National Diploma in Information Technology (ICT)
This course develops your ability to use and develop digital systems while maintaining reliable information and secure working practices.
About the course
This course develops your ability to use and develop digital systems while maintaining reliable information and secure working practices. Learning combines technical study with practical tasks relevant to Southern African organisations and communities.
What you'll learn
Select digital tools or system components for a defined task.
Develop and test an appropriate digital solution or application workflow.
Document the solution and apply sound data and security practices.
Requirements
Prepare evidence of relevant certificate study or comparable prior learning for the provider's admission review. Refresh the subject knowledge, calculations and practical skills needed for diploma work. Plan access to the supervised workplace, laboratory or project resources required by the course.
Course content
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
3 learning stages 15 subjects
1Specialist subjects10 subjects
2Foundations and shared practice2 subjects
3Practical integration3 subjects
Subjects in this programme
The programme combines supporting studies, specialist subjects and practical integration. Each subject below includes its learning focus, outcomes, practice and assessment.
15 subjects are listed below with a short description of each. The Subject descriptions tab contains the learning outcomes, topics, practical tasks and assessments.
Specialist subjects
- Network Administration. Explore the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
- Hardware Administration. Explore the configuration and maintenance of dependable computing services. Practice centres on a system-configuration and fault-resolution portfolio, drawing on hardware, software and operating roles and installation and configuration records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check repeatability, access control and evidence of successful recovery.
- Web Development. Explore the design and evaluation of a usable online presence and customer journey. Practice centres on a demonstration online presence with a testing and improvement record, drawing on audience, purpose and online journey and content structure and accessible presentation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check usability, accuracy, permission handling and evidence of customer completion.
- Operating Systems Administration. Explore the configuration and maintenance of dependable computing services. Practice centres on a system-configuration and fault-resolution portfolio, drawing on hardware, software and operating roles and installation and configuration records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check repeatability, access control and evidence of successful recovery.
- Database Administration. Explore the organisation and retrieval of structured information. Practice centres on a small database and validation test portfolio, drawing on information requirements and entities and relationships, keys and data integrity. You will record findings, justify decisions and check relationship consistency, query accuracy and protection of records.
- Software Engineering. Explore the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
- Object Oriented Programming. Explore the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
- Information Security. Explore the protection and examination of digital systems through authorised, evidence-based work. Practice centres on an isolated defensive-security or digital-evidence case file, drawing on assets, threats and defensive objectives and permissions, scope and handling rules. You will record findings, justify decisions and check authorisation, evidence integrity and the distinction between observation and inference.
- Design And Analysis Of Algorithms. Explore the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
- Research And Project Management. Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Foundations and shared practice
- National Studies. Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
- Entrepreneurial Skills Development. Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Practical integration
- Software Project. Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving network administration, hardware administration. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
- On The Job Education And Training. Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect network administration, hardware administration with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.
- Skills Proficiency. Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate network administration, hardware administration within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Assessment and practical learning
- Suggested learning checks: analyse applied problems and justify your decisions using relevant evidence.
- Suggested practical assessment: complete a supervised project or portfolio with a clear method, results and evaluation.
- Present and defend your recommendations, then revise the work in response to assessor feedback.
Practical application
Build a digital portfolio for a local organisation, using tasks appropriate to the course level, with clear instructions, test evidence and responsible data handling.
Subject descriptions
Select a subject to read its learning outcomes, main topics, practical task and assessment.
Specialist subjects
Network Administration
Explore the transfer of information through connected communication systems. Practice centres on a network or link design and controlled test report, drawing on signals, information and transmission paths and network components and addressing. You will record findings, justify decisions and check connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the information path through a defined network or link.
- Interpret configuration and performance measurements.
- Recommend a supported service or reliability improvement.
Main topics
- Signals, information and transmission paths
- Network components and addressing
- Wired, radio and optical media
- Capacity, delay and service quality
- Installation records and controlled testing
- Fault reasoning, reliability and reporting
Practical task
For Network Administration, prepare a network or link design and controlled test report in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of connectivity, configuration consistency and the meaning of performance measures.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Hardware Administration
Explore the configuration and maintenance of dependable computing services. Practice centres on a system-configuration and fault-resolution portfolio, drawing on hardware, software and operating roles and installation and configuration records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check repeatability, access control and evidence of successful recovery.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the resources needed for a specified computing service.
- Configure or diagnose a training system using a recorded procedure.
- Verify function and prepare recovery or support documentation.
Main topics
- Hardware, software and operating roles
- Installation and configuration records
- Users, permissions and resource control
- Storage, backup and recovery
- Monitoring, faults and troubleshooting
- Updates, security and service documentation
Practical task
For Hardware Administration, prepare a system-configuration and fault-resolution portfolio in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of repeatability, access control and evidence of successful recovery.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Web Development
Explore the design and evaluation of a usable online presence and customer journey. Practice centres on a demonstration online presence with a testing and improvement record, drawing on audience, purpose and online journey and content structure and accessible presentation. You will record findings, justify decisions and check usability, accuracy, permission handling and evidence of customer completion.
