Diploma in Information Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma in Information Technology is primarily vocational in nature. It provides a sound understanding of theoretical principles and procedures in the Information Technology environment. A graduate will be competent in analysing, designing and producing cost effective, reliable software products and systems, meting specified industry needs, primarily in the Central region of South Africa. Graduates will have gained experience in applying Information Technology (IT) knowledge and skills in a work-integrated learning (WIL) environment.

Rationale

A depth and specialisation of Information Technology (IT) knowledge, together with practical IT skills and industry related IT experience, enable successful learners to enter a number of career paths, such as:

• Network Technologists: able to design, install, configure, administer and maintain corporate network.
• Computer Technologists: able to maintain hardware systems.
• Software Technologists: able to develop, implement and maintain software systems, including; Systems Analysts plan, coordinate and recommend software and system to meet an organization's business requirements.
• Programmers who take user requirements and write software to match those requirements.
• Systems Maintenance maintains systems; Database Developers design, develop and implement database systems.
• Web Technologist: Design and develop web-based systems and content; include mobile and wireless access.
• Multimedia Technologists: responsible for the development, maintenance and administration of multimedia systems and content.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In line with the Central University of Technology (CUT) RPL policy, this qualification may be achieved in part or RPL in whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning, at the discretion of the institution (provider). A structured process for the assessment of individual learners will be followed against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis. Independent assessors will moderate this process and assessment of individual cases. It is the policy of CUT to facilitate access to public higher education, especially to persons who were previously disadvantaged in terms of access to public higher education, by recognizing prior learning achievements of individuals irrespective of how their learning achievements were acquired. In this commitment the CUT records that its policy aim is not intended to accredit but to give due recognition to prior learning achievements in determining access. It is the policy that aspirant students, who wishes to become students of the Learning Qualification through RPL, must present themselves together with credible evidence of learning achievements. It is also the aim to ensure that both the RPL process and outcomes, as an assessment procedure, be guided by the salient aspects of quality assurance a critical pre-requisite for maintaining acceptable procedures would be the following:

• Prior learning assessments can only be made against clearly formulated learning outcomes and modules prescribed by the curriculum for the Diploma: Tourism Management.
• RPL Application procedure: Prospective student completes the prescribed RPL form obtainable from Assessment and Graduation Services (AGS) of the CUT.
• The completed and signed form is submitted to the AGS; This form is channelled to the relevant Head of Department (HODs) office.
• The relevant HOD, as chairperson in conjunction with experts in the field for which Recognition of Prior Learning is requested, assesses the application.
• They then make their findings on a fit for purpose special form signed by all members of the departmental RPL committee.
• The relevant HOD meets with the chairperson of the Faculty RPL Committee to peruse the completeness of documentation and recommendation from the Departmental RPL committee.
• When the chairperson is satisfied with the documentation, he/she signs the fit for purpose form.
• The signed recommendation is then presented to EXCO for discussion and approval which all members must sign.
• EXCOs decision is then sent to AGS for implementation.
• Implementation involves AGS sending a letter to the applicant.
• An applicant can appeal the EXCO decision.
• And A successful RPL applicant can now apply for the specific qualification for which RPL was sought and nothing else.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to a Diploma is

• A National Senior Certificate.

Or

• A Similar qualification.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 5 and 6 totalling 389 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 132 Credits

• System Software Development I, 30 Credits.
• English Proficiency, 0 Credits.
• Problem Solving and Algorithms, 15 Credits.
• Information Technology Essentials I, 30 Credits.
• Information Technology Mathematics, 30 Credits.
• Academic Literacy and Communication Studies, 12 Credits.
• Internet Programming I, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 257 Credits

• System Software Engineering II, 15 Credits.
• Technical Programming IIB, 15 Credits.
• System Software Development IIA, 15 Credits.
• Technical Programming IIA 15 Credits.
• Software Development IIB, 15 Credits.
• Internet Technologies II, 15 Credits.
• Databases, 15 Credits.
• Graphical User Interface Design II, 15 Credits.
• Graphic Design II, 15 Credits.
• Web Content Management II Mode II, 15 Credits.
• Communication Networks II, 15 Credits.
• Technical Programming III, 15 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning in Information Technology, 50 Credits.
• System Software Engineering III, 15 Credits.
• Information Technology and Society I, 12 Credits.

1. Strives to ensure sustainable development, community engagement, entrepreneurship, innovation and problem solving, technologically literate, numerate, communication solving, technical and conceptual competence, teamwork and citizenship and global leadership.
2. Demonstrate depth of an environmentally sensitive, basic business skill, and solve problems that are computer literate, numerate and be able to communicate effectively.
3. Demonstrate depth of working well in a team and should be ready to contribute meaningfully to society both nationally and internationally.

Integrated Assessment

Appropriate and diverse assessment methods will be used to assess the ability of students to analyse, design, develop and implement software solutions. In the assessment strategy as a whole, evidence of professional competencies must be demonstrated through a variety of assessment methods which include case studies, problem solving assignments and strategies, portfolio of learning materials, projects and presentations, written and oral examinations, authentic practical exercises and demonstrations. Some strategies will be more suited to assess foundational competence while others are more suited to assess practical and reflexive competence, ensuring applied competence. It assesses the ability of students to analyse, design, develop and implement software solutions.