Should you take on a short course alongside your main course?

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Starting university can be overwhelming in almost every aspect of life, making it crucial for students to exercise sound decision-making, particularly regarding academic choices.

One key question students often grapple with is whether to take on an additional short course alongside their main program.

Johnson Adupa, a third-year law student, believes that taking an extra course should be determined by its relevance to one’s main program.

"It depends on the kind of course one wants to do. For instance, in law, we now use ECCMIS, a fully integrated case management system that automates and tracks all aspects of a case lifecycle, from initial filing to disposition and appeal. We no longer have to physically go to court to file cases."

Adupa notes that legal professionals must be technologically adept, making IT skills increasingly valuable in the field.

"Many lawyers, including senior ones, struggle with ECCMIS. However, because I took a short course in computer literacy, I secured a job at a law firm where I assist with ECCMIS operations, even as I continue my studies."

On the other hand, Professor Philip Kasaija Apuuli, a Professor of Politics in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at Makerere University, strongly advises students to focus on their main course to achieve academic excellence.

"You must do one thing at a time. Do you want to fail? For any course that runs for three years or more, you must concentrate and aim for good results. You either obtain an upper second or first-class degree—anything less than that, and no one will take you seriously."

Prof Kasaija further warned that achieving high academic performance is vital for pursuing further studies.

"When it comes to admission into master’s program, only those with first-class or upper second-class degrees are considered. In fact, anything below a 3.8 CGPA is often rejected, and even with a 3.6, you are on the borderline."

Alice Nakai, the Principal Assistant Academic Registrar at Busitema University, elaborates on the complexities of taking on short courses alongside main program, especially for science students.

"Our courses are heavily packed, making it difficult for students to undertake another program concurrently. While we have some skills-based programmes in the engineering department, students often struggle to find the time for these, as they typically run for six months."

However, Nakai acknowledges that students in business administration may have the flexibility to pursue additional qualifications, provided they are enrolled in weekend program.

"If a student is on an evening program, they may take on another diploma from the same faculty, such as public administration or tourism."

This suggests that students considering an additional course should assess their time flexibility and review institutional regulations on dual course enrolment.

"Our university follows the general regulations of all public universities, which require students to be registered for only one program unless it is a skills-based course."

For students with strong multitasking abilities, skills-based short courses may be an option. Busitema University, for instance, offers engineering faculty courses in irrigation, automotive technology, and bricklaying.

The Faculty of Health Sciences also provides short courses aimed at enhancing research capabilities, tailored to specific needs.

"It is extremely difficult for science students to take on an additional course due to the number of credit units they must cover and the time required for practical sessions," Nakai added.

However, Dr Brian Semujju, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, advises that while still at university, students should focus entirely on their main course to achieve good grades and maximise opportunities within the institution.

"At Makerere University, there are various opportunities, such as scholarships for underprivileged students, paid research assistantships, and prestigious international internships. Kenyan and Nigerian students, for example, are more rigorous in finding such global opportunities. A student should seek to maximise these existing opportunities within the university," Dr Semujju explained.

However, he acknowledges that for students who are capable of multitasking, pursuing a short course can be beneficial—provided it falls outside the scope of their main program.

"It depends on whether or not the student can multitask. If that is the case, then perhaps a course that is not covered within the university curriculum is best."

Whether or not to pursue a short course alongside a university degree depends on several factors: the ability to multitask, the structure of the primary course, institutional regulations, and the relevance of the additional qualification. Students should weigh their options carefully to ensure they do not compromise their academic performance while seeking to enhance their employability.