University of Cape Town
Copy-editing
Acquire the knowledge to assess, modify, and reorganise written material to eliminate mistakes and enhance comprehensibility.
Start date
06 February 2025
Course duration
10 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The amount the South African publishing industry produced in revenue between April 2017 and March 2018.
Publishers’ Association of South Africa (2019).
There are 30 common grammatical errors that writers regularly make.
HubSpot (2018).
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
A skilled copy-editor can greatly enhance the effectiveness of any published writing. The primary role of an editor is to ensure that written material is devoid of errors and is clear, concise, and engaging. The Copy-editing online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT) is designed to equip you with the necessary skills for this task.
Under the guidance of an expert, the course covers complex grammar rules, text restructuring for improved flow, and proofreading techniques for error correction. You’ll also gain insight into book editing, working with authors, and the book publishing process.
By developing critical reviewing skills, you can become a valuable asset to any company that works with written content.
Is this course for you?
This particular course is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing careers in copy-editing, proofreading, or writing, either as a freelancer or in-house staff. It is also suitable for publishing professionals who want to update their editing skills and those in related fields who wish to broaden their skill sets and enhance their understanding of English grammar and syntax.
Students must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word to successfully complete the course, as assignments are completed and submitted using this program. Students must possess certain proficiencies, such as tracking changes, creating paragraphs and indents using the ruler or formatting options, and inserting endnotes and footnotes within a document.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 10 weeks (excluding orientation)
A skilled copy-editor can greatly enhance the effectiveness of any published writing. The primary role of an editor is to ensure that written material is devoid of errors and is clear, concise, and engaging. The Copy-editing online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT) is designed to equip you with the necessary skills for this task.
Under the guidance of an expert, the course covers complex grammar rules, text restructuring for improved flow, and proofreading techniques for error correction. You’ll also gain insight into book editing, working with authors, and the book publishing process.
By developing critical reviewing skills, you can become a valuable asset to any company that works with written content.
Is this course for you?
This particular course is ideal for individuals interested in pursuing careers in copy-editing, proofreading, or writing, either as a freelancer or in-house staff. It is also suitable for publishing professionals who want to update their editing skills and those in related fields who wish to broaden their skill sets and enhance their understanding of English grammar and syntax.
Students must have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word to successfully complete the course, as assignments are completed and submitted using this program. Students must possess certain proficiencies, such as tracking changes, creating paragraphs and indents using the ruler or formatting options, and inserting endnotes and footnotes within a document.
What will set you apart
The ability to assess and critique the underlying structure of documents, manuscripts, and book chapters.
The skills to identify and correct spelling, punctuation, grammar, and style errors in text.
An understanding of the various elements of a book, and the tools to prepare a manuscript for typesetting.
The expertise to recognise copyright infringement and cases of plagiarism, and handle these appropriately.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to editing
Module 2
Spelling, consistency and style
Module 3
Punctuation
Module 4
Grammar, usage and style
Module 5
Working with authors
Module 6
Quotes and sources
Module 7
Structural editing
Module 8
Editing creative works
Module 9
Elements of a book
Module 10
Working as an editor or a proofreader
Get more information
What past students
think
Joan Ciro
HOD, Dramatic Arts
“The course was challenging, but ultimately provided excellent preparation for working as a proofreader or in editing. The course notes were excellent. Feedback regarding assignments was detailed and really helpful. I’ll never look at books, articles, or academic papers in the same way.”
Course Convenor
Dr Martha Evans
Senior Lecturer, Media Studies and Media Production, UCT
About the certificate
Improve your proficiency in copy-editing and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
%20(1).png)
Get more information
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
