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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Software and Media Application 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104959  Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Software and Media Application 
ORIGINATOR
University of the Western Cape 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  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  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 is a Postgraduate specialisation qualification that serves to consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in Software, Data Analysis and Logistics. It prepares individuals to design and manage the construction of databases and related software programmes and applications, including the linking of individual data sets to create complex searchable databases and the use of data in analytical search and design tools that includes formatting and extraction; data delivery; index design; implementation problems; planning and budgeting; and client and networking issues. Besides providing the students with a solid grounding in the academic theory underpinning the main concepts of the field of Information Technology, the curriculum includes a significant experiential component, culminating in an industry project, which forms part of the final assessment.

Rationale:
The concept of Big Data has been around for years, it is only in the recent past that organisations have begun to realise and understand that they can productively utilise the volumes of information they have access to (and to use these data sets to) develop the required software and use it understand trends and insights. However, in order to optimize these insights, the analysis and interpretation of data in industries are required to create larger pools of skilled talent. Develop the necessary skilled human capital in the field of software development data analytics and business intelligence to fulfil in the talent shortage that is currently experienced in the South African market, to help ensure that the country can effectively compete in this area. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Access to the qualification can also be provided in terms of the university's RPL policy and its admission criteria stipulated by Senate. The RPL process students have to undergo a Portfolio Development Course to support (PDC) the student's admission. The PDC will focus on written submission explaining the reasons for the candidates' interest in in the discipline as an adjunct to their existing professional competencies and indicating the nature of a possible research project. In addition, an application can be made in terms of rule A.2. The competency rule via Senate.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
Bachelor's Degree with an average of 55% for exit level modules in the areas of Information Systems, Business Management, Computer Science or Statistics plus one of:
  • Information Systems or Computer Science or Statistics at the 2nd year level.
  • Bachelor's Degree (or equivalent) with two years relevant working experience. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Core Modules:
  • Decision-making in Business, Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Data Management, Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Data Warehousing and Data Structure, Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Research Project, Level 8, 30 Credits.
  • Analytics and Business Intelligence, Level 8, 15 Credits.

    Select 2 from:
  • Statistics and Visualisation, Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Data Mining, Level 8, 15 Credits.
    Or
  • Fundamentals of E-logistics, Level 8, 15 Credits.
  • Data and Decision making in Supply chain and logistics, Level 8, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse user's needs then designed, tested and developed software to meet these needs.
    2. Create a variety of models and diagrams (flowcharts etc that guides programmers how to write the code).
    3. Provide the broad understanding of master data management, i.e. the software strategies, process, tools, standards, definitions, and management of data for ease of use and reference within the organisation.
    4. Design, develop and update business intelligence applications via software applications.
    5. Visualise, analyse and interpret data using appropriate statistical techniques.
    6. Use and apply business intelligence and analytics in solving identified business challenges.
    7. Apply data-mining package to visualise and explore data patterns for basic predictive modelling.
    8. Apply the theoretical knowledge in terms of the software development, structuring, managing and analytical manipulation of data via real-world projects in a public or private company.
    9. Use and apply business intelligence and analytics in solving identified logistics business challenges.
    10. Provide the broad understanding and master data management, i.e. the strategies, process, tools, standards, definitions, and management of data for ease of use and reference within logistics organisations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
  • Apply the design features and methodologies used to develop business computing software systems.
  • Understanding of Network topologies, classifications and protocols.
  • Apply network management tools correctly and efficiently.
  • Provide example in ways in which the Information Technology (IT) environment can be management.
  • Create a data an and information strategy.
  • Understand the opportunities and constraints of working with data (incl. social media, online presence, crowdsourcing).
  • Managing data and information projects.
  • Understanding of big data and its management.
  • Evaluate buying and building data management systems.
  • Apply business intelligence applications.
  • Summarize and visualise basic data into summary measures (e.g. mean, median, standard deviation, appropriate graphical displays).
  • Use computer tools and techniques to analyse data.
  • Apply key concepts around Business Intelligence.
  • Apply types of data and software validation to test data and software reliability.
  • Evaluate business data requirements.
  • Engage with clients to define and scope the business need/challenge and/or opportunity.
  • Correctly analyse problems, confirmation and feedback documents from the organisation are presented and documented as a research project.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The University adopted a Continuous Assessment System. Assessments consist of number assessment events throughout the year and a variety of assessment instruments are used (for example, tests, essays, practical reports, project reports and oral presentations).

    The qualification presents opportunities for practical experience in each of the modules and these experiences are integrated in the research project. The research project will be executed and implemented within the "world of work"/business context which will facilitate the integration and application of the theoretical knowledge in a hands-on manner in a real-world situation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with a similar qualification offered at the Carnegie Mellon University Australia. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical articulation:
  • Master's Degree. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.