Belgium Campus Articles

Why You Should Study Information Systems. When people think about information systems (IS), they generally only consider the various elements that make up a computer. And while these elements are crucial, it involves much more than this. This article will help you decide if a course in this field is right for you by explaining what IS are, the five main components that constitute one, and why you need to study each to become a successful professional.    Definition Information systems comprise the hardware, software, data, people, and processes that allow organisations to collect, store, and process datafor effective decision-making. Now that’s out of the way, let’s look at each component in more detail. Hardware Hardware is the physical technology that allows people to access the necessary software to retrieve specific info. Some examples include computers, keyboards, mouses, monitors, CPUs, and even smartphones. Software Every computer carries out five functions to convert raw data into info. These functions are input, processing, output, storage, and control. Softwareis a set of instructions that tells the hardwarewhat to do to perform these functions. Without it, hardware is virtually an empty shell that serves no purpose. Data This is info converted into a digitalformat that can be stored, processed, and retrieved using a computer. It is manipulated by software (organised and made easier to understand) to help organisations access the info they need to make better decisions. People The fourth and arguably most important component is the people who ensure information systems run optimally. This includes the people who design, develop, support, and even use them.   Process Finally, we have the process component. This component is all the activities the people involved in information systems undertake to ensure data is processed as planned. Organisations spend enormous amounts of money perfecting their business processes, and IS are instrumental in achieving this. With the above in mind, if you want to be a successful professional in this field, you must master all five components. In addition to strong technical skills, you will need impeccable people skills to effectively manage everyone involved and a sound understanding of business processes to provide the best IS to support them. Achieving this is no simple task, but doing so comes with many benefits, some of which are listed below. Benefits of a Course in This Field Where to Study Do you want to study within this field? Belgium Campus iTversity offers a world-class Bachelor of IT that focuses on IS modules. Contact us for more details about this course of study at [email protected] or 010 593 5368.

Study Computer Architecture – Become an IT Expert  As with any profession, if you want to become an IT expert, you must first master the basics. IT professionals spend most of their time working with PC systems. It should come as no surprise, then, that understanding the basics in this field means developing a sound understanding of how these systems are designed, built, and operate. How do you achieve this? You study computer architecture at Belgium Campus iTversity!   The Field Explained  Computer architecture is the study of how various hardware and softwarecomponents are organised and work together to make a PC system function. These components include processors, memory, and input and output devices.  Completing a coursein this field provides an in-depth understanding of how various systems work and which technologies they can run. This knowledge is beneficial in both a study environment and the working world. In the study environment, this knowledge provides ITstudents with the necessary foundation to pursue advancedstudiesin fields including operating systems, PC graphics, and PC networks. In the working world, it helps techprofessionals write more efficient software and effectively troubleshoot any problems that may emerge.  Where To Enrol    Known for producing exceptional IT professionals, Belgium Campus iTversity understands the importance of a solid foundation. The institution offers computer architecture as a first-year coremodule for each qualification. The module, comprising formal lectures on theoretical concepts, lab exercises, and discussions, equips students to perform various essential tasks on PCs and support PC hardware in a business setting.  On completion of this module, you will be able to:   Courses Offered If you are interested in gaining the above knowledge and skills, Belgium Campus iTversity offers the following industry-relevant qualifications you can choose from: Need More Information?  Would you like to learn more about computer architecture at Belgium Campus iTversity? Our friendly team of career advisors would be more than happy to assist. Email us at [email protected], call us on 010 593 5368 or stop by our reception in Kempton Park, Pretoria, or Stellenbosch, and we will help you choose the best course for your future. 

