Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Information Technology
Purpose:
Source: SAQA official qualification record. Yiba Verified does not own the underlying qualification data shown on this page.
Qualification type
Honours Degree
Credits
120
Sub-framework
HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
Providers listed
1
Qualification snapshot
Official qualification identity fields captured from the qualification record.
Originator
North West University
Quality assurance functionary
CHE - Council on Higher Education
Field
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences
Subfield
Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Qual class
Regular-Provider-ELOAC
Recognise previous learning
Y
Important dates
These dates are carried directly from the qualification record.
Registration start
2021-07-01
Registration end
2027-06-30
Last date for enrolment
2028-06-30
Last date for achievement
2031-06-30
Purpose and entry context
Official SAQA text formatted for easier reading.
Purpose and rationale
Purpose
The purpose is to train Computer and Information Technology Science graduates scientifically in an outcomes-based programme that will ensure their immediate employability nationally as Computer and Information Technology scientists and programmers in different organisations, ready to commence with MSc studies in Computer Science. The advanced training in Computer Science and Information Technology is based on a sound undergraduate programme in Computer Science, which conforms to the requirements of occupational prospects and labour requirements in South Africa. The student is also trained in research methodology with the intention of continuing with MSc studies and further specialisation.
Rationale
There is an urgent need in South Africa (and also worldwide) for more scientists and information technologists and the proportion of students enrolled in science and technology programmes in Higher Education should increase. There is a strong need to produce computer scientists and information technologists with specific skills and Government and employers have recognised this. The students are either doing very well in the workplace (industry) or further their studies at tertiary level. This honours programme provides an opportunity to establish curricula that emphasise enquiry, innovation and science within social development, and which develop skills such as observation, problem-solving, effective personal and inter personal communication, analysis, entrepreneurship and critical thinking.
Entry requirements and RPL
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science Honours in Computer Science and Information Technology, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the honours degree study after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed successfully. Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the institution and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a BSc or an equivalent qualification in the field of Computer Science and Information Technology at the institution or other equivalent institution. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that RPL constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level.
Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirement is
- Bachelor of Science with Computer Science and Information Technology passed at Level 7 with at least 60%.
Replacement note
This qualification replaces
Structure and assessment
Qualification rules, exit outcomes, and assessment criteria from the SAQA record.
Qualification rules
This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.
Compulsory Modules at Level 8: 32 Credits
- Project I, 32 Credits.
Elective Modules at Level 8
- Decision Support Systems I, 12 Credits.
- Artificial Intelligence I, 12 Credits.
- Computer Security I, 12 Credits.
- Information Systems Engineering I, 12 Credits.
- Databases I, 12 Credits.
- Linear Programming I, 12 Credits.
- Decision Support Systems II, 12 Credits.
- Image Processing II, 12 Credits.
- Data Warehouses I, 12 Credits.
- Artificial Intelligence II, 12 Credits.
- Computer Security II, 12 Credits.
- Information Systems Engineering II, 12 Credits.
- Databases II, 12 Credits.
- Linear Programming II, 12 Credits.
- Data Warehouses II, 12 Credits.
- Image Processing I, 12 Credits.
Exit level outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of scientific principles, bodies of content and conceptual issues.
- Apply the techniques and strategies involved in scientific enquiry and problem solving.
- Think critically and creatively while working as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments, showing leadership and performing critical functions.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with scientific and lay audiences using high-quality technology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry.
- Identify and analyse problems in computer based systems.
- Execute research work, interpret collected data and information in scientific literature, and be competent to report in detail on such work.
Associated assessment criteria
The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes
- Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
- Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
- Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
- Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
- Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.
Integrated Assessment
- Formative or continuous assessment serves as a monitoring instrument to enable students to determine their progress in the learning process and to enable lecturers to determine the effectiveness of their teaching. This will also enable lecturers to make timeous adjustments to ensure that the teaching and learning process is more effective.
Formative Assessment
- Class tests, homework, written assignments, report writing, practicals, class discussions, semester tests.
Summative assessment serves to determine whether the students have achieved the different module and Exit Level Outcomes.
Summative Assessment
- Written exam papers and oral presentations.
Progression and comparability
Articulation options
This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.
Vertical Articulation
- Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology.
- Master of Science in Information Systems.
International comparability
The level descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 7 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Thus, the generic Bachelor of Science (BSc) qualification compares favourably with other similar BSc qualifications, nationally and internationally with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, programme design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time.
Providers currently listed
This reflects provider names published on the official record. It is useful for qualification discovery, but it should not be treated as a substitute for checking the relevant quality body’s latest provider status.
Related Qualifications
Explore other relevant certificates and degrees in this field.
Apply educational knowledge, skills, principles and methods to practice as a general accountant with a specialized knowledge of financial accounting, taxation, business finance, management accounting, auditing and enrolling for the qualifying examination for Chartered Accountancy.
To provide students with advanced knowledge and skills about advanced aspects of accounting sciences (including financial accountancy, taxation, management and auditing), thus equipping them for a career as chartered accountant in accounting and management areas of the private and public sectors where their participation will promote sustainable growth and development, and maximise prosperity in all sectors of the economy and society.
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to strengthen and deepen student's knowledge of management accounting and to develop their research capacity in the said field of study. It will also prepare students for a career in management accounting, either as academics or in practice.
Use this qualification in your readiness workflow
Once the qualification identity is clear, your institution can structure the readiness work around the right title, NQF level, dates, and supporting records instead of rebuilding that story later.