Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma in Information Technology in Network Design and Administration is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to design, configure, implement, secure, and maintain enterprise-level network infrastructure and data systems. The qualification aims to develop well-rounded information technology professionals who are competent in managing computer systems, server environments, and networks in a wide range of industries. Learners will also develop applied competence in business communication, project management, and the integration of ICT trends within a networked environment.

This qualification is intended for learners who wish to pursue a career in information technology, specifically in network administration, system support, and IT infrastructure management. It is targeted at school leavers with a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, working professionals wishing to formalize their experience in network administration, and individuals seeking to enter the ICT sector. The qualification is vendor-neutral, enabling learners to adapt to evolving technologies. By completing this qualification, learners will gain both theoretical understanding and practical experience, making them employable and capable of contributing to organisational performance and efficiency in ICT-related roles.

This qualification follows an occupational and professional pathway, combining both theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure readiness for employment in the IT industry. Upon achievement, learners will have the competence to plan, implement, and maintain network and server infrastructure; troubleshoot and secure ICT systems; and support organisational ICT operations. Learners will also be equipped to pursue further academic studies in the field of Information Technology, such as advanced diplomas or bachelor's degrees. The qualification embeds practical workplace learning to align with the demands of professional practice in the ICT sector.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Design and implement computer networks in accordance with client or business specifications.
• Configure and administer server environments and operating systems to support enterprise services.
• Troubleshoot and support software and hardware systems across networked environments.
• Maintain and secure IT infrastructure using industry-accepted tools and procedures.
• Apply principles of data management, including database design, integration, and maintenance.
• Apply project management practices within IT environments to support task planning and execution.
• Communicate technical concepts and solutions effectively in a professional context.
• Evaluate and implement ICT trends and technologies to support business innovation.

In addition, the qualification will also foster ethical ICT practices, respect for health and safety standards, and professional conduct. Critical cross-field outcomes (CCFOs) such as problem-solving, teamwork, self-management, interpreting and evaluating information, effective communication, and the responsible use of science and technology are embedded throughout the programme to ensure the development of adaptable, competent, and reflective practitioners.

Rationale

The qualification was developed in response to the rapid technological advancements and the growing demand for ICT professionals who can design, implement, secure, and manage enterprise-level network infrastructure and systems. Existing qualifications in this area were either outdated or too narrow in scope to reflect current industry requirements. In consultation with industry and academic stakeholders, it became clear that a more comprehensive and vendor-neutral qualification was neededone that addresses current technologies and can adapt to ongoing changes in the sector. This qualification is distinct from existing registered qualifications, as it holistically integrates networking, server administration, databases, ICT trends, and project management, with a strong workplace-based learning component.

The qualification addresses key skills shortages in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector and directly supports South Africa's national strategic objectives, including the National Digital and Future Skills Strategy (2020) and the National Development Plan 2030. Through consultation with ICT professionals, corporate IT managers, and educational institutions, it was confirmed that there is a high demand for network administrators, systems analysts, database administrators, and IT support specialists with up-to-date and adaptable skills. Industry bodies and IT employers expressed the need for qualifications that are aligned with evolving technologies and grounded in practical workplace readiness. The development process included input from industry experts, curriculum specialists, and higher education academics to ensure relevance, quality, and occupational value. The qualification contributes to national goals by supporting digital transformation, economic development through ICT, and the creation of employment opportunities in a technology-driven economy.

Typical learners for this qualification include recent school leavers with a National Senior Certificate or equivalent, individuals looking to transition into the ICT sector, and employees in junior IT roles who wish to formalize and extend their skills. The qualification is attractive to learners interested in solving problems, working with technology, and engaging in logical, systems-based thinking. Upon completion, learners will be well-prepared to enter the workforce in roles such as network technician, IT support specialist, systems administrator, server administrator, or database coordinator. The learning experience integrates practical lab work, theoretical study, and project-based tasks, providing a strong foundation for lifelong learning in the ICT field. Learners may also pursue further academic opportunities, including an Advanced Diploma, a bachelor's degree, or relevant industry certifications.

The qualification supports two key pathways

• Occupational/Professional Pathway: Qualifying learners will typically work as network administrators, system engineers, or infrastructure technicians, often aligning with professional designations such as Certified Network Administrator or CompTIA Network+ certified specialist.
• Learning Pathway: The qualification serves as a solid foundation for vertical academic progression into an Advanced Diploma in ICT, a Bachelor of Information Technology, or a Bachelor of Computer Science, especially in fields such as network engineering, cybersecurity, or systems architecture. This dual pathway ensures that graduates are not only employable but also academically mobile and professionally competitive.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, which is applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is 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.

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.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

Or

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

Or

• Higher Certificate in Information Technology, NQF Level 5.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, and 7 and is worth a total of 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Computer Systems 1A, 15 Credits
• Networks 1A, 15 Credits
• Databases 1A, 10 Credits
• Principles of Project Management 1A, 8 Credits
• Communication in the Working Environment 1A, 12 Credits
• Computer Systems 1B, 15 Credits
• Networks 1B,15 Credits
• Databases 1B,10 Credits
• Principles of Project Management 1B, 8 Credits
• Communication in the Working Environment 1B,12 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 180 Credits

• Computer Systems 2A,15 Credits
• Networks 2A,17 Credits
• Databases 2A,10 Credits
• Principles of Project Management 2A,12 Credits
• Computer Systems 2B, 15 Credits
• Networks 2B, 17 Credits
• Databases 2B, 10 Credits
• Principles of Project Management 2B,12 Credits
• Databases 3A,12 Credits
• ICT Trends 3A,12 Credits
• Databases 3B,12 Credits
• ICT Trends 3B,12 Credits
• Workplace Learning, 24 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 60 Credits

