UNISA Short Course in Research in Informatics in Practice

By | January 12, 2024

UNISA Short Course in Research in Informatics in Practice

Short Course in Research in Informatics in Practice (75558)Purpose

This course is intended for Informatics students and practitioners wishing to embark on research in a specific topic, typically at postgraduate level. It will be useful for students interested in understanding the methodological and conceptual issues involved in conducting Informatics research.

Target group

Professionals in the Informatics and Computer Science area who are not familiar with research and reporting processes and individuals with an undergraduate background in the field, as well as those moving into postgraduate and formal research areas.
 Admission requirements

An applicable B Degree or an equivalent NQF qualification
 Duration

Semester course
 Language medium

English

Registration periods

for more information about the registrations visit http://cs-cert.unisa.ac.za
e-mail address: cense@unisa.ac.za
 
 Tuition method

The ODL model of Unisa is applicable. The following will be used:
Prescribed material: Course material consists of a study guide, available in English only.Tutorial letters: Students will be provided with tutorial material necessary for the understanding of the course contents as well as the completion of required assignments.Telephone and e-mail support: This will be the preferred means of communication.The Internet: It will be used as an additional communication medium between the lecturers (for feedback on assignments) and the students (assignment submission). Forum and myUnisa support will be used.
 Kind of assessment

Note:
Formative assessment and examination admission will comply with UNISA’s formative assessment rules and policies
Formative assessment:
Continuous assessment by means of assignments and solving of problem statements students will be required to complete assignments such as a proposal that will form an integral part of a portfolio that will be examined.
Summative Assessment:
A final proposal that will be published. The best 10 proposals to be presented in a conference to the community.
 Research in Informatics in Practice (CSRI1DM)Syllabus/Content Topics

  • Problem conceptualisation and specification:

Introduction, preparing for the project experience, ethics, research fraud, research processes (qualitative or quantitative approach), how projects benefit all, evaluation of problems, ensuring that the problem has the potential to be solved

  • Tools for Evaluating the Research:

Estimation sheet project, tools of research, the problem statement, flow charting the problem statement, discussion of research project details, project Ideas

  • Research purposes, objectives and questions:

Writing detailed research purposes and objectives, analyse and evaluate library websites, writing detailed research questions/hypotheses, writing definitions, creating sub-problems, importance of the study into context, detailed limitations of the study, focus, issues terminology

  • Data criteria, and research methodology and Data collection methods:

Explaining what data is, types of data, data criteria, integrity, connecting data and variables, discuss how data can be collected, survey, Delphi, focus groups, laboratory, field, observations, interviews, construction of the instrument

  • Population and Sampling:
See also  MUT Wenyoni

Criteria for population, calculation of sample, evaluation of sample, sampling methods, managing the sample, motivating the sample, ensuring that the sample is reliable and will supply responsible results

  • Review of literature:

Keywords – check and confirm, identify and use tools to be used to search for literature, ensure reliable information that is used for literature, Identify and apply how to read articles, apply academic writing, creation of a concept matrix, how to conduct a detailed literature review, ensure that references are in the correct format

  • Research Questions and Instrument design:

Identification of research questions and acid test, can the problem be broken down into smaller parts? Subsidiary research questions, discuss the key components of research data to be used, draft a letter to go with the instrument.

  • Research Methodology:

Discuss different ways to present the instrument development, the evaluation of data collection and decided upon, ensuring that the data collected will help answer the research questions/hypotheses, measure criteria, bias, statistical tests

  • Support tools and proposal/report:

Project management and the application of project management to research, time management and the possibility of using aged data, relationship between time management and project management in research, layout of the proposal, use of templates to ensure that it is in the required format, proposal with detailed problem statement, mini literature review, objectives, research methodology and research questions, completed article that meets with accredited journal requirements

  • Design and Methodology and data discussion:

Explain the difference between research methodology and research design, explain where each one fits in, the role of research design, the challenge of explaining what the difference is between research design and research methodology, types of research design, generation of graphs, tables, statistical test
 
 Course leader

Prof J A van der Poll BSc Hons (Stell) PhD (UNISA)
Centre for Software Engineering
Office: 8-091 Theo van Wijk Building, UNISA
Tel: 012 429 6230
E-mail: vdpolja@unisa.ac.za
 
 Programme administrator(s)

Centre for Software Engineering
Office: Block C 3-06, Cnr Christiaan de Wet and Pioneer Avenue, Florida Campus, UNISA
Tel: 011 670 9131 / 9139
E-mail: cense@unisa.ac.za

Need Information or Confused about Something ?

