Distance Learning Courses – What Can I Study

There are many courses you can study through distance learning, such as:

NATED courses
ICB courses
CIMA courses
Short courses
Matric programmes

Distance learning is an excellent way to further your studies while you continue with other things, such as working. Distance learning has moved into the spotlight since the start of Covid-19, but has been around long before the pandemic.

When looking into studying through distance learning, it is important to know what you are looking for, and what your options are.

What Can I Study Online From Home?

There are many courses you can study through distance learning, and many colleges where you can study these courses. Some courses you can study through distance learning are:

NATED courses
ICB courses
CIMA courses
Short courses
Matric programmes

NATED Courses

NATED stands for National Accredited Technical Education Diploma. These courses are designed by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) to help get you workplace-ready with both theory and practical knowledge as efficiently as possible.

NATED courses are accredited by both the DHET and QCTO (the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations). This means that educational institutions and potential employers recognised these as formal qualifications.

There are seven NATED streams of study:

Business Management
Educare
Financial Management
Human Resource Management
Legal Secretary
Marketing Management
Management Assistant

Business Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66871
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)
Subjects	Management Communication N4 Introductory Accounting N4 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Assistant Manager Sales Assistant Office Assistant

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66929
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Business Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 Sales Management N5 Public Relations N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Sales Person Public Relations Assistant Management Assistant

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66995
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Business Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6 Sales Management N6 Cost and Management Accounting N5 Public Relations N6
Career Options	Team Leader Workshop Manager Marketing Coordinator

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67036
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Business Management National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Business Manager Supply Chain Manager Sales Consultant

Educare

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66883
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)
Subjects	Educare Didactics N4 Child Health N4 Education N4 Day Care Personnel Development N4
Career Options	Educare Practitioner Playgroup Practitioner Au Pair

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66971
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Educare National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Educare Didactics N5 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Educational Psychology N5 Daycare Communication N5
Career Options	Child Health and Nutrition Caretaker Day Care Administrator Day Care Manager

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67007
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Educare National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Educare Didactics N6 Daycare Management N6 Educational Psychology N6 Daycare Communication N6
Career Options	Day Care Manager Early Childhood Development Teacher Educare Teacher

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67050
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Educare National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Educare Facilitator Nursery School Assistant Teacher Nursery Teacher

Financial Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66874
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)
Subjects	Financial Accounting N4 Computerised Financial Systems N4 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Management Communication N4
Career Options	Accounts Clerk Audit Assistant Bookkeeper

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66954
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Financial Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Financial Accounting N5 Computerised Financial Systems N5 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 Cost & Management Accounting N5
Career Options	Administrative Clerk Loan Consultant Sales Team Leader

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66998
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Financial Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Financial Accounting N6 Computerised Financial Systems N6 Entrepreneurship and Business Management N6 Cost & Management Accounting N6
Career Options	Financial Manager Finance Controller Audit Clerk

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67040
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Financial Management National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Assets Management Supervisor Bank Teller Finance Administrator

Human Resource Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66873
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Personnel Management N4 Management Communication N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Administrative Clerk Human Resource Management Assistant Skills Development Facilitator

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66953
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Human Resource Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Personnel Management N5 Personnel Training N5 Labour Relations N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Billing Coordinator Clients Relations Coordinator Risk Administrator

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66997
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Human Resource Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Personnel Management N6 Personnel Training N6 Labour Relations N6 Computer Practice N6
Career Options	Human Resource Manager Recruitment Manager Benefits Manager

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67039
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Human Resource Management National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Human Resources Consultant Labour Relations Consultant Employee Relations Consultant

Legal Secretary

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66883
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)
Subjects	Office Practice N4 Communication N4 Information Processing N4 Mercantile Law N4
Career Options	Filing Clerk Junior Conveyancing Secretary Receptionist

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66959
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Legal Secretary National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Office Practice N5 Communication N5 Information Processing N5 Legal Practice N5
Career Options	Administrative Assistant Junior Conveyancing Assistant Personal Assistant

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66880
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Legal Secretary National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Office Practice N6 Legal Practice N6 Information Processing N6 Mercantile Law N5
Career Options	Conveyancing Assistant Legal Clerk Office Assistant

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67035
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Legal Secretary National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Junior Legal Secretary Junior Litigation Secretary Legal: Committee Secretary

Management Assistant

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66876
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)
Subjects	Communication N4 Office Practice N4 Information Processing N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Administrative Clerk Office Manager Receptionist

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66956
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Management Assistant National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Communication N5 Office Practice N5 Information Processing N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Personal Assistant Private Secretary Typist

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67001
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Management Assistant National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Office Practice N6 Information Processing N6 Public Relations N5 Computer Practice N6
Career Options	Clerk Management Assistant Office Administrator

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67033
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Management Assistant National N6 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Assistant Manager Data Capturer Executive Assistant

Marketing Management

National N4 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66872
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Matric Certificate: National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate (Amended)
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N4 Marketing Management N4 Management Communication N4 Computer Practice N4
Career Options	Junior Marketing Writer Marketing Sales Administrator Sales Assistant

