Belgium Campus ITversity Articles

A SoftwareEngineering Course Needs UX Design In today’s cut-throat job market, where applicants are constantly re- and up-skilling, it isn’t enough to only be proficient in one area. You need to study a course with modules that provide complementary skills and enhance your job prospects.  When it comes to a course in software engineering, a module in user experience (UX) design is highly beneficial. And while professionals in both these fields are in global demand, applicants with both skill sets are even more sought-after. In this article, we take a look at what each of these professions entails, how the two work together, and which course allows you to become skilled in both. UX Designers As the name suggests, user experience designers are responsible for the way users experience and interact with a product, system, or service. Their main goal is to create an experience that is both seamless and enjoyable enough to entice the user to buy a product or continue making use of a service – not an easy task with the sea of digital products and services immediately available to today’s users. To effectively perform this role, UX designers must: Possess empathy and conduct thorough research into user needs. Analyse their research to devise design concepts that address the needs identified. Translate their concepts into quick and cost-effective visual representations (wireframes, sketches, prototypes, etc.). Present their visual representations to users to assess the effectiveness of the intended design before it is sent to the development team for building – a process that can be time-consuming and expensive. Software Engineering Unlike user experiencedesigners, whose main focus is the user, professionals in this field focus on the technicaldetails that make a product or system work. They translate ideas into functional products and systems and are responsible for their maintenance. Effective performance in this role requires: Experience with a range of programming languages, including Ruby, Python, C/C++, and Java. Problem-solving skills and a sound understanding of testing and debugging. An understanding of how to apply object-oriented programming to create workable, modular systems which can easily be maintained in the future. Effective communication and leadership skills to guide a developmentteam. The Overlap Based on the above descriptions, you may be inclined to believe that professionals in these two fields can work in isolation without any problems – you would be wrong. Although they perform relatively separate roles, they must collaborate and communicate effectively for a project to be successful. For example, if UX designers do not communicate with software engineers during the design process, they may come up with concepts that are simply not possible due to technicalconstraints. In the same way, if software engineers start working without the expertise of a UX designer, the end product will likely miss the mark in terms of user needs. Both scenarios can greatly slow down a project and lead to very expensive mistakes! Choosing a Course   Are you interested in learning the skills to build digital products and systems that are both functional and meet user needs? A Bachelor of Computing course at Belgium Campus iTversity gives students the incredible opportunity to specialise in software engineering and take user experience design as an elective in their third year. Students who choose this route graduate as in-demand professionals with a broad skill set. Want to know more? We’re ready to give you all the information you need. Contact us at 010 593 5368 or send us an email at [email protected]. 

Should You Study IT via Distance Learning? Distance learning, also known as online education, is a mode of instruction where the lecturer and the student are not in the same location during class and where communication is facilitated through various technologies. It started as a secondary option reserved for learners who could not be physically present in class (due to proximity, work obligations, etc.) but has fast become a popular choice globally. Is Distance Learning for Everyone? While distance learning is certainly a great choice due to its convenience and flexibility, it isn’t for everyone. Succeeding as an onlinestudent requires self-discipline and self-motivation, and if you thrive on the sense of community that comes with campus life, this form of education may not be for you. In the same breath, if you consider yourself to be somewhat of a recluse or find that you work better from the comfort of your own home or another non-traditional setting, you may want to consider this option. Is Distance Learning Right For You? So, you know you want to study IT but aren’t sure whether you should opt for the face-to-face or virtual route. We are here to help. Belgium Campus iTversity is a private higher education institution specialising in world-class IT qualifications. Our educational offering includes a Bachelor of Computing degree, a Bachelor of Information Technology degree, a Diploma in IT, a Certificate in Database Development, and a National Certificate in Systems Development. All our qualifications are offered both online and face-to-face and are specifically designed to meet the ever-changing needs of the IT industry. In the remainder of this article, we introduce you to each of our modes of instruction to help you decide which one is best for you. Face-to-Face Education at Belgium Campus iTversity Students who choose this option must attend all of their classes on campus and are assigned a morning or afternoon timetable. Morning classes take place from 8 am to 12 pm, and afternoon classes are from 1 pm to 5 pm. Face-to-face attendance is a brilliant option for students who crave the buzz and camaraderie of campus life and the structure of a consistent schedule. It also comes with the added advantage of access to all our state-of-the-art facilities and a front-row seat to our varied and exciting on-campus activities. These activities range from LAN events and hackathons to soccer tournaments and movie nights.  Online Education at Belgium Campus iTversity This option is perfect for students who live too far away to attend class at any of our campuses or simply do not want to make the commute. As is the case with our face-to-face students, our online students are assigned a morning or afternoon timetable. This set schedule allows them to enjoy the same structure as our face-to-face students while having the freedom and flexibility of attending class from wherever they please. What’s more, our onlinestudents don’t have to worry about being overlooked in favour of their in-classroom peers. Our unique remote education platform, HybeFlex, makes sure all our students receive the same dedicated time and attention. This is made possible through a range of interactive features, an intelligent multi-camera setup, and a video wall that displays participants in real-size and real-time! Contact Us to Learn More If you are interested in learning more about our modes of instruction or our IT qualifications after this introduction to our face-to-face and distance learning offering, email us at [email protected] or give us a call on 010 593 5368, and our friendly admissions team will happily answer all your questions.

