School of Information Technology & Data ScienceOccupational CertificateOpen for enrolment

Occupational Certificate: Software Developer

NQF Level 5SAQA ID 118707220 credits18 MonthsFull-time

Programme Overview

This programme equips learners with the skills to design, develop, test, and maintain software applications. Covers front-end and back-end development, databases, APIs, agile methodologies, and DevOps fundamentals.

SAQA & Registration

SAQA Qualification ID118707

NQF LevelNQF Level 5

Total Credits220

Qualification TypeOccupational Certificate

Quality CouncilQCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations

Accreditation / Quality AssuranceMICT SETA — Accredited

This qualification is registered on the National Qualifications Framework. Highbury programme availability and intake status are confirmed by Admissions. Detailed regulatory evidence is published on the Accreditation page.

Frame of Learning

Knowledge Modules

66credits

12 modules

Theory and subject knowledge that underpins the occupation.

Practical Skills Modules

89credits

14 modules

Hands-on skills developed in simulated and supervised settings.

Workplace Experience Modules

65credits

4 modules

Structured experience completed in an approved workplace.

Admission Requirements

Official Minimum Entry Requirement (SAQA)

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
NQF Level 4 qualification.

Highbury Application Documents

Certified copy of ID or passport
Certified copies of highest school results
Proof of residential address

Curriculum

Computers and Computing Systems251201-005-00-KM-0112 cr
Desktop and Professional Software to Communicate and Visualise Information251201-005-00-KM-028 cr
Automated Web Scraping as a Data Source251201-005-00-KM-038 cr
Logical Thinking and Basic Calculations251201-005-00-KM-042 cr
Computing Theory251201-005-00-KM-052 cr
Software Development with HTML5, Opensource Frameworks and Libraries251201-005-00-KM-0616 cr
UML as Standard Modelling Language for Software and Systems Development251201-005-00-KM-074 cr
Obtaining, Querying, Manipulating and Presenting Data with and without MVC251201-005-00-KM-086 cr
Software Development Life Cycle, Programming Languages, Algorithms and Security251201-005-00-KM-093 cr
Introduction to Governance, Legislation and Ethics251201-005-00-KM-102 cr
4IR and Future Skills251201-005-00-KM-112 cr
Design Thinking Principles for Innovation251201-005-00-KM-121 cr

Assessment Criteria

Internal Assessment

Continuous formative assessment and practical tasks are conducted throughout the programme, supported by a portfolio of workplace evidence and a logbook completed under supervision. Internal assessment follows the criteria and weighting stipulated in the official curriculum.

External Assessment

The qualification concludes with an External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) conducted through the relevant assessment quality partner. Learners must complete all modules and internal assessment requirements before admission to the final external assessment.

Delivery Mode and Duration

Highbury Delivery Arrangement

Study ModeFull-time

Highbury Duration18 Months

CampusPretoria Campus, 378 Pretorius Street, Pretoria, Gauteng

Learning PlatformHighbury Digital Campus

Learning ArrangementClassroom + practical + workplace

IntakesConfirmed by Admissions

Delivery combines structured classes and practical sessions with a compulsory workplace component arranged with approved employers, supported online through the Highbury Digital Campus. The duration above is Highbury’s delivery schedule and is separate from the official SAQA credit value.

Articulation and RPL

Articulation

Horizontal: Occupational Certificate: Computer Technician; NQF Level 5. Vertical: Advanced Certificate in Information Technology Governance, NQF Level 6.

Recognition of Prior Learning

RPL may be used for access to the programme and, where applicable, for credits or exemption against completed modules, as well as for access to the final external assessment, in line with official RPL policy. Contact Admissions for an RPL evaluation.

Career Pathways

Software DeveloperFull-Stack DeveloperMobile App DeveloperWeb DeveloperDevOps Engineer

Workplace Experience

Workplace experience is compulsory: 4 modules totalling 65 credits, completed in an approved workplace under supervision with a logbook and portfolio of evidence. Highbury supports learners with placement arrangements through its employer partnerships.

Technical Requirement Analysis and Refinement
Modelling Processes
Programming for Software Solution Development
Capstone project

Certification

Highbury College may issue permissible institutional records, statements and completion documents. The official occupational qualification certificate is issued by the responsible quality council or certification authority after all prescribed requirements have been met.

Certification follows successful completion of all modules and the final external integrated summative assessment.

Ready to apply?

This programme is open for enrolment. Start your application online — our admissions team will guide you through every step.

Apply Now Contact Admissions

Official qualification information sourced from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). Highbury-specific delivery, fees, intake and campus arrangements are maintained separately by Highbury College.

Programme availability and intake dates are confirmed by Highbury Admissions.

View official SAQA record Last verified: 2026-07-12Factsheet v1.0