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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Systems Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91923  Diploma in Systems Development 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus 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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Systems Development is an imperative component of information technology (IT). The Diploma in Systems Development has been developed to facilitate access to the world-of-work for learners who are capable of knowledge performance in support of those areas of the world-of-work that rely on the application of the knowledge and skills systems in IT supporting commercial practices.

The purpose of the qualification is to ensure that potential practitioners are equipped with the knowledge, theory and methodology of the important disciplines in information technology systems development, thereby enabling them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional or academic context, where application of the principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, graduate study, or professional practice in a wide range of careers within civil society, the public or private sectors.

The Diploma in Systems Development are developed in an increasingly applied manner, covering the major functional specialisations and culminating in an integrated manner which provides broad strategic context for completing learners on issues such as general business management, systems management, systems and database development, workflow management, systems analysis and design, and software testing. In addition, it provides a balance in fields that are broadly enabling in relation to career pathways, while providing opportunities to professional membership of a variety of local and international bodies and also further studies through vertical and/or horizontal articulation pathways, for example:
  • Specialised studies in project management and systems development within information technology.
  • Advanced studies in systems analysis and design.
  • Bachelors degree studies in information technology and computer science.

    The qualification provides exciting career opportunities in the fields of information technology and computer science, for example:
  • Junior Business Systems Analyst, Data Analyst, Security Solutions Enterprise Account Manager, Junior Usability Analyst and Test Analyst.
  • Junior Programmer, Software Developer, Web Developer, Data Warehouse Developer.
  • Database Developer, and Solution Engineer.
  • Junior Project Manager, Team Leader and IT Project Manager.
  • Junior Architect, Assistant Manager or Manager.
  • Customer Relationship, Key Account Supervisor and IT Sales, Assistant Manager or Manager.
  • Junior Researcher, Analyst, Business Advisor or Consultant.

    Rationale:
    For a developing nation, it is crucial to increase the supply of competent practitioners with middle-higher-order capabilities to industries that rely on these skills if South Africa is to continue to grow and to remain globally competitive. This qualification thus forms part of the increase in provision of practitioners with higher order capabilities to grow the economy, to advance social transformation, and to remain regionally relevant and globally competitive.

    The Diploma in Systems Development is a response to the workplace need for competent information technology system developers across all economic sectors. The current and future need for competent entry-, junior- and mid-level technicians has been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required by technicians are captured in this qualification while remaining, to a certain degree a generalist programme for the field of practice rather than a specialist programme, by offering good breadth on the important topics combined with appropriate occupational and professional depth for its intended purpose.

    In the increasingly competitive, sophisticated and changing world of work; the continued development of higher order applied knowledge is essential. The curriculum has been designed to give successful learners the skills required for managing life-long learning to build successful careers and to remain productive and responsible citizens.

    The breadth and depth of learning achieved by successful learners through the Diploma in Systems Development reflect a broad repertoire of skill- and knowledge-sets which consist of principles, theoretical engagement and levels of intellectual independence which facilitates access to the world of work and promotes critical and analytical citizenship. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The learner is assumed to be familiar with network systems either through his/her employment in such an environment or through the successful completion of an appropriate qualification at NQF Level 4.

    Competence in mathematical literacy, communication and English equivalent to NQF Level 4 is expected.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Learners not meeting the minimum entry requirements may be granted admission through Recognition of Prior Learning.

    Access to the Qualification:
    The learner accessing this qualification must be in possession of one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.
  • National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V), at NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
  • A Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption.
  • A foreign qualification that is equivalent to the NSC as determined by SAQA. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 364 Credits.

