Frequently asked questions
1. How are the courses approved and do I receive a certificate?
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has approved the majority of our courses, and you will receive a certificate issued by UCT upon successful completion of the course. Your certificate will be posted to you once you have finished and passed the course.
2. I have not studied in many years. How will I cope?
You are not alone! Many of our students are in the same boat – nervous, but excited to study again. Our courses are designed for working professionals who may or may not have studied in many years. Constant email and SMS reminders will help you to stay on track as you adjust to studying again. Our courses focus on practical application and continuous assessment and are structured in a way that will give you the necessary support to ensure you feel confident in your own abilities to complete the course. We have successfully trained over 13,000 students over the past 4 years, many of whom shared your concern.
3. Will I be able to maintain a work-life balance?
We understand that you might have family, work and personal commitments and so have created an online learning model that will allow you to study anywhere and anytime. Each course requires that you complete one module per week, at a time that is convenient to you. This includes reading lecture notes, watching video lectures, participating in online discussion forums and completing a short assignment, all in your own time and at your own pace.
4. How are the courses presented online?
GetSmarter's "high touch" online learning model allows you to study anywhere and anytime, while still ensuring that you receive a high level of personal proactive support throughout the course. All of our courses are presented entirely online; all you need in order to complete a course is access to a computer with an Internet connection, a valid email address and a word processing program (like Microsoft Word). You will not need to attend lectures.
Each course has a Course Instructor and a Course Coordinator who will provide you with both administrative and academic support throughout the duration of the course. One module is presented per week, which includes the following interactive learning tools:
- Course notes: downloadable learning material that you will need to read to complete the weekly module
- Module assignment: a weekly practical assignment that allows you to apply what you have learned in the module. This is either quiz-based or written
- Video lectures: interesting video clips to make the material more engaging, or to illustrate difficult concepts
- Quizzes: interactive quizzes with instant feedback to help you apply your learning
- Discussion forums: a place to ask for help and to interact with your course convener and fellow students
- Additional resources: a wealth of additional materials, links and resources to further your knowledge
5. What does "high-touch online education" mean?
“High touch” refers to the high level of proactive personal contact provided to our students during the learning experience. Each course has a designated Course Coordinator and a Course Instructor who are on-hand to respond to all of your academic or administrative queries, and who personally provide support to you throughout the course.
6. Are there any prerequisites to studying with GetSmarter?
Since all aspects of our courses are conducted online, you will need to have access to a computer with an Internet connection, a valid email address, and Microsoft Word. A matric certificate is recommended, since the courses are of a university standard, but it is not required.
7. How much time do I need to spend studying each week?
On average, our students need to spend 7 to 10 hours per week to complete all of the required sections of the weekly module. However, this differs from person to person and depends on a number of factors: how you study, how much time you are prepared to invest in the course, and how much you want to gain from it.
8. How will I be assessed and do I complete exams?
The good news is that there are no exams! Our courses are evaluated through a combination of continuous assessment and one weekly assignment, which is either written or quiz-based. Our learning approach focuses on practical application of the course material and outcome-based learning.
9. How much bandwidth / data will I use when completing an online course?
The amount of data you will need to use during a course will depend on the duration of the course (whether it's 7 weeks or 10 weeks), as well as how much of the additional learning material you access. We estimate that an average course of 8-weeks will use roughly 800mb of data.
10. Does GetSmarter offer corporate training?
Yes. Please see our corporate training page for more information.
11. What do past students say about the courses?
Read about past students’ experiences here.
12. Will these courses help me to advance in my career?
Absolutely! Continued professional development is vital to enhance your credibility to remain competitive in the workplace and can increase your earning potential. Each course will teach you a specific set of skills, which can be applied in your career. While we cannot guarantee employment, we can confirm that by adding a certificate issued by a reputable university or industry body, you will become more employable.
13. Are GetSmarter courses accredited with SETA?
GetSmarter is the first and only entirely online training company to be accredited by any SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) as a provider of education and training in South Africa. Institutional accreditation number: 3692.
14. Can my company claim back from the skills development levy for GetSmarter courses?
Provided that the course has been incorporated into the company's skills development plan that is submitted to the applicable SETA, companies can claim money back from their skills levy when their employees attend one of our courses.
15. What payment or financing options are available?
We offer several payment options, including once-off payments, payment plans and credit card payments - straight or budget. We also offer financing: you can apply for a loan from Capitec Bank. Learn more about our flexible payment options.
16. If I live outside South Africa, can I still enrol for a course?
Yes. International students are more than welcome to sign up for our courses, since no travelling is required.
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All courses result in a certificate issued by one of our partners, University of Cape Town, Random House Struik and Sports Science Institute of South Africa.
