SAQA ID: 78965
Further Education and Training Certificate:
Information Technology: System Development Level 4
Title of Qualification:
SAQA ID: 78965 Further Education and Training Certificate: Information Technology: System Development Level 4
Duration of Qualification:
This programme consists of Fundamental and Elective Unit Standards and will be covered over a period of one year (see breakdown for more information)
Total Number of Credits:166
Entry Requirements
It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3
Module 1 – Communicate effectively with IT staff and users
Module 1.1 – Communicate effectively with IT staff and users (Second Language Component)
Module 2 – Different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business
Module 3 – Problem solving techniques, and how to apply them in a technical environment
Module 4 – Computer Technology Principles
Module 5 – Computer Programming Principles and Fundamentals
Module 6 – Work effectively as a team member within a development project environment
The purpose of this qualification is to build a foundational entry into the field of Computer Sciences and Information Technology, specifically into the field of Systems Development, covering basic knowledge needed for further study in the field of Systems Development at Higher Education Levels. The qualification can be acquired in the traditional way of formal study as well as in the workplace, through learnerships. Acquiring the qualification through learnerships has the potential of addressing the problems of the past, where newly qualified people getting into the industry struggled to get employment, because they were required to have practical experience.
The workplace experience can now be gained while acquiring the qualification through the various learnership schemes that are planning to use this qualification. A qualifying learner at this level will be a well-rounded entry-level Systems Developer with a good fundamental knowledge of the Information Technology field, coupled with interpersonal and business skills, preparing for later specialisation in Systems Development fields.
The qualification is designed to:
• provide learners with an entry level for further study in Information Technology and related fields, as well as for initial employment in the computer industry.
• allow many of the listed unit standards to be used in Learnership Schemes in the Information Systems and Technology sector, as well as other sectors where Information Technology is a key requirement.
• provide a foundational qualification for people who are pursuing a career in the computer industry, or related fields. People with this qualification have an introductory level of understanding about computer industry concepts and/or are able to work in areas of Information Technology with little technical complexity, for example entry-level computer programming, as junior project team member.
• allow the credits achieved in the National Certificates in Information Technology (Level 2 & 3) to be used as foundation (i.e. learning assumed to be in place) for the requirements of this qualification.
• have a flexible structure to allow for changing requirements in the computer industry, and to allow providers to create learning programmes with a predominantly Information Technology component but tailored to meet local, national or international needs.
Who is the course intended for?
This qualification has been developed for professional practice across the industry and is intended to ensure professionalism within junior positions in the industry ensuring the upliftment of the standards in general. It is applicable to small and large businesses alike, and builds on other certificates from a range of sub-sectors and will provide articulation with a range of qualifications.
Upon successful completion of the qualification, the learner will be a Systems Developer able to carry out competently the exit level outcomes in a business environment. The purpose of this qualification is stated as being a foundational qualification at the Further Education band, allowing for further study in Information Technology and related fields at Higher Education entry level (National Certificate). This will allow the qualified learner to progress to further qualifications either in Systems Development or other IT domains, or in other related industries where IT is a key component.
Learning assumed to be in place and recognition of prior learning
Learners may access this Qualification in terms of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited ETQA and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor, subject to the terms of the model decided upon by the relevant ETQA. The qualification is specifically designed to accommodate a broad range of recognitionof prior learning. This intention is reflected in the structure of the qualification and in the rules for combination of credits towards the qualification. The intention is to provide recognition for all the relevant skills which learners already possess and even to provide recognition for skills which might not be relevant to the job through the elective category.
Course Objectives
The successful candidate will be able to achieve the following outcomes:
1. Communicate effectively with fellow IT staff & users of information systems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of different types of computer systems and the use of computer technology in business.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of problem-solving techniques, and how to apply them in a technical environment.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Technology Principles.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of Computer Programming Principles.
6. Work effectively as a team member within a development project environment.
7. Carry out, under supervision, a small size task to demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge, techniques & skills needed to understand the fundamentals of Computer Programming.
