Free online courses at Wits University

Wits University has developed a suite of online course offerings that will be made available over the next three years to enhance access to higher education.

These include massive open online courses (MOOCs) on the edX platform, short online courses, and ultimately entirely online degree programmes.

In the first phase, Wits has become the first university in Africa to offer MOOCs on edX, an online learning platform established by Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2012.

Says Professor Andrew Crouch, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at Wits University: “There is no doubt that there is a dire need for more places at South African universities and for access to quality post-school training. Wits is proud to be the first African university on the edX platform, where we offer free online courses unique to South Africa.”

Launched today, the first three MOOCs on the edX platform, WitsX, will be available within the next six months:

• System Dynamics for Health Sciences (launches 3 August 2016)
• Research Methods: An Engineering Approach (launches 7 September 2016)
• Results-Based Project Management: Monitoring and Evaluation (launches 5 October 2016)
• MOOCs offered by WitsX are free although a certificate of completion can be purchased for approximately $49 (approximately R720.00 at the current exchange rate).

More about WitsX MOOCs launching in 2016

System Dynamics for Health Sciences: Learn to use system dynamics to better understand complex medical issues and interventions.

The MOOC is taught by Wits Adjunct Professor of Biomedical Engineering, David Rubin; Wits biomedical engineer and lecturer, Robyn Letts; and Professor Tak Igusa, Johns Hopkins University.

Launch date: 3 August 2016

Research Methods: An Engineering Approach: Learn how to successfully design your research and understand the underlying principles of postgraduate research from an engineering perspective.

The MOOC is taught by Wits Associate Professorin the School of Electrical and Information Engineering, Ivan Hofsajer.

Launch date: 7 September 2016

Results-Based Project Management: Monitoring and Evaluation: Learn how to design and implement results-based, public sector programmes that optimise the use of resources.

This MOOC is taught by Wits School of Governance Lecturer and Senior Technical Advisor, Kieron Crawley.

Launch date: 5 October 2016 How to complete a WitsX Mooc

Log on to www.edx.org/school/witsx
Select ‘learn more’ about one of Wits’ three available MOOCs
Click ‘enroll now’
Create an account
Allocate 2 – 4 hours per week over six weeks (or as specified) to complete the free* course and benefit from online support from dedicated Wits experts

* A certificate of completion costs approximately R720.00.

HOW TO APPLY

Click Here to REGISTER AND APPLY ONLINE