Advanced Diploma in Information and Communications Technology in Communication Networks

Programme Objective

Entry Requirements

This qualification will provide the student with advanced knowledge and skills to pursue a rewarding career in communication networks. The qualification provides a Network certification path for students to be more equipped for the next generation of skilled technopreneurs.

The qualification also seeks to satisfy the South African demands for both public and private sectors in ICT specialised in Communication Networks.

NQF Level 6 qualification with 360 credits in Information and Communication Technology majoring in Communication Networks or in a cognate discipline with an achievement of not less than 60% for the majors. 

Any applicant who has not achieved the required 60% but has acquired two years of relevant experience may be considered for admission to this qualification.

Graduate Attributes

Graduate Attribute 1:

·        Demonstrate competency in applied research using appropriate research methodologies in the ICT environment.

Graduate Attribute 2:

·        Demonstrate competencies to manage ICT to provide organizations with strategically increasing productivity and quality of service.

Graduate Attribute 3:

·        Apply project management techniques to communication network environments.

Graduate Attribute 4:

·        Demonstrate competency in network engineering and maintenance.

Graduate Attribute 5:

·        Demonstrate competencies in computer and network security.

Graduate Attribute 6:

·        Demonstrate knowledge of advanced Operating System Principles

Graduate Attribute 7:

·        Demonstrate competencies to manage ICT to provide organizations with strategically increasing productivity and quality of service

Teaching and learning strategy

The teaching and learning strategy for Advanced Diploma in ICT in Communication Networks programme is the same as the Diploma in ICT in Applications Development programme. See above.

Assessment strategy

The assessment strategy for Advanced Diploma in ICT in Communication Networks programme is the same as the Diploma in ICT in Applications Development programme. See above.

Progression and Exclusion Rules

The progression rules for Advanced Diploma in ICT in Communication Networks programme are the same as the Advanced Diploma in ICT in Applications Development programme. See above.

RPL and Credit Transfer

The RPL and Credit Transfer considerations for Communication Networks programme is the same as the Diploma in ICT in Applications Development programme. See above.

Articulation rules

Preceding

Diploma

Vertical Articulation

Vertical articulation is possible.

e.g. Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology at NQF Level 8, or Bachelor of Science Honours in Information Technology at NQF Level 8, or similar qualification at NQF Level 8 in a cognate field.

Horizontal Articulation

Horizontal articulation is possible within WSU:

e.g. Advanced Diploma ICT in Applications Development.

Outside the institution, horizontal articulation is possible:

e.g. Bachelor in Information Technology, NQF Level 7 or similar qualification at NQF Level 7 in a cognate field.

WS6266 – Advanced Diploma in ICT in Communication Networks

Level of Study: I (Semester One)

#

Module Name

Module Code

Block

No. of Credits

Course Convener

Module Objective

1

Projects IV

PRJ47W0

0

24

HoD

This module introduces students to conducting undergraduate research by applying knowledge and skills gained from Research Methodology IV, resulting in a mini dissertation.

2

Research Methodology IV

REM47W0

0

12

HoD

The purpose of this module is to enable the learner to understand the theoretical and practical aspects of research in particular in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) - how to design research informed by theoretical, methodological and practical issues and how to prepare a research proposal relevant in the field of ICT.

3

Communication Networks IV

CMN47W1

1

12

HoD

This module further expands on students’ knowledge base of the world of computer networking. Successful completion of this course will enable you to have a stronger theoretical and practical knowledge of how trending technologies are designed, built, and maintained to make human work more efficient through computer networks.

4

Functional Management IV

FMT47W1

1

12

HoD

The purpose of this module is to provide its students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be initiated into the functional management environment.

5

Computer Security IV

CMS47W1

1

12

HoD

This module aims to provide an in-depth, theoretical understanding of network security, provides hands-on knowledge skills emphasizing practical experience in the installation, troubleshooting, and monitoring of network devices to maintain integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and devices.

Level of Study: I (Semester Two)

#

Module Name

Module Code

Block

No. of Credits

Course Convener

Module Objective

1

Operating Systems IV

OPS47W2

2

12

HoD

The purpose of the module is to introduce students to a high-level understanding of what an operating system is and the role it plays using its structures, applications, and other utilities.

2

Network Project Management IV

NPM47W2

2

12

HoD

This module is designed to equip learners with a solid understanding of the advanced principles of project management which apply to all IT professionals. The skills and knowledge acquired in this course will assist in specialized areas of design, configuration, and implementation of communication networks.

3

Information Technology Management IV

ITM47W2

2

12

HoD

The purpose of this module is to provide its students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to be initiated to the IT Management environment.

4

Advanced Communication Networks IV

ACN47W2

2

12

HoD

The purpose of this module is to expand student’s knowledge base of the world of computer networking. Successful completion of this course will enable students to have a stronger theoretical and practical knowledge of how trending technologies are designed, built, and maintained to make human work more efficient through computer networks.