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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: |
| Master of Information Technology |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 120803 | Master of Information Technology | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Cape Peninsula University of Technology | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Master's 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 | 180 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 09 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Reregistered | EXCO 0638/26 | 2026-02-02 | 2029-02-02 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2030-02-02 | 2033-02-02 | |||
| 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 Master of Information Technology is to equip learners with specialist and advanced knowledge and practical skills in Information Technology (IT) practice. Learners will develop research methodological knowledge and skills to identify research problems appropriate for solving the research problems in IT. The qualification is offered by research only which will provide learners with an opportunity to engage with the selected project topic in-depth while undertaking their research under the supervision of competent and experienced supervisors. Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to: The qualification will produce graduates who can offer novel and innovative solutions to problems by applying critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and advanced research methods. The qualification is also intended to provide a pathway for further academic progression to the doctoral degree. Rationale: The Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) report 2016-2017 reveals a critical shortage of professional skills in Information Computer Technology (ICT) relative to national needs. There is a paucity of advanced research expertise in many of the new areas of computing such as Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Information Resource Management, Cloud Computing and Computer Networks, Cyber Security, and Internet of Things in South Africa. This is supported by strategic public documents from the government such as the List of Occupations in High Demand 2018 by the Department of Education, and National Scare Skills list 2014, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Report on Skills Supply and Demand in South Africa. Similarly, a survey by the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology of South Africa (SIOPSA) revealed that IT specialists and engineers top the list of skills that are most difficult to find in South Africa. It was also predicted that the need for ICT specialists is bound to increase due to the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution. This situation justifies the need to create opportunities for graduates and professionals to obtain a higher qualification in ICT to engender improvement in the number of ICT experts that are available nationally. The research-based qualification will equip graduates and professionals in the ICT field with the needed intellectual capacity to respond to the emergent developments in the ICT field by using state-of-the-art problem-solving approaches, and research-based inquiries. The qualification will contribute to existing knowledge in ICT management which could reduce the shortage of skills in the IT field and help develop sustainable retention strategies in South Africa. Learners completing this qualification may be legible for registration with the Institute of Information Technology Professionals South Africa (IITPSA) The registration would be beneficial to graduates allowing professional recognition of the degree obtained by the graduates. Qualifying learners will be able to provide professional services to various types of businesses as Systems Analysts, IT Managers, IT Consultants, Security Specialists, Software Development Team Leaders, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Administrators, and Knowledge Managers, or to work as members of ICT project teams. The IT Department hosted an interactive stakeholders' roundtable session in 2018, comprising key actors in the ICT industry, and Alumni of the IT Department. The roundtable session yielded good feedback in terms of suggestions and inputs on aspects that should be emphasised in the curriculum design and conceptualizations of the qualification. The viewpoints and perspectives of these stakeholders have been integrated into the conceptualization of the qualification. This qualification will provide more opportunities for graduates with a Postgraduate Diploma, and Bachelor Honours qualification in IT-related disciplines such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Informatics, and Information Systems who are more interested in research to obtain master's degree qualifications. The qualification will increase the intellectual manpower base of various aspects of computing required to tackle the complex problems in society, government, and industry. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL for access: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or Or Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Demonstrate the ability to apply, integrate and contextualise specialist knowledge and skills in executing the research project In the IT field.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in the specialisation to produce significant insights. 3. Demonstrate command of and the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative research methods for data collection and analysis, techniques, processes, or technologies to complex practical and theoretical problems in IT. 4. Demonstrate the ability to use the resources of academic and professional discourses to communicate and defend substantial ideas which are the products of research or development in the specialisation and use a range of advanced and specialised skills and discourses appropriate to the IT field to communicate with a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge or expertise. 5. Demonstrate the ability to make autonomous ethical decisions which affect knowledge production, or complex organisational or professional issues, and the ability to critically contribute to the development of ethical standards in a specific research study in the IT field. 6. Demonstrate the ability to use a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems in relation to the research project in the IT field and an understanding of the consequences of any solutions or insights generated within a specialised context. |
| 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: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT The assessment in the qualification will be done from three perspectives which are assessment for learning, assessment as learning, and assessment of learning. These perspectives will influence specific scheduled activities and events that learners will participate in during their training for the qualification. The qualification is by full research (dissertation). The assessment utilised is formative and summative. Formative (continuous) assessment practices: Summative (final) assessment practices: The thesis is assessed by the study leader and two external examiners in the research field from another institution with at least a master's degree in the research area. The specific attributes to be assessed as influenced by the exit level outcomes of the qualification are the following: |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| International comparisons were conducted to determine the extent to which qualification and subject structure compare with the master's offerings at peer institutions internationally. The international comparative exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education institutions internationally; the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of programme design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.
