Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development

Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Applications Development is to provide a professional and vocational qualification for the Information Communications and Technology (ICT) industry. This qualification aims to enable learners to:

Apply advanced design, development, implementation, and maintenance strategies and techniques in the development of software products and systems to meet specified industry needs.
Effectively manage and administer software products and systems in a reliable and cost-effective manner.

Rationale

Applications Development is pervasive in various aspects of life, including mobile phone apps, ATMs and banking, television, medical equipment, finance and accounting, education, geographical information systems, motorcars, and aeroplanes, social media, and the internet. This qualification seeks to:

Provide learners with advanced knowledge and skills to pursue rewarding careers in application development.
Address the increasing demand for Information Technologists in South Africa, both in the public and private sectors as well as locally and internationally in scientific, business, and manufacturing industries.
Naturally lead to a research Postgraduate Degree/Diploma, offering further educational and career advancement opportunities.

Outcomes

Demonstrate competency in applied research using appropriate research methodologies in the ICT environment.
Demonstrate competencies to manage ICT to provide organisations with strategically increasing productivity and quality of service.
Demonstrate competency in software engineering and modelling.
Demonstrate competency in developing appropriate advanced data structures and searching algorithms.
Integrate applications across heterogeneous platforms, particularly in a mobile environment.
Manage an integrated approach to information security across all aspects of the application development lifecycle.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Formulate a researchable problem.
Produce a research proposal demonstrating competencies in conducting academic research.
Develop questionnaires, collect and analyze data.
Apply research methodology effectively.
Write a dissertation with introduction, literature review, research methodology, data analysis, results, and conclusion chapters.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate knowledge of management functions.
Understand information infrastructure and architecture.
Manage for competitive advantage, diversity, globalisation, and ethical standards.
Utilize information technology for strategic advantage.
Manage IT for problem-solving, productivity, quality, customer service, and business process restructuring.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Create accurate UML representations using object-oriented principles.
Produce clear class diagrams for OOAD processes.
Choose appropriate software design methodologies.
Develop suitable relational data models.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4 & 5:

Produce non-trivial mobile applications for specific user communities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Implement security and authentication in design patterns.
Identify generalised abstraction models for software reuse.

Integrated Assessment:

Assess knowledge, competencies, and skills from an academic and practical perspective.
Include assignments, quizzes, tests, and examinations to evaluate competencies.
Evaluate applied competencies required by the qualification.

These criteria encompass a range of assessment methods to ensure students demonstrate understanding and application of the relevant knowledge and skills in the field of study.

Qualification Details

Type: Advanced Diploma
NQF Level: 07
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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Walter Sisulu University

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Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is a comprehensive university located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions: the University of Transkei, the Eastern Cape Technikon, and the Border Technikon. WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, business and management sciences, education, health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is committed to providing quality education and promoting social justice, equity, and sustainable development. WSU has multiple campuses spread across different regions of the Eastern Cape, including Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City (East London), and Queenstown. Each campus offers a unique learning environment and facilities to cater to the diverse needs of students. The university is named after Walter Sisulu, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress (ANC). It aims to honor his legacy by fostering a culture of activism, social responsibility, and community engagement among its students and staff. Overall, Walter Sisulu University strives to be a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, providing accessible and relevant education to empower individuals and contribute to the development of the Eastern Cape region and the country as a whole.

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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.