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Education Plus
A welcome burden
ZOHRAB REYS GAMAT
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College students benefit from certificate courses
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— Photo: P. V. Sivakumar
Useful:Media and Journalism is a popular certificate course in many colleges.
Most students whine about the load of books on their shoulders and the hectic work schedule that leave little time for anything else. Yet, there are those students who are willing to do whatever it takes to gain an edge over their counterparts. These energetic youngsters look for extra work when assignments and voluntary class presentations do not suffice; they turn to an engrossing option — certificate courses.
Many autonomous colleges offer certificate courses that provide useful training in a limited time frame. One is sure to find the ideal course in the wide array of subjects offered. Some courses such as Journalism and Media, Advanced J2EE and Bar-tending provide additional insights into subjects that are already in the curriculum. Courses such as Cultural Studies, Personal Growth and Peer Counselling, and Visual Culture, provide the students opportunities to explore subjects that they would hardly or never have been exposed to.
Students studying science and commerce disciplines can take humanity-related courses and vice versa in most colleges. “Certificate courses make a lot of sense as you can try out a subject and see whether it interests you. It acts as a preview for people who are confused as to what their true calling is,” says Surabhi Vaya, a sociology student.
Advanced courses in microbiology require certain elementary qualifications which may require studying the main discipline as well. Anil Pinto, a lecturer from Christ College, agrees and adds, “Students have told me that their certificate courses were often much more helpful than their regular courses.”
With increasing competition in academics, many workplaces and universities stress on co-curricular activities. A certificate course is a precious asset in such a situation. “It is a good addition to our three-year course and will give us an edge,” says Bincy Mary Jacob, who took up a course in radio along with her Communicative Studies.
However, the certificate course is not always related to the job or course one is taking. A certificate course in something one has taken up as a hobby will impress many. Different colleges have different criteria and methods by which they carry out their certificate programmes, but the key features are similar.
The courses range from 30 hours to 120 hours depending on whether they entail only theory, practicals, or a mixture of both. Some are spread over a semester or in some cases even two semesters. The classes are held before or after regular class timings and in some cases, on weekends. The courses are offered on a first-come-first-served basis..
Credits
Most colleges offering these courses give the students “credits” for taking them up. These students have a better standing in their Grade Point Average (GPA). However, this is also college dependent. For instance, Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, has taken it a step further by making it compulsory for all students to take up certificate courses. The students of this college need to make 10 credits at the end of their three-year course. “The number of credits for a course depends on the number of hours it is for,” says Revathi H., a student from MCC.
Taking up an additional course is tiresome though, as one has to be keep up with normal studies as well as life at home. “My son comes home late because of his certificate course. He is tired and goes straight to bed. However, he is happy with his college work and so am I. He is learning something new and is interested in it,” says Surekha R., a mother.
The certificate courses are usually an extension of the various departments in colleges and the training is provided by teachers of the departments. However, certain courses are offered by professionals from the industry. The fees for the certificate courses are far more economical than what is charged elsewhere. “Students benefit as we bring in experts from outside who enhance the quality of the programmes, which the students cannot duplicate individually,” says Mr. Pinto, who has started numerous new certificate courses by contacting professionals who are willing to teach their trade.
Since the course is of a limited time period, it is power packed and similar to crash courses. Not attending one class could result in missing a week or two weeks’ worth of useful training in the real world. Attendance is pivotal and is monitored strictly. Students cannot qualify for the certificate by paying the fees alone, they must have sufficient attendance and pass in a test at the end of the course.
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