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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
73805  Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours 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  120  Level 7  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

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
50146  Bachelor of Science: Honours: Information Technology  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The registration would be beneficial to Information Technology graduates, allowing professional recognition of the degree obtained by the graduates. This degree is intended to follow on the BSc 310 (Information Technology) degree that has received full accreditation by the BCS.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with the ability to:
  • Complete an independent practical project in the field of information technology and implementing it.
  • Demonstrate the required level of intellectual and theoretical knowledge and insight into computer science problems, thereby revealing his/her ability for critical reasoning, formulation, analysis and evaluation of a specific information technology problem.
  • Demonstrate reflexive competencies such as innovation, decision-making, strategic thinking and organizational abilities.
  • Access further education and training and to enhance his/her marketability and employability in the field of Information Technology.
  • Complete elective modules to be able to complete practical and theoretical projects in the different fields of the elective modules.


    Rationale:

    In April 2002 a delegation of the British Computer Society (BCS) visited the Academy to investigate the accreditation of the BSc (Information Technology) degree and the honours degree by the body. During February 2003 the BSc Information Technology degree (BSc 310) was formally accredited by this body. Feedback received from the BCS suggested that if minor changes were made to the current BSc Honours (Computer Science and Informatics) degree it would receive partial registration to the British Engineering Council. (Currently the registration of an Information Technology graduate is not possible at the South African Engineering Council). The registration would be beneficial to Information Technology graduates, allowing professional recognition of the degree obtained by the graduates. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners with a B.Sc 310 (Information Technology) that is a NQF 6 degree qualification would be able to register for this qualification.

    The entrance level outcomes that applies is:
  • The mathematical ability to understand and apply advanced algorithms in problem solutions.
  • The ability to design advanced algorithms for implementation in a computer system.
  • The ability to program and implement algorithms using a recognized programming language.
  • The ability to demonstrate the representation of data structures in a computer system and the functioning of data models.
  • The ability to demonstrate the latest developments in the IT industry.
  • The ability to demonstrate the roll and meaning of IT systems in the modern society.

    Recognition of prior learning:

    A learner who claims to have achieved entry requirements through experiential learning will be assessed. If the learner is found to be competent, the learner may gain.
  • Access.
  • Advanced placement.
  • Any equivalent course done at another university's course content is evaluated on an individual basis with each application by the head of the department.

    Or recognition of certificate status will be granted on condition of continuing education.

    Access to the qualification:
  • B.Sc (Information Technology) (B.Sc 310 (RAU)) that is a NQF 6 degree qualification obtained with a pass mark of at least 60% in Computer Science 3 (final year) or Informatics 3 (final year).
  • The mathematical ability to understand and apply advanced algorithms in problem solutions.
  • The insight to design advanced algorithms for implementation in a computer system.
  • The ability to program and implement algorithms using a recognized programming language.
  • A deep insight into the representation of data structures in a computer system and the functioning of data models.
  • A broad insight into the latest developments in the IT industry.
  • A broad insight into the roll and meaning of IT systems in the modern society
  • At the end of the previous year students apply to RAU-Standard Bank Academy for IT to do the B.Sc Honours (Information Technology) degree. The application form is available from the Academy. Students are selected on the criteria of a 60% average for either informatics 3 or computer science 3 in the B.Sc 310 program. They are notified of the outcome by early January. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Minimum required credits at a specific level.

    Table on Allocation of Credits:
  • NQF Level 7
    > Fundamental: 12 credits
    > Core: 36 credits
  • Electives: 72 credits

    Total: 120

    Learning components
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00247 Ethical and legal aspects of IT, Fundamental: 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00127 Project, Core: 36 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00037 Systems programming, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT0047 Information Security, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT 00057 Information Security in WWW, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00067 Data Communications A, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00077 IT Project Management, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00097 Artificial Intelligence, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00107 Optimisation, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00117 Functional Programming, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00177 Graphics, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00197 Parallel Programming, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00227 Knowledge Management, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00237 WWW Programming, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits
  • Learning Unit/Module: IT00257 Information Management, Elective (choose 3 modules): 12 credits

    Total Credits
  • Fundamental: 12 credits
  • Core: 36 credits
  • Elective: (3x12) 72 credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    The learners should be able to:

    1. Problem-solving skills:

    1.1 Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of fundamental concepts and principles in a number of subject areas in information technology.
    1.2 Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, design and develop a practical project (year duration) that solves a pertinent problem in the information technology domain.
    1.3 Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyze, design and develop projects on a module level in the different subject areas.

