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: 

Bachelor of Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
63991  Bachelor of Information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  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  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 EXCO 0417/23  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2024-12-31  

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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
100653  Bachelor of Information Technology  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who have:
  • A systematic and coherent body of knowledge of information technology (IT) and an understanding of the underlying concepts and principles in IT.
  • The ability to access and evaluate relevant and quality information.
  • A high level of cognitive and other generic skills including problem-solving, written and spoken communication.
  • Competence in applying IT knowledge through basic research methods and practice.
  • A sufficient depth of both knowledge and practical skills in the field of IT for gainful economic activity in a range of careers as well as for postgraduate study.
  • The integrity to function as technically skilled as well as ethically responsible professionals that can be trusted with the responsibilities inherent in an IT-related career.

    Rationale:

    Currently, the demand for IT expertise outstrips supply, both locally and internationally. Globalization further fuels this shortage as businesses struggle to compete in markets made accessible through communication technologies. These developments have led to severe shortages in IT skills as exemplified in various authoritative documents, for example the ISETT SETA Draft Skills Plan 2005-2010 and the Birchwood Declaration for Tertiary Level ICT Skills Development (25 July 2007). The Birchwood Declaration emanated from a colloquium held at the invitation of the Minister of Education, Mrs Naledi Pandor, and was called as a result of the existence of a significant ICT skills gap between the workplace demand and the current rate of production of the tertiary sector. The declaration inter alia recognizes that a range of subject specializations and approaches is required at a local level to service sector needs and to allow for the emergence of centers of excellence. The forum stated that retaining a diversity of tertiary level ICT related offerings across the system is in the interests both of the nation and of individual citizens.

    This qualification focuses on one of the five prominent computing disciplines, viz. Information Technology. The other computing disciplines as listed by the internationally recognized ACM, are computer engineering, computer science, information systems, and software engineering. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this qualification are assumed to have:
  • A knowledge and understanding of mathematics equivalent to NQF Level 4.
  • Information-gathering, analysis and presentation skills equivalent to NQF Level 4.
  • The capacity to learn from written material appropriate to this level of study.
  • The ability to communicate reliably, accurately, and comprehensively in English.
  • The ability to begin to take responsibility for their own learning and its progress within a well-structured and managed learning environment.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
  • RPL is to be done in accordance with standard NMMU policies and procedures.

    Access to the Qualification:

    NSC Requirements:
  • Minimum statutory NSC requirements for degree entry and for the language of learning and teaching must be met.
  • An Academic Performance Score (APS) of 34.
  • An NSC achievement rating of at least 4 (50-59%) for Mathematics.
  • Computer Applications Technology (CAT) or Information Technology (IT) is a recommended NSC subject.
  • Applicants, who do not meet the requirements for direct admission, will be referred for access assessment. Candidates must perform satisfactorily in the NMMU access assessment test.

    The NMMU Academic Performance Score (APS) system allocates the following point values:

    NSC Rating; NSC %:
  • 7; 80-100%.
  • 6; 70-79%.
  • 5; 60-69%.
  • 4; 50-59%.
  • 3; 40-49%.
  • 2; 30-39%.
  • 1; 0-29%.

    Points for APS; % for APS:
  • 8; 90-100%.
  • 7; 80-89%.
  • 6; 70-79%.
  • 5; 60-69%.
  • 4; 50-59%.
  • 3; 40-49%.
  • 2; 30-39%.
  • 0; 0-29%.

    Senior Certificate Requirements:
  • A Senior Certificate with matriculation exemption/endorsement.
  • A School Performance Score (SPS) of 31.
  • Mathematics (HG = E symbol or SG = C symbol).

    The NMMU School Performance Score (SPS) system allocates the following point values to the six best matriculation symbols:

    Grade 12 symbol A B C D E F:

    HG:
  • 8 7 6 5 4 3.
    SG:
  • 6 5 4 3 2 1. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • NQF Exit Level: NQF Level 7.
  • Minimum total credits: 360 credits.
  • Minimum credits at Level 7: 120 credits.
  • Maximum total credits at Level 5: 96 credits.

    Learning Components:

    Component 1 (Fundamentals), 36 credits, NQF Level 5.

    Competencies related to fundamental learning, 12 credits, NQF Level 6:
  • Exit Level Outcomes 1.1, 1.2.

    Component 2 (Core), 60 credits, NQF Level 5.

