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: 

Diploma in Information Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88322  Diploma in Information Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (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 360)  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 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

This Diploma: Information Technology (IT) aims to enable qualifying learners to perform better and more efficiently in the continuously changing industrial, organisational and commercial information and communication technology environments. It will provide the learners with opportunities to specialise in fields such as Systems Development, Network Engineering, and Information Technology Management.

The qualifying learner should have the ability to:
  • Analyse and design software solutions to industry related IT problems.
  • Utilise the required technical skills to effectively implement the designed solutions in an IT environment.
  • Utilise the required technical skill to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
  • Effectively utilise business and management skills to bridge the gap between the IT discipline and the business functional areas in industry.
  • Use hardware to its full potential by understanding the technical operation of hardware and to control it on a low level.
  • Provide IT support services to end-users in their chosen business sector.

    Rationale:

    While the growth in demand for IT services continues to rise, professional skills are in short supply in South Africa. The Diploma: Information Technology is designed to address the critical areas for building a developmental information society as identified by the South African Department of Communications:
  • E-Governance.
  • E-Skills Development.
  • SMME Development.
  • Information Ethics.
  • Information Communication Technology (ICT).
  • Rural Development.

    This demand, coupled with the statistics of the National Scarce Skills list for South Africa (2008), published by the Department of Labour, also identifies scarce and critical skills required by the country. The national demand for IT skills has shown a shortage of over 50,000 vacancies in various occupations.

    This qualification will prepare learners for careers in the IT industry and ease the dire need for qualified people in this field. A learner who has completed this qualification will be competent in providing professional, technical and developmental support in the computer industry across a range of sectors. The qualification also provides the learner with the flexibility to articulate in the IT environment with a wide variety of specialisation options and to articulate within the Telecommunications, Information Technology and Electronic Industries and other industries where IT is a key component. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learners who register for this qualification at NQF Level 6 are assumed to:
  • Have a foundational knowledge and understanding of mathematics at NQF Level 4.
  • Be competent in the language of instruction (English) and the theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding accomplished at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    The Diploma: Information Technology can be achieved in part or fully through Recognition of Prior Learning. The PC Training and Business College policies will guide and inform this process.

    This Recognition of Prior Learning may:
  • Grant access to the qualification for those learners who do not meet the minimum requirements for admission.
  • Grant learners credits or exemptions for subjects already passed.
  • Grant learners credits towards modules for skills, knowledge and experience acquired through informal and non-formal learning.

    Access to the Qualification:

    The admission requirements for this qualification are:
  • National Senior Certificate with appropriate subject combinations and levels of achievement.
    OR
  • Senior Certificate (issued prior to 2008).
    OR
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4.
    OR
  • A Higher Certificate or an Advanced Certificate, in a cognate discipline.

    Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements can apply for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Learners must obtain a minimum of 360 Credits to be awarded this qualification, which comprises both compulsory and elective modules.

    There are compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, and these total 300 Credits.

    There are four elective modules at NQF Level 6, which total 40 Credits and there are two elective modules at NQF Level 7, which total 20 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 (12 modules totalling 120 Credits):
  • Development Software, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems, 10 Credits.
  • Commercial Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Internet and Web Technology, 10 Credits.
  • Networks 1A, 10 Credits.
  • E-Commerce 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems, 10 Credits.
  • Commercial Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Internet and Web Technology (HTML), 10 Credits.
  • Networks 10, Credits.
  • E-Commerce, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6 (13 modules totalling 135 Credits):
  • Quantitative Techniques, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems (SDLC), 10 Credits.
  • Technical Programming (Data Structures with C++), 10 Credits.
  • Database Systems (DDLC), 10 Credits.
  • Operating Systems, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems, 10 Credits.
  • Technical Programming T, 10 Credits.
  • Database Systems (SQL), 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems, 10 Credits.
  • Technical Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Information Systems, 15 Credits.
  • Technical Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 10 Credits.

