Master of Information and Communications Technology

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Information and Communications Technology Degree is to equip its learners with knowledge for conducting IT-based research.

Upon completion, qualifying learners will be poised to undertake either independently or collaboratively complex IT research such as that required in a PhD. Learners will have the ability to disseminate the findings of their research through publications.

Qualifying learners will occupy critical roles in research and development ambits in academic, government and private sectors both locally and internationally. Their work will contribute towards the advancement of IT which is a crucial enabler for economic growth.

Rationale

The institution strives to maintain a teaching and learning environment that values and supports the university community, promote excellence in learning and teaching, technology transfer and applied research and foster engagement that encourages innovation and entrepreneurship through collaboration and partnership. This qualification serves the institution's mission statements via sustained high-quality research and collaboration with stakeholders to provide futuristic ICT solutions for industry and society. This qualification seeks to nurture a culture of research and technology transfer and engagement with key stakeholders to provide relevant career-focused education.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is one of the fastest evolving disciplines in academia and in industry. The discipline demands innovation in its various ambits to satisfy societies and industries, growing dependency on technology. Recent developments in the ambits of ICT, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, computer vision and machine learning have increased as a response to these demands. Developing economies stand to benefit from innovative application of these ICTs. However, reports like the DHET Skills supply and demand report of 2016 reveal a dangerous shortage of skills and expertise in ICT. These reports further stress the importance of developing these critical skills to enable sustainable economic development and advance the economic area of Science and Technology through high quality applied research. This qualification is a response to this call.

Global economic development is mainly dependent on advancing specialised areas of ICT by research collaboration and quality research output. Master of Information and Communications Technology graduates would have developed skills to carry out quality research in dedicated areas within ICT.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's RPL policy allows learners to gain entry into the Master's qualification. The institution's RPL policy aligns itself with the National RPL policy. The institution's policy provides for the recognition of skills and knowledge gained from qualifications and work experience. To apply, a learner needs to develop a portfolio of evidence which can include a retrospective of industry experience, professional certifications and recent publications relevant to the area of IT. The panel of academics evaluates this portfolio assembled by and including the Head of Department. Should the panel be satisfied that the evidence presented in the portfolio collectively equates to the learning outcomes for an Honours Degree the candidate can be granted advanced standing and deemed eligible to apply for the Master's qualification. However, the qualification cannot be achieved solely via the RPL route.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Honours, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules,180 Credits

• Research Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Independently undertake research in ICT.
2. Apply fundamental research concepts to conduct a complex research undertaking.
3. Contribute knowledge to an area of ICT.
4. Disseminate produced knowledge to the relevant ICT community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Competently manage the research project under the direction of the supervisor or co-supervisor.
• Produce a quality research proposal by institutional requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate knowledge of the current state of research and practice in the area of study.
• Effectively apply appropriate research methodologies.
• Collect, analyse and critically evaluate research data.
• Produce reliable results at the end of the research.
• Demonstrate coherent and concise academic writing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Develop quality publications.
• Effectively demonstrate specialist knowledge in an area of ICT.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Systemically develop a concise and coherent research thesis that complies with the desired level of achievement.
• Present results via quality scientific writing and presentation.

Integrated Assessment

The external examiner assess completed Master's thesis. The institution conducts examination of the thesis by the institution's rules. The learner informs the Faculty Office in writing of the intention to submit their thesis for examination. Examiners are recommended by the Supervisor and the Head of Department and approved by the Faculty Research Committee. Examiners are from outside the institution, and the Department maintains a database of examiners. The Faculty Officer then informs the examiners who can accept or reject the invitation and sends the thesis for examination. Results of the examination/thesis are returned to Faculty Office and ratified first at Faculty Research Committee then at the institution Higher Degree Committee.