Postgraduate Diploma in Computer Auditing

The purpose of the qualification is to produce a diplomat who is able to audit computer systems and determine the optimum economic efficiency of computer and information systems in a variety of circumstances.

The purpose of the qualification is also to enhance the career of the diplomat by providing the skills to manage computer and information systems in a variety of institutions and thereby enable the diplomat to hold the position of Information Technology Manager in an institution.

Further, the purpose of the qualification is to produce diplomats who can contribute to the economy of South Africa by optimising the capital costs and running expenses of computer and information systems.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants who fall outside of the normal admissions process who can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the University that they have a qualification or experiential or work based learning which has taken the learner to an equivalent level of a qualification specified above (under Formally Accredited Learning), may be considered for admission and/or for the recognition of prior accredited and/or prior experiential learning. Applicants who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but are in need of further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum to include preliminary programmes prior to admission or parallel programmes after admission.

Formally Accredited Learning

The typical applicant has a Bachelor of Commerce of the University or equivalent University-approved qualification - consult the application information for the year of study for which application is being made.

1. The qualifying learner has an in-depth knowledge of computer auditing and information management processes within an organisation.
2. The qualifying learner has the skill to audit and manage information systems within the organisation and can determine the strategic direction which the organisation should take with regard to information technology.
3. The qualifying learner is able to operate in both stable and rapidly developing and changing IT environments and to respond effectively to uncertainties.
4. The qualifying learner has the ability to access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively.
5. The qualifying learner is able to work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
6. The qualifying learner is competent to engage in life-long learning through the exercise of fundamental learning skills acquired during the course of study, and understands the requirement to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast the changing business, financial and IT environment which brings ever new methods, techniques, and competitive challenges.
7. The qualifying learner is ethical and aware of the code of conduct adopted by the University and by the relevant professional bodies and of the necessity to carry this code into the world of work.

Critical Cross-field Outcomes

• "Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made" - see Exit Level Outcomes (ELO) 2.
• "Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community" - see ELO 4.
• "Organising and managing oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively" - see ELO 3 and 6.
• "Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information" - see ELO 2 and 3.
• "Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion" - see ELO 1 and 3.
• "Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others" - see ELO 3 and 6.
• "Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts does not exist in isolation" - see ELO 2 and 5.
• "Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:

> "Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively" - see ELO 1 to 7.

> "Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities" - see ELO 6; note also that learners act in accordance with the code of conduct of the University and, where relevant, that of the professional discipline being studied.

> "Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts" - see ELO 2 and 4.

> "Exploring education and career opportunities" - see ELO 5 and 7.

> "Developing entrepreneurial opportunities" - see ELO 2.

1. The qualifying learner demonstrates in-depth knowledge of computer auditing and information management processes within an organisation.
2. The qualifying learner demonstrates competence to manage an information technology system and is competent to plan, and execute and audit on the information technology system of an organisation, and can interpret and report back on the findings of the audit.
3. The qualifying learner is able to:

• Demonstrate an ability to anticipate changes in the IT environment and design practical systems to be used taking the dynamic nature of the changes in IT into consideration and the latest methodology being adopted.
• Use multi-disciplinary approaches to conceptual thinking and problem solving.

4. The qualifying learner is able to

• Access information using a spectrum of technologies, ranging from electronic or auto-generated business records, to electronic data bases.
• Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to electronic media.
• Access, use and organise information in an ever-changing world context.

5. The qualifying learner

• Understands and uses skills to manage him/herself and exercises self discipline.
• Can plan and initiate the successful completion of supporting, management and administrative tasks individually or in collaboration.
• Demonstrates the ability to participate in or lead a group and delegate tasks to appropriate members of the group, taking group dynamics into consideration.

6. The qualifying learner is able to

• Formulate and solve.
• Propose potential solutions to computer auditing and information system management problems, within the changing IT environment.

1. The qualifying learner has shown in her/his behaviour/value system and in the conduct of her/his studies, that the importance of ethical and professional behaviour is understood and applied.

Integrated Assessment

During the course of study a research report is completed. This is an individual task, where the diplomat is required to address a practical issue identified in the work environment and in so doing, integrates and applies the theories studied. Further, at the stage of final assessment, assessment practices include criteria pertaining to all the outcomes for the Degree to ensure that these outcomes are integrated with one another.