National N5 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66952
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Marketing Management National N4 Certificate
Subjects	Entrepreneurship and Business Management N5 Marketing Management N5 Sales Management N5 Computer Practice N5
Career Options	Content Writer Marketing Assistant Sales Manager

National N6 Certificate
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	66996
Credits	60
Entry Requirements	Marketing Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	Marketing Management N6 Sales Management N6 Marketing Communication N6 Marketing Research N6
Career Options	Advertiser Marketing Manager Marketing Researcher

National N6 Diploma
Qualification	Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	QCTO & DHET
SAQA ID Number	67037
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	Marketing Management National N5 Certificate
Subjects	This is the practical part of the qualification and consists of 18 months of work experience
Career Options	Brand Manager Product Manager Public Relations Consultant

Where Can I Study NATED Courses?

There are many reputable distance learning institutions that offer NATED courses, such as:

ICB Courses

ICB courses are accredited by ICB (the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) and QCTO. These courses are designed to take you from high school level education up to the Diploma level.

These courses are recognised as formal qualifications because of their accreditation. ICB courses are also recognised worldwide, so with an ICB qualification, you can apply to work all over the world.

ICB has three streams of study:

Business Management
Financial Accounting
Office Administration

Business Management

National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	4
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	48736
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Grade 11 or Equivalent Certificate (Bookkeeping: ICB National Certificate)
Subjects	Business Management 1 (BMT1) Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) Business Literacy (BUSL)
Career Options	Junior Researcher Junior Analyst Sales Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Qualification	Higher Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	23619
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	ICB National Certificate: Small Business Financial Management
Subjects	Office and Legal Practice (OLPR) Business Management 2 (BMT2) Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR) Financial Statements (FNST) Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR)
Career Options	Senior Office Administrator General Office Manager Customer Service Manager

National Diploma: Financial Accounting
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	20366
Credits	280
Entry Requirements	ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Subjects	Business Management 3 (BMT3) Financial Management and Control (FMCL) Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF) Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation, topic: Business Management) (RTAP)
Career Options	Accounting Officer Business Manager Business Advisor

Financial Accounting

National Certificate: Bookkeeping
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	3
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	58375
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Grade 10 or equivalent
Subjects	Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) Payroll and Monthly SARS Returns (PMSR) Computerised Bookkeeping (CPBK) Business Literacy (BUSL)
Career Options	Junior Bookkeeper Accounts Clerk Payroll Clerk

Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping
Qualification	FET Certificate
NQF Level	4
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	58376
Credits	130
Entry Requirements	ICB National Certificate: Bookkeeping
Subjects	Financial Statements (FNST) Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)
Career Options	Senior Bookkeeper Junior Accountant Assistant Accountant

National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	36213
Credits	251
Entry Requirements	ICB Further Education And Training Certificate: Bookkeeping
Subjects	Income Tax Returns (ITRT) Business Law and Accounting Control (BLAC)
Career Options	Technical Financial Accountant Accounting Technician Tax Technician

National Diploma: Financial Accounting
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	20366
Credits	280
Entry Requirements	ICB National Diploma: Technical Financial Accounting
Subjects	Corporate Strategy (CRPS) Management Accounting Control Systems (MACS) Financial Reporting and Regulatory Frameworks (FRRF) Research Theory and Practice (by short dissertation; topic: Financial Accounting) (RTAP)
Career Options	Financial Accountant Tax Practitioner Tax Consultant

Office Administration

National Certificate: Office Administration
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	23618
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Matric or Matric Equivalent Certificate (Small Business Financial Management: ICB National Certificate or Bookkeeping: ICB FET Certificate)
Subjects	Business and Office Administration 1 (BOA1) Bookkeeping to Trial Balance (BKTB) Business Literacy (BUSL) Marketing Management and Public Relations (MMPR) Business Law and Administrative Practice (BLAP) Cost and Management Accounting (CMGT)
Career Options	Junior Office Administrator Receptionist Office Assistant

Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Qualification	Higher Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	23619
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Subjects	Business and Office Administration 2 (BOA2) Human Resources Management and Labour Relations (HRLR) Economics (ECON)
Career Options	Senior Office Administrator General Office Manager Labour Relations Administrator

National Diploma: Office Administration
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	ICB & QCTO
SAQA ID Number	35958
Credits	360
Entry Requirements	ICB Higher Certificate: Office Administration
Subjects	Business and Office Administration 3 (BOA3) Financial Statements (FNST) Management (MGMT)
Career Options	Office Manager Public Relations Manager Administrative Manager

Where Can I Study ICB Courses?

