Advanced Diploma in Information Technology
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Information Technology (AdvDip IT) aims to equip learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to create, design, and maintain software solutions that effectively address business and industry requirements using the latest technology. This qualification is centered on producing graduates with a strong theoretical and practical foundation to apply cutting-edge technologies and tools in crafting optimal software solutions. It enhances learners' theoretical understanding and practical capabilities in analyzing, interpreting, and comprehending information systems development processes, principles, and methods. Moreover, the program is designed to prepare learners for postgraduate studies by deepening their knowledge of Information Technology (IT) theories, methodologies, and practices, enhancing their ability to tackle complex theoretical and practical problems using appropriate methods and techniques effectively.
Upon completion, graduates will be proficient in implementing design, development, implementation, and maintenance strategies for Information Technology solutions, as well as managing and administering IT environments efficiently.
Rationale:
The National Development Plan 2030 highlights South Africa's potential for growth amid increasing demand for commodities and expansion of consumer markets globally. However, middle-income countries face challenges due to heightened competition in manufacturing and IT-enabled services. This qualification aligns with Government Gazette No. 36797 (dated 30 August 2013) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Act (Act No. 67 of 2008), aiming to facilitate educational access, mobility, and progression.
In the rapidly evolving Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape, it is crucial for educational institutions to adapt qualifications to incorporate cutting-edge technologies. The 2012 OECD Programme for South Africa emphasizes the role of universities in human capital development and regional innovation systems. For the Free State, challenges include fostering an inclusive labor market, addressing poverty and inequity, and leveraging higher education for regional development.
The demand for skilled IT professionals is high both nationally and internationally, illustrated by the Scarce Skills List from the Department of Labour and the Industry Advisory Board. This qualification will help address critical skills shortages, enabling Diploma in Information Technology graduates to advance their studies and prepare for employment in the business and industry sector.
Overall, this Advanced Diploma meets market demands for proficient IT system developers capable of analyzing problems and devising software solutions effectively.
Outcomes
- Apply appropriate techniques and strategies for managing an information security programme.
- Design and construct modern database systems for business problems, through the understanding and practical application of end users' requirements.
- Apply techniques in the planning, scheduling, controlling and monitoring of an information technology project. Identify, design, develop and implement a software solution for a complex business problem applying new technologies, software paradigms and platforms
- Run a highly efficient and modern data-centre, with expertise in identity management, systems management, virtualisation, storage, directory services and networking.
- Demonstrate adequate understanding of fundamental principles and functions of an operating system and install, configure and administer an operating system or components to support an organisation's Information Technology (IT) infrastructure.
- Identify, design and develop all requirements, analysis and design documents for a complex business problem.
- Design, construct and apply efficient game design concepts and philosophies to develop two-dimensional games for deployment and publishing across multiple platforms.
- Design, construct and apply efficient user interfaces for varying Operating System and application/web platforms through the understanding and practical application of user interface/human computer interaction principles.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Explain the importance of information security and its management
- Demonstrate understanding of risk management
- Understand security technology including firewalls and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
- Understand intrusion detection, access control, and other security tools such as cryptography
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Identify and describe server technologies for accessing data in a database
- Define relational structures
- Use client and server tools effectively for accessing a relational database
- Design, develop, and implement databases using logical and physical models
- Use advanced Structured Query Language (SQL) commands for database creation and modification
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Develop detailed work breakdown structures and baseline schedules for IT projects
- Apply project monitoring strategies
- Produce progress reports
- Design and implement software solutions for complex business problems
- Apply software project management concepts
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Identify suitable Server Software for modern data centers
- Install and configure Server Software
- Design and implement Server infrastructure
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Discuss operating system components and functions
- Prepare a computer for server use
- Install and validate operating systems
- Differentiate between server and client services
- Configure and test common network services
- Explain the benefits of using scripts for automation
- Describe virtualization advantages and issues
- Install virtual machines using virtualization software
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- Understand software engineering scope
- Apply Software Process Models
- Apply Unified Process model
- Implement testing techniques
- Apply cohesion and coupling best practices
- Explain and apply workflows in the Unified process
- Understand developer role in post-delivery maintenance
- Use modeling language for documentation
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7
- Describe computer game genres and gameplay types
- Apply game design concepts for mobile games
- Develop game framework modules
- Create two-dimensional games using construct2
- Deploy games to mobile platforms
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8
- Design user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing user interfaces
- Contextually design user interfaces for different users
- Design interactive products to support communication and interaction
- Discuss and apply interaction design components for usability goals
Integrated Assessment
- Ensure learners can make decisions in an end-user support environment
- Include both formative and summative assessment practices
- Put theory into practice
- Address multiple Exit Level Outcomes together
- Cluster related Assessment Criteria
- Use various assessment methods to achieve outcomes
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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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.