Local Learning Programme

Yes, we are fully accredited with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

For more information on our accreditation, please visit the Accreditation and Legal Status page.

The following programmes and qualifications are currently offered through the Mukhanyo Local Learning Programme:

• • Focus Certificates (Non-accredited)
  • Focus Certificate in isiZulu (Non-accredited)
  • Higher Certificate in Bible Teaching (Accredited – NQF level 5)
  • Higher Certificate in Church Ministry (Accredited – NQF level 5)

We have over 100 Local Learning Sites scattered across nine southern African countries, from Cape Town to Kenya.

To locate a site near you, please visit the Local Learning Sites page.

No. The Mukhanyo Local Learning Programme requires students to attend learning support sessions at a Local Learning Site under a registered tutor.

Studying alone is often difficult and can lead to students giving up before they complete their studies. Learning, especially theology, is much easier, productive and rewarding when studying is done in a group. Groups provide an environment for discipleship, discussion, debate, accountability, encouragement, and learning from fellow students’ experiences and contexts. Group learning also encourages churches to come together, enhancing unity and co-operation at various levels.​

Learning Support Sessions are set times when the students of a Local Learning Site meet to go over the material for a particular lecture as per the lecture videos and study guide. How this is done depends on the module, context, and the tutor’s teaching style or gift. Site may decide to watch the DVD as a class, or for students to watch them at home with follow-up discussions during the support sessions. Depending on the content, tutors can also facilitate other learning methods (e.g. small group discussions, class debates, etc.).

Other activities include any prescribed practical class exercises (e.g. preaching a sermon), and writing tests and exams. Tutors must also facilitate spiritual formation activities, including discipleship, devotions, Bible reading, and prayer.

Using the video lectures gives students a taste of what it’s like to experience lectures at one of our campuses. It also makes sure there is the same level of learning as on campus, and that the content is not changed in any way before it is taught.

All the Mukhanyo Local Learning Tutors are qualified and experienced pastors, missionaries, or other ministry leaders. Their qualifications range from a Bachelor’s degree to Doctorate level, with several also having teaching qualifications. Each tutor is required to complete an application form and an interview before they are considered or accepted by the Local Learning Programme Manager and sub-committee.

The Mukhanyo Local Learning Programme follows a three term structure of four months each. You can start at the beginning of any of the terms, provided your application is approved.

Term 1 runs from January to April; term 2 from May to August; and term 3 from September to December each year.

This depends on the programme and number of modules a student takes at a time. On average, students in the Local Learning Programme take two modules a term (there are three terms in a year of four months each). This means that most Local Learning students complete a Focus Certificate in 18 months, or a Higher Certificate in two years.

We advise students to begin with one or two modules per term to see what best suits their situation, learnin-style, and workload.

NOTE: This is merely a guideline, as students who struggle with studying or have less time to commit to their studies will take longer, while students who excel could do it quicker.

At the Higher Certificate level, each module is worth 10 credits, which is equivalent to 100 hours of study per module. This includes time spent in support sessions, tests and exams, at the Local Learning Site (most sites’ sessions are two hours each per module), plus your personal study time at home doing revision, researching and writing assignments, and studying for tests and exams. Each module typically contains fourteen lectures (support sessions). Based on this, it means that you should be setting aside two hours per week for the support sessions, plus five hours per week for your personal study, giving a total of seven hours per week per module.

Assignments are submitted to the tutor responsible for the module at your selected Local Learning Site on or before the stipulated due date. Marks will be deducted for assignments submitted late.

It is prefered that assignments be typed following the prescibed layout. If you do not have access to a computer, then handwritten assignments will be accepted, but make sure your handwriting is neat and readable. An assignment cover page is to be completed, signed, and attached to the front of your assignment before handing it in.

Tests and exams are written at the Local Learning Site. The tutor responsible will communicate the date and time to you no less than two weeks before the scheduled exam. If you have work or ministry commitments, then it is your responsibility to negotiate a more appropriate date and time for you to write. However, once you have agreed and committed to the scheduled exam, the only valid reason to miss the exam is illness, and that is to be confirmed by a doctor’s note.

No. You will receive a study guide for each module that contains all the material required to complete tests and exams. However, additional reading will be required to complete the assignments. These books are not prescribed, but you are encouraged to make use of those listed in the relevant study guides as “Recommended Reading”.

Local Learning Sites are meant to provide access to a library of books, either physical books or electronic, or at least give direction on where to find good resources. You are encouraged to purchase any recommended books so as to start developing a ministry library that you can refer to for the rest of your life.

The cost varies from site to site, but the tuition fee is capped at the following rates:
– Focus Certificates: R250 per module
– Higher Certificates: R800 per module

There is no examination or registration fee, however, should you fail a module and qualify to write a supplementary exam, a fee is charged which is capped at R100 per rewrite for Focus Certificates and R300 per rewrite for Higher Certificates.

Application is to be done through the tutor at your chosen Local Learning Site or directly with the Mukhanyo office. The tutor is to submit your Student Application Form (available here) and the Tutor Recommendation Form to the Mukhanyo head office. Your pastor must complete the confidential Church Leader’s Testimonial and submit it to the tutor or the Mukhanyo office. Once all the paperwork is received and in order, it will be processed by the Student Admissions Committee.

NOTE: Any applications for local learning submitted directly to the office will be forwarded to the Local Learning Site in your area if there is one. If none currently exists, your application will be put on hold until such time as a site is established close to you.

Please see the following page for more info – Application Process.