Occupational Certificate

Software Developer

SAQA ID: 118707 - NQF Level: 5 - Credits: 220 - Duration: 12 Months
Course Overview

The Occupational Certificate: Software Developer equips learners with the skills to analyze requirements, develop, test, implement, and maintain software applications using programming languages. This qualification addresses the critical need for software developers in South Africa, supporting the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the country’s digital economy.

Course Structure

The qualification consists of Knowledge Modules, Practical Skill Modules, and Work Experience Modules.

Purpose

The qualification prepares learners to operate as Software Developers, capable of translating specifications into functional software solutions, building logical workflows, and programming effectively to meet client and technical requirements. It fosters skills for innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration in the ICT industry.

Entry Requirements
  • Minimum Qualification: NQF Level 4 with Mathematical Literacy and Communication.
Knowledge Modules (66 Credits)
  1. KM-01 Computers and Computing Systems, Level 4, 12 Credits.
  2. KM-02 Desktop and Professional Software to Communicate and Visualise Information, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  3. KM-03 Automated Web Scraping as a Data Source, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  4. KM-04 Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  5. KM-05 Computing Theory, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  6. KM-06 Software Development with HTML5, Opensource Frameworks and Libraries, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  7. KM-07 UML as Standard Modelling Language for Software and Systems Development, Level 5, 4 Credits.
  8. KM-08 Obtaining, Querying, Manipulating and Presenting Data with and without MVC, Level 5, 6 Credits.
  9. KM-09 Software Development Life Cycle, Programming Languages, Algorithms and Security, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  10. KM-10 Introduction to Governance, Legislation and Ethics, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  11. KM-11, 4IR and Future Skills, Level 4, 2 Credits.
  12. KM-12 Design Thinking Principles for Innovation, Level 4, 1 Credit
Practical Skill Modules (89 Credits)
  1. PM-01 Use Software to Communicate and Visualise Information, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  2. PM-02 Use and Manage Spreadsheets and Workbooks, Level 4, 3 Credits.
  3. PM-03 Use Desktop Applications to Analyse, Visualise and Report on Data, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  4. PM-04 Use a Visual Analytics Platform and Visualisation Tools to Analyse, Visualise and report on Data, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  5. PM-05 Query and Massage Data, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  6. PM-06 Apply Logical Thinking and Maths , Level 4, 3 Credits.
  7. PM-07 Apply Code to use a Software Toolkit/Platform in the Field of Study or Employment, Level 5, 3 Credits.
  8. PM-08, Develop Software using HTML5, Opensource Frameworks and Libraries, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  9. PM-09 Design and Build Web Applications, Desktop Graphical User Interfaces or Mobile Apps, Level 5, 8 Credits.
  10. PM-10 Use a Cloud Automation Platform to Create Solutions, Level 4, 8 Credits.
  11. PM-11 Develop Software using Python, Level 5, 12 Credits.
  12. PM-12 Apply the Development Cycle when Developing Software, Level 5, 16 Credits.
  13.  PM-13 Participate in a Design Thinking for Innovation Workshop, Level 4, 4 Credits.
  14.  PM-14 Function Ethically and Effectively in a Team, Level 4, 4 Credits.
Work Experience Modules (65 Credits)
  1. WE-01 Technical Requirement Analysis and Refinement, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  2. WE-02 Modelling Processes, Level 5, 15 Credits.
  3. WE-03 Programming for Software Solution Development, Level 5, 25 Credits.
  4. WE-04 Capstone project, Level 5, 10 Credits.
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion, learners will demonstrate:

  • Interpret specifications and translate them into functional code.
  • Build logical workflows using frameworks and methodologies to address business challenges.
  • Program effectively using suitable programming languages to develop and test solutions.
  • Design algorithms and UML diagrams for software development.
  • Conduct root cause analysis, debugging, and unit testing to maintain software performance.
  • Collaborate professionally with teams and clients, adhering to ethical standards.
Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue roles such as:

  • Software Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Application Developer
  • Full-Stack Developer
  • Freelance Software Developer (with entrepreneurial opportunities)

Want to know more?

Contact us on 010 825 3999 for all your queries and more information on this course.

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