UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN

PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION AND OFFICE MANAGEMENT

Improve communication methods and streamline administrative and operational processes in your organisation.

Duration

10 weeks, excluding
orientation

Effort

7 hours per week,
entirely online

Learning Format

Weekly modules,
flexible learning

ON COMPLETION OF THIS COURSE, YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH:

1

Practical administrative and secretarial skills you can draw on to improve efficiency in a business environment.

2

The knowledge and skills to run an office effectively and communicate professionally as part of a large team.

3

The ability to apply conflict and stress management techniques, and deal with customer complaints.

4

Formal recognition of your new in-demand skills in the form of a digital certificate from Africa’s leading university.1

1QS Top Universities (Aug, 2023).

COURSE CURRICULUM

Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work through the following modules:

MODULE 1 Business Documentation
An introduction to the important business documentation required in modern-day organisations.

MODULE 2 Communication in a Multicultural Society
Learn how to communicate more successfully by making appropriate and sensitive communication choices.

MODULE 3 Word Processing and New Media Communication
Learn how new information technology advancements affect the quality, speed, accuracy, and tidiness of business documentation.

MODULE 4 Internet, Email and Telephone Communication
Discover the importance of good writing skills in an internet-focused world, as well as modern telephone management skills.

MODULE 5 Office Administration
Discover what is involved in the process of overseeing day-to-day operations of an office.

MODULE 6 Information Management
Learn about the importance of effective filing systems and organisation in the office environment.

MODULE 7 Meeting Management and Presentation Skills and Tools
Discover the important role that meetings play in office management and communication.

MODULE 8 Organisation and Personal Effectiveness
Discover the importance of developing your personal skills and your effectiveness as an office administrator.

MODULE 9 Event Organisation
Learn how to effectively plan business events and travel arrangements in advance.

MODULE 10 Basics of Project Administration
Develop sufficient knowledge and skills to assist with, and advise management on, overseeing an office project.

Please note that module titles and their contents are subject to change during course development.

YOUR COURSE CONVENORS

Gao Nodoba

Professional Communication Lecturer, School of Management Studies, UCT

Nodoba holds a master’s degree in education, specialising in applied language studies, and is currently in the process of obtaining his doctorate in education at the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom. He teaches professional communication at UCT, lectures for courses in the management Postgraduate Diploma, and consults for the Graduate School of Business. Before joining UCT in 2008, he had already lectured at university level for 10 years. Nodoba speaks various indigenous South African languages, and since 2009, he has held workshops on learning and practising communication skills at UCT. His research interests lie in language policy, planning, and implementation, and he was co-awarded the UCT Collaborative Educational Practice Award in 2013.

“The UCT Professional Communication and Office Management course highlighted the elements I needed to fully equip myself to do my job to the best of my ability. I saw it as an opportunity to sharpen my skills and also enhance productivity in the workplace.”

Donna Liedemann, past student

AN ONLINE EDUCATION THAT SETS YOU APART

This UCT course is presented in collaboration with GetSmarter, part of edX. GetSmarter collaborates with the world's leading universities to select, design, and deliver premium online short courses through a people-mediated model with a data-driven focus on learning gain.

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Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time.

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Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.

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Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.

GET MORE INFORMATION

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