Diploma in Information Technology

Purpose

The intended purpose of this qualification is to give the successful learner a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Information Technology (IT). The qualification will be treated according to the policies and procedures of the institution regarding assessment, moderation (including external moderation), monitoring of learner progress in the qualification, provision for learner disputes regarding assessment results and Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL).

Rationale

The intended purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the creation and customisation of total integrated Information Technology(IT) solutions to business problems and management of relevant systems. This includes analysis of business systems which provides support regarding appropriate technology. Learners are expected to comprehend the following:

• Software Development Communication Networks Web and Application Development.
• Systems and -Technology Management.
• Intelligent industrial Systems.
• Support Services.
• Technical Applications.
• Hardware and Computer Architecture.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificate National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling at 368 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 114 Credits

• Information Technology(IT) Skills: Legal Aspects 1, 8 Credits.
• System Software 1.1, 10 Credits.
• Programming Logic 1.1, 12 Credits.
• System Software 1.2, 10 Credits.
• Development Software 1.2, 12 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.2, 8 Credits.
• Development Software 1.1, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship 1 (Applied Science), 12 Credits.
• Information Systems 1.1, 10 Credits.
• Accounting 1.2, 12 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1.1, 8 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 175 Credits

• Information Systems 1.2, 15 Credits.
• Programming Logic 1.2, 12 Credits.
• Web Management 2.1, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems 2.1, 15 Credits.
• Business Analysis 2.1 (Theory), 7 Credits.
• Information Systems 2.2, 15 Credits.
• Business Analysis 2.2 (Theory), 7 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.1, 8 Credits.
• Development Software 2.1, 15 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2.2, 8 Credits.
• Development Software 2.2, 15 Credits.
• Web Management 2.2, 10 Credits.
• Business Analysis 2.2 (Practical), 7 Credits.
• Business Analysis 2.1 (Practical), 7 Credits.
• System Software 2.2, 12 Credits.
• System Software 2.1, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 10 Credits (Choose 1)

• Information Systems 3.1, 10 Credits.
• Development Software 3.1, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 54 Credits

• Business Analysis 3.2, 40 Credits.
• Business Analysis 3.1, 14 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 15 (Choose 1)

• Information Systems 3.2, 15 Credits.
• Development Software 3.2, 15 Credits.

1. Analyse and design software solutions to industry related information.
2. Analyse and design software solutions to information technology problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Utilise the required technical skills to effectively implement the designed solutions in a distributed Information Technology(IT) environment.
• Utilise the required technical skill to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
• Utilise business and management skills to bridge the gap between the IT discipline and the business functional areas in industry.
• Use hardware to its full potential by understanding the technical operation of hardware and to control it on a low level.
• Provide support services.
• Create and modify general computer applications software or specialised utility programs for stand-alone and distributed environments including the web environment.
• Analyse user needs and produce a suitable specification for a system, covering a medium sized business problem.
• Develop computer programs to demonstrate the ability to store, locate and retrieve information from different data sources.
• Deploy a suitable, secure software solution based on a given scenario.
• Demonstrate an understanding of systems architectures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply modern analysis, design techniques and methodologies in the development of IT software systems.
• Integrate multi-platform environments effectively.
• Design database structures to support Information Technology(IT) business systems effectively.
• Provide solutions for specific business situations.
• Apply user interface design principles.
• Apply the appropriate software programming languages and development environments to implement the designed IT solutions.
• Implement software solutions in a client/server environment.
• Integrate multi-platform environments.
• Implement local area Networks implemented in a multi-platform environment successfully.
• Design and implement internet solutions in a client-server environment.
• Utilise business skills effectively in the application of technical skills in an IT business environment.
• Apply management techniques in utilising IT resources effectively.
• Analyse different human computer interfaces effectively.

Integrated Assessment

• Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence.
• All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification.
• The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading.
• Timely feedback to learners, forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum.
• Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification.