University of Cape Town
Executive Support
Deliver high-level administrative support to C-suite members while aiding in the implementation of your company's business strategy.
Starting soon
Start date
17 June 2024
Enroll by 11 June 2024
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 a leader’s productivity increases when they collaborate with a high-level executive assistant.
Medium (Feb, 2018).
The projected employment growth of administrative services managers by 2028.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (Apr, 2020).
Executive assistants are crucial to maintaining the cohesiveness of an organisation. They perform an essential role in supporting the productivity and effectiveness of senior staff, which can significantly impact the overall operation of a company.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Executive Support online short course is designed to equip professionals for an executive assistant's strategic and administrative duties. You’ll acquire essential leadership, people management, business communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as learn how to plan meetings, prepare reports, and oversee staff training.
Invest in your executive administration career with this sought-after course from Africa's leading university, and gain transferable skills applicable to any industry.1
1QS Top Universities (2023).
Is this course for you?
This online course is suitable for administrative assistants, personal assistants, and office managers, as well as individuals in unrelated fields who wish to gain the necessary skills to become a high-level executive assistant. It is also well-suited for experienced executive support staff seeking to improve their abilities, receive formal recognition of their expertise, and increase their value to an organisation.
Course overview
Introduction
Executive assistants are crucial to maintaining the cohesiveness of an organisation. They perform an essential role in supporting the productivity and effectiveness of senior staff, which can significantly impact the overall operation of a company.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Executive Support online short course is designed to equip professionals for an executive assistant's strategic and administrative duties. You’ll acquire essential leadership, people management, business communication, and problem-solving skills, as well as learn how to plan meetings, prepare reports, and oversee staff training.
Invest in your executive administration career with this sought-after course from Africa's leading university, and gain transferable skills applicable to any industry.1
1QS Top Universities (2023).
Is this course for you?
This online course is suitable for administrative assistants, personal assistants, and office managers, as well as individuals in unrelated fields who wish to gain the necessary skills to become a high-level executive assistant. It is also well-suited for experienced executive support staff seeking to improve their abilities, receive formal recognition of their expertise, and increase their value to an organisation.
What will set you apart
The ability to draft and format corporate correspondence, and compile effective business presentations.
A firm grasp of basic financial management principles, and an advanced understanding of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Prezi.
The expertise to plan and manage special projects and corporate events.
The skills to oversee staff training and handle conflict in the workplace.
The grounding to expand your scope of influence in your organisation by helping leaders achieve their goals.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
The corporate environment and executive support
Module 2
Advanced executive administrative support
Module 3
Effective communication and conflict management
Module 4
Advanced computer practices
Module 5
Written communication and presentation skills
Module 6
The fundamentals of financial management
Module 7
Corporate project and events management
Module 8
Leadership and people management
Module 9
Staff training and development
Module 10
Self-management skills
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What past students
think
Cindy Nompumelelo Khumalo
Past Student
I’ve learned so much from this course, it’s amazing. Before this, I had a limited idea of what an executive assistant does, but now I’m ready to spread my wings. I plan to use the skills I gained on this course as much as possible in fulfilling my role as an executive assistant.
Course Convenor
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Claudia Kalil
Head of the Professional Communication Unit, UCT
About the certificate
Acquire advanced executive support skills 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.
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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 see the list of university partner login pages 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
