--- title: "IT Short Learning Pathway" id: "29756" type: "page" slug: "it-short-learning-pathway" published_at: "2026-03-31T11:36:04+00:00" modified_at: "2026-06-11T07:40:51+00:00" url: "https://www.boston.ac.za/learning-pathways/it-short-learning-pathway/" markdown_url: "https://www.boston.ac.za/learning-pathways/it-short-learning-pathway.md" excerpt: "IT Learning Pathways Start from your experience level with Open Entry A standout feature of these IT qualifications is their" --- # IT Learning Pathways ## Start from your experience level with Open Entry A standout feature of these IT qualifications is their **Open Entry** accessibility, removing restrictive barriers to entry. Instead, **your starting point is determined by your current knowledge and experience**. - **Beginners** can start with introductory digital skills to build a solid foundation. - **Experienced learners** can bypass the basics and enter at a level that matches their current technical proficiency. This tiered structure ensures that every student follows a pathway that is relevant to their specific career goals and prior background. ### Introduction Level **Introduction level programmes focus on digital literacy and essential workplace software skills.** ### Fundamental Level **Fundamental programmes build core technical understanding that supports further IT specialisation.** ### Intermediate Level **Intermediate programmes develop practical capability in a specialised IT field.** ### Advanced Level **Advanced programmes focus on professional capability and industry-relevant technical expertise.** Boston City Campus provides a comprehensive directory of IT learning pathways designed to transition students from basic digital literacy to advanced technical expertise. These structured Short Learning Programmes focus on building practical, job-ready skills through progressive levels of study. Quick Jump: [Data Science](#data-science) [Coding](#coding) [Cybersecurity](#cybersecurity) [Cloud Computing](#cloud-computing) [Networking Technician](#networking-technician) [Artificial Intelligence](#artificial-intelligence) [IoT & Industrial Automation](#iot) [Web Design](#web-design) [IT Technician](#it-technician) ## Data Science Master the skills required to analyse data, build predictive models, and create business intelligence insights. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) or [Data Capturer](/information-communications-technologies-ict/data-capturer/) ### Fundamental Level [Introduction to Coding](/information-communications-technologies-ict/introduction-to-coding/) ### Intermediate Level [Data Science Essentials](/information-communications-technologies-ict/short-courses-data-science-essentials/) ### Skills Development - Data preparation - Data analysis - Business dashboards - Introductory predictive modelling ### Potential Career Outcomes - Data analyst - Reporting assistant - Business intelligence support ### Progression Opportunities Students may continue into advanced data science study or specialise further in business intelligence tools. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## Coding Develop the ability to build software, create applications, and design database systems. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) or [Data Capturer](/information-communications-technologies-ict/data-capturer/) ### Fundamental Level [Introduction to Coding](/information-communications-technologies-ict/introduction-to-coding/) ### Intermediate Level [Coding for Data and Web Applications](/information-communications-technologies-ict/coding-for-data-and-web-applications/) or [Applied C++ Coding for Software and Systems](/information-communications-technologies-ict/applied-c-coding-software-systems/) or [Mobile App Development](/information-communications-technologies-ict/mobile-app-development/) ### Advanced Level [Principles of Database Programming](/information-communications-technologies-ict/principles-of-database-programming/) ### Skills Development - Programming fundamentals - Application development - [Mobile application basics](https://www.boston.ac.za/information-communications-technologies-ict/mobile-app-development/) - Database design and management ### Potential Career Outcomes - Software developer - Quality assurance tester - Development support specialist ### Progression Opportunities Students may deepen their expertise through database programming or specialise within a specific development track. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## Cybersecurity Learn how to protect organisations from digital threats and build secure computing environments. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) ### Fundamental Level [Cybersecurity Fundamentals](/information-communications-technologies-ict/cybersecurity-fundamentals/) ### Intermediate Level [Cybersecurity Professional](/information-communications-technologies-ict/cybersecurity-professional/) ### Skills Development - Security awareness and threat detection - Security best practices - Basic defensive security techniques ### Potential Career Outcomes - Security support technician - SOC assistant - IT security administrator support ### Progression Opportunities Students may prepare for professional cybersecurity certifications or continue into advanced security training. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## Cloud Computing Develop the ability to deploy, manage, and scale cloud infrastructure. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) or [Data Capturer](/information-communications-technologies-ict/data-capturer/) ### Fundamental Level [Networking Technician](/information-communications-technologies-ict/networking-technician/) ### Intermediate Level [Cloud Computing Essentials](/information-communications-technologies-ict/cloud-computing-essentials/) ### Advanced Level [Cloud Computing Professional](/information-communications-technologies-ict/cloud-computing-professional/) ### Skills Development - Cloud services fundamentals - Infrastructure deployment - Secure configuration - Cloud scalability basics ### Potential Career Outcomes - Cloud support associate - Cloud administrator - Infrastructure support technician ### Progression Opportunities Students may specialise in major cloud platforms or move into advanced infrastructure engineering roles. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## Networking Technician Learn how to install, configure, and maintain computer networks. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) or [Data Capturer](/information-communications-technologies-ict/data-capturer/) ### Fundamental Level [Networking Technician](/information-communications-technologies-ict/networking-technician/) ### Intermediate Level [Networking Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/networking-specialist/) ### Skills Development - Network configuration - LAN and WAN fundamentals - Network troubleshooting - Device configuration ### Potential Career Outcomes - Network support technician - IT support specialist - Network administrator ### Progression Opportunities Students may progress toward vendor certifications and advanced network engineering pathways. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## Artificial Intelligence Develop foundational machine learning knowledge and learn how intelligent systems are built. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) or [Data Capturer](/information-communications-technologies-ict/data-capturer/) ### Fundamental Level [Introduction to Coding](/information-communications-technologies-ict/introduction-to-coding/) ### Intermediate Level [Artificial Intelligence](/information-communications-technologies-ict/artificial-intelligence-ai/) ### Skills Development - Core artificial intelligence concepts - Basic machine learning techniques - Applied automation tools ### Potential Career Outcomes - AI support roles - Data assistant - Automation support specialist ### Progression Opportunities Students often combine AI study with coding or data science skills to expand career opportunities. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## IoT and Industrial Automation Learn how connected devices communicate and how industrial processes can be automated. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) or [Data Capturer](/information-communications-technologies-ict/data-capturer/) ### Fundamental Level [IoT and Industrial Automation](https://www.boston.ac.za/information-communications-technologies-ict/iot-and-industrial-automation/) ### Skills Development - Connected device fundamentals - Automation workflows - Industrial scripting concepts ### Potential Career Outcomes - IoT technician support - Automation support technician ### Progression Opportunities Students may combine IoT skills with networking or coding to build deeper technical capability. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## Web Design Learn how to design and build responsive websites using modern web technologies. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) ### Fundamental Level [Introduction to Coding](/information-communications-technologies-ict/introduction-to-coding/) ### Intermediate Level [Web Design and Development](/information-communications-technologies-ict/web-design-and-development/) ### Skills Development - Website design principles - Responsive layouts - Front-end development fundamentals - Accessibility basics ### Potential Career Outcomes - Web designer - Front-end development assistant - Website content and support specialist ### Progression Opportunities Students often combine web design with coding skills to expand their development capabilities. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/) ## IT Technician Build the skills required to support computers, troubleshoot software issues, and assist users with technology. ### Introduction Level [Software Specialist](/information-communications-technologies-ict/software-specialist/) ### Fundamental Level [Computer Technician](/information-communications-technologies-ict/computer-technician/) ### Skills Development - Computer setup and maintenance - Software troubleshooting - End-user technical support ### Potential Career Outcomes - Helpdesk support technician - Desktop support technician - IT support assistant ### Progression Opportunities Students may move into networking or cybersecurity pathways depending on their interests. [Apply/Enquire](/apply/)