Improve the quality of written material by editing and proofreading for accuracy and clarity
10 weeks, excluding
orientation
7–10 hours per week,
entirely online
Weekly modules,
flexible learning
1
A diverse copy-editing and proofreading skill set applicable to any stage of your professional development.
2
A deeper understanding of English grammar and syntax, and the ability to critically review text and book manuscripts.
3
An understanding of the proper etiquette for providing feedback to authors.
4
An official digital certificate from Africa’s leading university1 as proof of your copy-editing expertise.
1 QS Top Universities (Aug, 2023)
Assignments are completed and submitted in Microsoft Word. Therefore, students must have a working knowledge of the program to complete this course. Required proficiencies include the ability to track changes, create paragraphs and indents on the ruler or in formatting, and insert endnotes and footnotes in a document.
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:
MODULE 1 Introduction to Editing
Get an introduction to the field and practices of copy-editing, and where it fits in the publishing process.
MODULE 2 Spelling, Consistency and Style
Learn about the detailed work of editing for spelling and style.
MODULE 3 Punctuation
Learn about the effect of punctuation in text.
MODULE 4 Grammar, Usage and Style
Discover the intricacies of correct grammar and how to edit for this.
MODULE 5 Working with Authors
Find out how to build and maintain a relationship with your authors.
MODULE 6 Quotes and Sources
Learn how to avoid copyright infringement and plagiarism issues through correct attribution.
MODULE 7 Structural Editing
Discover how to edit a text for structural concerns.
MODULE 8 Editing Creative Works
Discover the rewarding field of creative editing.
MODULE 9 Elements of a Book
Learn about the different parts that make up a book and the publishing process behind it.
MODULE 10 Working as an Editor or a Proofreader
Learn about the day-to-day practice of editing and proofreading.
Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.
Dr Martha Evans
Senior Lecturer in Media Studies and Media Production, UCT
Dr Evans has a Master of Arts in creative writing and a PhD in media studies from UCT, where she now teaches journalism and media studies courses. She has worked as a writer, editor, copywriter, and mass communication strategist, and has edited the work of various South African writers. Evans has written for Getaway, the Mail & Guardian, and the Cape Argus, and was the winner of the Sunday Independent travel writing competition in 2008.
In addition to teaching theory courses, Evans is also the production convenor at UCT and teaches multimedia journalism courses that cover the following topics: writing, copy-editing, proofreading, introduction to InDesign, infographic design, and designing for print.
“I was very impressed by this course, the expertise available, and the thoroughness of the content. I’ve learned a great deal over the 10 weeks. The tutor was exceptionally helpful and available.”
— Gillian Jones, TEFL Trainer, The International English School, Somerset West
This UCT online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter, part of edX. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:
Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.
Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.