Diploma in Information Technology Program

Section Details
Programme The Diploma in Information Technology at APIST is a three-year
Overview program designed to provide students with foundational and advanced
skills in computing, programming, networking, and cybersecurity. It
aligns with Eswatini’s National Development Plan and APIST’s
mission to equip students with industry-relevant skills, fostering
academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement.

Programme - Equip students with practical and theoretical knowledge in IT.

Objectives - Develop problem-solving skills applicable to computing and
networking.
- Prepare graduates for entry-level IT roles or further studies.
- Promote ethical responsibility and critical thinking in a digital context.

Goals of the - To support Eswatini’s economic growth through skilled graduates.

Programme - To foster community-oriented, ethically aware IT professionals.
- To enhance students’ employability with internship and capstone
project experience.

Mode of The program combines lectures, practical lab sessions, tutorials, and
Delivery group projects. The final year includes an internship and capstone
project to apply skills in real-world settings.

Admission - Minimum of 5 passes at EGCSE/IGCSE or equivalent, with grades C

Requirements or better in English and two other subjects.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is available for relevant
experience.

Student Assessments are conducted through a mix of formative (assignments,

Assessment quizzes) and summative (final exams, project work) methods. Practical
labs, a capstone project, and internship evaluations are key components.

Grading Grades are awarded on a percentage scale, with letter grades assigned
System as follows:
A: 75-100%,
B: 65-74%,
C: 50-64%,
D: 40-49%,
F: Below 40% (Fail).
 Course Structure and Credits

Year Semester Module Credits

Year 1 Semester 1 Introduction to Information Technology 10
Computer Applications 10
Communication Skills 5
Professional Practice and Ethics 5
Mathematics for Computing 10
Semester 2 Basic Networking 10
Introduction to Programming (Python/C++) 10
Introduction to Cybersecurity 10
Mathematics for Computing (continued) 10
Year 2 Semester 3 Database Systems 10
Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) 10
Systems Analysis and Design 10
Digital Communication and Collaboration 10
Semester 4 Object-Oriented Programming (Java/C++) 10
Data Structures and Algorithms 10
Ethics and Professional Practice in IT 10
Project Management 10
Year 3 Semester 5 Network Management and Security 10
Mobile Application Development 10
Cybersecurity Essentials 10
Advanced Web Development 10
Semester 6 Internship / Industrial Attachment 20
Capstone Project in IT 20
Total Program Credits 240

Recommended Books and Resources

Course Module Recommended Books Description

Introduction to Information Technology: An A foundational text covering
Information Introduction for Today’s essential IT concepts, including
Technology Digital World by Richard operating systems, computer
Fox (2020) networks, and basic cybersecurity,
Taylor & Francis with hands-on exercises for
students.
Computer Microsoft Office 365 & Provides an overview of Office
Applications Office 2019 Introductory by applications with practical guides
Shelly Cashman (2023) on Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and
Access—suitable for introductory
coursework on productivity tools.
Basic Networking Computer Networking: A A comprehensive guide covering
Top-Down Approach by modern networking concepts,
James F. Kurose and Keith including network layers, protocols,
W. Ross (8th Edition, 2023) and security essentials, making it
 Codemotion ideal for students learning
foundational networking.
Introduction to Python Crash Course by Eric Python and C++ programming
Programming Matthes (2023) and C++ fundamentals, suitable for
(Python/C++) Programming for Beginners beginners; both texts include
by Nathan Metzler (2024) exercises and examples to support
Edgemont Library practical coding skills.

Hackr.io
Mathematics for Discrete Mathematics and Its Focuses on mathematical principles
Computing Applications by Kenneth like logic, set theory, and
Rosen (8th Edition, 2023) algorithms, foundational for IT
students in problem-solving and
algorithm design.
Communication The Art of Explanation: How Provides techniques for effective
Skills to Communicate with Clarity communication and explanation,
and Confidence by Ros essential for presenting technical
Atkins (2024) information clearly in IT and other
Codemotion fields.
Database Systems Database System Concepts Covers relational databases, SQL,
by Abraham Silberschatz and database management
(2022) concepts, aligning well with the
database module.
Web Development HTML and CSS: Design and Visual guides to web design and
(HTML, CSS, Build Websites by Jon interactivity with JavaScript, ideal
JavaScript) Duckett (2023) and for beginners in web development.
JavaScript and JQuery by
Jon Duckett (2023)
BookAuthority
Systems Analysis Systems Analysis and Design Discusses systems development
and Design by Alan Dennis (9th Edition, lifecycle, project management, and
2023) analysis techniques for designing
information systems.
Digital Rewired: The McKinsey Explores collaboration in digital
Communication Guide to Outcompeting in the environments, providing insights
and Collaboration Age of Digital and AI by Eric into effective communication and
Lamarre (2023) teamwork in modern IT projects.
Codemotion
Object-Oriented Java: The Complete Key texts covering object-oriented
Programming Reference by Herbert Schildt principles, Java, and C++
(Java/C++) (12th Edition, 2022) and C+ programming with examples that
+ Programming Language by enhance students' understanding of
Bjarne Stroustrup (2022) OOP in practice.
Data Structures Data Structures and An accessible introduction to data
and Algorithms Algorithms in Java by Robert structures and algorithms, with Java
Lafore (2023) examples for practical learning.
Ethics and Ethics for the Information Explores ethical issues in
Professional Age by Michael J. Quinn technology, data privacy, and
Practice in IT (2023) cybersecurity, providing a
framework for professional conduct
 in IT.
Project Project Management: A A comprehensive guide to project
Management Systems Approach to management techniques, useful for
Planning, Scheduling, and managing IT projects effectively.
Controlling by Harold
Kerzner (2023)
Network Network Security Essentials: Focuses on network security
Management and Applications and Standards principles, including encryption,
Security by William Stallings (7th firewalls, and VPNs, critical for
Edition, 2023) managing secure network
Hackr.io environments.
Mobile Application Android Programming for Introduces Android development
Development Beginners by John Horton with practical projects, covering
(2023) basic concepts and hands-on
application building for mobile
platforms.
Cybersecurity Cybersecurity Essentials by Covers the fundamentals of
Essentials Charles Brooks (2024) cybersecurity, such as threat
BookAuthority management and data protection,
essential for students entering the
security field.
Advanced Web Pro HTML5 and CSS3 Explores advanced topics in web
Development Design Patterns by Michael design, such as responsive design,
Bowers (2023) CSS3 animations, and HTML5
features for professional web
development skills.
Internship / No specific text; practical Students will apply acquired skills
Industrial industry experience in IT in a real-world environment,
Attachment working under the guidance of an
industry mentor.
Capstone Project The Self-taught Programmer: A guide to programming projects
in IT The Definitive Guide to and professional development,
Programming Professionally providing practical tips for
by Cory Althoff (2024) structuring and completing a
Codemotion capstone project in IT.