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SAQA 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: 

Diploma in Information and Communications Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122510  Diploma in Information and Communications Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Berea College of Technology (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
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
Registered  EXCO 0525/24  2024-07-11  2027-07-11 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-07-11   2033-07-11  

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 Diploma in Information and Communications Technology is to provide theoretical and professional skills to enable a graduate to conceptualise, design, implement and test software solutions to address industry and societal challenges.

Recent developments within the South African labour market inspire this qualification. With a huge deficit of Information Communication Technology (ICT) skills, the country faces a human resources crisis if the problem is not addressed. The qualification is listed in the Government Gazette as Occupation in Demand. These include Information Technology Managers, data scientists, software developers, network analysts, and cyber security specialists. The importance of software development skills in a developing economy such as South Africa cannot be underestimated. It is thus crucial to develop academic qualifications that address this pressing need.

The world is changing owing to the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), and the Information Technology (IT) profession is no exception. The 4IR puts a significant demand on highly specialised IT skills, And the qualification is designed to respond to these demands.

Qualifying learners will be able to
  • Effectively analyze business processes and provide software solutions for specific problems.
  • Communicate effectively (orally and in writing) at different relevant levels in an organisation.
  • Apply knowledge in the analysis, design, implementation and testing of software solutions to solve business problems.
  • Examine and apply various tools and techniques for working with different types of business data to provide business solutions.
  • Apply management techniques and industry best practices in the execution, management and Governance of IT projects and processes.

    Rationale:
    South Africa is currently experiencing a huge deficit of ICT-based skills. According to recent findings, the country needs at least 70,000 highly skilled ICT professionals. The report further notes that the declining number of graduates compounds this problem (State of The ICT Sector In South Africa - 2022 Report). In 2022, the government published the National List of Occupations in High Demand, a comprehensive list of critical skills in short supply. The Government Gazette highlights the need for ICT talent ranging from data scientists and software developers to network analysts and cyber security specialists. The qualification was designed to address the critical shortage.

    The design of the qualification has considered the need for learners to have skills comparable with their peers worldwide. The qualification design process referenced the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curriculum. In addition, the qualification has also considered the joint reports of the ACM and the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE Computer Society). Over the past decade, these institutions have become the 'de facto' standard for IT curriculum models and contain undergraduate curriculum design recommendations which were considered during the development of this IT qualification.

    The World Economic Forum believes that building the right talent for the digital world of the future is a key component if the ICT skills shortage is to be overcome.
    Every profession in the world is changing owing to 4IR, and the IT profession is no exception. The 4IR puts a significant demand on highly specialised IT skills.

    The qualification also serves as a platform for entry into postgraduate studies, thereby contributing to the national development goals to increase the number of postgraduates in South Africa and access to postgraduate qualifications for the previously disadvantaged communities. 
    		•

    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:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Fundamentals of Computer Programming, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Computer Networks, 15 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 15 Credits.
  • Emerging technologies for the 4th Industrial Revolution, 15 Credits.
  • Object-Oriented Programming, 15 Credits.
  • Scaling Networks, 15 Credits.
  • Discrete Mathematics, 15 Credits.
  • Web Technologies, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • IT Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Principles of Databases 201, 15 Credits.
  • Principles of Databases 202, 15 Credits.
  • Applications Development 201, 15 Credits.
  • Applications Development 202, 15 Credits.
  • Computer and information security, 15 Credits.
  • Business Analysis, 15 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Cloud Computing, 15 Credits.
  • Applications of Data Science, 15 Credits.
  • Cloud Computing 300, 15 Credits.
  • Software Development Project, 15 Credits.
  • Design thinking, 15 Credits.
  • Machine Learning, 15 Credits.
  • IT Governance and compliance, 15 Credits.
  • Work-integrated Learning, 15 Credits.
  • Software Testing, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to effectively analyse business processes and provide software solutions for specific problems.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing at different relevant levels in an organisation.
    3. Demonstrate knowledge in the analysis, design, implementation, and testing of software solutions to solve business problems.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of various tools and techniques for working with different types of business data to provide business solutions.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to apply management techniques and industry best practices in the execution, management and governance of IT projects and processes.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge of the development, implementation, administration and management of distributed IT resources and services.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical techniques to plan and identify the structure for documenting a business case.
    8. Demonstrate a practical understanding of the concepts of Modelling and Categorising and apply them in documenting system requirements. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Effectively analyse business processes and provide software solutions for specific problems.
  • Develop tailor-made software solutions to address specific business requirements.
  • Analyse software development methodologies and apply them in development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Discuss communication processes including communication models, intercultural communications, and the levels of communication in the organisation to enhance the importance of effective communication in an organisational context.
  • Explain formal and informal communication structures relevant to a business environment.
  • Discuss the concept of groups and conflict in groups from a communication perspective to assess the impact of group dynamics on the effective functioning of business.
  • Examine the role of technology in ethical business communication to maintain ethical business practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Integrate different IT technologies to solve business and societal challenges.
  • Apply programming techniques and algorithms to solve complex problems.
  • Apply software testing techniques to ensure software quality.
  • Analyse and apply user interface design principles in the development of computer applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse current trends in big data handling.
  • Explore and apply data science to business applications.
  • Design, develop and implement database solutions for business applications.
  • Develop applications that integrate the techniques and practices from application development and database technologies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluate information security concepts.
  • Analyse concepts of information systems security, policies, principles, and security models.
  • Discuss best practices in the management and governance of computer systems and processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Design, implement, and manage computer networks.
  • Apply knowledge on the storage, processing and management of data and other resources on cloud platforms in solving software development problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Discuss the information systems requirements, specifications, and strategy information flow models to plan and document the business case.
  • Develop a business case by applying problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical techniques to generate effective reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Apply concepts of modelling to enhance documentation of system requirements.
  • Recognise and examine modelling types and techniques to gain an understanding of the applicability of each technique to the project being worked on.
  • Categorise fundamentals of various schemes and associated roles and responsibilities involved with different categories to determine the effective application in documenting system requirements.
  • Identify the need for categorising the requirement to determine the level of detail a requirement gathering to be adopted.
  • Review different categorisation schemes to understand the situation where each scheme of categorisation may work.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    This qualification uses the following assessment strategies namely summative and formative strategies. Several assessment techniques and instruments are used to ensure appropriate learning and evaluation. The qualifications require continuous assessment, practical assessment, and external written examinations by relevant accreditation authorities.

    Formative Assessment:
  • Mid-semester assessment.
  • One assignment or project.
  • One class written test.
  • Constructive classroom activities.
  • Attendance.

    Summative Assessment:
  • One final written examination
  • Class Test
  • Written Assignment/ Projects
  • Mid-Year Written Examination
  • Final Mark:
  • 40% of the formative assessment mark and 60% of the written examination are combined to produce the final total. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African qualification has been compared with similar qualifications offered in the following countries.

    County: Australia
    Institution: Australian Institute of ICT
    Qualification Title: Diploma of Information Technology (Back End Web Development)
    Duration:18 months
    Entry requirements:
    Aspiring applicants require a formal qualification in web design, digital media, digital design, and other related sectors.

    Purpose:
    The qualification is intended for learners who have a passion for creativity and desire a career in a fluid and ever-changing industry. The qualification will provide foundational skills for aspiring web and application developers to create websites and applications for organisations to leverage opportunities in e-commerce and the rapid shift towards digital engagement with customers.

    Learners will develop complex web page layouts, design digital applications, build dynamic websites and applications and integrate them with databases, apply cyber security principles and develop website information architecture.

    Qualification structure
  • Build a document using extensible markup language.
  • Match ICT needs with the strategic direction of the organisation comparable to IT Governance and compliance.
  • Develop complex web page layouts.
  • Build dynamic websites comparable to Principles of Databases.
  • Design databases comparable to Principles of Databases
  • Integrate databases with websites comparable to Principles of Databases.
  • Manage client problems.
  • Create web-based programs comparable to Web Technologies
  • Promote workplace cyber security awareness and best practices comparable to Computer and information security.
  • Originate and develop concepts.
  • Research and apply emerging web technology trends comparable to Web Technologies
  • Create and develop REST APIs
  • Website design principles comparable to Web Technologies
  • Create data-driven web applications comparable to Applications Development.
  • Create and customise web-based programs comparable to Web Technologies.
  • Develop complex websites.
  • Databases comparable to Principles of Databases
  • Web development comparable to Applications Development
  • Computer security comparable to Computer and information security
  • Business analysis comparable to Business Analysis

    Similarities
  • The South African (SA) and the Australian Institute of ICT (AIICT) qualifications require learners who hold a formal qualification in IT-related fields.
  • Both qualifications will equip learners with the necessary skills to design and implement engaging user interfaces and leverage emerging web technologies.
  • Both qualifications are suitable for individuals who have a passion for web development and want to gain advanced skills and knowledge in this field.

    Differences:
  • The Australian qualification does not include key aspects such as data science and cloud computing. These two aspects are strongly connected to software development. Data science gives learners the advantage of working with big data to extract insights. This skill is crucial in today's world. On the other hand, cloud computing equips learners with the ability to work and manage distributed resources. Most companies have migrated both their data and applications to the cloud. It is therefore imperative to include cloud computing in the curriculum.
  • The SA qualification is offered over three years of full-time study while the Australian qualification takes 18 months full-time to complete.

