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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Information Technology in Communication Networks 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115214  Diploma in Information Technology in Communication Networks 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
16169  National Diploma: Information Technology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  360  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
A qualifying learner at this level is competent in the development of IT systems in a distributed computing environment, after specialising the following field:
  • Communication Networks.
  • Design, development, implementation and management of networks by integrating the knowledge of modern network topologies and protocols to create an appropriate and adequate environment of communication and information sharing.

    Rationale:
    The rationale of the qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The qualification will implement RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate without endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level totalling 360 Credits. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and design software solutions to industry-related Information Technology problems.
    2.Utilise the required technical skills to effectively implement the designed solutions in a distributed Information Technology environment.
    3. Utilise the required technical skill to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
    4. Utilise business and management skills to bridge the gap between the Information Technology discipline and the business functional areas in the industry.
    5. Use hardware to its full potential and understand the technical operation of hardware and to control it on a low level.
    6. Provide support services.
    7. Apply modern analysis and design techniques and methodologies in the development of Information Technology software systems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and design the integration of multi-platform environments.
  • Design database structures to support Information Technology business systems.
  • Analyse Business, to provide solutions for specific problems.
  • Apply user interface design principles.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply the appropriate software programming language and development environments to implement designed Information Technology solutions.
  • Implement software solutions in a client/server environment.
  • Integrate multi-platform environments.
  • Design and implement a local area network in a multi-platform environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Design and implement Internet solutions in a client-server environment.
  • Demonstrate the mastering of business skills for effective application of technical skills in an Information Technology business environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply management techniques to utilise Information Technology resources (workforce and other) effectively.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of hardware.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of digital electronics used in a computer system.
  • Implement low-level programming to control embedded systems.
  • Provide technical applications in a multi-platform environment.
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the management of a call centre.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Demonstrate a thorough understanding of human-computer interfaces.
  • Apply modern analysis and design techniques and methodologies in the development of Information Technology software systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Integrate multi-platform environments effectively.
  • Design database structures to support Information Technology business systems.
  • Provide solutions for specific business situations.
  • Apply user interface design principles.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Written examination.
  • Continuous evaluation.
  • Integrated assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is comparable. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • A cognate Diploma, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.