Study Software Engineering at Belgium Campus iTversity With the right educationand experience, a software engineering qualificationwon’t just open doors for you – it will blow them off their hinges! In this article, we look at why experts in this field are highly sought-after and why Belgium Campus iTversity is the best place to study to become one! But first, what does a careerin this field entail? The Field Explained Working in this field involvesdesigning,developing, testing, and maintaining systemsand applications that meet userneeds or solve real-world problems. These could be anything from mobileapplications and computer games to databases and network control systems. To effectively perform this role, professionals in this field require a range of knowledge and skills, including a sound understanding of engineering principles, programming expertise, and problem-solving and interpersonal skills. It is both a challenging and rewarding careerchoice.   Explaining The High Demand There are many reasons to study a software engineering course but one that stands out in today’s competitive job market is that doing so will make it easy for you to find work. Professionals in this field are a hot commodity, partly due to rapid and continuous technological advances. These advances leave organisations constantly searching for professionals capable of working with the software that powers emerging technologies. Demand for these professionals is also a result of the global IT talent shortage. According to a report by Korn Ferry, there will be a global shortage of more than 85 million techworkers by 2030. Due to this shortage, organisations are willing to pay handsomely for top talent – another great advantage for experts in this field. Why Study at Belgium Campus iTversity? Belgium Campus iTversity is a private highereducationinstitution in South Africa known for its top-quality ITqualifications and unique educational experience. If you are looking for a world-class education in software engineering, our Bachelor of Computing qualification should be your first choice. It will allow you to specialise in this opportunity-filled field and provide plenty of opportunities to gain unique work and life experience. Some of these opportunities include: Need More Information? Are you ready to study a course that will help you blow some doors off their hinges? Email us at [email protected] or call us on 010 593 5368, and we will help you get started.  

Become a World-Class Programmer with Belgium Campus iTversity There are many reasons to become a programmer. Professionals in this fielduse their techskills and creative thinking to make the impossible possible. They have learned the language of computers and use it to create the softwareprograms and applications you and I enjoy daily. They are also the bright minds behind solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. This article explores how professionals in this field have changed the world (both for individuals and society), what a career as a programmer entails, and where you should study to become a world-class one. Talking To Computers Programming experts use special languages called programming languages to communicate with electronicdevices. They use these languages to write the code (set of instructions) that tells these devices what to do. Virtually every electronic device we use depends on coding to function, and having this skillmeans being able to control all these devices – talk about power! But learning this skill isn’t easy. (The sea of memes on the internet expressing varying levels of frustration at not understanding why code doesn’t work can attest to this.) It requires hard work, problem-solving, attention to detail, patience, and a dedication to lifelong learning. It only takes one small typo to prevent code from working, and with new programming languages emerging all the time (each with its own set of rules), professionals in this field are always on their toes. But while challenging, working in this field is also extremely rewarding. There is no feeling quite like writing code that works and solves a problem – just ask any programmer! Impacting Our World Professionals in this field are responsible for the code that powers many things we couldn’t imagine life without, including washing machines, elevators, cell phones, televisions, traffic lights, and coffee machines, to name a few.   They are also the brilliant minds behind solutions that changed the course of history. These include the flight software that made the Apollo 11 moon landing possible and the invention of the Bombe, an electro-mechanical device used to decipher secret messages that played a crucial role in ending the Second World War. With the above in mind, it is clear that learning to program provides endless opportunities for innovation. If you have a creative mind filled with big ideas, learning to harness this sought-after tech skill could help you bring these ideas to life! Where To Study Choosing to become a programming expert will open many doors, but if you want to stand out once you get through those doors, you will need to be skilled in additional areas. As a renowned private highereducationinstitution specialising in top-quality ITqualifications, Belgium Campus iTversity will help you become a world-class programmer while transforming you into a well-rounded professional through in-demand specialisations. Need more information? Feel free to email us at [email protected] or call us on 010 593 5368, and we will help you choose the best qualification for you.