    2. Teamship:
  • Work in a team relationship in designated projects in subject areas in information technology.

    3. Self-responsibility skills:
  • Take responsibility for his/her own individual project. Be responsible for completing each one of the deliverables in time.Be able to produce a project plan for the individual projects.

    4. Research skills:
  • Consult current information technology research literature to identify current trends in the different subject areas and identify project opportunities.
  • Consult current information technology research literature to identify methods and technologies to develop the individual year project or projects on a module level.

    5. Communication skills:
  • Communicate information technology understanding orally, using technical presentations and in written report format.
  • Create suitable project documentation in written report format and projects on a module level.

    6. Technological and environmental literacy:
  • The learner should be able to: Access and understand information technological knowledge in relation to broader technological fields and the environment.
  • Be able to reason about and synthesize reports on current information technological trends.

    7. Developing macrovision:
  • Relate different subject areas of information technology.
  • Identify the synergism between information technology fields.
  • Identify the applicability of information technology in the wider community.

    8. Learning skills:
  • Acquire knowledge of concepts and principles and principles in different information technological fields.

    9. Citizenship:
  • Apply information technology knowledge demonstrating the key concepts of a responsible and innovative citizen.
  • Apply information technological knowledge in a professional and ethical manner.

    10. Cultural and aesthetic understanding:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of cultural and aesthetic issues in different subject areas of information technology.

    11. Employment seeking skills:
  • Express himself/herself clearly in information technology terminology.
  • Be aware of his/her abilities as an information technology professional and be able to project confidence in the learner's obtained knowledge.

    12. Entrepreneurship:
  • The learner should be able to identify new opportunities in the information technology domain.

    13.1 Subject specific skills: IT00017 Project.
  • Create the project definition.
  • Create the high level design for the project.
  • Create complete system design.
  • Development of a beta program.
  • Final project demonstration.

    13.2 Subject specific skills: IT00247 Ethical, Legal and Audit Aspects of IT.
  • Define ethics and its importance in the I.T. industry.
  • Identify moral dilemmas and apply the R.I.M.S. Strategy for moral decision making.
  • Identification and distinction between the two main forms of ethical codes.
  • Understand and describe the Auditing Process and I.T. Governance.
  • Understanding of the Law of Copyright, Trademarks and Contracts.
  • Development of the Law, Information Security and the Law.

    13.3 Subject specific skills: IT00037 Systems programming.
  • The learner will have an understanding of the different architectures used in an operating system.
  • The learner will understand the internal workings of an operating system.
  • The learner will be able to write a device driver or modify an operating system to support new features.
  • The learner will be able to write applications that interface with the operating system and device drivers.

    13.4 Subject specific skills: IT0047 Information Security.
  • Differentiate between the 5 basic information security services.
  • Understand Identification and Authentication and the supporting mechanisms.
  • Understand confidentiality and the supporting mechanisms.
  • Understand Integrity and the supporting mechanisms.
  • Understand non-repudiation and the supporting mechanisms.
  • Understand Authorization and the supporting. mechanisms.

    13.5 Subject specific skills: IT 00057 Information Security in WWW.
  • Differentiate between the 5 basic information security services with application in WWW.
  • Understand Identification and Authentication and the supporting mechanisms with application in WWW.
  • Understand confidentiality and the supporting mechanisms with application in WWW.
  • Understand Integrity and the supporting mechanisms with application in WWW.
  • Understand non-repudiation and the supporting mechanisms with application in WWW.
  • Understand Authorisation and the supporting mechanisms with application in WWW.

