Are you looking to improve your academic skills and enhance your chances of being accepted into your preferred university degree programme? If so, a bridging course may be just what you need.
In this article, we will answer the question "What is a bridging course?", and explain how they work. We will also delve into the different types of bridging courses available, and examine how they can help you prepare for specific career pathways.
What is a bridging course?
A bridging course is a preparation course that helps students meet the academic requirements for admission into an undergraduate degree. These courses are designed to bridge the gap between what you know and what you need to know before starting a specific degree programme.
They are typically offered by universities, high schools, online schools or other education providers and are designed to prepare students for the demands of university-level study, which can be quite different from high school.
Bridging courses can improve your chances of university acceptance by providing you with the necessary foundational skills and knowledge required to succeed in your degree programme.
Completing a bridging course can also help you meet the academic prerequisites for admission, such as achieving a minimum grade in a certain subject or obtaining a certain level of proficiency in a language.
By taking a bridging course, you can demonstrate to university admissions officers that you have a strong commitment to learning and are willing to take the necessary steps to succeed in your tertiary studies.
How do bridging courses work?
Bridging courses can be offered online or in person, and their length and intensity can vary depending on the specific needs of the student and the degree of choice.
Once a student completes a bridging course, they will typically receive a certificate of completion that can be used to demonstrate their readiness for university-level study.
This certificate can be included in their university application to show that they have taken steps to improve their academic skills and are committed to their education.
Types of bridging courses
Bridging courses can cover a range of subjects, including math, science, English, and other key subjects, depending on the specific requirements of the degree programme.
- Matric: Matric bridging courses are designed to help students who did not meet the minimum requirements for university admission in their final year of high school. These courses focus on improving students' academic skills and knowledge, including math, science, and English, to prepare them for university-level study.
- Maths: Math bridging courses are specifically designed to help students improve their mathematical skills and knowledge. These courses are particularly helpful for students who are interested in pursuing degree programmes in math, science, statistics, technology, engineering, medicine or other mathematically related fields.
- Science: Science bridging courses are designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the basic principles of science, including biology, chemistry, and physics. These courses can be particularly helpful for students who did not study science in high school or who need to improve their understanding of these subjects before starting their degree programme.
- English: English bridging courses are designed to help students improve their English language skills, including writing, reading, speaking, and listening. These courses can be particularly helpful for students whose first language is not English or who need to improve their proficiency in the language before starting their degree programme. They can also be useful for students who need to improve their academic writing skills or who want to feel more confident in communicating in English in a tertiary academic setting.
Bridging courses for your career-choice
Bridging courses can be a valuable tool for students looking to pursue a career in a particular field. These courses can provide students with the necessary academic preparation and practical experience to succeed in their chosen career path.
Here are a few examples of potential career-specific bridging courses:
- Medicine: Bridging courses for medicine are designed to help students prepare for the academic demands of medical school. These courses can cover a range of subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics, and may also provide students with practical experience through laboratory work or clinical placements.
- Engineering: Bridging courses for engineering are designed to help students prepare for the academic demands of an engineering degree programme. These courses can cover a range of subjects, including math, physics, and computer science, and may also provide students with hands-on experience through laboratory work or project-based learning.
- Nursing: Bridging courses for nursing are designed to help students prepare for the academic and practical demands of nursing school. These courses can cover a range of subjects, including anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology, and may also provide students with practical experience through clinical placements or simulated patient care scenarios.
South African Universities offering bridging courses
South African universities often provide bridging or extended courses in various fields, including medicine, nursing, teaching, accounting, law, pharmacy, and more. Below are some examples:
Central University of Technology (CUT)
Explore the available bridging courses at the Central University of Technology:
Nelson Mandela University
Discover the bridging courses offered by Nelson Mandela University:
University of Pretoria (UP)
Find out more about the extended programmes offered by the University of Pretoria:
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)
Learn about the extended programmes available at the Vaal University of Technology:
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT)
Explore the bridging courses available at Tshwane University of Technology:
University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
Discover the extended programmes at the University of KwaZulu-Natal:
University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Explore the bridging courses available at the University of Johannesburg:
University of South Africa (Unisa)
Check out the bridging courses offered by Unisa:
Popular courses that offer Bridging Courses
- Bridging courses for Physiotherapy
- Bridging courses for Law
- Bridging courses for Medicine
- Bridging courses for Teaching
- Bridging courses for Engineering
- Bridging courses for Pharmacy
- Bridging courses for Physiotherapy
Bridging courses are an excellent way to improve academic skills and knowledge, as well as enhance a student’s chances of being accepted into the university degree programme of their choice.
Bridging courses can also help you stand out in the application process and show that you are ready to excel in your studies at the university level.