Top Computer Qualifications Are Coming to Stellenbosch  Western Cape residents, we have great news for you! After numerous requests, we have finally answered. Belgium CampusiTversity is bringing its world-class computer qualifications to Stellenbosch. With two campusesin Gauteng, in Pretoria and Kempton Park, we thought it only fair to also give Western Cape residents the opportunity to graduate as sought-after professionals in the fastest-growing industryon Earth. Now, all that’s left to ask is, Western Cape, are you ready for your digital revolution? What We Offer At Belgium Campus iTversity, you can choose between five industry-relevant computer qualifications: Bachelor of Computing (NQF 8) Bachelor of Information Technology (NQF 7) Diploma in Information Technology (NQF 6) Certificate in Database Development (NQF 6) National Certificate in Systems Development (NQF5) What Sets Us Apart This article contains weighty adjectives pertaining to our computer qualifications, including top, world-class, and industry-relevant. You may be asking, how so? At Belgium Campus, we collaborate with over 120 local and global businesses to keep our courses in line with the changing needs of the industry. Our industry partners support us in staying ahead of technologicaladvances and keep us informed about the changing skills and profiles required in the workplace. What’s more, our computer qualifications are benchmarked against the accreditation protocol of the Dutch and Flemish Accreditation Organisation every five years. The latest audit found our Bachelor of Computing degree to be more advanced than a European academicbachelor’s programme! Why Study in Stellenbosch Not a Stellenbosch resident? You may want to consider relocating to pursue higher education. Not only is Belgium Campus coming to town, but several reasons make Stellenbosch a great place to study. Here are our top four: It’s beautiful! Surrounded by stunning mountains and famous vineyards, Stellenbosch is certainly one of the most picturesque parts of South Africa. The small town also boasts historic architecture and quaint oak-lined streets. There’s plenty to do. The stunning backdrop Stellenbosch provides enhances any activity. However, some local favourites include wine tasting, hiking, and enjoying water sports at one of the nearby beaches. And, if by some miracle you find yourself wanting, the metropolitan city of Cape Town is a mere 50-minute drive away. It’s a university town. University towns are known for their vibrancy and diversity, and Stellenbosch is no different. With a population dominated by energetic youth from all over the world, there is nothing quite like pursuing your studies in this melting pot. It has a rich cultural heritage. As South Africa’s second-oldest town, Stellenbosch has a rich cultural heritage for students to explore, including Cape Dutch architecture dating back to the 18th century. Get in Touch for More Information If you would like more information about our Stellenbosch campus or world-class computer qualifications, send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call on 010 593 5368.

