Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Honours
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Information Technology and Computer Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Honours
Purpose
The Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology Honours is designed to equip learners with specialized knowledge and skills for conducting ICT research and developing contemporary and futuristic ICT systems. The qualification aims to develop research capacity and enable learners to engage in complex research endeavors. By focusing on areas such as cyber security, Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and data analytics, learners are prepared to conduct quality research at higher levels and excel in specialist roles within the ICT industry. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
- Initiate an ICT research project using relevant knowledge and skills
- Evaluate the current ICT discourse from various scientific perspectives
- Develop high-quality ICT solutions for present and future challenges
- Communicate effectively with professional stakeholders
- Apply specialized skills in the dynamic ICT industry
Qualified learners are poised to play a critical role in the economic development of the ICT sector in South Africa, contributing their expertise to advance the industry on both local and global scales.
Rationale
This qualification aligns with the institution's mission through innovative curriculum design, rigorous research standards, and collaboration with stakeholders to deliver cutting-edge ICT solutions for industry and society. Aligned with the strategic goals of the faculty of accounting and informatics, the program emphasizes quality teaching, research culture, and engagement with stakeholders to provide career-focused education. The qualification places a strong emphasis on research with a focus on industry and societal impact.
Given the rapid evolution of ICT, especially in areas such as IoT, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics, there is a growing need for specialized skills in these domains. Developing economies, in particular, can benefit significantly from the application of advanced ICT solutions. The shortage of skilled ICT professionals, as highlighted in the Department of Higher Education Training Skills report, underscores the importance of programs like this to drive sustainable economic development.
The qualification addresses emerging sub-domains in ICT research and practice, such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, IoT, and data analytics, which are critical for industry advancement. By providing a robust curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, learners are equipped to contribute meaningfully to the industry and society. Ultimately, graduates will be prepared for roles such as senior systems analysts, software project managers, specialists in cutting-edge technologies, and researchers in industry-focused labs.
By integrating the ACM/IEEE Computing Curriculum and aligning with industry needs and research focus areas, the qualification ensures that learners are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving ICT landscape. Through a blend of theoretical foundations and practical skills, graduates will be able to drive innovation, contribute to economic development, and enhance South Africa's ICT ecosystem.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate advanced knowledge of the theories, research methodologies, methods, and techniques relevant to the information and communication field.
- Interrogate and evaluate multiple sources of knowledge in the current ICT discourse to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production from different scientific perspectives.
- Develop quality ICT solutions for contemporary and foreseeable problems or opportunities.
- Effectively communicate with various professional stakeholders.
- Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to ICT based systems.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Apply relevant research knowledge and skills in the initiation of an ICT research project.
- Critically review information gathering, synthesis of data, evaluation, and management processes in specialised contexts to develop creative responses to problems and issues.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting and applying appropriate research techniques, methodologies and data analysis.
- Present and communicate academic, professional, or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, offering creative insights, rigorous interpretations and solutions to problems and issues appropriate to the context.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Perform a critical analysis of contemporary practices and industry developments in specific areas of ICT.
- Communicate the findings of the critical analysis to a range of stakeholders via technical reports, presentations, design objects and software.
- Perform a critical analysis of contemporary developments in ICT research methods.
- Use the findings of the critical analysis to support the development of new ICT constructs and research undertakings.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Conduct a critical analysis of a problem or opportunity.
- Develop a design model utilising appropriate best practices, tools and techniques.
- Develop an ICT based system, software construct or algorithm to satisfy the design model.
- Evaluate the ICT based system, software construct or algorithm using suitable validation and verification approaches.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Engage with relevant stakeholders and document systems' needs, weaknesses and areas of opportunities.
- Utilise appropriate techniques, tools, and methodology to create and communicate design and implementation models of the planned ICT based system or software construct.
- Plan and coordinate interaction with the ICT stakeholders.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Apply software management and software engineering practices when developing the ICT based system, software construct or algorithm.
- Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems to ICT contexts.
- Apply professional practice and ethics when developing the ICT based system.
- Apply professional, ethical, legal, security and social knowledge, behaviour and actions within a supported environment.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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