The Academic Registrar of Uganda Technology and Management University invites applications for the Higher Education Certificate (General) bridging programme for September 2020 Intake.
This is a one-year certificate programme that provides an opportunity to students who successfully completed the Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) or its equivalent but did not attain sufficient grades to enroll for Diplomas or Degree programmes of their choice.
Below are the categories of students who can undertake the Higher Education Certificate – General:
- Holders of UACE or its equivalent but who may not have attained sufficient grades to enroll for Diplomas or Degree programmes in Uganda.
- Foreign Qualification: The HEC can also serve as a foundation programme for students whose foreign secondary school qualifications are not considered equivalent to UACE but permit admission into Higher Education in the foreign country.
- Linkage between the Vocational Qualifications and the Higher Education Qualifications: A HEC programme is designed to enroll holders of vocational qualifications and expose them to rigorous theoretical foundations that will enable them pursue desired degree programmes.
- Bridging between Arts/Science Divide: This programme can be designed to enroll UACE holders with subject combination in Arts and reorient them towards Sciences for purposes of admission into science based undergraduate programmes.
Minimum Admission Requirements
- Uganda Certificate of Education or its equivalent and Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education with at least two subsidiary passes obtained in principal subjects or its equivalent. For avoidance of doubt, a holder of UACE with only one principal pass shall be deemed to meet the admission requirements.
- Vocational Qualifications at level 2 or level 3 of the Uganda Vocational Qualifications Framework.
- Qualifications equivalent to Uganda Advanced Certificate of Education (UACE) as shall be determined by the National Council in consultation with the Uganda National Examinations Board
- An ordinary certificate from an institution recognized by NCHE.
- Students whose foreign secondary school qualifications are not considered equivalent to UACE but permit admission into Higher Education in the foreign country. Such students shall have passed at least five subjects with at least a credit in each of the five subjects. In addition, foreign students whose studies were not conducted in English shall show proof of proficiency in the English Language. The English proficiency centers shall be accredited by NCHE.
Duration of the program: 1 year
Tuition fees per Module (UGX): 450,000
Functional fees: UGX 250,000 paid per semester
Application fee: UGX 50,000
Other fees: NCHE Fee (Ugx20, 000), Guild Fee (UGX 25,000) all paid once a year
Mode of study: dual mode (online and local support)
Target Diploma and Degree Programmes
Upon successful completion of this certificate programme, a student can enroll for any of the following programmes at either diploma or degree level in a relevant computing or business field.
| School Of Computing And Engineering Programmes | School Of Business And Management Programmes |
| Diploma in ComputingBachelor of Business ComputingBachelor of Information ScienceBachelor of Science in Computer ScienceBachelor of Information Systems and TechnologyBachelor of Science in Computer Security & ForensicsBachelor of Science in Mobile Computing and Communications | Diploma in Business AdministrationDiploma in Project Planning and ManagementDiploma in Procurement and Supply Chain MgtBachelor of Science in StatisticsBachelors of Business AdministrationBachelor of Oil and Gas ManagementBachelor of Human Resource ManagementBachelor of Arts in Development EconomicsBachelor of Project Planning and MgtBachelor of Science in Accounting & FinanceBachelor of Public Administration and MgtBachelor of Mass Communication and JournalismBachelor of Procurement and Supply Chain Mgt |
Course Units under HEC
- Foundational Mathematics;
- Computing Skills;
- Communication Skills; and,
- Introduction to development studies.
HEC 101: Foundational Mathematics [4 CUs]
This course is intended to give students an understanding of aspects of Mathematics that are applicable to the real world. It provides students with the background and skills necessary for Higher Education study programmes requiring some mathematics. Depending on the background of prospective students, the level and complexity of the content may differ. The content provided herein is for students intending to offer programmes that may not require rigorous Mathematics.
HEC 102: Communication Skills [3 CUs]
This foundational course teaches the basics of good writing and communication skills. Students learn how to write grammatically correct reports sand focus on the interactive processes of transmitting and/or exchanging messages, information and/or understanding within individuals, groups, and organizations. The course examines the factors and circumstances that influence the flow and impact of messages, information and understanding among individuals, groups and organizations. The course will also equip students with critical thinking and problem solving skills.
HEC 103: Introduction to development studies [3 CUs]
The aim of course is to introduce the leaners to elementary issues in development studies focusing on development modules, development pathways, challenges to development. It also looks at political economy, linkages between politics, foreign aid, conflicts and development.
By the end of this course students should be able to: Develop knowledge of, and develop insights into Key issues and concerns of development policy, practice and theory, and Demonstrate ability to understand the history and application of key theoretical approaches in international development.
HEC 104: Computing Skills [3 CUs]
The aim of course is to develop the necessary skills in the use of information technology, mainly in software applications and Internet searching and browsing. These skills are crucial in helping students to complete assignments, produce professional presentations and achieve success in the workplace. By the end of this course students should be able to explain the basic concepts of information technology and computing and use a computer.
Grading of the Higher Education Certificate
A candidate offering a Higher Education Certificate programmes is deemed to successfully completed a given course unit if s/he obtains
- at least 40% in Coursework and
- at least 40% in the final examination and
- at least 50% in the aggregated mark (both coursework and final examination).
A candidate who successfully completes a given course unit or module gets the entire credit units allocated for that unit while one who fails the assessment criteria gets no credit units.
Table 1: Determining Grade Points
| Raw Marks | Alpha Grade | Grade Point | Logic Behind the Grade |
| 80-100 | A | 5.0 | Excellent performance indicating mastery of all course-learning outcomes. |
| 75-79 | B+ | 4.5 | Very good performance indicating mastery of a substantial portion of course learning outcomes. |
| 70-74 | B | 4.0 | Good performance with some errors/omissions |
| 65-69 | C+ | 3.5 | Above average performance with a number of noticeable errors. |
| 60-65 | C | 3.0 | |
| 55-59 | D+ | 2.5 | Satisfactory performance. |
| 50-54 | D- | 2.0 | |
| 0-49 | F | 0.0 | Fail. There is no evidence of mastery of the learning outcome and the candidate should repeat the course. |
Table 2: Classification of Awards
| Class | CGPA |
| Class I (Distinction) | 4.40-5.00 |
| Class II (Credit) | 2.80-4.39 |
| Class III (Pass) | 2.00-2.79 |
Progressions
For purposes of admission diploma or degree programmes, the following shall apply
- Diploma programmes: A person shall have passed a HEC with at least a class III (pass).
- Bachelor’s degree programme: a person shall have passed a HEC with at least a class II (credit).