    Competencies relating to content essential to obtaining a baccalaureate degree in Information Technology, (132 credits, NQF Level 6) and (120 credits, NQF Level 7):
  • Exit Level Outcomes 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6.

    Component 3 (Electives):
  • None. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) are grouped into two components which together reflect the work of a professional Information Technologist. The critical outcomes are integrated into the exit level outcomes.

    Component 1 (Fundamentals):

    Competencies Relating to Fundamental Learning:

    Exit Level Outcome 1.1:
  • Demonstrate competence in communicating effectively with users in various contexts.

    Exit Level Outcome 1.2:
  • Demonstrate competence in mathematics and statistics.

    Component 2 (Core):

    Competencies relating to content essential to obtaining a baccalaureate degree in Information Technology:

    Exit Level Outcome 2.1:
  • Use and apply current technical concepts and practices in the core information technologies.

    Exit Level Outcome 2.2:
  • Identify and evaluate current and emerging technologies and assess their applicability to address user needs.

    Exit Level Outcome 2.3:
  • Identify and apply best practices and standards in various contexts.

    Exit Level Outcome 2.4:
  • Specify the requirements that must be satisfied to address problems or opportunities faced by organizations or individuals.

    Exit Level Outcome 2.5:
  • Design and develop effective and usable IT-based solutions and integrate them into the user environment.

    Exit Level Outcome 2.6:
  • Recognize, assess and apply social and professional issues. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Component 1 (Fundamentals):

    Competencies Relating to Fundamental Learning:

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1.1:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently with clients, users and peers both verbally and in writing, using appropriate terminology.
  • Locate, cite and critically evaluate information which is accessible online or otherwise.
  • Create and maintain user documentation for an IT system or solution.
  • Create and maintain technical documentation for an IT system or solution.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1.2:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Recognize that the foundation of IT is built upon the various aspects of mathematics.
  • Apply mathematical and statistical concepts and procedures in a programming environment.

    Component 2 (Core):

    Competencies relating to content essential to obtaining a baccalaureate degree in Information Technology:

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.1:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Identify and explain concepts and practices related to core information technologies.
  • Apply concepts and practices related to core information technologies.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.2:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Identify current and emerging technologies.
  • Evaluate current and emerging technologies to assess their applicability to address user needs.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.3:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Identify best practices and standards of relevance in a particular context.
  • Apply best practices and standards that have been selected as relevant in a particular context.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.4:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Identify, analyze and define user requirements to determine what the needs are in terms of creating an IT-based solution.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.5:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Design, develop and implement IT-based solutions according to user needs.
  • Do the design, development and implementation according to a project plan.
  • Execute the process with due consideration for issues of relevance when integrating the solution into an existing user environment.
  • Execute the process using a collaborative approach, in a team striving to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation.

    Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2.6:

    Competence is evident when candidates are able to:
  • Assess the impact of technology on individuals, organizations and society, including ethical, legal and policy issues.
  • Recognize and apply principles of teamwork, including (but not limited to) conflict resolution, group dynamics, leadership styles, collaboration and cross-functional teams.
  • Assess the impact of technology on group work in project teams collaborating in IT-related projects.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Written tests and examinations, portfolio assessment as well as practical tests and examinations are used to assess the learning that has taken place. A major project in the third year (capstone module) assesses the students' capacity to integrate and apply cumulative knowledge across various subject domains. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The development of the BIT outcomes and curriculum is guided by the report of the SIGITE Curriculum Committee 2005 project (IT2005). This is the result of an undertaking of the SIGITE (Special Interest Group on Information Technology Education) of the ACM (Association for Computing Machinery) for baccalaureate programs in Information Technology. The ACM is a leader in formulating curricula guidelines for computing-related fields at all levels from high school through to tertiary level and is recognized internationally. This means that the BIT is comparable to other qualifications that have been developed within these same guidelines.

    The qualification is similar to the BIT degree offered in various countries such as Canada, while it differs from the BICT degree offered in the Netherlands, which is defined as a 4 year qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • This qualification serves as an entry point into an Honours degree in Information Technology or a Postgraduate Diploma in an appropriate field (both at NQF Level 8), for example Postgraduate Diploma (Information Security Management) or Postgraduate Diploma (Information Technology Governance). 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • In accordance with NMMU policy, all exit level modules are externally moderated while all other lower level modules are internally moderated. 
    		•

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

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.