Diploma in Information Technology

Purpose

The Diploma in Information Technology will enable learners to be competent in the development of IT systems in a distributed computing environment, after specialising in one of the following three fields:

- Software Development

Design and produce software products and systems to meet specific needs so that they work reliably, and their production and maintenance is cost-effective. To equip Web professionals with the necessary skills to pursue a career in IT using the Internet to create, build and maintain Web sites.

- Communication Networks

Design, development, implementation and management of networks by integrating knowledge of modern network topologies and protocols to create an appropriate and adequate environment of communication and information sharing.

- Support Services

Identify the various types of end users and explore their possible needs. These needs include support in the use of existing software packages, basic maintenance of computers and equipment, and support for the development of end users' own computer applications. Support services will also include management of information centres.

Rationale

The qualification prepares learners to possess the right combination of knowledge and practice. Furthermore, to enable them to design, implement, manage and support solutions to an organisation's information technology infrastructure and systems and give quality service to the people who use it.

Information Technology is the emphasis on the technology itself more than on the business aspects involved.

Organisations of every kind are dependent on information technology. They need to have reliable, secure, maintained, and appropriate systems in place. Employees throughout an organisation require support from IT staff who understand computer systems and their infrastructure and software.

Graduates of Information Technology qualification will address the gap between understanding the information needs of the business and implementing and developing new algorithms. And the components by having an organisational infrastructure and integration focus.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's RPL will apply where it is relevant. Both admission status and module credits may be granted through the RPL process.

RPL for Admission

RPL implementation will use a triangulated verification approach using academic records, portfolios and interviews conducted by a panel of academic and external experts. Learners who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which, the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the FMC. The learner will approach the Head of Department regarding the RPL policy and process. The HOD will explain the RPL assessment process, the specific assessment criteria and the type and format of evidence(s) required. Learners who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the FMC.

Learners must provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently.

The material must

• Indicate adequate knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental principles of IT;
• Demonstrate the ability to gather and collate multiple sources of information and competing perspectives to support a theoretical understanding of relevant issues;
• Involve the application of discipline-based knowledge to the analysis of practical and/or conceptual problems.

Assessment of the learner's application will involve the following steps

• The learner must submit a portfolio containing evidence of all of the above.
• The internal assessor, will assess the learner's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation will be submitted to the HOD.
• The final decision regarding the RPL status of the applicant will be presented to the FMC. The FMC secretary will communicate the FMC decision to the Faculty Officer, who in turn will communicate the outcome to the learner.

RPL for Credits

For learners who have already qualified or are currently registered with a cognate qualification and have modules in their qualification that are similar to modules may apply for credits. The learner will complete a Request for Module Credits form and must supply the curriculum of the module/s within their completed qualification. This will then be considered by the Head of Dept. The outcome will be communicated to the learner.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, Credits

• Development Software I, 30 Credits.
• Information Technology Skills I, 30 Credits.
• Systems Software I: Networks, 15 Credits.
• System Software I: IT Essentials, 15 Credits.
• Information Systems IA, 15 Credits.
• Information Systems IB, 15 Credits.
• Technical Programming I (Software Development), 30 Credits.
• Mathematics I (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
• Digits I (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
• Graphical User Interface Design I (Compulsory for Software Development, Optional for Support Services), 30 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, Credits

• Development Software II (Software Development and Communication Networks), 30 Credits.
• Internet Programming II (Software Development), 30 Credits.
• Information Systems II (Software Development and Support Services), 30 Credits.
• Support Services II (Communication Networks and Support Services), 30 Credits.
• Communication Networks IIA (Communication Networks and Support Services), 15 Credits.
• Communication Networks IIB (Communication Networks and Support Services), 15 Credits.
• System Software II (Support Services), 15 Credits.
• Technical Programming II (Software Development), 30 Credits.
• Installation Management (Support Services), 30 Credits.
• Digits II (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
• Digits III (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, Credits

• Development Software III: C# (Software Development), 15 Credits.
• Development Software III: Project (Software Development), 15 Credits.
• Information Systems III: Systems Analysis and Design (Software Development), 10 Credits.
• Information Systems III: Project Management (Software Development), 10 Credits.
• Information Systems III: Advanced Design (Software Development), 10 Credits.
• Information Systems III (Support Services), 30 Credits.
• Support Services III (Support Services), 30 Credits.
• Communication Networks IIIA (Compulsory for Communication Networks, Optional for Support Services), 15 Credits.
• Communication Networks IIIB (compulsory for Communication Networks, optional for Support Services), 15 Credits.
• Distributed Systems III: Network Operating Systems (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.
• Distributed Systems III: Project (Communication Networks), 15 Credits.

1. Analyse and design software solutions to industry-related Information Technology problems.
2. Utilise the required technical skills to implement the designed solutions in a distributed IT environment effectively.
3. Utilise the required technical skill to design and implement solutions in data communications, networks and the internet environment.
4. Demonstrate the effective utilisation of business and management skills to bridge the gap between the IT discipline and the business functional areas in the industry.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use hardware to its full potential and understand the technical operation of the device and to control it on a low level.
6. Demonstrate the ability to provide support services.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply modern analysis and design techniques and methodologies in the development of IT software systems.
• Integrate multi-platform environments effectively.
• Design the database structures to support IT business systems.
• Provide solutions for specific business situations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply user interface design principles and provide solutions for specific business situations.
• Apply IT solutions, the appropriate software programming languages and development environments.
• Implement software solutions in a client/server environment.
• Integrate multi-platform environments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Design and implement a network in a secure multi-server environment.
• Design and implement secure Internet solutions in a client-server environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Utilise business skills are effectively in the application of technical skills in an IT business environment.
• Apply management techniques to utilise IT resources effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Describe and manipulate computer hardware.
• Use Digital electronics to implement essential computer functions.
• Use low-level programming languages to implement solutions for embedded systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Develop a plan to manage a call centre effectively.
• Understand basic PC maintenance.
• Develop management reports.

Integrated Assessment

Most of the modules in the Diploma are examinable modules. These modules provide the theoretical foundations for analysing networking, software and Support Services problems and policies.

Knowledge outcomes for the modules will be assessed principally through projects, assignments, class tests and examinations which require learners to demonstrate competence to apply knowledge of fundamental principles to analyse and solve IT problems.

Outcomes demonstrating insight and understanding will be assessed principally through assignments, which require learners to conceptualise, discuss, evaluate or extrapolate and apply concepts and techniques of particular aspects of theory by discussing or demonstrating its application to the solution of a problem or to apply to a case study.

Skills outcomes at this level will be assessed in terms of the effective use of the tools and techniques acquired to create appropriate solutions to specified case studies. These will be assessed principally through practical testing which may include work using subject-specific software.

Attitudinal outcomes will be assessed through learner participation in project work and group assignments, which will require them to plan and work collaboratively.

Assessment rubrics will guide assessment and moderation in the case of assignments, practical work and projects.

In the final year of the qualification the learners have to do a Project which integrates all the knowledge that the students have gained in the previous years' modules. This is a group project and therefore assessed as a group. As this is a continuation assessment module, there are a number of iteration assessments done throughout the year. These assessments include assessments done on the design, implementation and documentation of the project.