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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Multimedia Applications 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96444  Diploma in Information and Communication Technology in Multimedia Applications 
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
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-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma qualification is to provide a career-focused professional qualification featuring industry-referenced skills transfer with regard to knowledge skills, technological competencies, critical cross-field skills and attitudinal skills. A Diploma graduate will be knowledgeable and competent in the discourse and practice of the ICT discipline; but also have specialist knowledge of a particular sub-discipline of ICT; and would have been subject to a range of professional and personal development initiatives relevant to the ICT industry and lifelong learning respectively.

The knowledge area emphasises on general principles and applications. Furthermore, the Diploma will develop learners who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry.

Qualifying learners will have proficient knowledge of the ICT industry in general and will have specialised knowledge in a field of specialisation that will enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

The goal of the Diploma is to satisfy the industry's needs locally, regionally and nationally for ICT with specific reference to the area of Multimedia Applications.

Rationale:
This qualification is a new Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), which has been "Curriculated" according to the new Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) document and to incorporate the latest ICT industry requirements.

It was formulated with input from all Universities of Technology as a combined qualification that can be shared between the Universities, creating consistency across the whole of South Africa.

The qualification has also been formulated such that it reflects the latest workplace-based needs of the ICT industry, to ensure that qualifying learners will have accessibility to be employed within the industry. The qualification may be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, either through Learnerships or by Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The qualification provides learners with the flexibility to articulate within the ICT industry into a wide variety of specialisations and to operate in other industries where ICT is a key component.

The Multimedia Applications area of specialization (as one of seven) was established through extensive research, international benchmarking and national discourse involving the ICT industry and the academic institutions within the HEICTA consortium. This specialization expands the purpose of the qualification by enabling a graduate to design, develop, implement and maintain multimedia solutions for multiple platforms. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners that do not meet the minimum criteria can apply for access into the qualification through the PRL process. Learners will have to provide evidence of any additional courses completed or relevant workplace experience. Learners will follow the institutional RPL procedures and refer to RPL Policy as uploaded for the HEQC online application.

Entry Requirements:
Admission requirements for this qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma studies.
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5 (120 Credits):
  • Applications Development Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
  • Communication Networks Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
  • Multimedia Foundations 1, 20 Credits.
  • ICT Fundamentals 1, 15 Credits.
  • Project 1, 10 Credits.
  • Programming 1, 15 Credits.
  • Business Practice 1, 10 Credits.
  • Professional Communications 1, 10 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6 (180 Credits):
  • Application Development Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
  • Communication Networks Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
  • Multimedia Practice 2, 20 Credits.
  • Multimedia Design 2, 10 Credits.
  • Multimedia Applications Fundamentals 2, 10 Credits.
  • Information Management 2, 15 Credits.
  • Multimedia Technology 2, 10 Credits.
  • Project 2, 15 Credits.
  • Professional Communication 2, 10 Credits.
  • ICT Electives 2, 10 Credits.
  • Project 3, 20 Credits.
  • Information Systems 3, 20 Credits.
  • Professional Practice 3, 10 Credits.
  • ICT Electives 3, 10 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7 (60 Credits):
  • Multimedia Technology 3, 20 Credits.
  • Multimedia Practice 3, 20 Credits.
  • Project Presentation 3, 5 Credits.
  • Project Management 3, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Design multimedia presentations and applications using appropriate technologies.
    2. Communicate conceptual information effectively in the digital medium.
    3. Design multimedia elements according to aesthetic and technology design principles for use in integrated multimedia presentations and applications.
    4. Develop multimedia presentations and applications integrating various multimedia elements on a given platform.
    5. Employ a variety of multimedia technologies according to protocols and standards. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The increasing role of interactive systems in computing and systems design is described.
  • The role of input and output in systems design is explained.
  • Interaction styles are explained and their advantages and disadvantages are critically evaluated.
  • The role of direct manipulation in interacting with current computer systems is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The principles and requirements of secure communications are discussed.
  • The use of Public and Private Key Cryptography in secure communications are described and contrasted.
  • The role of ICT and its ethical conduct in modern business environments is analysed.
  • Key elements of a database language are described and how these are used to manipulate data in a database is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The fundamental requirements of a successful distributed multimedia system are described.
  • How distributed multimedia systems might be designed and implemented are discussed.
  • The major problems that are involved in operating and inter-operating distributed multimedia systems are highlighted.
  • The fundamentals of a range of multimedia technologies and systems are identified and explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Knowledge and application of current technical concepts and practices in the ICT industry is demonstrated.
  • An understanding of security concepts applicable to the ICT industry in general is demonstrated.
  • Collaboration is applied in teams to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation in ICT projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Problems are solved and creativity in the application of ICT concepts is demonstrated.
  • Data requirements which are most appropriate to given application problems are evaluated and considered.
  • An understanding of best practices and standards in the area of specialisation is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    This qualification will incorporate the following assessment approaches: written and practical tests, portfolio assessment and assignments/projects (individual and team), within a continuous assessment model, to assess the learning that has taken place.

    Underpinning the assessment strategy is not only the evaluation of knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective but a particular emphasis on evaluating the application of learning in the 'world of work' or working environment, through the various modalities of work integrated learning.

    Learners enrolled for this diploma will be required to register for a project based offering at each year level, i.e. year one, two and three, of the qualification. This project based subject or module offering is intended to provide learners with an opportunity to integrate learning across each year of the curriculum and deliver an integrated project consistent with industry practice within a particular specialisation.

    Within Multimedia Applications specialisation of the diploma, the project based offering will focus on:
  • Constructing portfolio evidence (paper-based or electronic), which will not only reflect work done at this level but also serve as a device for recording professional exposure (First year level).
  • Towards "World of Work" or Industry Exposure and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards achieving the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes (Second year level).
  • Towards Professional Practice and it is incumbent on the learner to engage and shape the project towards obtaining the required exposure and implementation to achieve the desired outcomes (Third year level). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The HEICTA curriculum development process made use of the published guidelines by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) (www.acm.org). ACM is widely recognised as the premier membership organisation for computing professionals, delivering resources that advance computing as a science and a profession; enable professional development; and promote policies and research that benefit society. The ACM represents the world's largest educational and scientific computing society. This was supported by member visits to UK and North American institutions in order to benchmark the curriculum. This qualification is therefore similar in both intent and content as other qualifications internationally, but also qualitatively responding to the local industry context. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Although the Diploma qualification has been designed to deliver skills-based vocational-orientated training, and will therefore be the qualification of choice for learners aspiring to build their careers in this context. The University of Technology sector, especially, has also traditionally given access to educationally disadvantaged learners who might otherwise have been lost in the Higher Education sector, where the Diploma qualification has proven to be the appropriate opportunity for most.
    The University of Technology sector, in exploring its mandate to promote (applied) research, wishes to develop its capacity and grow graduate and postgraduate learner numbers; hence the need to develop industry-appropriate Degree qualifications.

    The complementary design of the Diploma and Degree qualifications should endeavour to ensure maximum articulation between the qualifications. The IT department of the Faculty of Informatics and Design is currently in the process of curriculating for the possible implementation of Degree qualifications.
    Learners will be exposed to various industry-referenced certification options. This could enable them to enter into various IT industry qualifications after they have completed the Diploma. 

    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.