Bachelor of Honours in Information Communication Technology
Programme Description
The Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology Honours (BICTHons) introduce students to advanced ICT skills while exposing them to an inquiry‐led and evidence‐based approach to the creation of knowledge. The programme produces graduates that can play an important role in today’s fourth industrial revolution (4IR) that relies on data and software programmes (in a nutshell ICT). The BICTHons design includes the majority of technologies that enables the 4IR among them artificial intelligence, data science and its application, cross-platform programming techniques, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. Graduates from this program will be equipped with skills and the knowledge of understanding the research process, and the philosophical foundations necessary to understand how scientific knowledge is created. Thus, the programme will enable students to become life-long independent learners who are capable of undertaking research to make original contributions to knowledge and society. Furthermore, the BICTHons aims to produce graduates that are ready to occupy leadership positions in the innovative and knowledgebased economies.
The BICTHons is at NQF level 8, with a requirement of 120 credits. Full-time students follow a structured curriculum over a year while part-time students are expected to complete their studies within 2 years. The programme will see students take five compulsory modules that gives them 90 credits and then select two out of four elective modules for the remaining 30 credits. It should be noted that part-time students taking the degree over two years will take 4 modules (three from the core modules and one from electives) in their first year. The part-time students are required to pass all four modules to progress to the second year. In their second year, part-time students will be required to do three modules (two compulsory and one elective).
Admission Requirements:
The minimum admission requirements for the qualification are:
Advanced Diploma or Bachelor degree in ICT/CS/IS/IT or other close related field at exit level 7
- A minimum average of 60% in the 3rd year of the programme.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The University accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the University accepts the challenge to assess prior learning that is aligned to programmes and award credit (through CAT) to promote lifelong learning. The purpose of the University of Mpumalanga’s RPL and CAT policies is to recognize prior learning to provide for admission to programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes and grant credits for modules using the principles and processes that serve as the basis for RPL practices.
Duration
It is offered over one year, full time and two years for part-time. Teaching will be based on the following modes: contact, practical, virtual sessions and blended learning.
Curriculum and Credits
| Year/Semester |
Module Code |
Description |
Credits |
NQF Level |
Core
Elective |
| 2 |
|
Research Report |
30 |
8 |
Core |
| 1 |
|
ICT Research Methods |
15 |
8 |
Core |
| 1 |
|
Advanced Artificial Intelligence |
15 |
8 |
Core |
| 2 |
|
Advanced Programming Techniques |
15 |
8 |
Core |
| 1 |
|
Advanced Cybersecurity |
15 |
8 |
Core |
| 1 |
|
Cloud Computing |
15 |
8 |
Elective |
| 2 |
|
Entrepreneurship |
15 |
8 |
Elective |
| 2 |
|
Data Science and Applications |
15 |
8 |
Elective |
| 1 |
|
IT Governance |
15 |
8 |
Elective |
Articulation
The BICTHons will create opportunities for progression for graduates who intend to further their studies and careers by acquiring further qualifications. Students who complete this qualification can progress to Master of Commerce in Informatics or Master of Science in Computer Science and thereafter to further postgraduate studies