New Rules To See Diploma Students Join Universities As Second Or Third Years

New Rules To See Diploma Students Join Universities As Second Or Third Years

Compiled By Lilian Wamaitha

As the KCSE exams came to an end yesterday, its good news for diploma holders in various capacities.

Not everyone manages to score high grades that see them placed in public or private universities. For most people, pursuing a diploma course is the only way to get ahead in education.

In the past, diploma holders have only been able to join universities after completing their courses as first years.

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A major shake up in the education sector will finally see diploma holders join universities before even graduating something that has not been there.

As from next year, diploma holders will be allowed to join universities as second or third year students in a new credit transfer system.

The new rules set by the Kenya National Qualifications Framework states that diploma courses must take between two to three years to complete and the students must be admitted with a grade of C or C- in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education results.

In the previous years, diploma courses have not been standardized and neither have they been recognized by universities.

The rules which state that students can be admitted for different courses in colleges or universities are set to be unveiled today at the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development and will start being implemented in January.

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These changes are meant to make it possible for students who score low marks progress from the lowest level to the highest level through the credit transfer system

How Will It Will Work?

According to the Authority Chairman, Prof Bonventure Kere, a student will be allowed to transfer credits but must see that they do not exceed 49%.

This means that student must have been enrolled in an institution for at least two years before graduation.

The qualifications have been made according to the internationally recommended hours.

“We want to agree on the learning outcomes at each level which includes knowledge, skills and competences,” remarked Prof Kere.

The qualifications have been put into 10 levels which include doctorate, masters, postgraduate diploma, degree or management professional, diploma as well as technical skilled supervisory, vocational training, master craft person, artisan, prevocational, semi-skilled and primary certificate.

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The other categories of basic education include technical and vacation and higher education.

So as of next year its good news for those already enrolled in diploma courses and those who will join the lot next year. You can finally enroll for a degree at any university without having to complete your diploma course.

What is your opinion on these new changes? Are they worth it? Share your opinion below.

Source: Daily Nation

The writer is a Communications Officer at Career Point Kenya? Email your queries to lilian@www.careerpointkenya.co.ke.