Higher Certificate in Information Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification in Information Technology (IT) is to provide the learner with wide-ranging, sound, academically based and industry-oriented training, to become steeped in software design and development; be exposed to a wide range of technologies that will shape the future of computer applications over the next few years; and to become fully grounded in both the theoretical and practical aspects of IT.

Rationale

The qualification is an initiative by the institution to address the shortage of knowledge capacity in the area of Information Technology (IT) in South Africa (SA). This initiative is directly synchronised with South Africa (SA) Government's acknowledgement regarding the shortage of knowledge capacity in the field of IT. The qualification addresses a very special area in IT capacity building in SA. There are very few, if any, other similar initiatives in SA where people who are working full time in the IT field, and who do not qualify for formal University entrance, can get a proper academically based education in IT, resulting in a formal and official University-based qualification in IT. Over many years, this qualification has established itself as the benchmark for a University-based academic education for people working full-time and who do not qualify for formal University entrance.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of students not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted following the policy and guidelines of the Institution.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificateor equivalent qualification, NQF Level 4.
• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 (with appropriate subject combinations and level of achievement or equivalent qualification).

(Two years practical experience in the Information Technology (IT) Industry).

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, totalling at 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Data Communication and Networks, 12 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Program Design, 12 Credits.
• Databases, 12 Credits.
• The Use of Basic Data Structures, 12 Credits.
• Project Implementation, 12 Credits.
• Information Technology (IT) Project Management, 12 Credits.
• Information Security, 12 Credits.
• Operating Systems, 12 Credits.
• Project Design, 12 Credits.

1. Identify, analyse and solve problems relating to Information Technology and the application of Information Technology concepts.
2. Demonstrate and apply the knowledge of aspects of Information Technology within the context of the content of the course modules.
3. Demonstrate a well-grounded knowledge of Information Technology and aspects relating to Information Technology.
4. Demonstrate the ability to synthesise Information Technology knowledge relating to the development of IT systems and IT components.
5. Respond to, and value the use of Information Technology in an organisation and a software solution.
6. Identify, distinguish, effectively select and apply procedures, processes, methods/techniques of enquiry that are apply to Information Technology.

The Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across Exit Level Outcomes

• Identify, interpret, analyse and solve routine as well as unfamiliar problems and issues using enquiry and theory-driven arguments.
• Demonstrate effectiveness in working with others in a team by taking responsibility for their work and showing regard for the work of others.
• Identify, evaluate and address their own task-specific learning needs.
• Develop good information retrieval as well as quantitative and/or qualitative data analysis, synthesis and evaluation skills, including the appropriate use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
• Demonstrate a well-grounded, systematic and integrated knowledge and theory of Information Technology.
• Monitor and evaluate their academic development and progress based on commonly applied Information Technology related criteria.
• Present and communicate information and ideas and opinions in well-structured arguments, adhering to appropriate academic/professional discourse.
• Use science and technology reliably in variable and unfamiliar contexts and adhere to recognised professional and/or ethical standards, seeking guidance where appropriate Identify, distinguish, effectively select and apply procedures, processes, methods/techniques of enquiry and research applicable to the life and environmental sciences related contexts.

Integrated Assessment

Both theoretical and practical aspects of the qualification are assessed during summative assessment opportunities using class tests in each module. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. Module Examinations will take place together with a Case-Based Project. The awarded marks form part of the summative assessment component. There is one notable exception in two modules where learners instead undertake a year-long, team or individual-based (respectively) software engineering project and have milestones to accomplish that assess their progress made in the project. Upon completion of a module, a theoretical or practical (depending on the module) is written that covers the content covered in that respective module.