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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: |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 111271 | Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) | ||||
| 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 | 2019-09-09 | 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:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science is to further develop knowledge and skills gained in the undergraduate Computer Science qualifications. It aims to prepare learners for work place that requires specialised knowledge and computational problem solving skills set. Additionally, it aims to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Computer Science, thereby laying a foundation for conducting research at Master's and Doctoral levels. A learner of this qualification will be able to engage in self-directed learning and demonstrate intellectual independence and analytic rigour. To achieve this purpose, the modules in the qualification are aligned to the qualification Exit Level Outcomes as follows: Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learners would be able to implement and recommend solutions to Information and Communications Technology (ICT) problems, thereby assisting in strengthening the country's economy. With the ever-increasing speed of technology change, especially in virtual reality and interactive environments, the shortage of developers for these new technologies will become a major problem in the Information Technology (IT) industry in South Africa. The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science is to inculcate a deep and systematic understanding of the current theories, practices and methodologies in Computer Science and Software Engineering as well as lay the foundation for research practices. This qualification aims to develop learners' ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practical problems and tasks that were introduced at Advanced Diploma level. Upon successful completion of the qualification, the graduates would be able to implement and recommend solutions to ICT problems resulting in various domains. On completion of this qualification, learners will be able to provide the needed knowledge and skills to function as a computer systems developer, or assist with systems integrations, within any organisation, as all organisations require Information Technology to further itself. This includes the research, identification, analysis, and design; propose expansion, testing, maintenance and deployment of organisational IT systems to aid innovation, and for betterment of organisational responsiveness, effectiveness and/or efficiency, which improves the social and economic stance of the country. Rationale: With rapidly changing technology associated with mobile and communication devices, the shortage of software engineers for these new technologies is becoming a major problem in the IT industry in South Africa. The Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science will provide these software engineers the ability to develop solutions to specialised computer science problems. This qualification is aimed at learners who have completed the Advanced Diploma in Computer Science and provides articulation into a Master's in Computing. According to industry reports, web and mobile device software engineers are already in great demand, and this will exponentially increase in the future. Learners with this qualification would be able to help companies, specialising in providing web and mobile device solutions, to improve its competitive advantage through the application of the acquired theoretical and practical knowledge, thus increasing the profits of the organisation and improving the economic stance of the country. The demand from employers for learners capable of working effectively in an IT sector continues to grow, as does their demand for technical skills and expertise. This Postgraduate Diploma aims to provide the necessary skills and depth of knowledge to ensure that learners remain attractive to relevant employment markets. The qualification is a combination of Exit Level Outcomes that has the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with workplace applicable competencies. This qualification will build on the intermediate foundation provided by the Advanced Diploma in Computer Science and will equip the learners for any future learning endeavours in Mobile and Web Application Development in particular, and in Software Engineering, in general. The learners will be equipped with the necessary skills to apply for several more-senior job positions in demand in the ICT industry. To add to the learner's body of knowledge, elective modules are offered. The purpose of electives provides the learner the freedom to pursue interests that may lie outside their majors and that extend beyond those addressed in the general Curriculum. It also strengthens the realistic approach to curriculum design and understanding where a broader sense of contextual and conceptual knowledge of the discipline is employed. The design of this qualification was informed by the curriculation guidelines provided by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and other Universities and Universities of Technologies in the country. The Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Science qualification is therefore aligned to international best practices. The rational for re-curriculating the qualification is to meet the ever changing demands of the organisation environment and comply with the skills shortages encountered in the local and global economy. This qualification will provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary and relevant to provide computing-based solutions to address the problems that are important to the society and the economy. The emphasis of this qualification is to prepare learners to provide reflection and knowledge using a systematic approach to implement and recommend solutions to more specialised software engineering-oriented computer science problems. On completion of this qualification, the learner will show intellectual independence, and will be able to relate knowledge in a range of software engineering topics in order to undertake professional or highly skilled work in a computer science environment. This Postgraduate Diploma will contribute to the never-ending demand on more specialised computer scientists and software engineers required by the IT industry in this country. Learners with this qualification will be able to advise IT companies, specialising in various application domains, improve its competitive advantage through the application of the acquired theoretical, practical knowledge. Research is a strong component of this qualification because learners must first complete a module in research methods and then conduct an individual research project under the supervision of members of staff. The skills acquired in learning how to do research - critical thinking, written and oral presentation skills, collation and analysis of large amounts of new information, and the actual conducting of research - are invaluable in industry. In acquiring these research skills learners can assist the organisations in achieving its objectives and subsequently improving the economic stance of the country. The graduates will possess the necessary knowledge and skills to work in various capacities in software and other IT related industry. For example, the learners can work as system engineer and systems integration specialist. The flied of specialisation is supported by allowing the learners to select 3 of the 4 elective modules in the qualification. This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's degree or an Advanced Diploma in Computer Science and allows articulation into the Masters qualification in Computer Science. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The learner can achieve part of the qualification t through the recognition of relevant prior learning which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners who work in the Computer Science industry who believe they possess the appropriate competencies can apply for RPL. The competencies must meet some or all the Exit Level Outcomes listed in the qualification. RPL may also be used to obtain credits for some learning outcomes. Learners need to submit a portfolio of evidence to achieve credits through the RPL process. The evidence presented in the Portfolio will be assessed against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. The evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes should meet the following principles: the currency of evidence, the sufficiency of the evidence, the validity of evidence and authenticity of the evidence. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules NQF Level 8, 75 Credits: Elective Modules, 45 Credits (Choose three): |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Design models and implement simulations of real or theoretical systems.
2. Employ data analytic techniques in decision making. 3. Employ methodological and technological fundamentals in Ontological Engineering and the Semantic Web domain. 4. Apply formal logic in the context of software engineering. 5. Design and implement algorithms commonly used in problem-solving, and analyse their computational complexity. 6. Apply appropriate research methodology for conducting applied research. 7. Apply new technologies in the design and implementation of software systems. 8. Demonstrate integration of knowledge acquired in the qualification in a research project of limited scope. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Integrated Assessment: Integrated Assessment takes the form of a variety of assessment methods. This includes Summative Assessment in the form of written or oral examinations, and Formative Assessment in the form of problem solving assignments, computer programmes, projects, presentations, case studies, portfolios, log books, documentation, and towards the end of the year, a reflective assessment where learners will complete a single integrated systems project that will incorporate the identification, analysis, designing and development of a real life scenario based in the Computer science environment. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The comparison of the qualification is against the Computer Science Curricula. The curricula were designed by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) under the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). The curricula is the international best practice. The South African qualification is similar to the following international qualifications:
The international qualifications have similar Exit Level Outcomes and Level Descriptors as defined in this qualification. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
| 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. |