Database Development Is a Brilliant Course for You The world creates a whopping 2.5 quintillion bytes of new dataeach day. To put this into perspective, if you laid 2.5 quintillion 20 cent coins facedown next to each other, they would cover the world five times! What’s more, with the increasing adoption of IoTtechnologies, global data production is set to increase exponentially. With the above in mind, it should come as no surprise that there is a growing need for database management systems (DBMS) capable of organising data – this is where database development comes in. In the remainder of this article, we outline what exactly experts in this field do, what skills they require, their significance in business today, and which course you need to study to become one. The Role of Database Development Simply put, database development is the creation and maintenance of systems capable of organising large volumes of data for safekeeping and easy retrieval. To this end, professionals in this field are responsible for: The design and development of new systems that meet user needs. The optimisation and maintenance of existing systems, including troubleshooting. The development of code to perform a range of tasks, including extracting informationfor data-driven decision-making. Skills Required If you want to become a professional in this specialisation, you will need to study a course that will give you the following critical skills: Data modelling – the ability to create a blueprint of an informationsystem to effectively map out how different data items will communicate. SQL – Developers use SQL to communicate with database systems and perform various tasks on the data within them. An in-depth understanding of this language is non-negotiable. ETL programming – the ability to extract data from various sources, transform it, and then load it to a data management system where it can be used for queries and analysis. Business Significance Data is a powerful tool that companies can leverage to make more informed decisions and improve business operations. However, this is only possible with effective DBMS. DBMS are used for various functions depending on the type of business. Financial organisations may use them to monitor customer accounts and transactions, while retail organisations may use them to store purchase history data for product recommendations.  Joining the Field Although a degree in database development is not necessary to become proficient in this field, most organisations will only hire individuals who possess an undergraduate degree, or higher, in a related discipline. At Belgium Campus iTversity, we offer two industry-relevant bachelor’s degrees that include database development modules in each academic year. Our modules increase in scope and difficulty each year, and upon completion, our students possess the critical skills to lead successful careers in this field or explore a range of exciting and lucrative professions within the IT industry. Are you interested in learning more about our Bachelor of IT course or our Bachelor of Computing course? Send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call on 010 593 5368.

BSc in Computer Science When people come across our Bachelor of Computing(BComp) qualification, they often ask how it differs from a BSc degree in Computer Science. And while these two qualifications generally have many of the same modules, they do differ in a number of ways which we outline below. Duration and NQF Level At the most basic level, these two courses differ when it comes to their duration and their level of learning achievement, otherwise known as an NQF level. A BSc in Computer Science is a three-year degree at NQF level 7, and our Bachelor of Computing is a four-year degree at NQF level 8. What exactly does this mean? Generally speaking, when comparing qualificationsin similar fields of study, the higher the NQF level, the more knowledge, and skills imparted. Practical vs. Theoretical Knowledge A key differentiator between these two qualifications is the emphasis on practical vs. theoretical knowledge. As is the case with all our qualifications, our BComp is practical and geared towards giving our students the hands-on skills and relevant knowledge to excel in the working world. From their first year of study, our students work on real-world projects for well-known corporate clients. These projects increase in scope each year. Currently, our third-year BComp students are working on a battery system that extends UAV flights for industry giant Lockheed Martin. Additionally, our entire curriculum is updated regularly with the help of our industry partners to make sure it meets the ever-changing needs of the industry. In contrast, a BScin Computer Science focuses on theoretical knowledge. As a mathematical field and scientific academic discipline, it should come as no surprise that this degreeprovides studentswith in-depth knowledge in these two fields. Related modules within this degree may include computational and applied mathematics, abstract mathematics, algebra, discrete mathematics, linear algebra, calculus, physics, linear programming, statistics, numerical methods, etc. This is not to say that our BCompcourse does not include some of these modules, but rather that you will only learn the components relevant to performing roles within the IT field, including programming,software engineering, and data analytics. A BSc will teach you the analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills to work with intricate algorithmsand big data to solve complex problems. If you are a maths enthusiast and consider yourself to be rather analytical, this may be the qualification for you. Work Experience Another feature that differentiates our Bachelor of Computing from a Computer Science degree is the workplace training year we provide. In their final year, our BComp students have the incredible opportunity to gain crucial industry knowledge and training at a top company in South Africa – or at Belgium for a select few. Need More Information? Are you interested in finding out more about our Bachelor of Computing degree? Send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call on 010 593 5368 to get answers to all your pressing questions.

