When you are about to study at a university in South Africa, you should know the difference between the following classifications of courses: Curricular Courses, Extra-curricular Courses, and Continuing Education Programmes (CEP).
Now let me break it down for you in a more understandable way!
Contents
Curricular Courses
When you apply for a Degree in Psychology at any university – that is a curricular course. In other words, curricular courses are the main courses that are part of a school or university’s official courses. These are the courses you need to complete to graduate. Curricular courses are the ones that get funded by NSFAS.
Here are the types of Curricular Courses at any university:
- Undergraduate Degrees and Diplomas
- Postgraduate Qualifications such as Honours, Masters, and PhDs
Continuing Education Programmes (CEP)
As opposed to Curricular Courses, Continuing Education Programmes (which are commonly known as CEPs in South African universities) are for additional learning purposes. These are referred to as Short Courses. They are normally for adults or professionals who have working experience. They are normal for people who have a formal education (curricular courses). These courses are normally conducted through workshops or short courses that offer hands-on relevant extra skills.
Universities, such as the University of Johannesburg, Wits, and the University of Pretoria, refer to these courses as SLPs (Short Learning Programmes).
The duration for CEPs can range from 5 Days up to 6 months of learning. Others may require you to write and pass the exam, while others (like workshops) simply require you to attend. After attending these courses, you will be awarded a certificate which you can add on your CV.
Extra Curricular Courses
Extra Curricular Courses are very similar to Continuing Education Programmes. At times, universities often use “extra Curricular Courses” and “Continuing Education Programmes” terms interchangeably. So basically, this is just another term for those short courses that are not for degree purposes. You will not graduate after completing these courses. However, the certificate will be awarded to you.
Key Difference between Curricular Courses, Continuing Education programmes (CEP), and Extra Curricular Courses
Below, you will be able to see the key differences between Curricular Courses, Continuing Education programmes (CEP), and Extra Curricular Courses, within universities in South Africa:
| Category | Curricular Courses | Continuing Education Programmes (CEP) | Extra Curricular Courses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Main academic courses for degrees/diplomas | Additional learning and skills development | Non-degree learning or activities |
| Focus | Leads to graduation | Focus on short courses for professionals/adults | Focus on hobbies, skills, or interests |
| Qualification | Degree or diploma (e.g., Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s) | Certificate only | Certificate only |
| Duration | Full-length (3-4 years for degrees) | Short (5 days to 6 months) | Short, varies by activity/course |
| Target Audience | Students in formal education | Adults, working professionals | Students or individuals looking for extra skills |
| Funding | Funded by NSFAS in South Africa | Usually self-funded | Usually self-funded |
| Example | Bachelor of Education, Diploma in IT | Short Learning Programmes (SLP) at UJ | Sports, arts, music, or short non-degree courses |
View a list of all South African Universities, together with the Application Dates Here
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