    Elective modules at NQF Level 6 (Choose 4 modules totalling 40 Credits):
  • Internet Programming (ASP.NET), 10 Credits.
  • Business Management, 10 Credits.
  • Networks, 10 Credits.
  • Internet Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Business Management, 10 Credits.
  • Networks, 10 Credits.

    Compulsory modules NQF Level 7 (3 modules totalling 45 Credits):
  • Human Computer Interaction, 15 Credits.
  • Data Warehousing and Data Mining, 15 Credits.
  • Computer Security, 15 Credits.

    Elective modules at NQF Level 7 Choose 2 Modules totalling 20 Credits:
  • Commercial Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Networks, 10 Credits.
  • IT Strategic Management, 10 Credits.
  • Commercial Programming, 10 Credits.
  • Networks, 10 Credits.
  • IT Strategic Management, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Design software solutions to address industry related IT problems.
    2. Utilise the required technical skills to effectively implement the designed solutions in an IT environment.
    3. Utilise the required technical skill to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
    4. Demonstrate the effective utilisation of business and management skills to bridge the gap between the IT discipline and the business functional areas in industry.
    5. Use computer hardware to its full potential by understanding the technical operation of hardware and how to control it on a low level.
    6. Provide IT support services in a given business sector.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are address as follows:
  • Make decisions and accept responsibility for own behaviours and actions.
  • Communicate effectively using models, visual and language skills.
  • Work effectively in a team in an IT environment.
  • Collect, organise and critically evaluate information, in order to assess the situation correctly.
  • Demonstrate an understanding that the problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation and therefore look at the system as a whole. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria should be applied in an integrated way for all the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Describe various basic programming concepts.
  • Build useful programmes using the basics of structured and Object-Oriented Programming (OOP) concepts.
  • Describe the use of IT in the business environment.
  • Use information systems and computers in a business environment.
    > Range: Usage includes, but is not limited to: Communication, data management, data presentation, security and privacy, World Wide Web, internet, operating systems, databases and multimedia.
  • Describe and apply the principles and procedures of effective business communication.
  • Develop applications in Microsoft Visual Basic.NET for Microsoft.Net platform.
  • Explore and create sites and publish site pages on the Web.
  • Describe the fundamentals that form part of modern networks.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the most important concepts in contemporary networking. Range of concepts includes, but is not limited to: Networking standards, networking protocols and networking hardware.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of e-commerce and its impact on a business.
  • Explain the importance of design in successful e-commerce and in promoting an organisation's online activities.
  • Carry out statistical calculations and analysis essential in the business environment.
  • Describe operating systems for general purpose computers in organisations.
  • Describe the role, functions and skills of a Systems Analyst.
  • Use systems architecture and processes to design an Information System.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of database systems for an organisation.
  • Demonstrate an informed understanding of C++ programming concepts.
  • Sort algorithms and present additional material on abstract classes to demonstrate the use of Object Oriented Programming (OOP).
  • Describe and evaluate the components of interactive systems.
    > Range of components includes, but is not limited to: The human user, the computer system itself, the nature of the interactive process.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of information and computer security applicable to an organisation.
  • Use management skills to carry out an IT project in an IT environment.
  • Use problem solving techniques and test programme behaviour to instil good programming practice.
  • Use Java in a Graphical User Interface (GUI) environment.
  • Carry out a Work Integrated Project.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the ideas and techniques in the data warehousing and Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) fields.
    > Range of ideas and techniques may include, but is not limited to: Data models, query language and design methodologies storage techniques.
  • Motivate, define and characterise data mining applications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of aspects pertaining to implementing and managing networks.
  • Troubleshoot network problems using troubleshooting methodologies and tools.
  • Describe and define integrity and availability of Networks.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Integrated Assessment at this level provides an opportunity for learners to be able to integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across modules in order to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

    Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and also the quality of the thinking that lies behind it. Assessment tools encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision making that underpins the demonstrated performance. Some assessment practices will be of a more practical nature while others will be of a more theoretical nature.