Bachelor Degree in Computing Students Build Farming Robot Belgium Campus iTversity’s Bachelor Degree in Computing students have partnered with Penn State University’s mechanical engineering students to construct a small-scale hydroponic system and automatedfarming robot. The project aims to ensure food security in urban areas while promoting cultural competence and effective leadership. It forms part of Belgium Campus iTversity’s larger effort to address urbanisation challenges through the ongoing development of smart city solutions. The IT institution is in the process of building an UrbanisationLearningFactory, which will house this solution and serve as an incubation hub for future solutions developed by their Bachelor Degree in Computing students. Why is urbanisation an issue? Urbanisation is the increasing migration of the world’s population from rural to urban areas. There are many reasons people choose to make this move, the majority of which centre on achieving a higher standard of living. After all, urban areas offer increased job opportunities, higher wages, improved amenities, and better healthcare and housing. But while increased urbanisation has its benefits, it is also the cause of serious environmental issues and resultant health conditions. These issues include land degradation, increased pollution, water shortages, waste mismanagement, overcrowding, and energy over-consumption. The resulting health conditions that can be suffered by these urban residents include poor nutrition, the contraction and transmission of diseases, and a general deterioration of health. With the world’s urban population predicted to increase from 4.46 billion as of 2021 to 6.68 billion by 2050, the need for smartcity solutions that optimise the use of natural resources and reduce the effect increased urbanisation has on the environment is more urgent than ever. How this project addresses urbanisation challenges Hydroponic farming is an ancient technique that involves growing plants without the need for soil, using a flow of nutrient-enriched water. The technique itself addresses a number of urbanisation challenges in the following ways: Hydroponic greenhouses allow for a constant food supply, regardless of the soil quality, weather conditions, or time of the year. It saves space – an important component in overcrowded areas. Because plants within the system receive nutrients and water directly, they do not need to branch their roots out in search of these essential components, meaning they can be planted quite close together. It conserves water – a scarce resource in overpopulated areas. Hydroponics conserves up to 90% more water than traditional farming by recirculating the water that is not absorbed by the plants. Because hydroponics allows food to be grown locally, the need for transportation is removed, which reduces carbon emissions and wastage caused by food going off in transit. Where do the Bachelor Degree in Computing and mechanicalengineering students come in? Using their IT and engineering expertise to designthe optimal hydroponic system and build a farming robot to automate the agricultural cycle, they will produce a smart city solution capable of producing enough food to ensure food securitywithin an urban area. Project Components Working in three teams through virtual collaboration, 15 Bachelor Degree in Computing students from Belgium Campus and eight mechanical engineering students from Penn State are working together to design and build the following: Team 1: A single-level hydroponic system Team 2: An automated farming robot capable of navigating the hydroponic system to allow planting and harvesting. Team 3: A robot arm with the reach, rotate, and clasping capabilities needed to plant and harvest crops. Together, these three innovations will serve as proof of concept for the effective automation of a hydroponic farm within an urban area. “IT makes things more efficient and enhances what already exists, which is the goal of every field – to improve. I got into IT because I want to create things that make people’s lives better, and I feel that this project is a good start.” – Third year Bachelor Degree in Computing student at Belgium Campus, Sonwabile Balite. The students have completed the ideation and design phase of the project and are in the process of building the prototype. We are eager to see the finished project. Keep an eye on our social media to see the magic that can be achieved when Belgium Campus Bachelor Degree in Computing students partner with Penn State University mechanical engineering students!

As a highereducationinstitution specialising in information technology, we often come across students who are reluctant to pursue a course in this field. Some of the common reasons they give are that it is too difficult or that they aren’t good at maths or didn’t take IT in high school. In this article, we show you why none of these is valid reasons and how, at BelgiumCampus iTversity, we make IT qualifications easy! No Prior Tech Knowledge Required A common misconception about studying information technology at a higher education level is that you need to have taken it in high school. Although prior information technology knowledge is an advantage, it is certainly not a requirement. At Belgium Campus iTversity, we level the playing field by starting with the basics. No Need to Be a Maths Genius Another misconception about studyinginformationtechnology is that you need to be a maths genius to do so. Now, as is the case with IT, a solid maths foundation is advantageous, but it is not the be-all and end-all. In fact, you do not need to meet any mathsrequirements to study our certificate qualifications or our Diploma in Information Technology. If you would like to studyone of our degrees, 50% or more for pure maths on the NSC is a requirement. However, if you did not take pure maths or achieved less than 50%, there is still an option for you to gain entry. We offer a free maths bridging course at the beginning of each year to give students who did not meet the necessary maths requirements to study one of our degrees a second opportunity to do so. It is also an incredible opportunity for all our students to sharpen their mathematics and problem-solving skills in preparation for their qualifications. One Module at a Time While other higher education institutions expect students to divide their attention between multiple modules, at Belgium Campus, we allow our students to focus on one module at a time. Permitting our students to give each module their undivided attention gives them a thorough understanding of each subject and makes grasping complex concepts easy. Exceptional Lecturers With the right lecturer, any subjectcan be engaging and easy to understand. Our academic staff goes through a rigorous selection process. We make sure that they are not just experts on the subjects they teach but also dedicated and passionate. Our lecturers go the extra mile to help our students succeed. This is made evident by the thorough planning that goes into each lesson, the passion with which they present their lectures, and the time they devote to helping each student realise their true potential. They are always on hand and dedicate their Friday afternoons to meet one-on-one with students who need additional help. Are You Interested?Are you interested in joining an institution that makes IT qualifications easy? Give us a call on 010 593 5368 or send us an email at [email protected].

