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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: |
| Bachelor of Science in Information Technology |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 122369 | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd | ||||
| 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 0824/24 | 2024-06-04 | 2027-06-04 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-06-04 | 2033-06-04 | |||
| 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 replaces: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 50362 | Bachelor of Science in Information Technology | Level 6 | NQF Level 07 | 405 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is to provide learners with practical skills and knowledge in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Autonomous Systems and Robotics, Cyber Security, Programming, and Big Data, among others. The qualification ensures that learners are not only gaining practical knowledge but also empowered to think critically and creatively in designing innovative solutions for the dynamic problems in society. The qualification is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice through simulations and practical cases that enable learners to implement solutions and apply their skills and knowledge to solve complex problems. The qualification will equip learners with the various disciplines in the information technology (IT) field. This is crucial given the interconnectedness of various IT disciplines and the need for versatility of skills in the IT field. The qualification puts learners at the forefront of technological progress and exposes them to technologies in various industries which contribute to their holistic learning and diverse skill sets. The qualification will enable learners to operate and thrive in AI-powered and rapidly evolving industries. The qualification is diverse in skillsets and innovative in content. It provides learners with a robust mathematical foundation and a firm grounding in programming, software development, database systems, networking, and emerging technologies. From the Data Science module, learners acquire skills for data analysis, data manipulation and data visualisation. They will apply knowledge of various programming languages in Java, C-Sharp, JavaScript and others to build strong software engineering frameworks and models across various platforms. They will be empowered to build models, discover patterns in data, make predictions and implement big data technologies. In the software engineering module, learners are trained to design, develop, test, and maintain robust software systems. From human-computer interaction, learners gain crucial skills in designing intuitive and interactive platforms and interfaces where they integrate augmented reality and virtual reality to give users a great experience. Across all areas of the curriculum, such as networks, robotics, business analytics, Big Data, and Internet of Things (IoT), learners learn to leverage and apply emerging technologies and innovative models to ensure they are operating on the cutting edge of technology and gaining practical skills and experience that make them stand out as innovators, creators, and problem solvers. The qualification culminates in an IT project in the final year where learners identify a problem in industry and design robust solutions that are based on emerging and disruptive technologies. Learners apply all the knowledge and skills obtained from the course to create a functional and practical solution to a real-life problem. The project empowers learners to integrate different skills in cyber security, block-chain, artificial intelligence, Big Data and IoT, and machine learning, among others to build a cohesive and innovative solution. The experience of the project also builds collaborative and teamwork skills, as well as presentation skills which prepare learners for complex and dynamic work environments and give them the capacity to tackle complex issues. On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to: industries and contexts emerging technologies and ensure they address all facets of emerging technologies and are integrated and aligned to enable the organisation to operate on the cutting edge of technology. The graduate attributes will include the following: and to develop innovative solutions across industries and sectors deployment of systems and technologies Rationale: The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is profoundly permeating and affecting all elements of contemporary societies and economies. Automation is increasingly ubiquitous in many sectors of the South African economy, especially in Manufacturing and Banking sectors. According to the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs 2023 Report, analytical thinking, creative thinking, AI and big data will be top in-demand skills by 2027. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is identified as a scarce skill in the National Labour Scarce Skills Document. The qualification is intended to stimulate economic growth and address regional, national, and international needs. The qualification will empower learners with knowledge and skills which match the complexity and the innovativeness inherent in today's AI-drive world. The qualification will provide a solid knowledge base of emerging and disruptive technologies which will equip learners with the problem-solving skills required in the emerging technologies. Learners need a strong and focused set of skills to be effective and innovative. The qualification will integrate emerging technologies and focuses on preparing learners for the dynamic world of work that is driven by innovation and modern technologies. Benhamou (2022) contends that technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and others will lead to the disappearance of most jobs. This implies that the skills must be in tandem with the shifts that are happening and preparing learners for this new world of work that is rapidly unfolding. The advances in emerging technologies are revolutionising industries and the skills must be relevant and aligned to the current and future digital transformation across various industries, (Abdi, Ahmed, Abdulmunim, 2021). The qualification is using cutting-edge technology and incorporates skills in cloud computing, Big Data, Cyber Security, Data Science, Autonomous Systems and Robotics, among others. Benhamou (2022) further argues that even though automation and advances in technology will cause the disappearance of many jobs, a door will be opened for new opportunities that require new skills and expertise. The qualification is designed in consultation with academic experts in the field and industry practitioners and leaders to ensure that the curriculum is aligned with the latest trends and at the forefront of technological progress. Corporates such as Old Mutual and others employ graduates who possess cutting-edge skills in the various areas of information technology. The qualification will provide learners with in-demand skills and safeguard their future. The World Economic Forum on the future of work in the article Digital skills: How businesses and policymakers can respond to future demand in the labour market, highlights five areas where digital skills play a key role and these are: Advanced data analytics, cybersecurity, programming, automation, and internet of things (IoT). The World Economic Forum further advises that due to the business adoption of the cloud as more companies and organisations move their operations to the cloud, there is a surging demand for expertise in the fields afore mentioned. The qualification integrates these skills as highlighted by the World Economic Forum and ensures that a learner is well-prepared for the future. Furthermore, the qualification will prepare learners to be innovators and leaders in information technology. The curriculum incorporates simulations, use cases and practical experiments that build practical and problem-solving skills, and innovation expertise, as well as the capabilities of analysing complex problems in society and designing creative solutions that leverage the power of emerging and disruptive technologies. Reimers (2020) reinforces the point of transformative education. Learners must be trained to innovate and invent their own future. Therefore, the qualification integrates entrepreneurial skills, problem-solving and creativity with deep technical knowledge and expertise that empower learners and graduates to lead in their respective fields in the Information Technology industry. The qualification integrates Python programming, data science and robotics which are sought-after skills in industry and the current world of work. Smaldone, et al. (2022) published an article on employability skills: profiling data scientists in the digital labour market where skills in data science and Python are listed as essential skills that employers are seeking. Organisations are dealing with vast stores of big data which are complex and heterogeneous, therefore graduates that have these skills are in high demand. This qualification ensures that learners have these skills, and their skillsets meet the demands of industry, especially in the context of rapid technological shifts and the dynamic and complex world of work. This qualification is designed to create Python developers, data scientists, AI professionals, Machine Learning Engineers, AI Solutions Architects, Algorithm specialists, AI Analysts, AI Developers, Data Scientists, Python programmers, Block-chain developers, and Cloud Solutions Architects among others. |
| 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 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 for access: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 370 Credits.