Study Information Systems at Belgium Campus iTversity Would you like to use data and technology to improve people’s lives or help organisations meet their business needs? If you answered yes, a career in the highly lucrative and opportunity-filled field of information systems (IS) may be the choice for you. What are Information Systems? Encyclopedia Britannica defines IS as, ‘integrated sets of components for collecting, storing, and processing data and for providing information, knowledge, and digital products.’ This definition may sound complex, but ISare all around us, and we use them daily.   Examples of some ISyou may not be able to imagine life without include ATMs, WhatsApp, speed points, Netflix, Google Maps, websites – the list goes on! Have you ever stopped to ask yourself who the incredible beings that make it possible for you to access all these systems are? Well, IS professionals, of course. The Role Explained IS professionals work with organisationsto designand develop systems that optimise their processes and enhance their products and services. They must combine tech skills with business knowledge to effectively perform this role. With the above in mind, a study course in this fieldwill include subjects from both disciples, including programming, database development, business intelligence, data analytics, computer architecture, cloud-native application architecture, web programming, project management, and business management. Career Opportunities With digital transformation remaining the key to success, and disruptive technologies setting a lighting pace, IS will remain one of the most in-demand professions for the foreseeable future. Organisations in every industry rely on IS professionals to help them understand and integrate disruptive technologies to maximise value and gain a competitive edge. Today these technologies include artificial intelligence, machine learning, IoT, and edge computing, but there’s no telling what the future holds – and that’s what makes a career in IS so exciting. By choosing to study within this field, you not only give yourself the incredible opportunity to work with the latest technologies but also to work in whichever industry interests you most. You could be the brains behind the next great fintech, digital health, e-learning, or online shopping solution. You could even land a job at one of the world’s leading IS companies, like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook, or even SpaceX! Where to Study Would you like to study within the IS field? Make sure you choose a degreethat will set you up for success. As a private higher education institution recognised by the industry and known for providing exceptional IT qualifications, either of our degree programmeswill give you the knowledge and skills to excel in the IS field or explore other rewarding IT careerpaths. Need more information? Send us an email at [email protected] or call us on 010 593 5368, and we will help you choose between our 3-year Bachelor of IT degree and our 4-year Bachelor of Computing degree. Regardless of your choice, you can rest assured that the moment you start your studies, you will also have started your journey to success.

Study Cyber Security Abroad Nine top studentsfrom Belgium Campus iTversity are enjoying the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of traveling Europe as part of a semester-long study abroad programme. Other participating universitiesinclude Universitat de Lleida in Spain, Hogeschool PXL in Belgium, Fontys University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands, and University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria in, you guessed it, Austria. Our students will travel to each of these institutionsto attend trending ITmodules before completing intercultural and multidisciplinary group projects. They are currently at Fontys University of Applied Sciences, where they are completing a module in cyber security. Read on to learn more about this programme and the projects they are working on. More About the Programme The programme comprises five three-week modules. In addition to cyber security, our students will complete modules in userexperience, artificial intelligence, data science, and the Internet of Things. They will incorporate the knowledge and skills they gain into their final projects, which are not only for real stakeholders but also contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals. You didn’t think we would send our students all the way to Europe for all work and no play, did you? Our students also have the incredible opportunity to embrace new cultures, do some sightseeing, and make lifelong friends as part of this programme. The Netherlands leg of their journey has involved eating stroopwafels and visiting the capital city, Amsterdam, where they enjoyed a canal cruise with some of the friends they have made on their journey so far. About the Projects The students have been divided into four groups, consisting of students from each participating institution. Two groups will work on an aquaponics project for the University of Johannesburg, and the other two will work on a cooling systemsproject for the Belgian organisation Vos Technics.   Aquaponics Project This projectinvolves increasing the functionality of an aquaponics unit owned by the University of Johannesburg. It forms part of a project they started to promote sustainable food production and research and learning relating to this. So far, the students have created a machinelearning modelto predict variables within the aquaponics facility. Moving forward, they will developa website to store the data they collect and a learning platform for anyone who wants to get involved with the project.  Cooling Systems Project Vos Technics is a Belgianorganisation that builds customised industrial cooling solutions. They have tasked the students with developing a modelthat accurately predicts systemfaults. The students have created a serviceable model. Their next step is to perform extensive datacleaning on this model to make it usable. How to Study Cyber Security Abroad Would you like to study cyber security abroad? Or perhaps you are more interested in one of the other modulesthis student exchange provides? Gain access to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by enrolling to study for our Bachelor of Computing degree. Need more information? You are welcome to email us at [email protected] or call us on 010 593 5368.