You know you want to pursue an informationtechnology qualification, but you don’t know where or how to start applying. We are here to help. The first step to figuring out what you would like to study is to look at which courses you qualify for. When it comes to IT qualifications, this will depend on the endorsement on your national certificate, your maths and English marks, and whether you have completed any further studies. In this article, we take you through the different entry requirements to study for an IT certificate, diploma, or degree at BelgiumCampus iTversity. Certificate Courses At Belgium Campus iTversity, we offer two exceptional IT certificates, an NQF 5 National Certificate in Systems Development and an NQF 6 Certificate in Database Development. These purely vocational programmes provide an affordable option to quickly enter the working world. They can also serve as a stepping stone to further study opportunities. If you would like to study one of these certificates, you will require the following: A National Senior Certificateendorsed for a Higher Certificate Diploma Courses We recently revamped our Diploma in Information Technology in collaboration with our industry partners to include the following industry-relevant specialisations: Database, Data Analytics, Business, Security, Networking, Cloud, Programming, Web Development andMobile Development. So you can rest assured that this qualification will make you market-ready and sought-after! There is only one prerequisite for this programme:   • A National Senior Certificate endorsed for a Diploma Degree Courses If you want a career where you can work your way up, a degree is definitely the way to go. We offer two world-class degrees that will grant you professional entry into some of the top companies in IT, both locally and internationally. Our NQF 7 Bachelor of Information Technology will transform you into a software development wizard, and our NQF 8 Bachelor of Computing will allow you to specialise in Data ScienceorSoftware Engineering – two fast-growing and lucrative fields. You will need to meet the following requirements to studyone of these programmes: A National Senior Certificateendorsed for a Degree 50% or more for English on the NSC. Foreign students are required to produce their SAQA-converted qualification listing English as a subject or complete an English proficiency test. 50% or more for pure mathematics on the NSC. Foreign students are required to produce their SAQA-converted qualification listing mathematics as a subject. Application Process We’ve taken you through the requirements for each programme. All that’s left to do now is apply for one of the IT courses for which you meet the requirements. You can do this at the following link in a few easy steps: https://bit.ly/33vx5Ph Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further information or assistance with the application process. Our friendly admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way. You can send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call on 010 593 5368.

Our Bachelor of Information Technology will transform you into a coveted ITprofessional with a multitude of careeropportunities. By opting for various specialist electives, you can broaden your skills and explore the many avenues available to software developers. In the remainder of this article, we take a look at the different electives you can choose between and what each entails. First-Year Electives First-year Bachelor of Information Technology students can choose between the following business-oriented modules: Business Management If you are interested in starting your own business or taking the lead in helping businesses achieve their strategic goals, this module is for you! It will provide you with an in-depth understanding of business management principles and the business value chain. On completion of this module, you will have a sound understanding of what it takes to become an entrepreneur and the managerial skills and roles required in a successful business. Entrepreneurship This module will help you develop the skills and creative business mind to become a successful social entrepreneur. By combining various teaching approaches, including discussions, role play, and real-world examples, we will teach you the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, and its practical applications in the business environment, in a fun and engaging way. Second-Year Electives In the second year of our Bachelor of Information Technology qualification, students have a choice between: Internet of Things This module will teach you to develop exciting IoT solutions using cloud–based platforms like Bluemix and IBM Watson and popular embeddedsystemslike Raspberry Pi. This entails using programming to capturedata from trusted devices and sending this data to a cloudplatform where it can be accessed for various functions. Software Testing As the name suggests, this modulewill teach you to effectively test software for bugs and errors – arguably the most critical step in the softwaredevelopment lifecycle. You will learn the different types of tests carried out during each stage of this lifecycle and the challenges that come with them. On completion of this module, you will be able to apply the appropriate testing procedures to ensure that a software product meets the specified requirements and produces the desired results. Third-Year Electives Our final-year Bachelor of Information Technology electives include: Innovation Management Simply put, this module will teach you to transform great ideas into feasible solutions. You will learn to manage innovation projects and/or the development of new techsolutions from the initial ideation phase to the final implementation phase. User Experience Design Thismodule will give you the knowledge and skills to create digitalproducts and services that provide relevant and meaningful experiences to users. You will learn todesign the user experience within various contexts, including for mobile and websites and interactive environments like immersive experiences and augmented reality. Are you interested in learning more about this exceptional qualification? Send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call on 010 593 5368, and we will happily answer all your questions.