    13.6 Subject specific skills: IT00067 Data Communications A.
  • Install and configure basic network facilities in the concerned operating system.
  • Configure routers.- Install and configure several network services, such as those mentioned under "Objective of Honours Course" above.
  • Diagnose network problems.
  • Independently study and implement network service (or combination of services) not taught in the formal coursework.
  • Explain the operation of a service (or combination of services) not taught in the formal coursework.

    13.7 Subject specific skills: IT00077 IT Project Management.
  • Differentiate between the 9 knowledge areas that form the IT Project Management framework.
  • Understand how to develop a macro vision.
  • Learn skillfully.
  • Communicate effectively.
  • Show responsibility for yourself.
  • Do research.

    13.8 Subject specific skills: IT00097 Artificial Intelligence.
  • Introduction to AI. (What is AI? Approaches to AI. Brief History.
  • Reactive Machines (SR Agents ,Neural Networks, Machine Evolution, State Machines, Robot Vision).
  • Search in State Spaces (Agents that Plan, Uninformed Search, Heuristic Search, Planning Acting and Learning, Alternative Search formulations and Applications, Adversarial Search).
  • Communication and Integration (Multiple Agents, Communication among agents, Agent Architectures)

    13.9 Subject specific skills: IT00107 Optimisation.
  • Formulate decision problems as linear and integer programming problems.
  • Understand the principles of sensitivity analysis and duality.
  • Understand and implement algorithms for optimising linear and integer programming problems.

    13.10 Subject specific skills: IT00117 Functional Programming.
  • Understand the differences between functional and imperative programming languages.
  • Understand the basic structures of a functional language.
  • Understand how algorithms can be shown to be more efficient.

    13.11 Subject specific skills: IT00177 Graphics.
  • Understand the representation of a scene and the steps required to reproduce the scene on a two dimensional screen.
  • Understand transformations, including rotations, translations, projections.
  • Understand how lighting adds realism to objects.
  • Understand texturing.
  • Understand special effects.
  • Understand optimizations.
  • Understand collisions and intersections.
  • Understand the relationship between, processor, dedicated graphics hardware and the graphics pipeline.

    13.12 Subject specific skills: IT00197 Parallel Programming.
  • Differentiate between distributed and parallel computing.
  • Understand the different parallel architectures.
  • Understand performance measures.
  • Understand the PRAM model as well as message-passing models.
  • Understand the PVM (Parallel Virtual Machine) and the MPI (message-passing interface).

    13.13 Subject specific skills: IT00227 Knowledge Management.
  • Understand the place of knowledge management within an organization.
  • Discuss and understand the theoretical underpinning of the knowledge management process.
  • Identify the key components needed for a knowledge management solution.
  • Appreciate the role of technology in the knowledge management process.
  • Through the assessment process, develop knowledge, skills and attitudes that will allow them to operate effectively as a member of a knowledge management team.
  • Have examined some management principles that will facilitate the establishment of a knowledge management program in an organisation.

    13.14 Subject specific skills: IT00237 WWW Programming.
  • Differentiate between the main technologies available to create interactive websites.
  • Understand the difference between client and server side programming in a web context.
  • Understand web demographics and how it is collected.- Understand how online databases can be implemented.
  • Gain practical knowledge on publishing programming assignments on a Linux machine.
  • Understand the security issues surrounding web programming.
  • Understand debugging of projects created in PHP, Perl and Bash scripting.

    13.15 Subject specific skills: IT00257 Information Security Management.
  • Differentiate between the main building blocks of information security management.
  • Understand what is meant with an information security architecture.
  • Understand IS1O7799.
  • Understand Information security policies, standards and procedures.
  • Understand disaster recovery management. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Can the learners:

    1.1
  • Identify, describe and explain core concepts and principles of selected subject areas of information technology.
  • Demonstrate the relationships among the core concepts and principles in a subject area and between different subject areas.
  • Apply the core concepts and principles to problems in a subject area.
  • Identify the limitations of concepts in a subject area.

    1.2
  • Identify a project of the correct scope in a relevant area of application.
  • Analyze a practical project in a relevant area of application.
  • Design the project in a relevant area of application.
  • Develop (implement) the project in a relevant area of application

    1.3
  • Identify a project of the correct scope in a relevant area of application on a module level.
  • Analyze a practical project in a relevant area of application on a module level.
  • Design the project in a relevant area of application on a module level.
  • Develop (implement) the project in a relevant area of application on a module level.

