Bachelor of Science in Data Sciences – 3 years
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE DEGREE IN DATA SCIENCE
Period of study: 3 Years
The Bachelor of Science in Data Science degree has a strong mathematics core and a focuses on data science and applications thereof. The degree is designed to develop highly skilled graduates in areas in which there are considerable shortages across the country. Graduates in possession of this degree will be both employable and eligible for further study, whether in honours or postgraduate diploma studies.
Data Science focuses on finding solutions to solving the big data problems. This qualification addresses the need for predictive models in diverse disciplines such as clinical research, intelligence, consumer behaviour and risk management continues unabated. It also addresses the critical skills shortage in the country and will provide access to students to an advanced area of study in a critical contemporary discipline.
At least one university is presently developing postgraduate qualifications in Data Science (the University of the Witwatersrand), thus ensuring vertical articulation possibilities and further encouraging the development of academic programmes in this field.
Career opportunities
Data Scientist ⋅ Software Engineer ⋅ Business Analyst ⋅ Solutions Architect ⋅ Statistics ⋅ Computer Network Professional ⋅ Network Administrator ⋅ Network Analyst ⋅ Software Applications Programmer ⋅ Software Applications Developer ⋅ Web Administrator ⋅ Web Designer ⋅ Web Developer ⋅ Chief Information Officer ⋅ Business and Systems Analyst ⋅ Intelligence Analyst ⋅ Systems Administrator
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (B.Sc.)
Period of study: 3 Years
The Bachelor of Science degree has been carefully designed to address a critical skills shortage in the country and will provide access to students to an advanced area of study in a critical contemporary discipline.
The programme aims to produce science graduates who have a systematic and coherent body of knowledge and an understanding of underlying concepts and principles; the ability to assess and evaluate scientific information; a high level of cognitive and other generic skills; written and spoken communication, computer literacy and competence in applying knowledge through basic research methods and practice.
The programme is offered in four specific sub-field specialisations, namely Mathematical Sciences, Physical Sciences, Computer Sciences and Biological Sciences.
Career Opportunities
Science graduates are open to various career opportunities in academic, government and industry. A Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree emphasises coursework in the sciences, mathematics or career-specific topics. The degree can serve as foundation for a variety of careers. Job prospects for B.Sc. graduates offer a diverse range of professional fields to work in, such as healthcare, finance, biology, chemistry, forensic sciences, consulting, engineering and computer programming.
Diploma in Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Specialised in Applications Development
Period of study: 3 Years
The pervasive use of computers has resulted in an ongoing need for a wide range of highly skilled human capacity in ICT disciplines. The field is subject to rapid technological changes and therefore requires professionals who are well-educated, who keep up-to-date with the latest developments in the field and who can engage future trends and developments in the field.
The purpose of this Diploma qualification is to provide a career-focussed, professional qualification featuring industry-referenced knowledge and skills transfer, technological competencies, critical cross-field skills as well as attitudinal development. The programme deals with the conceptualisation, design, development, implementation and testing of computer software applications to meet the enormous commercial and social demand for such products. Students are prepared for careers in Computer Programming and Systems Analysis & Design but will gain exposure to a wide range of related topics. The diploma graduate will be knowledgeable and competent in the discourse and practice of the ICT discipline and have specialist knowledge of the Applications Development sub-discipline of ICT. The curriculum features a range of professional and personal development initiatives relevant to the ICT industry and the promotion of lifelong learning skills. Qualifying students will therefore be proficient in the general discourse of ICT but have specialised knowledge and skills that are focussed on Applications Development. The programme is designed to promote initiative and responsibility in an academic and/or professional context to respond to the local, regional and national, community and industry needs.
Diploma graduates in ICT specialising in Applications Development are able to:
Create and modify general computer applications software or specialised utility programs for stand-alone and distributed environments including the web environment,
Analyse user needs and produce a suitable specification for a system, covering a medium sized business problem,
Develop computer programs to demonstrate the ability to store, locate and retrieve information from different data sources, and
Deploy a suitable, secure software solution based on a given scenario demonstrating an understanding of systems architectures.
ICT practitioners are generally required to collaborate in teams to accomplish a common goal by integrating personal initiative and group cooperation around ICT projects. The course therefore also focuses on the development of professional communication skills which prepares students to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong emphasis is placed on creative problem solving and structured project management approaches.
The dynamic nature of the ICT industry demands that practitioners remain aware of developments and continuously update their skills. Practitioners must be au fait with the best practices and benchmark standards of the ICT industry. The programme therefore focuses on developing the lifelong learning skills of students.
Security of information has become a key concern in the modern business environment. As future ICT practitioners, students will therefore be exposed to uncompromising approaches in the ethical practice of their profession.
Applicants to the Diploma in ICT qualification must have a Matric with reasonably strong First Language (and English) and Mathematics or Mathematics Literacy marks. It is highly recommended that applicants should also have Computer Applications Technology (CAT) or Information Technology (IT) as subjects in their Matric curriculum.
Career Opportunities
An exciting career awaits those who successfully complete the Diploma in ICT specialised in Applications Development qualification. A world without ICT and software application is unimaginable! Applications Development manifests in every facet of life – mobile phone apps, ATMs & banking, mining, television, medical equipment, agriculture, finance & accounting, education, geographical information systems, film & video, motorcars and aeroplanes, toys, social media & the internet… The list is endless.
In South Africa and across the globe, ICT is regarded as a scarce skill and opportunity awaits those who have the right knowledge, skills and attitude.