CAO HANDBOOK ENTRY 2016
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10. Qualification Types
Degree study
• Degree study develops the ability to work with ideas, to think in
terms of systems, to experiment and to communicate.
• Study at a university and some programmes at private colleges
lead to a degree.
• Somedegreeprogrammes arevocationally-oriented, but graduates
in most disciplines will require postgraduate professional or on-
the-job training to equip them for their future careers.
• A growing focus on inter-disciplinary studies and programmes
helps students to develop the flexibility to respond to the
challenges they will face.
• Teaching staff are actively involved in research; some are world
experts in their fields.
• Instruction is theoretical and classroom or laboratory-based.
• Students learn how to learn and how to evaluate.
• Most degree programmes last three or more years. Institutions
may grant credit towards degrees for relevant courses passed at
other recognised institutions.
Diploma study
• Diploma study is vocation-based, and develops career-oriented
skills and practical knowledge.
• Initial study at a university of technology or some courses at
comprehensive universities and private colleges can lead to a
diploma.
• Diploma programmes train high level person power – people who
are ready to start work on completion of their studies.
• The institutions work hard to maintain close partnerships with
commerce and industry, ensuring that they are sensitive to the
needs of the communities they serve.
• The institutions are striving to establish research programmes so
that they will be able to provide technological leadership.
• Students are instructed through a combination of theoretical
study and practical experience, in many cases in an appropriate
work situation.
• Students learn how to apply their knowledge in real-life situations.
• The National Diploma is awarded on successful completion of the
third year, and those who wish to pursue their studies further can
usually register for a Bachelor ofTechnology, which requires a further
one year full-time or two years part-time.
Certificate study
• Skills-based education for people who may not have completed
Grade 12 or may not qualify for diploma study.
• It concentrates on developing trained, skilled and qualified
employees by placing a strong emphasis on hands-on training.
• These courses are offered at some universities of technology,
technical vocational education and training (TVET) colleges and
private colleges.
• An acceleratedNC(V) course, taking 18months, will be available soon
for students who have completed the NSC or Senior Certificate.
• A practical component is part of all courses, often in a real
workplace situation.
• Students who complete a certificate programme may be
considered for admission to diploma study in related fields at
universities of technology or can continue with advanced study at
an TVET college.
• The DHET TVET Colleges Bursary Fund provides financial
assistance to deserving and motivated students who cannot
otherwise afford to study.