    2
  • Function as a responsible team member.
  • Contribute to the viability of the completed project.

    3.
  • Identify and continue on his/her own with individual projects.
  • Be responsible for completing his/her projects in time before a cut off date set for all individual projects.
  • Create a gannt chart to schedule and plan his/her project to allow the project to be completed in time.

    4.
  • Write a report on a specific area in information technology.
  • Write a critical evaluation of methods and technologies used to develop projects and relate their work to work of a similar nature.

    5.
  • Write an information technology document in a subject area of acceptable quality and standards.
  • Give an oral presentation on a subsection of an information technology subject area.
  • Produce a technical presentation of acceptable quality and standards.

    6.
  • Critically evaluate the applicability of knowledge in an IT subject to the broader technological environment.
  • Critically evaluate the applicability of developed projects in the broader technological spectrum.

    7
  • Identify a suitable individual year project.
  • Create reports critically discussing the synergism between different subject fields in the information technology domain.
  • Create reports identifying technologies in the IT domain that is applicable to the wider community.

    8.
  • Demonstrate concepts and principles in written examinations, oral presentations or projects developed.

    9.
  • Identify unethical behaviour in the information technology domain.
  • Identify unlawful practices in the information technology domain.
  • Demonstrate the potential to become a responsible and ethical IT citizen by his actions during the development of an individual year project.

    10.
  • Identify cultural and aesthetic issues in different subject areas of information technology.

    11.
  • Present oral project presentation.
  • Meetings with projects leaders.

    12.
  • Correctly identify the individual practical year project and other practical module level projects.

    13.
  • Justification that the learner has obtained theoretical knowledge by writing a semester test and exam evaluated by the lecturer.
  • The semester test can be replaced by a practical or theoretical project.
  • Continuous evaluation done through assignments and practical projects that are evaluated by the lecturer.
  • Writing of class tests, evaluated by the lecturer.

    13.1
  • Project definition evaluated by lecturer.
  • High level design evaluated by lecturer.
  • Beta program evaluated by lecturer.
  • Complete system design evaluated by the lecturer.
  • Final project evaluated by lecturer and external examiner.

    Integrated assessment:

    Assessment is focused on candidate's ability to fulfil their life role performance as well as t to demonstrate broad enabling competences. They have to be able to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge and understanding of applications with discussions and debates on scientific information technology issues and practice. Assessment strategies and procedures include:

    Formative (continuous) assessment practices:

    Progress in lectured modules is assessed at regular intervals by theoretical and practical assignments assessed by the module facilitator.

    Progress in the practical project is assessed at regular intervals by meetings with the project leader assigned to the project.

    Summative (final) assessment practices:

    Each elective module is assessed by a written or oral examination by the course facilitator and external examiner who is an academic expert in the specific field. The external examiner is from another institution with at least a masters degree in the relevant area.

    The practical project is assessed by an extensive practical demonstration of the implemented project which is assessed by the project leader and an external examiner from another institution with at least a masters degree in a Information Technology relevant area. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The accreditation visit by the BCS showed that the degree with the minor revisions proposed above is comparable to similar programs on an international level. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical articulation:
    The BSc IT degree articulates with the MSc IT degree.

    Articulation with other providers:
    It should be possible for qualifying candidates to apply for credits at any Higher Education institution also offering similar BSc Honours degrees. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Recommendation of a moderating body or bodies (internal and external):

    At least one external examiner per semester module and practical project, usually recommended by the lecturer, must be approved by the head of department and the dean's committee of the faculty

    At least one external examiner (from another higher education institution or from a relevant field in labour or industry) of national stature is used for the external examination of semester module and practical project. External examiners from another higher education institution or from a relevant field in labour or industry with a minimum requirement of at least a masters degree but preferable a PhD is used for each semester module and for the practical project. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
  • Semester module facilitators must at least have a masters qualification.
  • Semester module examiners must have at least a masters qualification. 
    		•

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

    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.
     
    1. University of Johannesburg 


    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.