Study UX Development at Belgium Campus iTversity If you have been the victim of a slow-loading websiteor a cluttered and confusing homepage, you know how frustrating a bad user experience can be. And while a negative interactionon an app or website may be an annoying inconvenience for a customer, it can result in severe revenue loss for the organisations that own them. It is not surprising, then, that people who choose to study within this field become sought-after professionals. In the remainder of this article, we look at what a career in UX development entails, what skills you need to pursue this career, and where you should study to obtain these skills.  The Role Explained UX developers are responsible for ensuring that customers have the best possible interaction with a company’s digitalproducts or services. Bridging The Gap Between Designand Technology Optimal user experience requires an impeccable design from a design team and seamless implementation of this design by a development team. However, due to their different focus areas, these teams often have difficulty understanding each other, which may result in a negative customer experience. User experiencedevelopers must bridge the gap between these two professions and, as such, be knowledgeable and skilled in both. They must be able to explain why designs that may seem overly complicated and challenging to implement to the developers are, in fact, necessary for appearance and usability. In the same breadth, they must be able to explain techlimitations to the designers to prevent them from creating impractical designs that are impossible to implement. Building Prototypes and Proofs of Concept Before you get the wrong idea, user experience developers don’t just play a mediatory role – although this role is critical! Professionals in this field are also responsible for developing interactive prototypes (early models built to test how the end product or service will look and function), which are crucial for ensuring that the end product has the desired effect. Necessary Skills With the above in mind, it is clear that UX development is a multidisciplinary field of study that requires the acquisition of a range of skills, including: Where To Study Belgium Campus iTversity is known for transforming students into well-rounded IT professionals with diverse and relevant skills. Are you interested in pursuing a career in UX development? Either of our degreequalifications will provide you with all the above skills and more! Want more information? You are welcome to email us at [email protected] or call us on 010 593 5361, and we will gladly assist.

IT Diploma for Deaf Students If you are Deaf and living in South Africa, you know how hard it is to access quality higher education. Education that not only caters to your specific needs but is also challenging enough to allow you to graduate with an empowering qualification. More often than not, education available for Deaf learners in South Africa is at a lower academic level than that of their hearing peers. Sadly, this means that these learners graduate at a disadvantage and with fewer opportunities. This is not the case at Belgium Campus iTversity. In the remainder of this article, we look at how the IT diploma we provide is not only specifically designed to meet the needs of Deaf students but allows them to graduate with the same NQF Level 6 qualification as their hearing peers. About the Course Belgium Campus iTversity’s IT diploma for the Deaf is a 4-year course that allows students to specialise in the in-demand and growing field of software development. It has the added advantage of 6 months of workplace training, which can either be completed at one of the many organisations we partner with or in-house at our research and innovation hub, Bothlale Village.  Students who pursue this course study the same content and complete the same assignments and exams as their hearing peers. By maintaining the same standard of education for all our students, we ensure that they graduate with the same knowledge, skills, and opportunities.   Inclusion through Customisation Providing an inclusive learning environment where all our students have access to the same top-quality education is extremely important. Below are some ways we ensure this for our Deaf students. SASL Interpreters We provide SASL interpreters for our Deaf students throughout their qualifications, including during their 6 months of industry training. SASL Video Dictionary Recognising the gap in SASL vocabulary for a subject like Information Technology, our interpreters are working with our Deaf students to create a sign language video dictionary of tech terms. Class Size and Setup We limit our IT diploma for the Deaf classes to 10 students to ensure each student receives dedicated attention. We also adopt a half-moon seating arrangement which is optimal for students learning through sign language. Free SASL Classes Promoting inclusion is not just about catering to the Deaf community but also encouraging hearing individuals to play their part. One of the ways we do this is by providing free SASL classes to all our students and staff. Study Further This year, Belgium Campus iTversity started accepting Deaf students to study for their Bachelor of Information Technology. With a specialisation in software development, this 3-year academic qualification allows Deaf students who completed the IT diploma to delve deeper into the field of software development to graduate with a relevant and recognised degree. Need More Information? Would you like more information about studying at Belgium Campus iTversity as a Deaf student? We will gladly assist. Email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 073 230 5147.

