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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97600  Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (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
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  365  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  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 this qualification is to qualify learners to follow a career in Software Application Development. The outcomes for this qualification were identified as critical to drive a successful career in software development providing competent desktop and mobile application developers in the private and the public sectors. By understanding business processes in the context of business rules, learners will be able to solve business problems and meet business needs through software application development. Learners will be suitably prepared to demonstrate competencies in application development, and to contribute to the economic well-being of their organisation in a responsible manner.

The qualification design supports the logical progression in learning throughout the programme by introducing learners to the foundational and mathematical concepts, theories and fundamental knowledge in the first year to position them to master the more complex skills of analysing, interpreting and developing the principles and theories of desktop software development, mobile application development, cloud computing development and dynamic web development in the context of current IT trends and requirements. The design of the qualification will facilitate critical learning through the exposure to and application of specialised learning areas plus relevant support learning areas to enable the learner to manage the versatile and dynamic context of application development.

This qualification is designed to graduate learners with the ability to think and act strategically and professionally and to contribute meaningfully to the organisations that employ them. The programme design thus facilitates the development of a well-rounded software developer.

Rationale:
In line with the Higher Education Qualification Sub-framework (HEQSF) purpose and characteristics of a Degree, this qualification will provide learners with a thorough theoretical grounding and knowledge base in the key principles of Information Technology (IT), programming, mobile application development across platforms, web development, database design, troubleshooting, testing, connectivity, customisation and project management. Learners will develop meaningful software development acumen grounded in a deep understanding of holistic application programming and development. This qualification has been designed to develop learner abilities to design, implement and manage solution-focused, systemic thinkers who can develop software solutions for any device or platform in the South African economy.

There has been a rapid annual growth in smart phones and tablets, which has resulted in increased demand for mobile applications for these devices. Furthermore, the emergence of Cloud Computing as a technology requires traditional and mobile application as well as web development processes. This qualification addresses both the need for mobile application development and the need for Cloud Computing development on both the server- and the client-side.

In keeping with the purpose of Bachelor's Degrees, this qualification will therefore enable learners to apply a well-rounded strategic knowledge base to professional entry practice across a broad range of enterprise types and industries. Career opportunities for learners of this qualification exist as an:
  • Application Developer for non-mobile platforms.
  • Mobile Application Developer for all mobile platforms.
  • Cloud Computing Developer.
  • Cloud Computing Consultant.
  • Cloud Integrator.
  • Dynamic Web Developer.
  • Database Developer.
  • Data Analyst.
  • Software Development Project Manager.
  • Software Development Program Manager.

    This qualification will prepare learners to continue their software application development studies at HEQSF Level 8 qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior learning. The institution's RPL Policy (IIE010) and its Academic Credit and Qualification Completion Policy (IIE004) guide this process.

    Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning will be assessed in the RPL process.

    All RPL submissions are managed by an academic committee under the supervision of the Academic Manager and Registrar.

