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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Certificate in Web Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91756  Advanced Certificate in Web Development 
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Certificate  Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences  Information Technology and Computer Sciences 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  123  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the applied competence and technical insight required to develop and maintain database integrated websites and related architectures. The qualification includes basic background on visual and aesthetic aspects of websites and also web marketing and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) but the main focus remains firmly on the technical and functional aspects of database driven web sites. The outcomes of the qualification have been identified by practising specialists in the field as required skills and competencies for a qualification of this nature. Learners will be able to develop and maintain web sites to meet specific functional objectives.

Learners will be introduced to internet infrastructure and the functioning of web servers, industry standard web development applications, databases and web scripting. This will enable them to contextualise and apply more technical web development skills and integrate databases and websites.

The work integrated learning activities further ensure that the project and solution development skills are mastered on an application integration level. A stronger emphasis is placed on solution development and learners are given a fair degree of freedom to formulate web solutions against given criteria, to promote a greater degree of innovative and creative solution design.

Rationale:
This qualification is required in response to an existing and increasing demand in the workplace for database driven web development skills. The qualification is aimed at those learners who have completed a Higher Certificate: Technical IT Support Services or similar qualification which will provide them with an appropriate foundation to specialise in web development. This Advanced Certificate: Web Development will provide the skills and knowledge needed to develop and maintain database integrated corporate and commercial websites and intranets. Learners will be prepared to enter the workplace as self-employed individuals or within an existing organisation in a variety of different positions related to web development. The outcomes have been defined to ensure a well formulated qualification with specific web application focus that will meet current and future industry requirements.

This qualification will help to address the scarce skills in IT and will broaden learners' employment prospects. Learners will be prepared to take up positions such as/in:
  • Web Masters.
  • Web Application Specialists.
  • Web Technician.
  • Web Content Manager.
  • Web Application Support Specialist.
  • Web Application Developer. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner is competent in:
  • Communications at NQF Level 4.
  • Information Technology at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners can achieve this qualification in part through RPL. The institutional RPL Policy guides this process.

    Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

    Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • An appropriate Higher Certificate: Information Technology. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All modules are at NQF Level 6 and are compulsory:
  • Internet Fundamentals B, 8 Credits.
  • Database introduction, 15 Credits.
  • Web Applications, 15 Credits.
  • Graphic Development 1, 10 Credits.
  • Web Design Concepts, 8 Credits.
  • Web Styling, 10 Credits.
  • Web Scripting, 15 Credits.
  • Web Marketing, 10 Credits.
  • Web Content Management Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Project, 20 Credits.
    Total: 123. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop, manage and maintain corporate web sites using web applications and web scripting.
    2. Develop, manage and maintain a database driven web site, using open source software.
    3. Optimise and maintain a website for maximum search engine visibility.
    4. Select and integrate Web 2.0 elements into a corporate website in accordance with business marketing objectives. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Web sites are developed using industry standard software packages to meet given criteria.
  • A corporate web site is managed and maintained using a web application and scripting language.
  • Competence is demonstrated in the use of web applications to integrate a level of interactivity into a web site.
  • Digital media is aesthetically integrated into a web site to achieve specific objectives.
  • Problems are identified and repaired in the structure of a web site and web pages by using scripting, coding, a web application or any combination of tools and techniques.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Open source software is used to create a corporate web site with database integration.
  • An open source web site is managed and maintained by using scripting and database query language.
  • The security and functionality of an open source web site is managed using integrated control instruments.
  • Web content is managed on an open source web site, using the given control panels and integrated functions.
  • Websites are managed, maintained and upgraded using of web applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Marketing keywords are identified and integrated into the code of a web site to promote search engine visibility.
  • Steps and activities are defined to launch a search engine optimisation campaign for a new site.
  • Hit rates on a web site are analysed and monitored to assess the effectiveness of the search engine optimisation campaigns.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Web 2.0 elements and features are identified for a specific web site to complement its attraction for a given target audience.
  • Web 2.0 elements are integrate into different web sites and test the functionality of the new features.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes.

    The scheme of work includes tests and assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback to guide them for successful completion of the qualification. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and outcomes which are assessed using an appropriate and relevant mixture of assignments, portfolios of evidence, case study evaluations or analyses and practical projects.

    Summative assessment:
    Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

    Integrated assessments must be designed to achieve:
  • An integration of the achievement of exit level outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
  • The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.
  • Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to and understood by, the learners and which can be applied in the recognition of prior learning. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Certificate in Web Design was compared with qualifications in the web applications development and applied web development in Canada, Europe and The Open University. It shows strong similarity to qualifications in Canada and Europe, specifically with the University of Calgary in Canada and the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Europe. The concept of a single qualification with the potential to be used across a range of sectors, i.e. public, private and non-governmental, was investigated.

    The Advanced Certificate in Web Design compares favourably with the qualification offered at The Open University entitled Certificate in Web Applications Development. This qualification combines a common core of specialist subjects, i.e. web application design, development and management; client- and server-side application development; website design with databases; web server management; and open source development.

    The range of qualifications offered at the British Columbia Institute of Technology in Europe compares positively as it includes a similar set of disciplines from a practical focus in database concepts and development; web application design and development; scripting languages for the web; and web design. This qualification provides core courses with the option of technical elective choices, as well as options in writing for the web and project management.

    With the qualification offered at the University of Calgary in Canada, a similar set of disciplines are offered in the Certificate in Web Application Development. The Certificate delves into the core areas of web application development; scripting languages for the web; databases and web integration; and dynamic web site development. This qualification aligns well with industry related business and application development approaches.

    The Advanced Certificate: Web Development compares favourably with international qualifications, in scope, focus, level of depth and complexity. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with other Advanced Certificates in Information Technology at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with the Bachelor of Information Technology at NQF Level 7. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The institution ensures the quality of its qualifications through a stringent process of internal and external control and quality assurance as set out in the relevant institutional policies.

    All summative assessments in the exit level modules are externally moderated while all others are internally moderated.

    The institution which is a multi-site provider has a sophisticated system of internal and external moderation to assure quality and ensure equity of provision. Feedback from moderators is used to improve the quality of assessment, material and student support as well as to ensure fairness and validity in any particular examination cycle. External moderation is also used to ensure that the quality of the qualification content and its assessment is comparable to that offered by other providers.

    Internal Moderation:
    The role of internal moderation is to ensure that assessments are conducted appropriately and fairly and are a valid indication of a learner's performance. Lecturers who are involved in the assessment of learning outcomes need to be able to account for all levels of assessment including assignments, examinations and portfolios.

    Feedback on internal moderation is provided to respective lecturers and academic staff across the campuses through a moderation report.

    External Moderation
    External moderators are required to submit formal reports using the given template. External moderators are asked to report on the following:
  • The consistency and fairness of assessment.
  • The assessment process.
  • The overall standard of work.
  • The standard of work in relation to other courses of the same nature. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors and moderators are required to hold a qualification at least one level higher than the qualification being assessed or moderated. Moderators are also required to have more than two years' teaching experience. Assessors with less than two years' experience have their assessment work moderated by a peer. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or registered on the National Qualifications Framework, are public property. Thus, the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction: it is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.