    County: Canada
    Institution: Georgian College
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Computer Programming
    Duration: 24 months
    Entry requirements:
  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma, (OSSD) or equivalent with
  • Grade 12 English (C or U)
  • Any Grade 12 Mathematics (C or U)

    Purpose:
    In this qualification, the focus is on computer programming, web development, and designing data-driven systems. The qualification will teach learners how to write code in a variety of programming languages such as Arduino, ASP.NET, C#, Java, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PHP and Swift. Learners gain experience developing software for diverse platforms including embedded systems, desktop, mobile and mainframe systems. With a strong emphasis on business and entrepreneurial values, learners gain experience in problem-solving, troubleshooting and system building through a series of applied assignments, projects, and co-op work terms.

    Learning Outcomes
    On completion of the qualification, graduates will demonstrate the ability to:
  • Identify, analyse, develop, implement, verify, and document the requirements for a computing environment.
  • Contribute to the diagnostics, troubleshooting, documenting, and monitoring of technical problems using appropriate methodologies and tools.
  • Implement and maintain secure computing environments.
  • Implement robust computing system solutions through validation testing that aligns with industry best practices.
  • Communicate and collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure effective working relationships.
  • Select and apply strategies for personal and professional development to enhance work performance.
  • Apply project management principles and tools when working on projects within a computing environment.
  • Adhere to ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements and/or principles in the development and management of computing solutions and systems.
  • Support the analysis and definition of software system specifications based on functional and non-functional requirements.
  • Contribute to the development, documentation, implementation, maintenance, and testing of software systems by using industry-standard software development methodologies based on defined specifications and existing technologies/frameworks.
  • Apply one or more programming paradigms such as object-oriented, structured, or functional programming, and design principles, as well as documented requirements, to the software development process.
  • Model, design, implement, and maintain basic data storage solutions.
  • Contribute to the integration of network communications into software solutions by adhering to protocol standards.
  • Describe technologies and techniques that can be used to reduce the impact of information technology on the environment.
  • Apply basic entrepreneurial strategies to identify and respond to new opportunities.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of 18 compulsory modules including:
  • 2 Communications Courses
  • 1 Program Option Course
  • 3 General Education Courses
  • 1 Co-op Work Term comparable to Work Integrated Learning.
  • HTML, CSS, and JS Fundamentals
  • Programming Fundamentals comparable to Object-Oriented Programming
  • Networking Essentials comparable to Introduction to Computer Networks
  • Internet of Things using Arduino
  • Math for the Computer Industry comparable to Discrete Mathematics
  • Introduction to Web Programming using PHP comparable to Object-Oriented Programming
  • Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming using Java comparable to Object-Oriented Programming
  • .NET Programming using C# comparable to Object-Oriented Programming
  • Relational Database comparable to Principles of Databases
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship
  • The Mainframe Environment
  • Advanced Object-Oriented Programming using Java comparable to Object-Oriented Programming
  • Client-Side JavaScript
  • Server-side scripting using ASP.NET.
  • Advanced Databases comparable to Principles of Databases
  • JavaScript Frameworks
  • Databases comparable to Principles of Databases
  • Object-oriented programming comparable to Object-Oriented Programming and Fundamentals of Computer Programming
  • Computer networks comparable to Introduction to Computer Networks
  • Web development using PHP comparable to Web Technologies
  • Computer security comparable to Computer and information security

    Similarities
  • The South African (SA) and the Georgian College (GC) qualifications require learners who completed the Secondary School Diploma with Grade 12.
  • Both qualifications are suited to fulfil a wide range of entry-level roles related to the ICT industry. Graduates could find themselves working independently or as a member of a team to analyze, design, enhance, and maintain software applications, on a variety of platforms including desktop, mobile, web, and mainframe systems.
  • Graduates may be employed in related fields, including systems analysis, business analysis, database design and management, computer operations, web development, and mobile application development.

    Differences:
  • The GC qualification is offered over two years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.
  • The GC qualification does not include data science, machine learning and cloud computing whereas the SA qualification incorporates these skills from the second year of study upwards. In essence, the SA qualification emphasizes the importance of cloud computing due to its massive adoption within the South African context. Data science and machine learning form part of our offering due to the skills demand of the fourth industrial revolution. Due to the rapid changes and technological advancements, it is imperative to have this futuristic view when designing a curriculum. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • Diploma in Computer Science, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Computer Systems Engineering, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Computer Networking, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Information Technology, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Information Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Information Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Information Technology Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation
    There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. 
    		•

    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. Berea College of Technology (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.