/ 23 October 2003

Wits + distance = unique experience

If you’re brave enough to combine work and study, the Wits Plus centre for part-time studies offers a fresh on-campus experience.

The director of the centre, Professor Kathy Munro, explains that what sets the centre apart from other distance-learning institutions is that students interact with lecturers on a daily basis.

The centre, which started in 2000, offers part-time BA and BCom degrees to working people seeking to upgrade their existing qualifications or acquire new skills. This year about 500 students are registered with the centre. They come from backgrounds as diverse as banking and teaching. The centre meets the large demand for business and IT courses. Psychology courses are also popular.

Wits Plus allows students to obtain a broad range of experience with the possibility of specialisation at a later stage.

Students can complete their degree over four to six years. Those ambitious enough can register for as many courses as they wish, although two are recommended for people with full-time jobs.

Every course demands about 10 hours of study a week, which includes lectures. Courses run from Monday to Thursday evenings from 5.15pm to 8pm. Saturday morning lectures are from 9am to 1pm.