| Qualification code: | 98806 |
| NQF level: | 6 |
| Total credits: | 360 |
| SAQA ID: | 62396 |
| APS/AS: | 18 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 8 years |
Purpose statement:
A Qualifying learner at this level is competent in the development of IT systems in a distributed computing environment, after specializing in one of the following fields:
1. Business Applications.
The creation and customization of total integrated IT solutions to business problems and management of those systems. This also includes the analysis of business systems to provide decision support on appropriate technology for acquiring and processing knowledge essential for innovation, and for betterment of organisational responsiveness, effectiveness and / or efficiency.
2. Software Development
Designing and producing software products and systems to meet specified needs so that they work reliably and their production and maintenance is cost effective.
3. Communication Networks
Design, development, implementation and management of networks by integrating knowledge of modern network topologies and protocols to create an appropriate and adequate environment of communication and information sharing.
4. Web and Application Development
To equip Web professionals with the necessary skills to pursue a career in IT using the Internet to create, build and maintain Web sites. This professional will also manage Web related functions of the organisation.
5. Information Systems and Technology Management
Manage people and technology for creating, modifying and sustaining organisational information systems.
6. Intelligent Industrial Systems
Design, development and maintenance of systems that have embedded logic. This includes artificial intelligence and servers that can do remotely control a process environment.
7. Support Services
Identifies the various types of end users and explore their possible needs. These needs include support in the use of existing software packages, basic maintenance of computers and equipment, and support for the development of end users' own computer applications. Support services will also include management of information centres.
8. Technical Applications
The IT industry requires various specific programming skills apart from applications of a commercial and database type. This course equips persons to develop any program for a specialised environment. These will include interface programs between major systems as well protocol programming. The aim is to give this person specialised programming skills to solve specific non-mainstream problems not addressed by commercially available products.
9. Hardware and Computer Architecture
Electronics hardware design, installation and maintenance in the IT context.
This qualification contains modules with practical components, which will require you to spend time away from your home and responsibilities, to gain the required industry exposure through applying your theoretical understanding in a workplace. You will be expected to complete tasks which will reflect your experience and skills gained while in the workplace. These tasks will be formally assessed and grades awarded.
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Diploma endorsement) or equivalent with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning, 50% in Mathematics or at least N4 Mathematics passed with a minimum of 50% and N4 English, or N4 Communication, or N4 Communication Technology passed with at least 50%,
or
a Senior Certificate (SC) with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning, and with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Mathematics, and a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in Physical Science, if any Physics or Chemistry modules form part of the curriculum of a selected qualification, or at least N4 Mathematics passed with a minimum of 50% and N4 English, or N4 Communication, or N4 Communication Technology passed with at least 50%,
or
a Higher Certificate that satisfies the Mathematics and Language requirement.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 27 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years' relevant work experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.