    The minimum entrance requirement for admission to the Bachelor of Computer Science Application is as follows:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement.
    Or
  • Any other NQF Level 4 qualification or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 365 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5, 109 Credits:
  • Programming 1A, 20 Credits.
  • Programming Logic and Design, 10 Credits.
  • Database (Introduction), 15 Credits.
  • Applied Communication Techniques, 9 Credits.
  • Mathematical Principles for Developers, 15 Credits.
  • Digital Law and Ethics, 5 Credits.
  • Web Development, 10 Credits.
  • Systems Analysis, 15 Credits.
  • Network Engineering 1A, 10 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6, 136 Credits:
  • Programming 1B, 15 Credits.
  • Database (Intermediate), 12 Credits.
  • Programming 2A, 20 Credits.
  • Cloud Development A, 15 Credits.
  • IT Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Programming 2B, 15 Credits.
  • Cloud Development B, 15 Credits.
  • Software Quality and Testing, 14 Credits.
  • Advanced Databases, 15 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7, 120 Credits:
  • Application Development Security, 15 Credits.
  • Open Source Coding (Introduction), 15 Credits.
  • Open Source Coding (Intermediate), 15 Credits.
  • Programming 3A, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
  • Programming 3B, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced IT Management, 20 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply key theories in the design and development of software applications.
    2. Provide ethical and professional software solutions.
    3. Design software applications on a variety of platforms.
    4. Communicate effectively and professionally as a member of a software design and development team.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to conduct research related to IT programming and Cloud Computing. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Mathematical theories to software application design and development are applied.
  • The development process is evaluated by applying logical thinking to software application design and development.
  • The theoretical foundations and principles of best practice in the development of application software is critically examined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Legal practices and ethical strategies for a variety of software application solutions are identified.
  • Software application solutions that are ethical and appropriate for a specific context are designed.
  • Software application solutions for a variety of purposes are provided.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The network, hardware, software and audience requirements are identified during the software application conceptualisation process based on theoretical concepts.
  • Requirements and limitations to software application solutions for different platforms are applied.
  • An understanding of appropriate User Experience Design in the context of software application design and development is demonstrated.
  • The development process is analysed in order to design and develop software solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • A high group dynamic intelligence is displayed.
  • Team members and external stakeholders are professionally engaged with.
  • The strategies and design elements of a software application in the context of design thinking and software development are debated upon.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Various research techniques to analyse and design effective solutions for IT problems in the programming and cloud computing contexts are explored.
  • Research on topics related to programming and cloud computing using a research method appropriate to the topic is conducted.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

    Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve:
  • An integration of the achievement of Exit Level Outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
  • The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.
  • Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the students and which can be applied in the recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Comparability was done with countries that operate on the basis of an NQF, that include the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand and comparison was thus done with the use of qualifications from those countries for application software design and development.

    This analysis indicates that there is strong international precedent for a degree that focuses on application software design and development. In the United Kingdom, for example, the BSc (Hons) Business Information Technology qualification is offered that focuses on database design, systems analysis and e-business development, as well as the personal and business skills required in all modern IT environments. Furthermore, the qualification is highly sort after by employers because it gives a combination of academic, practical and technical skills that learners will acquire upon completion of study. This qualification is also similar with modular content with the current qualification with a research component and with the purpose.

    Australia's universities have responded strongly to the aforementioned international trends in computer science and application development. For example, the Bachelor of Information Technology qualification contains a strong application software design and development components. The qualification will develop an understanding of the fundamental knowledge and skills that underpin a career as an IT professional handling information technology and digital capability at the enterprise level within organisations but also as professionals leading technological transformation in all sectors of the community.

    The qualification covers IT and its applications in areas such as security, interactive media, computer games, gaming, programming, and cloud computing. Furthermore, the qualification enables learners to gain experience constructing IT solutions to real-world problems in a variety of fields and disciplines, whilst gaining a theoretical understanding and the experience necessary to enable graduates to keep abreast of this rapidly changing field. The qualification also includes an internship component which provides professional work experience with an approved host organisation. Learners may also have the opportunity to work on commercial/real-world products, thereby gaining experience in entrepreneurship, and business skills around software production and publishing.

    New Zealand universities have similarly been responsive to the international demands for software development Degrees, such as the Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences (Software Development major) which presents modules in programming, mathematical concepts, IT project management, software development practice, and database design. Learners studying the qualification will develop a technical understanding of computer hardware and software, the ability to develop high-quality computing solutions and an appreciation of what it takes to be a professional in this thriving industry. This qualification is backed by a high-profile industry advisory committee to ensure that what is learnt meets industry needs. The qualification is similar with the current one with duration and also with the research component that the learner will do as part of the study. In addition, there is also similarity with the structure with the current one.

    Conclusion:
    The Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Application Development has a high level of similarity in structure and design with the qualifications referred to above in the leading countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally and vertically as follows:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences in Game Design and Development, at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Computer and Information Sciences Honours, at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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. The Independent Institute of Education (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.