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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma in Computer Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
36126  Diploma in Computer Technology 
ORIGINATOR
NewBridge Graduate Institute (Pty)Ltd - Bank Avenue (formerly Centurion Akademie (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
Diploma (Min 240)  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  240  Level 5  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2023-12-31  

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 
The purpose of the course is to deliver well trained people with effective and practical business oriented IT skills capable of making a real contribution in the work place and to give candidates the opportunity to specialize in particular technical and business options and establish an international standard of high quality training leading to universally recognized qualifications.

Through the Computer Technology learners will understand and effectively use computers and set up networks (and other information and communication technologies) in their learning and in daily life. It is a human activity that deals with applications of information and communication technologies and their social and economic implications, problem solving, logical thinking, management and communication.

Computer Technology enables people to understand computers and networks and make use of that understanding, ensuring life long learning and the development of skills, knowledge, values and attitudes for learners with or without barriers and from all walks of life. It also equips students to contribute to or adhere to the requirements of RDP and GEAR while in the world of work.

This level of training is more advanced than on the certificate level. Learners will concentrate more on the management styles and procedures as well as on more advanced technical information and programming skills. They will be confident in designing systems and managing these systems.

The knowledge and skills acquired bring about changes to students` attitudes, beliefs and values. The knowledge and skills should enable learners to use IT in social and economic applications, system, problem solving, logical thinking, information management and communication.

Rationale

There was a need in Centurion for a course to produce highly trained IT technology employees. There also was a growing need for user support in distributed processing installations, especially those based on workstations or networked PC`s, and for technical maintenance on-site.

The Diploma in Computer Technology is a course that not only provides a foundation in Information Technology, it covers more advanced topics. It will deliver well-trained people with effective and practical business oriented IT skills capable of making a real contribution in the work place. It will also give candidates the opportunity to specialize in particular technical and business options and establish a national standard of high quality training.

It will also ensure a life long learning and the development of skills, knowledge, values and attitudes for learners with or without barriers and from all walks of life. It also equips students to contribute to, or adhere to the requirements of RDP and GEAR while in the world of work. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners accessing this programme will have demonstrated competence on the previous level against the standards on that level (i.e. NQF 4), and that learners are competent in the provider`s language of instruction.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes the recognition of Prior Learning possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Computer Programming qualification.

The recognition of Prior Learning may allow for:
  • Accelerated access to further learning
  • Accelerated access to a higher level
  • The exemption of certain subjects 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    On successful completion of this programme the learner will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts, principles and knowledge of information and communication technologies and its applications in various disciplines.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of how IT impact on the management of natural resources, cultural values and socio-economic development.
    3. Set up networks, and build, test and update computers.
    4. Design and develop web sites, using HTLM code.
    5. Know, implement and update different Internet and intranet security methods.
    6. Understand and describe the different organisations and management roles.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of E-Commerce.
    8. Competently operate in a dynamic IT-using environment. This includes:
  • Network support
  • Pc support
  • Problem solving approaches
  • Effective communication
  • Teamwork
  • Business management and project management skills
  • Systems analysis
  • Business analysis
    9. Demonstrate an understanding of the responsible use of IT.
    10. Demonstrate an understanding of how networks work. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    On passing this programme the learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate Enterprise Communication Structures which give candidates an understanding of the various types of communication structures within organisations, i.e. written communication, interviews, presentations, meetings and interviews.
  • Demonstrate Information Systems which give candidates knowledge of the methods, disciplines, techniques and skills used by IT systems development teams so that they have a thorough appreciation of how such teams operate and the implications for the business users and customers of IT systems. This specifically does not require candidates to have any skills in programming or other aspects of the development process. Candidates will, however, be expected to have a good understanding of some of the mathematical techniques that are necessary for system design.
  • Demonstrate Systems Technology which give candidates a detailed and secure foundation in the various computer technologies that they must master in order to function effectively in a technical role.
  • Demonstrate Enterprise Organisation that gives candidates an understanding of the various types of organisation, the principal functional areas within organisations, the information needs of organisations and the needs of employees in the workplace.
  • Demonstrate Computer Skills where learners should know the basics of Information Technology and they must know how to use the personal computer and manage the files. They should also know how to use and manipulate Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database and Presentation tools.
  • Demonstrate Computer Skills where learners should know the basics of Information Technology and they must know how to use the personal computer and manage the files. They should also know how to use and manipulate Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Database and Presentation tools.
  • Setting up networks and maintains networks in different companies or situation.
  • Electronic Commerce. Learners should be able to understand and explain what e-commerce is. They should be able to evaluate web sites and other e-commerce technologies.
  • The Internet that has become a major tool in business for accessing information, promoting company image and as a marketing tool. Good design of a web site is therefore important and the learners should be able to design and develop good web sites.
  • Analyse Business Systems where learners should understand the basic functions and characteristics of telecommunications systems, including data transmission and networked computer systems, and provide an awareness of the range of options currently available to the systems designer.
  • Design Enterprise Systems where learners should provide the technical, inter-personal and administrative skills needed by the systems analyst. The technical skills will include the use of structured techniques of analysis such as Data Flow Diagrams, Entity Modeling and Relational Data Analysis. Personal skills will cover interviewing and presentation techniques. Administrative skills will include techniques for the control and monitoring of the design process.
  • Enterprise Networking where learners should understand the basic functions and characteristics of the telecommunications networks used by businesses, for transporting information.
  • Demonstrate Development and Design of Databases. The learners should be able to design a database and use it as data source for software systems.
  • The learner should be tested on a practical level. Each student will do a practical project where the purpose of this project is to provide students with practical experience in the planning, analysis, design, documentation and (so far as possible) development, testing, implementation and project management of a computer-based system, and to enable them to play a significant role in a systems development team.
  • Administrate Internet Systems.
  • Major market mechanisms, which impact on enterprise change and development, and the responses of organisations in terms of their structure, strategy and operations. Students will develop their management techniques and competencies.
  • Principles of project management and control, and to examine the impact of people on projects. Particular attention is paid to information technology projects, such as systems development and implementation.