Learning outcomes
- Plan an online experience around a defined customer need.
- Produce and test a working content or service example.
- Interpret performance evidence and recommend a practical revision.
Main topics
- Audience, purpose and online journey
- Content structure and accessible presentation
- Digital channels and campaign planning
- Forms, enquiries and service handover
- Measures, testing and interpretation
- Privacy, permissions and content maintenance
- Linked theory, planning and practical evidence for the subject
Practical task
For Web Development, prepare a demonstration online presence with a testing and improvement record in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of usability, accuracy, permission handling and evidence of customer completion.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence. The linked theory and practical components are assessed through written reasoning and observed or recorded application.
Operating Systems Administration
Explore the configuration and maintenance of dependable computing services. Practice centres on a system-configuration and fault-resolution portfolio, drawing on hardware, software and operating roles and installation and configuration records. You will record findings, justify decisions and check repeatability, access control and evidence of successful recovery.
Learning outcomes
- Describe the resources needed for a specified computing service.
- Configure or diagnose a training system using a recorded procedure.
- Verify function and prepare recovery or support documentation.
Main topics
- Hardware, software and operating roles
- Installation and configuration records
- Users, permissions and resource control
- Storage, backup and recovery
- Monitoring, faults and troubleshooting
- Updates, security and service documentation
- Linked theory, planning and practical evidence for the subject
Practical task
For Operating Systems Administration, prepare a system-configuration and fault-resolution portfolio in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of repeatability, access control and evidence of successful recovery.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence. The linked theory and practical components are assessed through written reasoning and observed or recorded application.
Database Administration
Explore the organisation and retrieval of structured information. Practice centres on a small database and validation test portfolio, drawing on information requirements and entities and relationships, keys and data integrity. You will record findings, justify decisions and check relationship consistency, query accuracy and protection of records.
Learning outcomes
- Model information using appropriate entities and relationships.
- Create queries or controlled updates for a defined task.
- Verify integrity and document protection and recovery arrangements.
Main topics
- Information requirements and entities
- Relationships, keys and data integrity
- Tables, queries and controlled updates
- Forms, reports and validation
- Access, backup and recovery
- Testing and documentation of the data model
- Linked theory, planning and practical evidence for the subject
Practical task
For Database Administration, prepare a small database and validation test portfolio in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of relationship consistency, query accuracy and protection of records.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence. The linked theory and practical components are assessed through written reasoning and observed or recorded application.
Software Engineering
Explore the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Learning outcomes
- Translate a requirement into a clear program structure.
- Implement and test a small solution using suitable data.
- Explain errors, revisions and remaining limitations.
Main topics
- Requirements, inputs and expected outputs
- Variables, data structures and control flow
- Functions, modules and readable code
- Input validation and error handling
- Testing, debugging and version records
- Documentation and evaluation against the brief
Practical task
For Software Engineering, prepare a documented program with test evidence in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Object Oriented Programming
Explore the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Learning outcomes
- Translate a requirement into a clear program structure.
- Implement and test a small solution using suitable data.
- Explain errors, revisions and remaining limitations.
Main topics
- Requirements, inputs and expected outputs
- Variables, data structures and control flow
- Functions, modules and readable code
- Input validation and error handling
- Testing, debugging and version records
- Documentation and evaluation against the brief
- Linked theory, planning and practical evidence for the subject
Practical task
For Object Oriented Programming, prepare a documented program with test evidence in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence. The linked theory and practical components are assessed through written reasoning and observed or recorded application.
Information Security
Explore the protection and examination of digital systems through authorised, evidence-based work. Practice centres on an isolated defensive-security or digital-evidence case file, drawing on assets, threats and defensive objectives and permissions, scope and handling rules. You will record findings, justify decisions and check authorisation, evidence integrity and the distinction between observation and inference.
Learning outcomes
- Identify a security concern and define an authorised investigation scope.
- Analyse synthetic logs or training evidence with a documented method.
- Report findings and defensive recommendations without overstating the evidence.
Main topics
- Assets, threats and defensive objectives
- Permissions, scope and handling rules
- Security controls and monitoring evidence
- Incident triage and response records
- Digital evidence integrity and analysis
- Recovery, findings and improvement reporting
Practical task
For Information Security, prepare an isolated defensive-security or digital-evidence case file in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of authorisation, evidence integrity and the distinction between observation and inference.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Design And Analysis Of Algorithms
Explore the development of reliable programs from clear requirements. Practice centres on a documented program with test evidence, drawing on requirements, inputs and expected outputs and variables, data structures and control flow. You will record findings, justify decisions and check correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Learning outcomes
- Translate a requirement into a clear program structure.
- Implement and test a small solution using suitable data.
- Explain errors, revisions and remaining limitations.
Main topics
- Requirements, inputs and expected outputs
- Variables, data structures and control flow
- Functions, modules and readable code
- Input validation and error handling
- Testing, debugging and version records
- Documentation and evaluation against the brief
Practical task
For Design And Analysis Of Algorithms, prepare a documented program with test evidence in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of correctness, readable structure and handling of invalid or unexpected input.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Research And Project Management
Explore the design of a focused investigation using traceable evidence. Practice centres on a research proposal and small investigation, drawing on problem definition and research questions and finding and evaluating literature. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Learning outcomes
- Formulate a question suited to the available evidence and resources.
