Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

The purpose of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology is to equip learners with software development skills that allow them to navigate the increasing demand for highly specialised skills. The qualification will provide theoretical and professional skills to enable graduates to formulate unique and relevant software solutions to address societal needs and challenges.

This qualification was inspired by the need to address the shortage of highly skilled software developers whose skills cannot be underestimated. It is crucial to formulate academic qualifications that address this pressing need. The qualification was designed to address the recent South African labour market trends. As a country, South Africa faces a human resources crisis with a massive deficit of Information Communication Technology (ICT)-based skills if the issue is not attended to urgently. Skills such as data scientists, software developers, network analysts, and cyber security specialists have been identified to be in short supply.

Rationale

South Africa faces a continuing shortage of essential skills, particularly in the areas of science and technology. Research has identified a vast skills deficit of ICT-based skills. In addition, there has been a notable decline in the number of graduates over the years. This decline further puts pressure on the country to produce a competent labour force. In its 2022 gazette, the government has published a comprehensive list of critical skills in short supply. The government document highlights the need for ICT skills ranging from data scientists and software developers to network analysts and cyber security specialists. This qualification is proposed in response to this national imperative.

Furthermore, it is essential to note that almost every profession in the world is changing owing to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and the IT profession is no exception. In fact, the 4IR puts a significant demand on highly specialized IT skills. The IT industry in South Africa is in dire need of professionals capable of implementing 4IR-based solutions to address societal problems.

The has been developed in such a manner as to ensure that qualifying learners will be employable within the ICT industry or operate in other industries where they can apply their software development skills. This qualification also serves as a platform for vertical articulation into postgraduate studies, consequently contributing to the national development goals of increasing the number of postgraduates in South Africa. The qualification aims to contribute to the government's efforts in addressing this vital gap in the higher education sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in South Africa has, unlike similar initiatives in other countries, a very specific agenda. RPL supports the transformation of the education and training system of the country. This calls for an approach to the development of RPL policy and practices that explicitly address the visible and invisible barriers to learning and assessment. Such an approach must generate the commitment of all role players to remove these barriers and to build a visible, usable and credible system as an effective and creative vehicle for lifelong learning. It is important that consensus be generated around the criteria and support systems within which the integrity and quality of all assessments will be protected. At the same time, the opportunities and benefits of RPL need to be extended to all learners and stakeholders. It is also imperative that a viable, sustainable and credible system is built for RPL.

The institution's RPL process is aligned with national RPL Policies. As per the national and institutional RPL policies and procedures, RPL is applicable to all prospective candidates.

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification 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 should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.
• The limitation of 10% of the cohort regarding admission applies as stipulated in the CHE guidelines.

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.
• A maximum of 50% of the credits, which includes informal, formal learning and work experience. The candidate must demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes indicated in the qualification to obtain credits/credit exemptions.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Levels 5. 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Algorithm design and programming concepts, 15 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Computer Networks, 15 Credits.
• Business Communication, 15 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Web Technologies, 15 Credits.
• Object-oriented Programming, 15 Credits.
• Scaling Networks, 15 Credits.
• Discrete mathematics, 15 Credits.
• Emerging technologies for the 4th Industrial Revolution, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 120 Credits

• Software development Methodologies, 15 Credits.
• Relational and NoSQL Database Systems, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Web Development, 15 Credits.
• Data Structures and Algorithms, 15 Credits.
• Business, Project Analytics, and Approaches, 15 Credits.
• Cloud Systems, 15 Credits.
• Information Systems Security, 15 Credits.
• Mobile App Development, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits

• Secure software development, 15 Credits.
• Cloud software development, 15 Credits.
• Software Development Integrated Project, 15 Credits.
• Design thinking, 15 Credits.
• Machine Learning and Intelligent Systems Development, 15 Credits.
• User Experience Design, 15 Credits.
• Work-integrated Learning (WIL), 15 Credits.
• Software testing and maintenance, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to critically analyse business and societal trends with the view of utilizing ICTs in the development or enhancements of solutions.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of business processes and communicate effectively, demonstrating an appreciation of the role of ICT in an organization and society at large.
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. Apply business management techniques, laws and best practices in the execution, and management of IT software projects.
6. Demonstrate the ability to design, develop, configure, and deploy applications on centralized and distributed infrastructure.
7. Apply problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical techniques to plan and identify the structure for documenting a business case.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse business and societal problems and processes with the view of formulating ICT solutions
• Investigate and apply ICT technologies to solve societal challenges.
• Analyse the evolution of IT technologies and their impact on business and society.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Model and analyse business processes and apply them in the development of software and database systems
• Discuss communication processes, including communication models, intercultural communications, and the levels of communication in the organization to enhance the understanding of the importance of effective communication in an organizational context
• Explain formal and informal communication structures that are relevant in a business environment.
• Discuss the role of technology in ethical business communication to ensure ethical business practices are maintained

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Integrate different IT technologies to solve business and societal challenges
• Examine and apply programming techniques and algorithms to solve complex problems
• Identify and apply software testing techniques to ensure software quality
• 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 applications of data science.
• Design, develop and implement database solutions for business applications.
• Implement NoSQL database applications.
• Critically analyse applications that integrate the techniques and practices from other applications
• Develop database and database technologies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Apply best practices in the management and Governance of computer systems and processes.
• Analyse and apply laws that govern information technologies

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Design, implement and manage computer network
• Describe computer networking concepts
• Apply computer network hardware and software knowledge
• Store and manage cloud infrastructure in software development.
• Develop and deploy software solutions on cloud platforms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Discuss information systems requirements, specifications and the strategy information flow models to plan and document the business case.
• Create a business case by applying problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical techniques with a view to generating effective reports.
• Apply decision-making processes and methodologies in the execution of software projects

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.

Formative Assessment

• Mid-semester assessment.
• At least One assignment or project.
• At least One class written test.
• Constructive classroom activities.
• Attendance.

Summative Assessment

• One final written examination.

Assessment Percentage

• Class Test 20%.
• Written Assignment/ Project 20%.
• Mid-Year Written Examination 60%.

Final Mark: 100%.

40% of the DP mark and 60% of the written examination are combined to produce the final total. Qualifications that require continuous assessment, practical assessment and external written examinations by relevant accreditation authorities - as per criteria the rules will apply.