Information Systems Course – Combine ITand Business IT has become the backbone of virtually every industry, including agriculture, education, business, health, and communications, to name a few. Its pervasiveness is advantageous for those with a passion for technology and a keen interest in an additional field as it opens up exciting possibilities where the two overlap. Do you have an interest in technology and business? Read on to learn how a course in information systems will give you skills in both, allowing you access to many rewarding and lucrative careers. The Field Explained Information systems are sets of linked components (hardware, software, networks, data, people) that allow organisations to collect, store, and process data. Specialists in this field are responsible for managing these components to provide organisations with the information necessary to make more informed decisions. To effectively perform this role, professionals must become the bridge between the organisation and the technology, which requires an understanding of both worlds. They must possess strong technicalskills and knowledge of computerhardware and software, and have extensive business knowledge, including a firm grasp of various business functions. Career Possibilities Effective decision-making is key to the growth and success of every organisation. With this in mind, it is not surprising that having the skills to help organisations achieve this will make you a hot commodity with plenty of exciting career opportunities. Some of these include: Data Analyst Data Scientist Application Analyst Cybersecurity Analyst Business Intelligence Consultant Software Engineer Web Developer Penetration Tester Database Administrator Choosing a Course With a focus on information systems modules, Belgium Campus iTversity’s Bachelor of IT provides foundational knowledge in software engineering and business intelligence, giving students the tech skills and business mindset to excel in any of the above roles. By pursuing this 3-year academicprogramme, you will cover an extensive range of topics, from mobile and wireless networks to artificial intelligence and intelligent systems, while specialising in the growing field of software development. You will also have an opportunity to develop sound business knowledge and skills through subjects including innovation management, project management, innovation and leadership, entrepreneurship, and business management. Part-Time Option This course is also available part-time via distancelearning for individuals who cannot attend classesduring the week. It is a five-year programme with classes spanning 30 Saturdays throughout the year from 8am-5pm. Students with prior IT qualifications and/or relevant work experience can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning to complete the course in a shorter period. It is a fantastic option for working professionals looking to reskill or upskill to stay relevant in the ever-changing job market. Need Further Details? Do you have questions about studying for a Bachelor of IT at Belgium Campus iTversity? You are welcome to email us at [email protected], call us on 010 593 5368, or drop by our campus in Pretoria or Kempton Park, and we will happily give you all the answers you need. Our friendly admissions team is also available to assist you with your application.

Study End User Computing – A Must-Have Skill We live in a world where computerliteracy is a prerequisite for success. Being knowledgeable in widely used end user computing platforms like MicrosoftWord, Excel, and PowerPointcan mean the difference between securing a job and being overlooked. Despite the weight these skills carry in today’s job market, people often underestimate the importance of taking the time to learn them. In the remainder of this article, we explore how end user computing skills are crucial for becoming an efficient and productive employee in any workplace and how these skills can be of particular importance for students within the ITfield. Study Microsoft Word Regardless of the industryyou find yourself in, being able to package your thoughts and findings coherently and professionally will take you a long way – Microsoft Word allows for this. In the IT field, softwaredevelopers use Microsoft Word to create technicaldocuments, which provide essential information about a product or service to all stakeholders, including engineers, marketers, project managers, and even the client. These documents are edited and sent back and forth between these stakeholders to ensure the end product meets the necessary specifications and requirements. Study Microsoft Excel Datais the most valuable asset any company can have, and knowing how to work with it to extract meaningful information will make you a sought-after candidate. Microsoft Excel allows professionals to store, analyse, and report on large volumes of data to help organisations improve their strategy and decision-making process. It is a great skill to have in any profession and an essential skill for professionals who work with large amounts of data, including data scientists, data analysts, and database managers.  Study Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation skills are like a superpower when trying to make a good impression or sell a product or idea. Microsoft PowerPoint takes presentation skills to new heights. Unlike word documents that are text heavy and generally viewed by one person at a time, PowerPoint presentations leverage the power of the visual to convey information to large groups of people clearly and engagingly. Microsoft PowerPoint is also a powerful tool for software developers. It can be used to optimise the UX of a product or service by creating interactive prototypes. Hyperlinks and other objects embedded in the PowerPoint can be used to demonstrate what happens when a user performs a specific action, for example, pressing a button in an app. Where to Study Let’s face it, regardless of the software you learn, if you can’t use the above platforms, you will likely struggle in your career. At Belgium Campus iTversity, we understand the importance of a firm foundation in basic computing skills. Our Diploma in Information Technology includes end user computing as a core subject in the first year to give our students the necessary base to become in-demand professionals. Want to know more about this must-have skill or our Diploma in IT? Send us an email at [email protected] or call us on 010 593 5368.