using best practices, technologies, and techniques to respond to system needs and challenges.
  • Evaluate and test the secure applications against system requirements.

    Rationale:
    The Advanced Diploma in Application Development addresses the demands of the fast-paced, ever-changing discipline of Information Technology (IT), by enhancing current thinking, practice, theory, and applied methodologies in application development.

    This qualification will address the scarcity of skills in the field for application developers, system analysts, cloud developers and IT managers (SA, 2018: 8-18) in the IT industry as per the Government Gazette No. 41728, specifically. The qualification will upskill learners in application security requirements, cloud development and application development to prepare them for a demanding career in application development, and deepen their scope and knowledge to plan, design and develop customised applications to meet system requirements.

    This qualification has been developed taking into consideration the objectives of the National Qualifications Framework and thus focuses on a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology in the area of application development in the field of IT.
    Learners of this qualification can be employed in companies that provide complete application development services or provide application development as a support service across all industries where there is a need for bespoke or customised software solutions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable to 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:
  • Diploma in Business Information Technology, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Information Technology in Communication Networks, 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, 120 Credits:
  • Application Programming 3A, 15 Credits.
  • Emerging Technologies for Application Development, 15 Credits.
  • Application Development Security, 15 Credits.
  • Cloud Application Development A, 15 Credits.
  • Application Programming 3B, 15 Credits.
  • Software Engineering, 15 Credits.
  • Cloud Application Development B, 15 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse system requirements and propose appropriate application architecture solutions to mitigate these.
    2. Design advanced applications to meet organizational system requirements.
    3. Develop application solutions using best practices, technologies, detailed knowledge of areas of specialization and techniques to respond to system needs and challenges.
    4. Evaluate and test the secure applications against system requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify common and potential system requirements correctly.
  • Analyse and apply application solutions to meet system requirements accurately.
  • Formulate an Information Technology architectural solution.
  • Successfully report on a system solution for a given scenario.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Design advanced applications for organizational system requirements effectively.
  • Accurately document a system and application solution.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify a programming language to develop business requirements solutions.
  • Develop an application solution using an appropriate programming language successfully.
  • Apply industry-standard programming techniques and technologies to application development appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Execute a developed application solution effectively.
  • Apply security principles to a developed application.
  • Test and deploy a developed application programming solution.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Formative Assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests, and an integrated qualification portfolio based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments that test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports, or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.
    Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve:
  • An integration of the achievement of exit-level outcomes in a way that demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification has been achieved.
  • The evaluation of learner performance can provide evidence of applied competence.
  • Criterion-referenced assessment, which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the learners and which can be applied in the recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma in Application Development compares favourably with the following international qualifications:

    Country: Canada
    Institution: Focus College (FC)
    Qualification title: Advanced Diploma in Computing: Software Development.
    Duration: Two years full-time.

    Entry Requirements:
    The entry requirements for the Advanced Diploma in Computing: Software Development are a Minimum Grade 12 or equivalent Canadian qualification. Admission is also allowed based on relevant experience, and for mature learners.

    Exit level Outcomes:
  • Develop a range of contemporary software development skills that are required by the industry.
  • Develop knowledge and skills in planning, developing, and evaluating.
  • Develop employment skills, particularly relating to the IT industry.
  • Develop learning and transferable skills (including core skills).
  • Prepare learners for employment in competitive international markets.
  • Prepare learners for progression to degree study at partner universities in various countries.

    Similarities:
  • Both Focus College (FC) and the South African (SA) qualifications share similar exit-level outcomes.

    Differences:
  • The FC qualification requires learners that have completed Grade 12 or an equivalent Canadian qualification, while the SA qualification requires learners who completed a Diploma.
  • The FC qualification is offered in two years, whereas the SA qualification is offered in one year.

    Country: England
    Institution: University of Oxford (UO)
    Qualification title: Advanced Diploma in IT Systems Analysis and Design.
    Duration: One year part-time.

    Entry requirements:
  • Undergraduate applicants who are not native English speakers must normally demonstrate sufficient proficiency in this language.
    Or
  • Exemptions from this English Language requirement will be considered for those who: are studying (or have completed) the International Baccalaureate qualification if it is taught in English are studying (or have completed) the Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) have been educated full-time in English for at least the two most recent years before applying and who remain in full-time education in this language until completion of their schooling.

    Assessment:
    Each unit includes a marked assignment, which must be submitted electronically by the given deadline. All the assignments must be completed. The assessment for the final award is based on the marks from all the unit assignments.
    The final part of the qualification is a team project. This assessment involves a number of different submissions, some individual and some by the team. The qualification does not involve a formal written examination.

    Modules:
  • The System Development Lifecycle and Management.
  • Systems Analysis and Design: Data-Driven and Procedural Techniques.
  • Systems Analysis and Design: Data Organisation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design: Objects and Architectures.
  • Team Project.
    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are offered in one year.

    Differences:
  • The England qualification does not administer a formal written examination, whereas the SA qualification assesses learners through administering examinations.

    Country: United Kingdom.
    Institution: Lincoln University (LU)
    Qualification title: SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Software Development.
    SCQF level 8
    Duration: two years full-time.

    Entry requirements:
  • An appropriate level of skill in the English language.
    Or
  • An appropriate level of skill in Mathematics.
    Or
  • Experience in the use of IT applications software.
    Or
  • Different combinations of relevant National Qualifications, Vocational Qualifications and equivalent qualifications from other awarding bodies may be acceptable, as would suitable industry standard qualifications at an appropriate level.

    Modules:
  • Software Development: Object-Oriented Programming.
  • Computing: Graded Unit 1.
  • Systems Development: Testing Software.
  • Developing Mobile Web Based Applications: An Introduction.
  • Developing Software: Introduction.
  • Software Development: Rapid Applications.
  • Systems Development: Object-Oriented Analysis and Design.
  • Software Development: Data structures.

    Assessment:
    In the SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing the focus is on teaching and learning to develop skills within the areas of Computing and in particular Software Development. Assessment is a natural part of learning and should be seen as a method of measuring learner progress in a Unit. In all the SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing Software Development Units, assessment amounts to approximately 10% of the overall Unit time allocation.
    Study packs include the following:
  • Problem-based scenarios.
  • Case studies.
  • Group or teamwork.
  • Online materials.
  • IT-based teaching materials.
  • Projects.
  • Quizzes.
  • Research and presentation of findings to fellow learners.

    Progression:
    The SQA Advanced Diploma in Computing: Software can provide advanced entry to degree-level study or a master's degree.

    Similarities:
  • Both Lincoln University (LU) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Diploma or Vocational Qualifications and equivalent qualifications.
  • Both LU and SA qualifications share similar modules such as Software Development: Rapid Applications.
  • Both LU and SA qualifications assess learners through assignments and tests, and an integrated qualification portfolio based on the learning material.

    Differences:
  • The LU qualification is offered for a period of two years full-time, while the SA qualification is offered for a period of one year full-time.
  • The LU qualification is at SCQF level 8, whereas the SA qualification is at NQF Level 7.
  • The LU qualification progresses to a master's degree, while the SA qualification progresses to an Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Science: Information Technology and Computer Systems, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Information Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Information Communication Technology in Applications Development, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Post Graduate Diploma in Data Analytics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Information Systems, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Data Science, 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. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    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.