Advanced Diploma in Information Technology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
Learners achieving this qualification will be able to continue their professional development through a deep and systematic understanding of current Information Technology (IT) trends, practices, theory and methodologies in the IT environment. These graduates would be able to specialize and integrate solutions in the IT field by applying related principles in appropriate ways to analyze and solve more broadly defined open-ended tactical problems in IT projects. The Advanced Diploma with the Software Development options develops learners for the job as Software Developers/Programmers who will develop or maintain software applications. These qualifying learners can work as part of a team or program the coded solution to a design that has been developed by business/system analysts. Another key role for these learners is to be part of the quality assurance team to test developed solutions. The Development Software modules, User Interfaces and Application Security are modules that will focus on developing a Software Developer graduate to be able to develop good usable interfaces and secure solutions on different platforms. Project Management is necessary for the management of developing the solution. Quality assurance has become key in the development of solutions to ensure on deployment of the software product that there are minimal errors. This qualification with the Infrastructure Support options develops a qualifying learner for Network Administration and/or Infrastructure Support. These learners will provide Information Technology technical support and management in a Care Centre/Helpdesk or at companies. The IT Support Services, Operating Systems and IT Project Management modules focus on the support/management of the infrastructure within a company/institution. The Security modules focus on applying security to the applications and processes within a company and the Information Technology relevant IT Security government policies. The qualification with the Communication Networks and Security options develop a qualifying learner for the Network Design and Support within a company. The Communication Networks modules focus on developing the networking skills to the level of designing an enterprise network. Project Management will help the learner to manage the implementation of a designed network and the support thereof. The Security modules focus on applying security to the applications within a company and the Information Technology relevant IT Security government policies.
Rationale
Organizations of every kind are dependent on information technology. They need to have reliable, secure, maintained and appropriate systems in place. Employees throughout an organization require support from Information Technology (IT) staff who understand computer systems and their infrastructure and software. This qualification is designed to address and equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in the Information Technology (IT) discipline to analyze, design and implement IT solutions to make meaningful contributions to the industry and national development by ensuring optimal utilization of IT resources. This is in line with the national need for IT professionals. This qualification focuses on preparing learners who will possess the right combination of knowledge and practical, hands-on expertise to enable them to design, implement, manage and support solutions to an organization's information technology infrastructure and systems and give quality service to the people who use it. Information Technology is the emphasis on the technology itself more than on the business aspects involved. The qualification addresses the requirement for learners who have the skills to design, develop and implement secure solutions to the information technology needs of the organization. Furthermore, the graduates will be equipped to manage the infrastructure and applications of an organization. Qualifying learners will be employed as: Software Developers/Programmers who will develop or maintain software applications. These graduates can work as part of a team or program the coded solution to a design that has been developed by business/system analysts. Another key role for these graduates is to be part of the Quality Assurance team to test developed solutions.
Outcomes
- Use project management as an operational tool to complete an Information Technology (IT) solution for a project as per the industry norm.
- Interpret and successfully implement an IT solution using design and implementation techniques/strategies in the Information Technology field with due consideration of related IT management principles, and the aspect of professional ethics and conduct within a case study environment.
- Apply related strategies and procedures to develop a solution from the user requirements phase through to the implementation/deployment phase of an IT project.
- Interpret and apply security controls to minimise security risks in an IT solution.
- Carry out comparative analysis for the development of an IT solution for a Communication Networks, Application Software, and/or Infrastructure Support Environment.
- Apply knowledge and skills of alternative technologies by investigating the different options that can be used in the development of solutions in the design/implementation/deployment and maintenance of an IT solution.
- Apply IT management and security skills to develop, optimise and manage solutions to support and manage an IT environment to support the network, infrastructure and the applications of an institution.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Plan, develop, organise and manage an IT project using project management techniques.
- Integrate computer applications in the programming and scheduling of the project.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply IT management skills and strategies to control and manage an IT environment.
- Analyse case studies with respect to design and implementation techniques and strategies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Analyse and design an IT solution to user requirements.
- Implement and deploy the design for a solution to a problem.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identify security risks in an IT solution.
- Implement security controls and management to minimise risks.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Evaluate existing solutions to redesign or develop a new IT solution to a problem.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Analyse the feasibility of strategies/techniques for solutions.
- Compare different techniques for an IT solution.
- Troubleshoot specific problems in an IT solution.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Evaluate the information security environment and design control measures.
- Compare various strategies in IT management and suggest new strategies for optimal management of IT environments.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative assessments will include tutorials, assignments/projects, class tests, computer based simulations, and interactive feedback systems.
- Summative assessments will include closed/open book tests, individual/group projects and assignments, presentations, and examinations.
- The Project will provide comprehensive integrative assessment covering the complete spectrum of learning.
- Assessment tools will evaluate knowledge, critical thinking, evaluation prowess, communication, and presentation skills.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.