Compulsory modules, Level 5, 110 Credits: Compulsory modules, Level 6, 90 Credits: Elective modules, Level 6, 30 Credits (Choose two modules from the following): Compulsory modules, Level 7, 120 Credits: Elective modules, Level 7, 10 Credits (Choose one module from the following): |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate the ability to critically evaluate the organisational problems and needs to build and apply appropriate technological solution
2. Demonstrate the ability to identify and critically examine the modern tools, techniques, and methodologies in Information Technology, and apply them to build intelligent systems. 3. Demonstrate the ability to examine the trends and emerging technologies and critically apply them to various industries and contexts 4. Demonstrate the ability to assess the legal, ethical, and environmental issues pertaining to the design, deployment and usage of systems and applications 5. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate organisational strategy, policies, and procedures with respect to emerging technologies to address all facets of emerging technologies, integrate and align to the organisation to operate on the cutting edge of technology. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and include summative and formative assessments to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Formative assessment: Summative assessment: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a compulsory module which is credit-bearing and essential for learners to gain exposure of the workplace and be able to deploy their skills, expertise and knowledge obtained from the qualification in a real-life work environment. Learners go to an organisation relevant to their expertise to apply their theoretical and practical knowledge from the qualification. This is an opportunity for them to translate their professional practice into meaningful skills that contribute to the organisation's. operations and success. This experiential learning enhances their employability and gives them crucial experiences that are highly sought after by employers. IT Projects: This is a capstone project where learners engage in hands-on and technical project work aimed at solving a real-life problem in industry. It is an integral component of the curriculum and learners can apply theories, methodologies, and technical skills to create innovative solutions to intractable problems in society. The project involves a presentation to the panel which also develops their communication and presentation skills. This experience produces graduates who are strong in critical thinking, and problem-solving and demonstrate agility in a dynamic, fast-paced and rapidly evolving technological landscape. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| This qualification is comparable with other quality qualifications offered internationally.
Country: United States of America Institution: Grand Canyon University Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Credits: 120 Duration: 15 weeks contact and 7 weeks online Entry Requirements: Or Or Or Purpose: The purpose of the qualification is to empower learners with skills and knowledge to solve industry problems. Learners can apply modern tools, techniques, and platforms to develop innovative solutions. Qualification structure: The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules. Similarities: Differences: Country: Australia Institution: University of Southern Queensland Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology NQF Level: Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 7 Credits: 24 credit units Duration: 3 years full time Entry Requirements: ATAR will be used for Year 12 learners seeking admission into the University of Southern Queensland undergraduate degrees. The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) will remain Queensland's senior secondary school qualification. Purpose: The Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is designed to develop skills and knowledge in software development, programming languages, networking and the design and implementation of computer systems and information systems. It is purposed to enable learners to be relevant in the ever-changing IT environment, as well as to be problem-solvers and innovative thinkers. Learners could pursue a variety of careers including information systems manager, computer sales representative, computer consultant, information manager, computer systems officer, computer programmer, chief information officer, information centre manager, systems analyst/programmer, system development coordinator, computer educator, and commercial application developer. Upon completion of this qualification, graduates will be able to: Qualification structure: The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules. Compulsory Modules: Similarities: Differences: The USQ qualification contains elective courses in biology, genetics, advanced maths and Others whereas the SA qualification's electives focus on emerging technologies, network engineering, IT management and software engineering. Country: Singapore Institution: Singapore University of Social Sciences Qualification Title: Bachelor of Science in Information and Communication Technology Duration: Four-year full-time Credits: 200 credit units Entry Requirements: Or Or Or Or Purpose/Rationale: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the key enabler of digital transformation. Many businesses and organisations have accelerated the adoption of digital technologies to unlock new growth opportunities, thus leading to increased ICT manpower demands with the creation of new job roles in various industries. The purpose of this qualification is to ensure that learners are well-prepared for the industry with practical and theoretical IT skills. Learners are trained in the areas of emerging technologies and given work-study experiences and relevant training in various areas of specialisation within the IT field. The IT professional certifications are also embedded in the programme. Graduates from this qualification can find a multitude of careers in ICT and other industries such as software/application/DevOps engineer, security engineer, system analyst, cloud/network engineer, database administrator, data/business analyst, etc. Qualification structure: Learners pursuing the full-time qualification are required to complete 200 credit units (cu), which include: In addition, learners are also required to complete a 24-week work attachment, an overseas experience and service-learning / community engagement. Compulsory Modules: Similarities: The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed the high school qualifications or equivalent. Differences: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| NOTES |
| N/A |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. |