What is a Short Course?

A short course is something you can study for anything from a few hours to a year or more.

SAQA (The South African Qualification Authority), define the different types as follows:


Short learning programme

All short programmes, whether credits are awarded or not and is inclusive of skills programmes, credit-bearing short courses and non-credit-bearing short courses

Skills programme

Occupationally based and when completed will carry credits towards a qualification registered in terms of the National Qualifications Framework. A skills programme is a type of short learning programme.

Short course

A type of short learning programme through which a learner may or may not be awarded credits, depending on the purpose of the programme

Credit-bearing short course

A type of short learning programme for which credits, in relation to its contribution to a particular programme, unit standard and/or (part) qualification, is awarded. A credit-bearing short course contains less than a 120 credits.

Non-credit-bearing short course

A type of short learning programme for which no credits are awarded in relation to unit standards or (part) qualifications depending on the purpose and/or assessment of the programme.

 

Short courses are ideal for students who wish to upgrade their skills or refresh their knowledge, or to those who wish to expand their e.g. managerial, technical or computer skills into new areas of interest. These intensive courses are usually designed on various levels to suit beginners, intermediate and advanced candidates. Courses are normally open to the general public, as well as developing courses for organisations that meet their specific training requirements.

Although less of a commitment than studying a university degree, you are still required to put in time and effort to do well when studying a short course. Some short courses may require you to undertake exams, attend a certain number of classes or hand in assignments in order to complete the requirements. The responsibility is on you to succeed but the benefits are worth it.