Belgium Campus Articles

IT Courses with Work Experience Relevant work experience is crucial to succeeding in today’s highly competitive job market. This is especially true for a field like information technology, where the widening skills gap has a detrimental effect on the productivity and growth of many organisations. If you want to be considered for a job in IT, let alone stand out, you need to show that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to add value to an organisation from day one. What’s the easiest way to do this? Work experience! How Belgium Campus iTversity Produces Work-Ready Graduates Are you looking for a qualification that will allow you to gain crucial work experience while you study? As a higher education institution specialising in IT, Belgium Campus iTversity understands what it takes to produce industry-ready IT graduates. For over two decades, we have been working with local and global businesses to ensure our courses meet the changing needs of the industry. We incorporate mandatory workplace training into our courses to ensure our students enter the working world with relevant experience. We currently have students completing workplace training at over 130 different organisations, many of which permanently employ our students before the end of their internships! We host regular recruitment events where we invite representatives from these and other organisations who would like to collaborate and engage with our students as potential employers. This is what some of these representatives had to say about our students: Company Testimonials “We have a student whose name is Ettienne. We got him last year via the recruitment event, and, at this point, he is probably one of our best developers. He came in with quite a bit of knowledge, which is great. That’s why we love Belgium Campus – I think they really do a great job.” – Rikus Du Preez, MathU Teaching Emporium Project Manager. “If you look at our current dev compliment, a lot of our devs actually come from Belgium Campus, and ordinarily, the most successful ones in our environment.” – Jonathan Binedell, Raging River Talent Acquisition Specialist. “One of our first employees that were in the graduate programmecame out of Belgium Campus, and that was quite successful. Since then, it’s been about 3 or 4 years that we’ve recruited here, and we’ve always had success.” –  Dirk Naude, EPI-USE Associate Manager. Choose Between Our Courses At Belgium Campus iTversity, we offer two exceptional IT courses, which include workplace training. Bachelor of Computing Our 4-year Bachelor of Computing degree includes one year of industry training at one of our leading industry partners. Students who choose this qualification can specialise in one of two in-demand fields, DataScienceorSoftwareEngineering. Regardless of the specialisation selected, students can rest assured that they will graduate sought-after and/or with permanent employment. Diploma in Information Technology Our Diploma in Information Technology includes six months of workplace training which can either be completed at one of our industry partners or our very own research and innovation hub, Botlhale Village. Students who opt to study this programmecan choose to specialise in Software Development or Infrastructure. Depending on the specialisation selected, they will have an opportunity to further specialise in exciting areas, including Database, Data Analytics,Business, Security, Networking, Cloud, Programming, Web Development, and Mobile Development. Need More Information? Would you like to learn more about these IT courses or our iTversity? Send us an email at [email protected] or give us a call on 010 593 5368, and we will happily provide all the information you need.

Study Top IT Courses in South Africa An increasing number of students from across the globe are pursuing highereducation in South Africa (SA), and what better field of study to consider than the one currently shaping every industry – IT! In this article, we explore some of the many reasons why SA is a great place to study IT and why Belgium Campus iTversity’s courses should be top of your list. An Ideal Destination South Africa is known for its stunning and diverse landscapes, and with campuses in Gauteng and a new campus opening in the Western Cape in 2023, our iTversity will leave you spoilt for choice. For those who enjoy the hustle and bustle of city life, our Kempton Park campus is just a 30-minute drive from SA’s largest city, Johannesburg, famously known as the city of gold. If you prefer a quieter setting, our Pretoria campus is nestled at the foothills of the beautiful Magaliesburg mountain range in the peaceful suburb of Akasia. Our new campus is located in the popular student town, Stellenbosch, which is known for its historic architecture, rich cultural heritage, and spectacular winelands. The People People living in SA are often considered the friendliest on the planet, and the students and staff at Belgium Campus iTversity only serve to reaffirm this. Below is a testimony from a Belgian who visited our campus as part of a student exchange programme. “I didn’t expect people to be as open, friendly, and warm-hearted. When you sit outside here on campus, people just walk up to you and start talking to you – it’s really refreshing” – Maxim Coppieters, PXL University of Applied Sciences and Arts alumnus. Technological Advancement South Africa continues to lead the way in technological advancements in Africa and holds the title of the most innovative country on the continent. As a well-established and renowned private higher education institution specialising in IT, Belgium Campus works closely with the industry to incorporate the latest tech trends and developments to keep its courses relevant. Academic Excellence South Africa is also known for having some of the best higher education institutions in Africa, and Belgium Campus is no exception. The institution and its courses are not only highly respected by the local industry and education sector, but also enjoy international recognition. Audited every five years and benchmarked against the accreditation protocol of the Dutch-Flemish Accreditation Organization, Belgium Campus meets and even surpasses international standards. The most recent audit found the institution’s Bachelor of Computing degree more advanced than an academic bachelor’s programme by European standards. Application Process Are you interested in studying one of our IT courses? Deciding to study abroad can be daunting, but we are ready to help you every step of the way. Email us at [email protected] or WhatsApp us at 073 230 5147, and a member of our admissions team will walk you through the entire application process to make sure you meet all the requirements as an international applicant.