Many distance learning colleges offer ICB courses. Some reputable ones are:

CIMA Courses

CIMA courses are designed by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, and are accredited by QCTO. This means that they are recognised as formal qualifications. These courses are also recognised globally. There are four levels of CIMA courses:

Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level
Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level
Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level
Business Accounting: CIMA Strategic Level

Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level
Qualification	National Certificate
NQF Level	5
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	24418
Credits	120
Entry Requirements	Be 16 years or older Have had pure maths as a school subject Be able to read and write in English
Subjects	Fundamentals of Business Economics Fundamentals of Management Accounting Fundamentals of Financial Accounting Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance, and Business Law
Career Options	Business Manager Management Accountant Business Analyst

Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level
Qualification	National Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	24406
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	Business Accounting: CIMA Certificate Level
Subjects	Managing Finance in a Digital World Financial Reporting Management Accounting Operational Case Study Operational Gateway
Career Options	Accountant Bookkeeper Financial Manager

Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level
Qualification	Advanced Diploma
NQF Level	6
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	24406
Credits	240
Entry Requirements	Business Accounting: CIMA Operational Level
Subjects	Managing Performance Advanced Financial Reporting Advanced Management Accounting Management Case Study Managerial Gateway
Career Options	Business Analyst Management Accountant Accounts Assistant

Business Accounting: CIMA Strategic Level
Qualification	Professional Qualification: Chartered Management Accountant
NQF Level	7
Accredited by	The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
SAQA ID Number	20400
Credits	390
Entry Requirements	Business Accounting: CIMA Managerial Level
Subjects	Strategic Management Financial Strategy Risk Management Strategic Case Study Strategic Gateway
Career Options	Debtors Clerk Business Manager Chief Financial Officer

Where Can I Study CIMA Courses?

Many distance learning colleges offer CIMA courses, such as:

Short Courses

Four of these colleges also offer short courses that are open-access. Open-access means that the only entry requirements are that you are over the age of 16, and that you can understand, read and write in English.

Each college offers a different variety of short courses. Most short courses have a range of levels that you can choose to study:

A short course certificate that takes four months to complete
A certificate course that takes eight months to complete
A comprehensive/expert certificate course that takes 12 months to complete

Short Courses At Matric College

Short Courses At Skills Academy

Short Courses At Ember Academy

Short Courses At Learning Group

Matric Programmes

Matric programmes are a way for those who failed or did not get their Matric to be able to get their Matric, and for those who passed but were unsatisfied with their results to improve them. There are three Matric programmes you can study:

Matric Rewrite
Matric Upgrade
Adult Matric

Matric Rewrite

Matric Rewrite is for those under the age of 21 who have written Matric but would like to improve their results. Whether you failed and would like to improve to a pass, or if you passed but are unsatisfied with your marks, a Matric Rewrite is an option you can take.

You may rewrite a maximum of four subjects. You may not change subjects, you must rewrite subjects you wrote for your Matric final exams. You may rewrite up to five year after your Matric year, as long as you are still under the age of 21.

Matric Upgrade

Matric Upgrade is for those over the age of 21 who would like to improve their Matric results. You may upgrade a maximum of four subjects. However, you can also choose to change these four subjects. There is no limit to the number of times you can upgrade your Matric.

Note that you may apply for a Matric Upgrade as early as 19, but you must be over the age of 21 to write the exams. This is because you will write the Adult Matric exams.

Adult Matric

Adult Matric is an option designed for those over the age of 21 who were unable to complete their high school education and write their Matric. Adult Matric allows you to get a Senior Certificate (Amended) which then functions the same way as a school Matric would.

Where Can I Study Matric Programmes?

There are many reputable colleges that offer Matric programmes through distance learning, such as:

What Is The Difference Between Distance Learning And Online Learning?

Online learning and distance learning are often used interchangeably. This is because they are both referring to learning through correspondence. There are no differences between distance learning and online learning.

Another term for it is e-learning, because study materials are uploaded online for students to access.

How Does Distance Learning Work?

With distance learning, institutions utilise platforms such as Google Classroom to upload course work for students to access at any time. Physical study materials, such as textbooks, are delivered to students directly, usually through a courier.

What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Distance Education?

There are many advantages to distance learning, such as being able to work at the same time as studying. This allows students to further their studies and improve their future career prospects while also earning an income.

With Covid-19 still a significant concern for many people, another advantage of distance learning is that you do not have physical classes. Everything is online, so you can study from the safety and comfort of your own home.

The disadvantages of distance learning are that you need very good self-discipline as well as a stable internet connection. If you lose internet connection a lot, it may be difficult to download course material or to stay in an online class.

You will also be entirely responsible for your own study times. This means it can be difficult if you get home from a full day of work, and then you have to study as well.

What Have We Learned?

Online learning and distance learning are terms for correspondence-based learning
There are many advantages to distance learning, but there are also disadvantages
There are many study options available through distance learning
ICB courses and CIMA courses are recognised worldwide
NATED courses only require Matric to be able to apply
ICB courses and CIMA courses do not require Matric to be able to apply
Short courses are available to study without Matric as long as you are over 16 and can understand, read and write in English
You can still get your Matric through distance learning if you would like to further your studies with a Matric

Author: Chloe Bydawell
Editor: Razeen Dollie
Date: July 6, 2022

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