Online short courses are very popular. Many tertiary institutions offer flexible options to learners, even if they are not completing a whole degree.
As technology evolves and the job market becomes more competitive, people are turning to online short courses and micro-credentials to help them upskill and prepare for the future of work. As in-demand skills change over time, upskilling online is a key part of lifelong learning and making sure your skill set stays relevant.
In this post, we take a look at what exactly these short courses are and the benefits of registering for one.
What is an online short course?
An online short course is a set of learning materials that can be accessed at your convenience through an online platform. To complete one, you need to create an account on the relevant institution’s website and pay for the course. Some free options are available, but most courses will charge a fee.
Once you have registered and paid, you can access the short course at your leisure. Depending on the type of course you have signed up for, you might only be able to register at a certain time of the year. In some courses, you may engage with a supervisor or facilitator. Other courses might be made up of pre-recorded video content that you can work through at your own pace. Some may be a combination of both.
After you have completed a short course, if you have been assessed on achieving your learning outcomes, you will often receive not only a certificate, but a digital badge that you can share on various social media platforms. During the short course, you might also complete a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your newfound knowledge and skills to a current or future employer.
What are the benefits of an online short course?
1. Practical
In a competitive marketplace, not many people have the time or the financial resources to complete a full degree. With flexible online short courses, you can build the skills you need to excel while working at the same time. For this reason, learning online is a practical choice for those looking to expand their skill set, while earning money and gaining work experience.
2. Affordable
Not everyone has the financial resources to enrol for a full degree programme. Short online courses with a specialised focus are therefore a more affordable option. What’s more, some institutions allow you to “stack” short courses, so that over time, you can complete various courses that can count towards a formal qualification. When stacking, you can enrol for a formal degree and if accepted, apply for module exemption. This brings you one step closer to a formal qualification.
3. Flexible
A degree programme offers many academic benefits, but often requires full-time commitment. For those who want to work and study at the same time, online short courses provide flexibility. This means you can work through course content at your own pace. However, certain courses require the submission of assignments and assessments in order to complete the course.
Since the academic content is available online, you can access it from anywhere, which also provides flexibility in terms of location.
4. Diverse
You only have to do a Google search online to find out that there are thousancds of short courses available on various online platforms. There is such a diversity of content that it can be difficult to know where to start. However, there will always be institutions that offer options in your chosen field, or field of interest.
Even though you might not be completing a full degree in one go, it doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice academic quality!
5. Accessible
From all the points we’ve mentioned above, one of the main benefits of an online short course is accessibility. With an online accessibility you can now learn and develop in-demand skills from the comfort of your own home. For those who are differently abled, or for those who can’t attend in-person classes due to family or work commitments, this offers a chance to upskill without having to travel anywhere.
If you have a computer an access to the internet, you can take charge of your personal and professional development online, in your own time.
Online short courses with SACAP Global
Are you interested in the fields of Applied Psychology, Business Management, Communication, People Management, Counselling and Coaching? We have a range of flexible short courses to support your skills development journey.
Our micro-credential courses have been reviewed by the OpenLearning platform, which means the course content is designed to offer the most engaging and interactive online learning experience. With short courses offered throughout the year, there is also the opportunity to grow your skills at various points in time.
Register on our website here or contact us if you have any queries.