Upskill your life: free and discounted short-courses
Free courses from Harvard and UCT, wine, fashion, digital skills and more
For a lot of us, it can feel as though lockdown has put our world on hold. And for those of us who are able, spending more time at home is a reality in the coming months. Use the time to become an Ivy League graduate, learn to code, and follow your calling as a wine connoisseur with some of these awesome courses you can do online.
BECOME AN IVY LEAGUE GRADUATE
Harvard University has released hundreds of free online courses, from Foundations of Global Health or an Introduction to Computer Science, to Architectural Studies or Writing and Public Speaking. Anyone with an internet connection can join for free, and you can complete the course at your own pace through the Harvard University website.
Price: Free
TRY YOUR HAND AT FASHION DESIGN
The Academy of Fashion Styling (AFS) in Cape Town is offering a 50% lockdown sale on all online courses for anyone who has an interest in fashion styling, the fashion business, design and illustration. AFS is known for their modern and innovative approach to fashion, and gives students the confidence and practical skills needed in the fashion world. Courses can be completed at your own pace, and anyone is welcome to enrol via the AFS website.
Price: R1750-R4750
LEARN FROM WORLD CLASS MASTERS
Masterclass is an online education platform where you can take classes from the world’s top instructors. For a limited time until April 29, Masterclass is offering the public the opportunity to purchase one annual pass for yourself and they’ll give you one to share with a friend for free. Learn how to write a creative and compelling story with Canadian novelist Margaret Atwood or master the fundamentals of cooking with internationally recognised chef Gordan Ramsey. All online applications can be made via the Masterclass website.
Price: R3000
GO FROM WINE NOVICE TO WINE CONNOISSEUR
For those looking to understand the deeper nuances of South African wine, you don’t want to miss out on Tops at Spar’s half-price Local and Lekker wine course. Led by top wine educator Cathy Marston the Zoom-bases course will take you through a range of South African wines from delicate whites to robust reds. Classes take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays in May. Spots are limited, so to secure yours you can book online via the Tops Spar website.
Price: R295
HUNDREDS OF SHORT COURSES ONLINE
The University of Cape Town has partnered up with British online education provider FutureLearn to offer over 400 free online short courses. Browse the course list and choose between a range of diverse classes from English Literature to IT and Computer Science. Each course is divided into weeks so you can follow along and tick off at your own pace. Each module is accompanied by short quizzes to help you track your progress. It’s free for anyone, and you can register via the FutureLearn website.
Price: Free
UPGRADE YOUR DIGITAL SKILLS
Aimed at improving employability in Africa, Google Digital Skills for Africa provides free online courses focusing on data, tech, digital marketing, and business growth. Learn the fundamentals or sharpen your skills as an advanced learner with hundreds of digital courses. You can start your free digital training online via the Google Digital Skills for Africa website.
Price: Free
Courtesy of Cape Town Magazine