Curriculum Development Unit
The Curriculum Development Unit works collaboratively with all CPUT stakeholders to ensuring that we create an enabling environment for developing truly ‘African’ and ‘Smart’ university graduates as envisaged in Vision 2030. CDU offers the following programmes:
- The CO Forum, where Curriculum Officers engage on matters of curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment.
- Customised Workshops on the HEQC and SAQA to promote a culture of reflective practice and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
- Budget management and coordination of CPUT projects aimed at curriculum development, review and renewal.
- Candidate assessment during interviews for academic appointments
- We serve on institutional and faculty teaching and learning committees to enhance practices and foster closer links with academic staff.
The Curriculum Development Unit is home to the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP), which aims to increase the throughput rate of socially and educationally disadvantaged students who otherwise may fail their first year. ECP is a mechanism supported by the national Department of Higher Education and Training. Students in the ECP attend the same lectures as the other students for their registered subjects, but initially take a lighter academic load and have additional academic support. ECP supports students in the form of augmented lectures, practicals and fieldtrips; as well as various key skills needed for success at university level.
The Curriculum Development Unit is also responsible for the recognition of prior learning (RPL). RPL is a means of broadening access to universities that CPUT has embraced since 2005. It allows the prior knowledge, competencies and skills of a person to be made visible through a process of development, teaching, mentoring and assessment.
Through RPL, the unit offers:
- An alternative route for accessing CPUT
- The awarding of credits for a qualification
- The granting of advanced standing in postgraduate qualifications
- Workshops to develop RPL plans
- Assistance with portfolio development
- Assistance with the administrative aspects of RPL
RPL applicants can begin the process and find more information here. (hyperlink to http://www.cput.ac.za/study/rpl)
The unit comprises staff members with wealth of experience in terms of curriculum development and related issues.
