Apply by: 15 September 2025. There will be an Introduction on 22 September 2025

Date: The first session will start 29 September 2025 to 1 December 2025
Venue: UCT's Amathuba e-learning platform
Duration: Participants will need approximately 4 hours per week for 9 weeks

Course Fee: R 5,000 per person 

Register Online

Open to: Anyone considering embarking on a master's programme of study and is not limited to healthcare professionals.

Are you stepping into your Masters journey?

The Masters Preparedness Short Course is a 9-week, fully online program for anyone considering embarking on a master's programme of study.

Its primary aim is to build academic confidence, enhance research capabilities, and foster a smooth shift from clinical roles to academic excellence. The course is structured to develop critical thinking, research literacy, communication skills, and professional ethics—key competencies for postgraduate success.

Each week targets a specific theme: from understanding research scholarship and critical thinking, to mastering academic reading, writing, and the effective use of AI tools. Participants will also strengthen their leadership, time management, and organisational skills. The final weeks focus on synthesising knowledge, celebrating achievements, and preparing for the postgraduate journey ahead.

By course end, participants will demonstrate readiness for postgraduate academic work, confidently engage in research and ethical leadership, and effectively communicate in academic settings.This program equips candidates with the mindset, methods, and mastery to confidently begin their postgraduate studies.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Research Scholarship
Week 2: Critical Thinking
Week 3: Communication Skills
Week 4 & 5: Academic Literacy
Week 6: Ethics, Leadership and Professionalism
Week 7: Personal Organisation
Week 8: Course Wrap Up
Week 9: Final Integration

Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will:
✔ Demonstrate readiness for postgraduate academic work
✔ Understand the research process and critical thinking methodologies
✔ Communicate effectively in academic contexts
✔ Engage ethically and professionally in research and leadership roles
✔ Manage time and responsibilities efficiently

A digital certificate of attendance will be issued to participants on completion of the course.

Limited spaces are available to ensure an interactive and supported learning experience.

Contact: ce.administration@uct.ac.za