Ask a Question

 


Sponsored Guide


Complete Guide to NSFAS Online Loan Application for South African Students (2025)

See also  The 2026 Agar-Hamilton Trust Bursary opened in South Africa

If you are a South African student looking to pursue higher education but are facing financial difficulties, the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is one of the most accessible funding options available. NSFAS provides financial aid in the form of bursaries and loans to qualifying students at public universities and TVET colleges in South Africa.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the NSFAS loan application process, from eligibility requirements to application steps and frequently asked questions.


📌 What is NSFAS?

The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is a government-funded financial aid scheme aimed at helping students from low- and middle-income households to access tertiary education without the burden of upfront fees.

NSFAS offers both bursaries and income-contingent loans:

  • Bursaries: For eligible students who meet academic and household income criteria (especially for TVET and university students).
  • Loans: For students who do not meet all bursary criteria or who are pursuing postgraduate qualifications not funded under bursary schemes.

✅ Who Qualifies for an NSFAS Loan?

To qualify for an NSFAS loan (especially for postgraduate students or programs not funded under the bursary system), you must:

  • Be a South African citizen.
  • Be financially needy, with a household income of less than R350,000 per year.
  • Have a valid South African ID.
  • Be enrolled or accepted to study at a public university or TVET college.
  • Not be funded through another bursary program that covers all expenses.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress (returning students).

📚 Courses Funded by NSFAS

NSFAS primarily funds undergraduate qualifications, but certain postgraduate programs (e.g., PGCE, postgraduate diplomas in education, and professional courses like LLB) may be considered under the NSFAS loan scheme, not bursaries.

If you’re studying:

  • Undergraduate degree or diploma: You are likely eligible for a full NSFAS bursary.
  • Postgraduate study: You may qualify for a loan, depending on the course and funding availability.

📄 Required Documents for NSFAS Application

When applying, make sure you have the following documents scanned and ready:

  1. Certified copy of your South African ID or Smart Card.
  2. Parent(s) or guardian(s) ID documents.
  3. Proof of income (latest payslips, UIF, or affidavit if unemployed).
  4. Consent Form signed by your parent(s)/guardian(s) to allow NSFAS to verify income.
  5. Proof of registration or acceptance at a public institution.
  6. Academic transcripts (for continuing or postgraduate students).

🖥️ How to Apply for an NSFAS Loan Online

Step-by-Step NSFAS Online Application Process (2025)

  1. Visit the NSFAS Website

    Go to: https://www.nsfas.org.za

  2. Create an Account

    • Click on “MyNSFAS” and register your profile.
    • You’ll need a valid email address and South African cellphone number.
    • Choose a strong password and verify your account via email or SMS.
  3. Login and Start the Application

    • After registration, log in to your MyNSFAS account.
    • Click on “Apply” to begin a new application.
  4. Fill in Your Personal Details

    • Input your ID number, name, surname, and other details exactly as they appear on your ID.
    • Provide household income information and living arrangements.
  5. Upload Required Documents

    • Upload all supporting documents in PDF or JPEG format.
    • Each document must be clear and under the size limit specified.
  6. Submit Your Application

    • Review your application for accuracy.
    • Click “Submit” and wait for a confirmation message.
  7. Track Your Application

    • Log in regularly to check your application status.
    • You will be notified via SMS and email at each stage of the process.

🗓️ Important NSFAS Dates (2025)

  • Application Opening Date: September 1, 2025
  • Application Deadline: January 31, 2026
  • Appeals Period: February 2026 (if rejected)
  • Disbursement: After registration and approval

Note: Dates are subject to change; always confirm on the official NSFAS website.


💸 What Does the NSFAS Loan Cover?

NSFAS funding typically includes:

  • Tuition fees
  • Registration fees
  • Accommodation (if living away from home)
  • Meals and transport
  • Learning materials (e.g., textbooks)

For loans, repayment is only required once you start working and earn above a threshold (around R30,000 annually, but subject to change).


🔄 NSFAS Loan Repayment

Repayments are:

  • Income-contingent – you only repay when you can afford to.
  • Administered by DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training).
  • Interest-bearing, but interest rates are low and favorable.

You can also apply for a partial loan conversion to a bursary if you perform well academically.


🔁 How to Appeal a Rejected NSFAS Application

If your application is rejected, you may submit an appeal via your MyNSFAS portal:

  1. Log into your MyNSFAS account.
  2. Click on “Track Funding Progress”.
  3. If rejected, click on “Submit Appeal”.
  4. Upload any missing or corrected documents.
  5. Provide a clear explanation or motivation.

📱 NSFAS Contact Information


📝 Final Tips Before Applying

  • Apply early to avoid system overload near the deadline.
  • Use your own email and cellphone number (do not use someone else’s).
  • Double-check that all your documents are certified and legible.
  • Keep a copy of your submission confirmation for reference.

By following this guide, you can confidently apply for NSFAS funding and move one step closer to achieving your academic and career dreams—without the burden of immediate financial pressure.