    All the modules must be successfully completed in order to be awarded the qualification.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • IT Systems Management, 12 Credits.
  • Technical Systems and Support, 30 Credits.
  • Basic Finance and Budgeting, 10 Credits.
  • Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 5 Credits.
  • Systems Development, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy, 15 Credits.
  • Practicum, 20 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 5: 120 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Database Programming, 20 Credits.
  • Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Project Management, 8 Credits.
  • Systems Development, 60 Credits.
  • Systems Development Project Management, 10 Credits.
  • Workflow Management, 21 Credits.
  • Practicum, 40 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 6: 175 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Software Testing, 15 Credits.
  • Systems Analysis and Design, 24 Credits.
  • Systems Development, 30 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 7: 69 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply general business principles to real life situations.
    2. Manage information technology systems analysis functions in organisations.
    3. Demonstrate project management skills for technology.
    4. Develop and maintain information technology systems.
    5. Identify the socio-economic needs of society and display cultural sensitivity within organisations.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the business management function and scope according to the fundamental general management practices.
  • Apply the core general management practices in a business context.
  • Comply with relevant ethical practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply basic management and analytical skills in the development, design, programming and implementation of various applications in the office environment.
  • Apply end-user computing practices and demonstrate fluency and competency in information technology hardware and software in relation to software suites in the office environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the project management scope by initiating, planning and explaining the overall conduct of a project through to the closure of the project.
  • Plan and manage a project and show proficiency in project control, evaluation and scoping of operational plans.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply the knowledge and skills that are associated with programming of databases and applications.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of multiple platforms for database and application development.
  • Review, plan, implement, document and manage internal and/or external systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Distinguish between the principles and theories important for entrepreneurship and social development.
  • Demonstrate conflict handling, motivational skills and cultural sensitivity within professional environments.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated assessment is ordinary practice in this type of qualification and is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved in relation to the occupational focus carried by the qualifier; and in terms of its propositional and declarative knowledge, vocational relevance, reflexive competency and Critical Cross-Field Learning Outcomes.

    Successful learners will have undertaken an extensive process in which assessments progressively build the learners' integrated competency to a point where the learner is able to express - through a range of mechanisms measured against valid, reliable and transparent criteria - which they can operate effectively within an entry level occupational position within the knowledge system specified by the qualification title.

    Formative assessment integrates the cycle of teaching and learning, and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The scheme of work includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and learners are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

    Summative assessments are in the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report, which assesses a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a full course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification in information technology systems development has been compared to and found to be similar in content and outcomes to recognised international qualifications in information technology and computer science offered by foreign higher education institutions, such as:
  • The Anglia Ruskin University, United Kingdom.
  • The Manchester Metropolitan University, United Kingdom,
  • Caleb University in Nigeria.
  • Middlesex University throughout East Africa and the United Arab Emirates.
  • University of Tasmania, Australia.
  • The Australian Institute of Business.

    It is also comparable in a limited manner to Professional Certifications offered by international organisations such as:
  • Oracle.
  • Microsoft.
  • CompTIA.
  • Android.
  • Blackberry.
  • IOS. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This Qualification articulates horizontally with the following qualifications at NQF Level 6:
  • Diploma in Engineering in Computer Systems.
  • Diploma in Information Technology.
  • National Diploma in Information Technology.
  • National Diploma in Financial Information Systems.
  • Advanced Certificate in Systems Engineering.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This Qualification articulates vertically with the following qualifications at NQF Level 7:
  • Bachelor of Information Technology.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Information and Technology Management.
  • Bachelor of Business Information Systems. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • All formal formative and summative assessments at exit level are both internally and externally moderated according to the policy of the institution.
  • A continuous, outcomes based assessment model is embraced.
  • External assessors and/or moderators are appointed to validate the learners' examination and final assessments.
  • The Examinations Committee is the final decision making body that is responsible for the promotion of learners and the awarding of results.
  • Internal faculty members will be used as assessors and/or moderators in a manner that fits into the quality management system and accords with the institution's teaching and learning and assessment and moderation policies.
  • A system of workplace assessment might be initiated for certain courses in the Diploma, i.e., experiential learning which will necessitate the appointment of outside persons. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All assessors and moderators (internal and external) must be proficient in the declarative and propositional knowledge content of the programme and the associated occupational field and sub-fields of practice.

    Assessors and moderators (whether internal or external) must have a clear understanding of applying critical benchmarks and assessment practices to higher education learning outcomes, as well as have a clear understanding of current good practice standards in the related occupational contexts, in order to make valid assessment or moderation judgments about learner proficiency and in order to provide validation of, and evaluate, the learning programme.

    The minimum requirement for appointment as an internal faculty member and/or external assessor and/or moderator for the Diploma in Systems Development is a relevant NQF Level 7 qualification and appropriate experience. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus 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.