Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks

Purpose

The purpose of this Diploma is to provide a professional and vocational qualification for the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, combining theory and practical exposure to enable a graduate (diplomate) to analyse, design, develop, implement and manage reliable and cost effective communication networks by integrating current network topologies and protocols to create an appropriate and adequate environment of communication and information sharing.

Rationale

Nearly every business organisation depends on the smooth running of its communication networks. This qualification provides a learner with the necessary knowledge, competence and skills in Communication Networks, and have a higher than average chance of being employed. The qualification provides certification path in computer networking for learners to be more equipped for the next generation of skilled technopreneurs.

The qualification also seeks to satisfy the South African demands for both public and private sectors in ICT.

Computer network specialists/administrators/technicians are required locally, nationally, and internationally in any business organisation/industries.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. Learners who already work in the ICT industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcome (ELOs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path inInformation and communication technology (ICT) enabled fields and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.

Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through Institutions' approved methods. Any other evidence of Prior Learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

The structure of this non-unit standard based qualification makes RPL possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing entry to Diploma studies with the achievements in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects such as English Home Language or First Additional Language and either in Mathematical Literacy or Mathematics.

Or

• Senior Certificate with Conditional Exemption or Mature Age Exemption if the Candidate is 23 years on the year of registration with the following subjects:

> English First Language.

> English Second Language.

> Mathematics.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 4 allowing entry to Diploma studies with the following (minimum) percentage score for the fundamental subjects.

> English.

> Mathematics.

Or

• Mathematics literacy.

> Life Orientation.

In addition, must obtain 60% for three of the following compulsory vocational modules (in any combination)

> Systems Analysis and Design.

> Data Communication and Networking.

> Computer Programming.

> Physical Science.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 and at Level 6, totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 150 Credits

• Development Software I, 30 Credits.
• Information Systems I, 30 Credits.
• System Software I, 30 Credits.
• Information Technology Skills I, 30 Credits.
• Information Technology Electronics II, 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 210 Credits

• Communication Networks II, 30 Credits.
• Network Programming II, 30 Credits.
• Distributed Systems II, 30 Credits.
• Communication Networks III, 30 Credits.
• Emerging Technologies III, 30 Credits.
• Network Project Management III, 30 Credits.
• Network Security Concepts III, 30 Credits.

1. Communicate effectively with all role players related to the Information and communication technology (ICT) field the learner will operate in.
2. Develop communication networks based on a needs assessment.
3. Solve communication network problems for a given scenario.
4. Administer communication networks.
5. Implement and maintain a secure communication network.
6. Use programming skills to address networking issues.
7. Implement and maintain enterprise communication network policies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Meet with role players in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) fields.
• Written reports are produced.
• Analyse the effectiveness of written and verbal communication generated through research based projects.
• Presentations are made based on the project.
• Information is analysed and documented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Describe networking concepts.
• Describe routing and switching concepts.
• Demonstrate the ability to develop and practise the network problem solving skills.
• Describe tools and techniques associated with network project management body of knowledge life cycle.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop basic practical networking skills.
• Describe general IT troubleshooting procedures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Develop advanced router and switch configuration.
• Demonstrate advanced router and switch troubleshooting skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Describe security concepts for the network devices, storage media devices and security topologies.
• Demonstrate skills in choosing, implementing and maintaining appropriate security solutions within a deployed network communication environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate programming of I/O handling, multithreading and synchronisation, Uniform Resource Locator (URL) class, secure socket programming.
• Demonstrate Network server programming.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Use internationally recognised tools and techniques for developing enterprise specific network policies.

Integrated Assessment

Assessments are designed to evaluate knowledge, competencies and skills from an academic perspective and the applied competencies (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) required by this qualification. To achieve this, assessments take a variety of forms including assignments/projects (individual and/or team), quizzes, written and/or practical tests and final examinations.