- Collect and analyse information using a documented method.
- Present conclusions supported by findings and stated limitations.
Main topics
- Problem definition and research questions
- Finding and evaluating literature
- Sampling and data-collection choices
- Consent, confidentiality and research integrity
- Organising and analysing evidence
- Interpreting results and reporting limitations
Practical task
For Research And Project Management, prepare a research proposal and small investigation in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the conclusions follow from the evidence.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Foundations and shared practice
National Studies
Explore the relationship between citizenship, public institutions and working life. Practice centres on a local public-service case review, drawing on constitutional principles and public institutions and citizenship and civic responsibilities. You will record findings, justify decisions and check the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Learning outcomes
- Explain the role of public institutions in a community issue.
- Compare perspectives using identifiable evidence.
- Prepare a reasoned civic or workplace contribution.
Main topics
- Constitutional principles and public institutions
- Citizenship and civic responsibilities
- Zimbabwean history and national development
- Cultural diversity and community participation
- Work, enterprise and public services
- Evidence, public debate and responsible participation
Practical task
For National Studies, prepare a local public-service case review in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of the distinction between fact, opinion and unsupported claims.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Entrepreneurial Skills Development
Explore the development of a viable small enterprise from a defined customer need. Practice centres on a small-enterprise plan and test record, drawing on customer problems and enterprise opportunities and products, services and value propositions. You will record findings, justify decisions and check whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Learning outcomes
- Define a customer need and a practical enterprise response.
- Estimate resources, costs and cash requirements.
- Revise a business proposal using evidence from a small market test.
Main topics
- Customer problems and enterprise opportunities
- Products, services and value propositions
- Startup resources and operating costs
- Pricing, cash flow and basic records
- Market testing and customer feedback
- Business risks, responsibilities and growth choices
Practical task
For Entrepreneurial Skills Development, prepare a small-enterprise plan and test record in a information technology (ict) setting. Use supplied records, a realistic simulation or authorised supervised practice. Include your working and checks of whether the financial assumptions and customer evidence support the proposal.
Assessment
Applied questions, a worked case and an individual explanation supported by calculations, diagrams or records. Compare alternatives and justify the selected response using evidence.
Practical integration
Software Project
Bring together the programme's technical learning in a focused project. Choose a manageable problem involving network administration, hardware administration. Define the required output, gather evidence and develop a justified response. Present the completed work with its method, results and limitations, then explain the improvements made following feedback.
Learning outcomes
- Define a feasible project with clear success criteria.
- Develop and evaluate a response using technical evidence.
- Present the completed project and defend its conclusions.
Main topics
- Project problem, purpose and scope
- Review of relevant technical evidence
- Plan, resources and milestones
- Implementation or structured investigation
- Testing, interpretation and limitations
- Final report, demonstration and reflection
Practical task
Build a digital portfolio for a local organisation, using tasks appropriate to the course level, with clear instructions, test evidence and responsible data handling.
Assessment
An approved brief, progress evidence, the final output and an individual presentation are assessed against the stated project criteria.
On The Job Education And Training
Apply your learning through agreed duties in a supervised workplace. You will connect network administration, hardware administration with routine service or production responsibilities. Keep evidence of preparation, work completed and feedback. Review your progress with the supervisor and explain how your decisions affect quality, safety and other people.
Learning outcomes
- Complete agreed duties within the supervised role.
- Maintain a traceable record of work and feedback.
- Evaluate progress and identify specific development needs.
Main topics
- Workplace induction and agreed duties
- Applying technical knowledge to real work
- Work records and evidence of contribution
- Team communication and professional conduct
- Supervisor feedback and skills development
- Reflective review and future learning priorities
Practical task
Complete supervised duties linked to National Diploma in Information Technology (ICT). Keep a logbook, samples of permitted work and supervisor feedback.
Assessment
Assessment uses the agreed work plan, supervisor observation, work evidence and an individual reflective discussion.
Skills Proficiency
Demonstrate the practical skills developed across the programme. Tasks integrate network administration, hardware administration within an agreed work brief. You will prepare resources, carry out the authorised task and check the result. Your evidence should show consistent performance, accurate records and an explanation of decisions within your learner role.
Learning outcomes
- Plan and complete an integrated task to agreed criteria.
- Demonstrate safe and consistent practical performance.
- Explain the result and correct identified weaknesses.
Main topics
- Interpreting an integrated work brief
- Preparing tools, information and resources
- Demonstrating the required technical skills
- Checking output against agreed criteria
- Responding to faults and assessor feedback
- Presenting evidence and explaining decisions
Practical task
Build a digital portfolio for a local organisation, using tasks appropriate to the course level, with clear instructions, test evidence and responsible data handling.
Assessment
Direct observation, the completed output, a quality-check record and oral questions provide the evidence for this subject.
Instructors