    Integrated assessment.

    Learner assessment must be a true reflection of the understanding of the content by the learner. The theoretical background of the offering must be thoroughly understood, but in such a way that its relevance to the practical application of the offering is grasped. The nature of the course is such that all material must be able to be applied in the real world - learner assessment is directed towards evaluating not only the learner`s theoretical grasp but also its application thereof.

    Learners are assessed on a per module basis, with all modules being freestanding of each other. The semester mark comprises the total accumulated marks obtained in tests, projects, and assignments etc. for a particular module during the semester with a view to admission to the final examination of that module. Semester marks are generally comprised of the following:
  • Weekly class tests for each module - duration 10-15 minutes - Learners do self-evaluation.
  • Larger class tests for each module (one or more depending on length of module) - duration 50 minutes.
  • One semester test per module each semester covering all work to date - duration 1 - 3 hours.
  • Practical projects where appropriate.

    Weight of theory/practical components varies between modules as appropriate. Weighting of various components and calculation of marks is subject to the assessment regulations of Centurion Akademie, but departures from these regulations are permitted where the requirements of the course structure call for such departures.

    Admission to culminating assessments (examinations). A minimum semester mark of 40% for each module is required for admission to final examinations for each module. Class tests and semester tests cannot be re-written. Work pieces, practical projects etc. cannot be redone or re-written.

    A learner requires a final mark of 50% to pass a module, subject to obtaining a sub minimum of 40% in the final examination. In the event of there being more than one paper in the final examination, a sub minimum of 40% must be obtained in each paper.If a learner obtains between 35% and 39% in a final examination or in one of the final examination papers, the learner shall qualify for a supplementary examination. A learner who fails after the supplementary examination shall fail the module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Because computer science is presented world wide, we are constantly in connection with overseas companies, providing hardware and software to us and therefore we can evaluate overseas syllabi and compare it with our programs. We are proud to mention that our programs are on a very high standard and could be compared with any overseas qualification on tertiary level.

    Benchmarking was done by comparison to unit standards and outcomes of learning against international countries. Centurion Akademie train learners for a national as well as international market by means of a very good composure of subjects. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    By structuring the programme within the SAQA guidelines learners will be able to articulate both horizontally and vertically to other programmes and institutions as equivalent qualifications offered by other institutions also follow these SAQA standards. Taking different subjects from different fields and from other faculties further enhances horizontal articulation.

    However, such articulation is also greatly dependent on individual agreements between institutions, and Centurion Akademie is in the process of negotiating such agreements with other institutions as a matter of high priority. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderators need an appropriate qualification of at least two levels higher than the level they will be moderating.

    Centurion Akademie appoints moderators and external examiners who are experts and specialists in applicable fields as assessors. They are appointed on a mutually agreed written contract. Examination papers and memoranda are given to the relevant person to evaluate before examinations. Scripts are marked by the examiners and then given to the relevant person for moderation. Papers of students who failed are referred to the relevant moderator for a final decision. Examiners and moderators confirm the final marks.

    The external examiners and moderators evaluate every theory paper of the final examinations when the subject is completed. During their experiential learning period the learner`s evaluation forms (logbooks) are completed by the mentors from the industry and related organizations. Specialists and experts in the industry will assess the practical and experiential learning component on the completion thereof.

    All assessors are required to be registered assessors by the appropriate ETQA. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. NewBridge Graduate Institute (Pty)Ltd - Bank Avenue (formerly Centurion Akademie (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.