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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97343  Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Applications Development 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
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:
The purpose of the qualification is to provide a career-focused professional qualification featuring industry-referenced skills transfer with regard to knowledge skills, technological competencies, and attitudinal skills. A learner will be knowledgeable and competent in the discourse and practice of the (Information and Communications Technology) ICT discipline; but will also have specialist knowledge of a particular sub-discipline of ICT; and will be subject to a range of professional and personal development initiatives relevant to the ICT industry and lifelong learning respectively.

The knowledge area emphasises general principles and applications. Further the qualification will develop learners who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.

A qualifying learner will have proficient knowledge of the ICT industry in general and will have specialised knowledge that will enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

Rationale:
This qualification is a Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Applications Development, which has been "curriculated" according to the new HEQSF document as well as to incorporate the latest ICT industry requirements.

It was formulated with input from all the Universities of Technology as a combined qualification that can be shared between the Universities, creating consistency across the whole of South Africa.

The qualification has also been formulated to reflect the latest workplace-based needs of the ICT industry, so as to ensure that qualifying learners will have accessibility to employment within the industry.

The qualification provides the learner with the flexibility to articulate within the ICT industry into a wide variety of specialisations and to operate in other industries where ICT is a key component.

The Applications Development area of specialisation (as one of seven) was established through extensive research, international comparisons and national discourse involving the ICT industry and the academic institutions within the Higher Education Information and Communication Technology Association (HEICTA) consortium. This specialisation expands the purpose of the qualification by enabling a learner to conceptualise, design, implement and test application development solutions so as to address industry-related ICT initiatives.

The objective of the qualification is to satisfy the industry needs, locally, regionally and nationally for ICT with specific reference to the area of Applications Development. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Students that do not meet the minimum criteria may apply for access into the qualification through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Students will follow the institutional RPL procedures.

Entry Requirements:
Admission to this qualification is either:
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access for Diploma studies.
    Or
  • A Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • A National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Applications Development Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
  • Communications Networks Foundation 1, 20 Credits.
  • Multimedia Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
  • ICT Fundamentals 1, 15 Credits.
  • Project 1, 10 Credits.
  • Professional Communications 1, 10 Credits.
  • Business Practice 1, 10 Credits.
  • Programming 1, 15 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6, 180 Credits:
  • Project 2, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems 2, 10 Credits.
  • Professional Communication 2, 10 Credits.
  • ICT electives 2, 10 Credits.
  • Project 3, 20 Credits.
  • Information Systems 3, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Practice 3, 10 Credits.
  • Application Development Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Network Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
  • Multimedia Applications Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
  • Applications Development Theory 2, 10 Credits.
  • Applications Development Practice 2, 20 Credits.
  • Information Management 2, 15 Credits.
  • ICT electives, 10 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, 60 Credits:
  • Applications Development Theory 3, 20 Credits.
  • Applications Development Practice 3, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management 3, 15 Credits.
  • Project Presentation 3, 5 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Create and modify general computer applications software or specialised utility programs for stand alone and distributed environments including the web environment.
    2. Communicate conceptual information effectively in the digital medium.
    3. Design multimedia elements according to aesthetic and technology design principles for use in integrated multimedia presentations and applications.
    4. Develop multimedia presentations and applications integrating various multimedia elements on a given platform.
    5. Employ a variety of multimedia technologies according to protocols and standards.
    6. Develop software application tools and software design techniques and methodologies utilising modern computer and network equipment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • The increasing role of interactive systems in computing and systems design is described.
  • Input and output in systems are designed according to specification.
  • Different interaction styles are explored and their advantages and disadvantages are critically evaluated.
  • The role of direct manipulation in interacting with current computer systems is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • The principles and requirements of secure communications are discussed.
  • The use of Public and Private Key Cryptography in secure communications are described and contrasted.
  • The role of (Information and Communications Technology) ICT and its ethical conduct in modern business environments is analysed.
  • Key elements of a database language are described and how these are used to manipulate data in a database is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • The fundamental requirements of a successful distributed multimedia system are described.
  • How distributed multimedia systems might be designed.
  • Implemented are discussed, the major problems that are involved in operating and inter-operating distributed multimedia systems are highlighted.
  • The fundamentals of a range of multimedia technologies and systems are identified and explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Knowledge and application of current technical concepts and practices in the ICT industry is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of security concepts applicable to the ICT industry in general is demonstrated.
  • Collaboration is applied in teams to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation in ICT projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Problems are solved and creativity in the application of ICT concepts is demonstrated.
  • Data requirements which are most appropriate to given application problems are evaluated and considered.
  • An understanding of best practices and standards in the area of specialisation is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Computer programmes are developed to demonstrate the ability to store, locate and retrieve information from different data sources.
  • A suitable, secure software solution based on a given scenario is deployed and an understanding of system's architectures is demonstrated.
  • A secure network in a lab environment is implemented and deployed ensuring that networking standards are maintained.
  • An appreciation of modern technologies is developed and technologies are integrated into existing and new communication networks.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will incorporate the following assessment approaches: written and practical tests, portfolio assessment and assignments/projects (individual and team), within a continuous assessment model, to assess the learning that has taken place.

    Underpinning the assessment strategy is not only the evaluation of knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective but a particular emphasis on evaluating the application of learning in the 'world of work' or working environment, through the various modalities of work integrated learning.

    Learners enrolled for this diploma will be required to register for a project based offering at each year level, i.e. year one, two and three, of the qualification. This project based subject or module offering is intended to provide students with an opportunity to integrate learning across each year of the curriculum and deliver an integrated project consistent with industry practice within a particular specialisation.

    Within Applications Development specialisation of the Diploma, the project based offering will focus on:
  • Constructing portfolio evidence (paper-based or electronic), which will not only reflect work done at this level but also serve as a device for recording professional exposure (First year level).
  • Towards "World of Work" or Industry exposure and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards achieving the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes (Second year level).
  • Towards Professional Practice and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards obtaining the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification's curriculum development process made use of the published guidelines by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (www.acm.org). ACM is widely recognised as the premier membership organisation for computing professionals, delivering resources that advance computing as a science and a profession; enable professional development; and promote policies and research that benefit society. The ACM represents the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. This was supported by member visits to UK and North American institutions in order to benchmark the curriculum. This qualification is therefore similar in both intent and content as other qualifications internationally, but also qualitatively responding to the local industry context.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with international qualifications quality assured by the ACM. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification articulates horizontally to:
  • Advanced Certificate in Information Technology at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration at NQF Level 6.

    Vertically, articulate to:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Information Technology in Business Systems at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.