IT University To Host Solar Racing World Champions Reigning solar racing world champions, the Agoria Solar Team, have requested support from Belgium Campus IT University for the upcoming 2022 Sasol Solar Challenge. About the Team The Agoria Solar Team is a group of engineeringstudents from the renowned Belgian institution, KU Leuven. The team has been building solar cars and participating in international solar challenges for over 16 years! Not only do they hold the title of solar racing world champions after winning the most recent Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in 2019, but also that of European champions after winning the iLumen European Solar Challenge in 2020. While winning is great, the team also races for a more meaningful reason – to showcase the power and importance of renewable energy. About the Upcoming Challenge The Sasol Solar Challenge is a biennial event that challenges solar car teams from across the globe to travel from Johannesburg to Cape Town relying purely on solar energy. This year’s event will take place from 9 to 16 September. The team that covers the greatest distance by the end of the eight-day event will be declared the winning team. Known for its challenges, participating teams must push their engineering skills to new heights to design and build a solar car capable of withstanding the varied weather conditions the Sasol Solar Challenge route presents. Support From Belgium Campus IT University The Agoria Solar Team will arrive at the IT university on 11 August to prepare for the upcoming event. They will use one of the institution’s aeroplane hangars as their workshop to get their car race ready and the institution’s research and innovation hub, Botlhale Village, as an office space to further finalise their race strategy. During their stay, Belgium Campus students and staff will have the incredible opportunity to tour the workshop and learn what it takes to prepare for such a big event. This is not the first collaboration between Belgium Campus and KU Leuven. In fact, the two intuitions have a longstanding relationship, with lecturers from the Belgian institution regularly travelling to the IT university to present master classes. KU Leuven also helps Belgium Campus maintain an international standard of education by auditing the institution and its qualifications. The most recent audit found the South African institution’s Bachelor of Computing degree more advanced than an academic bachelor’s programme of European standards! Meet the Agoria Solar Team at Our Open Day You didn’t think we would host the solar racing world champions and not give our prospective students a chance to come and meet them, did you? The Agoria Solar Team will be at our Open Day on Saturday, 20 August. Join us and view the solar car they will be racing and attend the exciting presentation they will be giving. We look forward to seeing you there! In the meantime, keep an eye on our social media platforms for regular updates and a sneaky Instagram takeover from the Agoria Solar Team themselves!

