Educational Definitions

Terminology (jargon) which frequently appears in this Website.

• Credit: A credit is the numerical indication of the amount of work to be done successfully in order that the student may have the outcome (of an objective) recorded against his/her name.
• Course: A course is a prescribed series of learning activities in one subject, which are directed by objectives, leading to desired outcomes for the student. Each course carries a certain predetermined credit weight and is assessed in various ways.
• Curriculum: The detailed description of a course of study in one subject of a faculty.
• Major: A course with a credit value of 17 or more credits. Studying a particular subject as your principal field (the main subject).
• Minor: A course with a credit value of 16 or less credits. A secondary subject which is of lesser importance than the main subject.
• Elective: A course which may be selected for inclusion (optional) in a programme, often from other faculties, for its complimentary value.
• Field of study: An area of study managed by one faculty. Also called a discipline. A sphere, branch or division of knowledge such as theology.
• Faculty (capability): A department in a university dealing academically with a particular branch of knowledge. It does this by prescribing which courses will be available, choosing textbooks, determining a curriculum of activities involving a range of resources, and drawing up assessments such as tests, assignments, practical tasks and projects.
• Discipline: A branch of learning or instruction in which a qualification is issued.
• Concentration: The student’s preferred choice of courses from one field or discipline which are handled by one faculty. A higher proportion of credits than other fields is indicated by a concentration. This is ensured by taking at least 2 courses per academic year in such a chosen field.
• Programme: A programme is a designed series of courses which will lead to a qualification. To design or schedule courses together.
• Qualification: An ability gained through academic study and practical experience to undertake a particular job or profession. The proof of passing the examination through various assessments taken at an institution of (higher) learning. An official record such as a degree certificate or a transcript thereof.
• Transcript: An official, detailed record of a student’s academic progress or completion of a programme in university. The basis whereupon a qualification certificate was issued.
• Academic Path: The resultant curricula of study selected by the student according to his/her needs or levels of ability consisting of all completed and planned programmes.
• CV: Curriculum Vitae. An outline of someone's educational and professional history prepared for recognition of prior learning or for job applications. It is also called a resumé.

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