    During Integrated Assessments the assessor will make use of formative and summative assessment methods and will assess combinations of practical, theoretical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. Input to completing integrated assessment typically makes use of combinations of the following assessment methods: Time-constrained written examinations, Coursework Evaluation, Continuous Evaluation and Practical Evaluation.

    The integrated assessment enables learners to display capabilities of integrating practical performance, concepts, and theory. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification has been compared to similar qualifications from Singapore, Australia and England.

    The Singapore School of InfoComm Technology (Ngee Ann Polytechnic), offers the Diploma in Information Technology.

    Course Modules:

    First Year:
  • Fundamentals for IT Professionals.
  • Computers and Operating Systems.
  • Fundamentals of Programming.
  • Computing Mathematics.
  • Computing in Society.
  • Ideas Jumpstart.
  • Sports and Wellness.
  • Networking Fundamentals.
  • Object Oriented Programming.
  • User Interface Design.
  • Enterprise Information Systems.
  • Communication and Contemporary Issues.

    Second Year:
  • Databases.
  • Object Oriented Analysis and Design.
  • Developing Web Applications.
  • Ideas Blueprint.
  • Information Security.
  • Software Security.
  • C++ Programming.
  • Local Area Networks.
  • Project Management.
  • Idea Launchpad.

    Third Year:
  • World Perspectives: A Singapore Perspective.
  • Data Structures and Algorithms.
  • Enterprise Application Development.
  • Advanced Object Oriented Analysis and Design.
  • E-Business Foundations.
  • Web Database Development.
  • Internship.

    The School of InfoComm Technology (Ngee Ann Polytechnic) qualification: Diploma in Information Technology is comparable to this Diploma in terms of scope, outcomes, and content.

    However they do offer additional learning in terms of 'Sports and Wellness' which is unrelated to IT.

    Australia - Australian Computer Society (ACS) offers the Diploma of Information Technology.

    Course Subjects:
  • Systems Analysis.
  • Programming.
  • Computer Organisation.
  • Data Management.
  • Object Oriented Development.
  • Computer Communications.
  • Professional Practice.
  • Systems Principles.

    This Australian qualification compares in terms of content (subjects) which are similar in both qualifications. The major variance is that it is only a one year qualification as opposed to three years and therefore covers less and offers less in-depth learning.

    England - West London College offers the British Computer Society (BSC) Diploma in Information Technology.

    Course Syllabus:

    Year One:
  • Computer Technology Fundamentals.
  • Software Development and Programming Techniques.
  • Principles of Information Systems.
  • Professional Issues in Information Systems Practice.

    Year Two:
  • Database Systems.
  • Information Technology Project Management.
  • Object Oriented Programming (Java).
  • Practical Project.

    The qualification: British Computer Society (BSC) Diploma in Information Technology offered by West London College is also compatible with the South African Diploma in Information Technology, especially in terms of subjects offered. The British qualification is, however, a two year programme as opposed to three years for the South African one. It also acts as the first two years of a Degree, which is not applicable in South Africa. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:

    This qualification articulates horizontally with any other Diploma in Information Technology at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:

    This qualification articulates vertically with the Bachelor of Science: Information Technology at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Moderation of learners' achievements and overall award of the qualification at the exit level will be based on the well-established procedures of using examiners.
  • Moderation will include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification.
  • Moderation of assessment can be institutional and work based.
  • External moderation will be undertaken as required, to ensure that the quality of NQF standards is maintained. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    For an applicant to register as an assessor for this Qualification, the applicant should:
  • Hold a relevant qualification at least at NQF Level 8.
  • Have experience in IT. 
    		•

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

    NOTES 
    Two delivery modes available - Contact and Distance. 

    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. Richfield Graduate Institute Of Technology (Pty) Ltd. (previously known as PC Training And Business College (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.