The comparison exercise reveals that many countries are in favour of a taught master's approach for a master's degree in the ICT field that combines coursework and a dissertation. Country: Scotland Institution: University of Glasgow Qualification Title: Master of Science (MSc) in Information Technology NQF Level: Scottish Qualifications Framework (SCQF) Level 11 Credits: 180 Duration: 12 months full-time Entry Requirements: Purpose: The Master of Science in Information Technology is an intensive, practically oriented taught postgraduate programme which will equip learners with advanced IT skills. During the qualification, learners will have an opportunity to develop and practice relevant professional and transferrable skills, and to meet and learn from employers about working in the IT industry. Exit Level Outcomes: By the end of the qualification, learners will be able to: Qualification structure: Modes of delivery of the MSc in Information Technology include lectures, seminars and tutorials and allow learners the opportunity to take part in lab, project, and teamwork. The qualification consists of seven compulsory and four elective modules. Learners will undertake a suitable software development project that extends their programming skills and introduces them to collaborative software development while enabling them to integrate relevant skills from their database and software project management courses. Assessment: This qualification is assessed 100% by a dissertation. Learners will submit a dissertation for assessment. Similarities: Differences: Country: New Zealand Institution: University of Auckland Qualification Title: Master of Information Technology (Research) NQF Level: Level 9 on the NZQF Duration: 12, 18 or 24 months depending on the selected option Entry requirements: Purpose: The ICT industry is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world. As a result, there is a huge demand for industry-ready ICT graduates who have the right mix of technical skills and business awareness. The depth of business enterprise and project-based learning sets the qualification apart from other qualifications. During the qualification, learners will complete a 10-week internship where they will work on a real-world project. Learners will acquire advanced, specialist technological skills; gain industry experience in the development and commercialisation of products and services and understand the demands and expectations of a professional workplace. Jobs related to this qualification include Cloud computing specialist, Cybersecurity specialist, Data scientist, Games developer, Network developer and support, Software architect, Software developer and Team manager. On completion of the master's degree, graduates will be able to: Programme structure: The qualification offers three options for learners from different study backgrounds who would like to advance their ICT career. Option One: 120-point masters learners must complete the following: Option Two: 180-point masters learners must complete the following: Option Three: 240-point masters learners must complete the following: Articulation: A person who holds a master's degree achieved to an appropriate standard, that includes a research component, may be considered for admission to a programme of advanced study and/or original research leading to a Doctoral Degree. Similarities: Differences: Country: Malaysia Institution: International Islamic University Malaysia Qualification Title: Master of Information Technology (Research) Duration of Study The qualification is offered via full-time and part-time modes. The full-time programme would normally require one and a half (1.5) years (3 semesters) of study duration and a maximum of 3 years (6 semesters). Entry Requirements: Or Purpose: The Master of Information Technology aims to develop a new breed of professionals who not only can demonstrate mastery at an advanced level of IT Skills but are also competent in charting out strategic decisions as well as improving and upgrading organizational performances. It also aims to produce well-rounded intellectuals and professionals who are committed to the promotion of IT principles and disciplines and are innovative and creative to integrate new ideas with established contemporary knowledge. The qualification orientation is expected to produce a new breed of IT professionals that are capable to understand the rapid technical development in IT and how IT can be instrumental in the growth of their respective organizations. Graduates of the qualification seek positions in government, healthcare, industry, education, and finance, where their technical knowledge and skills, and their understanding of the organizational, social, and cultural contexts make them valuable employees. Exit Level Outcomes: Qualification structure: In the first semester, learners are required to audit two required courses (8 credit hours); Islamic Worldview and Research Methodology. Learners pursuing a qualification that requires a research work component must prepare a comprehensive research proposal that would provide the outline of the research, the research methodology and major references before entering the qualification. In the first semester, learners are required to audit two required courses: ICT Research Methods and Islamic Worldview on ICT and Society. Within six (6) months from the registration date, learners are required to submit their research synopsis proposal which needs to be defended. Learners are also required to present their research progress at a formal Postgraduate Colloquium at different stages of research. Finally, learners shall defend their research in a viva voce and make revisions in accordance with the examiner's reports. Similarities: Differences: Country: Nigeria Institution: The National Open University of Nigeria Qualification Title: Master of Science in Information Technology Duration: One-year full time Entry Requirements: To be admitted for the qualification, a candidate is expected to: Or Purpose: The National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) qualification focuses on the latest technological trends in Information and Communication Technology with a major emphasis on Internet Technologies. The qualification aims at admitting research-oriented graduates of Computer Science and Information Technology into the high echelon of IT professionalism. The qualification is expected to exploit all the web-based resources at NOUN to guide learners into ground-breaking research areas towards concluding their periods of study with an internationally comparable thesis by each learner. The qualification is designed mainly to make the learners up to date with emerging developments in the IT profession. Exit Level Outcomes: At the end of the qualification, graduates should be able to: Qualification structure: Learners pursuing the NOUN qualification must complete at least 35 credits to satisfy the University's regulations. Similarities: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal 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. |
| 1. | Cape Peninsula University of Technology |
| 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. |