Study a Certificate in Database Development Let’s face it, studying towards a 3- to 4-year qualification is not for everyone. There are many reasons why people opt for shorter, more vocational courses, including the affordability and minimal entry requirements these courses present to simply not wanting or being able to commit to multiple years of study. Regardless of the reason, completing the right certificate can open doors to further study opportunities and gainful employment within the industry.  In this article, we discuss Belgium Campus iTversity’s Certificate in Database Development to help you decide whether it is the right courseof study for you. But, before we delve into the details of this course, you should first establish whether this is even a field you would like to pursue. The Field Explained Developers in this profession are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the systems companies use to store and retrieve valuable information. Their role includes writing code to create tables within these systems where information can be categorised and stored, setting standards and best practices to keep them neat and organised, and optimising them to make sure information can be retrieved efficiently. With this in mind, if the thought of working with data to solve complex operational business problems excites you, you should definitely consider a career in this field. Belgium Campus’ Certificate Belgium Campus iTversity is a leading privatehighereducation institution in South Africa that specialises in industry-relevant ITqualifications. One such qualification is the institution’s 1-year Certificate in Database Development. Accredited by MICT SETA and aligned with the NQF and the South African Qualifications Authority, this purely vocational programmewill give you the practical skills and specialised knowledge required to quickly enter the industry as a highly proficient developer. You will complete modules in Information Systems, Innovation and Leadership, Operating Systems, Project Management, Security, Mathematics, Programming, Data Models, WebProgramming, and of course Database Development, and have the opportunity to complete an elective in Enterprise Systems or Internet of Things. Upon completion of this qualification, you will also have the option to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to further your studies at Belgium Campus. By completing this NQF Level 6 programme, you become eligible to apply for the Diploma in Information Technology or the Bachelor of IT at the iTversity. Furthering your studies through either of these empowering programmes will allow you to strengthen your knowledge and skills within the field of database development and explore alternative career paths within the IT sector. Need Help Applying? Would you like to study this programme at Belgium Campus? Our friendly admissions team is ready to assist you with your application. All you will need is a National Senior Certificate (or equivalent) endorsed for a Higher Certificate – we’ll do the rest. Give us a call on 010 593 5368 or send us an email at [email protected] and we’ll help you secure your spot for 2023.

Complete a Programming Course for an Exciting Career When deciding what to study, you don’t want to choose a course that will box you in and limit your career options. Programming is an in-demand skill that will give you access to a range of exciting and high-paying careers both within and outside of theIT sector. In this article, we explore some of these careers and outline what programming is and where you should study to become a sought-after expert. What is Programming Programmers write the code (set of instructions) that tells a computer how to carry out various tasks. At the most basic level, this can include telling a computer how to read keystrokes to display different keyboard characters on a screen. A range of codinglanguages (special languages that allow humans to communicate with computers) is used to achieve this, including JavaScript, Python, and C#, which are some of today’s most popular. There are hundreds of different coding languages but don’t let this alarm you. Each language falls under four main categories: Procedural, Object Oriented, Logic, and Functional, and once you know one language from a category, it is much easier to learn the other languages within it. Career Possibilities When most people think of programmers, they generally only think of web and appdevelopment within the IT sector. While these are careers accessible to programmers, they are certainly not the only ones. Programmers can perform a range of exciting tasks in virtually any industry. They can programme self-driving cars in the automotive industry, space exploring robots in the aerospace industry, and even robots that can assist doctors with surgery in the healthcare industry. They can also apply their skills to create beautiful art, develop epic games or create the special effects and 3D animations that make today’s films so captivating. With this in mind, it is clear that professionals with this skill are both creative and analytical.  Choosing a Course Are you interested in becoming a professional with this coveted skill? Why limit yourself to a course that will only teach you to programme? Belgium Campus iTversity offers a range of world-class IT programmes that will transform you into a well-rounded professional with exceptional programming skills. Choose between our: Bachelor of Computing (NQF Level 8) 4-year qualification. One year of workplace training. Specialise in Software Engineering or Data Science. Bachelor of Information Technology (NQF Level 7) 3-year qualification. Offered full-time and part-time. Specialise in Software Development. Diploma in Information Technology (NQF Level 6) 3-year qualification. 6 months of workplace training. Specialise in Software Development or Infrastructure.  Certificate: IT (NQF Level 6) 1-year qualification. Specialise in Database Development. Purely vocational. National Certificate: IT (NQF Level 5) 1-year qualification. Specialise in Systems Development. Purely vocational. Need more information? Call us on 010 593 5368 or email us at [email protected]. Regardless of the course you choose, you can rest assured that you will graduate spoilt for choice. 

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.