• Computer Systems 3A,15 Credits
• Networks 3A,15 Credits
• Computer Systems 3B,15 Credits
• Networks 3B,15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate effective use of computer systems in a business environment.
2. Identify hardware components and their functions, and assemble, repair, and maintain computer systems.
3. Identify, install, support, and troubleshoot system and application software.
4. Design, plan, and implement networked systems based on different scenarios, requirements, and limitations.
5. Explain networking components and standards and their applications in the business environment.
6. Explain databases and data management systems and demonstrate understanding of database design.
7. Design, use, and maintain a database in a corporate environment.
8. Perform network maintenance, support, and security.
9. Identify and assess emerging technologies and their implications for implementation on computer systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply operating system features and tools to manage files, users, and system performance.
• Compare different types of computer systems and explain the role of each in a business environment.
• Analyse the requirements for software development of a computer system.
• Explain business communication structures that may be used to ensure effective communication, including written communication, interviews, presentations, and meetings.
• Document the output and communication of a project.
• Demonstrate knowledge of Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint, OneDrive, and their role in business productivity and collaboration.
• Apply automation and scripting tools (e.g., PowerShell) to streamline system administration tasks.
• Manage user identities and access in enterprise systems using tools such as Azure Active Directory.
• Use Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access) to prepare business reports, presentations, and communication documents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify and describe the functions of various hardware components.
• Assemble and install hardware components.
• Install computer system operating software and application software on a computer system.
• Explain how processing within computer systems takes place and assemble and install hardware components.
• Diagnose and resolve hardware faults using diagnostic tools and procedures.
• Perform preventative maintenance and upgrades on computer systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Install computer system operating software and application software on a computer system.
• Evaluate rights and security requirements for a given networked environment.
• Troubleshoot software-related errors and performance issues.
• Apply patch management and software updates in a structured environment.
• Provide user support for commonly used applications and productivity tools.
• Deploy and manage client systems using Microsoft Endpoint Manager and Intune.
• Configure enterprise system security baselines and manage recovery strategies.
• Monitor, diagnose and resolve performance issues in hybrid cloud environments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Produce a networked system design to meet a client's needs and implement this according to the prepared design.
• Install and configure physical network connectivity devices.
• Discuss the benefits and constraints of different networking system types and topologies for specific scenarios.
• Use various techniques to manage networks and their environments locally and remotely (LAN and WAN solutions).
• Select the appropriate NOS and version thereof for a network server and configure a server with a NOS.
• Design and implement a mail infrastructure for a specific network and test the network system to ensure user requirements.
• Design and implement scalable enterprise networks using technologies like SDWAN and SD Access.
• Configure and troubleshoot routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP) across IPv4 and IPv6 networks.
• Implement and optimize virtual network infrastructures and overlay tunnels.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Define networking concepts and standards and explain networking principles.
• Distinguish between different network categories, classifications, and types.
• Discuss the role of networking software and hardware components.
• Discuss how protocols enable the effective utilisation of different networking systems.
• Explain the role of a network operating system (NOS) and how a networked system is connected to the Internet.
• Explain how networks and network data are protected against unauthorised access and malware and perform network troubleshooting.
• Evaluate the use of advanced network virtualization and programmability tools (e.g., APIs, automation scripts).
• Demonstrate understanding of quality of service (QoS), VLANs, ACLs, and firewalls in securing network communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts of a database and the use of simple databases within the ICT environment to support and administer databases.
• Describe the components of a database management system.
• Differentiate between various data models.
• Apply data modelling and normalization techniques to design relational database schemas.
• Differentiate between relational and nonrelational (NoSQL) data models in the context of enterprise needs.
• Design secure schemas and implement compliance-oriented database policies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Create and query relational databases using SQL.
• Populate databases and enforce constraints, indexing, and views.
• Perform data backups, restorations, and user access control.
• Monitor performance and implement measures for optimization.
• Perform advanced data manipulation using stored procedures, triggers, and user-defined functions.
• Develop and monitor data pipelines using tools such as Azure Data Factory or similar.
• Integrate structured and semi-structured data (XML, JSON) and ensure security compliance (e.g., GDPR, POPIA).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Design a maintenance schedule to support a networked system.
• Explain how networks and network data are protected against unauthorised access and malware and perform network troubleshooting.
• Use various techniques to manage networks and their environments locally and remotely (LAN and WAN solutions).
• Discuss server types and selection requirements.
• Evaluate rights and security requirements for a given networked environment.
• Define standard operating procedures for network installation and maintenance.
• Implement intrusion detection/prevention systems and analyze log data to identify security threats.
• Configure VPNs and secure remote access for enterprise environments.
• Apply automation in network monitoring and configuration using tools such as Ansible or Python.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Research and report on current and emerging IT trends.
• Evaluate the impact of new technologies on existing IT infrastructure.
• Assess risks and opportunities associated with technology adoption.
• Propose technology integration strategies aligned with business goals.
• Analyse trends like cloud computing, AI, edge computing, and blockchain.
• Reflect on ethical, societal, and legal implications of adopting new technologies.
• Conduct feasibility studies for the integration of technologies into existing environments.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment process will comprise of formative and summative assessment methods. Integrated assessment will provide learners with an opportunity to demonstrate practical performance and understanding of concepts and theory across the Exit Level Outcomes to achieve competence in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

Formative assessments are made up of theoretical assignments, practical projects and tests. The credit value of each module determines the number of formative assessments to be completed. The average of these formative assessments constitutes the semester mark that counts 60% towards the final mark.

Summative assessments

The examination could be made up of a variety of assessment methods. This examination counts 40% towards the final mark.