Duration:

One year.

Course Description:

The Pre-degree programme offers access to students who did not meet the degree programme entry requirements. The programme spans a full year, and on passing the appropriate subjects, learners will be permitted to register for a degree programme the following year. As a bridging year between school and university-level education, the aim of the programme is to teach learners the academic skills, knowledge and attitudes required to succeed at a tertiary level, in a supportive environment.

Learners registering on the programme are allocated a set curriculum, comprised of the following core subjects:

• Bridging English A&B (BENG011 & BENG021):  Bridging English is designed to provide students with the foundational skills necessary to pursue tertiary studies at an English-medium institution. As such, emphasizes the development of foundational language skills, foundational comprehension skills; clear, effective writing skills and oral presentation skills in relation to general topics and to English literature. BENG011 is a pre-requisite for BENG021.

• Student Skills A&B: (BSKI010 & BSKI020): The purpose is to enable students to succeed in a tertiary environment by developing the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed. Success is viewed as academically, socially, and personally. This module engages with both the academic and personal skills need to succeed in tertiary studies, such as study skills, research skills, time management etc.  In addition, this module will enable students to transfer these skills into various other modules or their later degrees. BSKI010 is a pre-requisite for BSKI020.

• Bridging Mathematics A&B (BMAT011 & BMAT021): The purpose of Bridging Mathematics modules to develop relevant numeracy skills and numerical literacy and their application in problem solving so that students are adequately prepared to study first year Mathematics modules. Students will also develop their ability to understand and communicate mathematical concepts and interpret results of calculations.BMAT011 is a pre-requisite for BMAT021.
  
  
•  Human Development Studies A&B (BDEV011): The purpose of Human Development Studies is to serve as introductory bridging course to the social sciences as a broad multi-disciplinary field of study. These modules will seek to develop interest for the social sciences and an understanding of the importance of the social sciences; inform students about the world of and around the “self”; and develop academic and theoretical tools/skills of the social sciences. BDEV011 is a pre-requisite for BDEV021.

Learners are given the opportunity to develop their Computer Skills to support success in degree studies. In addition, depending on the proposed field of study, learners are permitted to choose one or more faculty preparation modules in their second semester to prepare them for their degree studies or assist them to choose a suitable degree. The following electives are offered:

• Introduction to Commerce (Economics) (BICE021) – this module will introduce students to issues in commerce through an introduction to Economics. In addition it is hoped that this will support further success at Degree level in Economics. This module introduces students to the interaction and decision making of individuals, groups, firms, governments and the economies of countries. This module includes learning how to approach Economics and economics terminology (words or jargon).

• Introduction to IT -  This module will introduce students to the scope of the IT industry and matters that are relevant for success in IT programmes.

• Introduction to Psychology  – this module will introduce students to Psychology and the relevant skills and issues for success in this discipline.

• Introduction to Science & the Scientific Method  – This module will introduce students to the scientific disciplines and the relevant skills and cognitive approaches for success in this discipline.

• Introduction to Graphics  – this module will assist in introducing students to the field of graphics, skills and theory needed for success in this field. This module is specific to the graphics curriculum.

• Applied Colour and Design - This module aims to introduce the student to various design theories applied to the use of colour, shape and Gestalt theory. Students are required to use a variety of hand-skill based media including, paint, cut and paste and 3 dimensional constructions. This module is specific to the graphics curriculum.

• Design fundamentals - This module aims to equip student with a basic understanding of visual literacy and communication, and how to use design elements.  Using hand skills, topics that are explored include creativity, generating ideas, design principles, theory, and some drawing.  Students will create projects that develop both design skills and hand skills. This module is specific to students who wish to study the graphics curriculum.

• Business management 1A – This module introduces students to Business management and the business environment. This module is specific to students who wish to proceed with the BCom, BBA, BSc Computer Science curriculum or BSc Informatics degrees.

Learners are required to pass both semesters of each core module and electives (10 modules in total) before being eligible for the degree programmes. Please note that electives may vary from campus to campus and will only be offered should there be sufficient demand.

Please note that some degree options have specific requirements before entry is permitted, please check these with a student advisor.