Know Before You Enrol
Are you considering where to pursue your tertiary education?
Earning a tertiary qualification is a significant achievement and an important investment in your future. As with all long-term investments, you should take the time to investigate the details before selecting an institution and enrolling in a programme of study whether it is by face-to-face modality or by distance learning.
One of the most important questions you need to ask is whether the programme is accredited.
Why is accreditation important to you?
Accreditation is an indication that a programme of study has met acceptable levels of educational quality, and that the institution delivering the programme of study is a recognised institution.
Why is that important to you?
• Higher education is costly, so it is important to know that you are investing in a quality programme.
• Your future employer will want to be assured that you have had a quality education.
• The Students’ Loan Bureau, your credit union or any other financial agency will want to know that you are enrolling in an accredited programme.
• Your future graduate school, when assessing your qualifications, will consider the quality of the programme that you had pursued.
What if the programme is not accredited?
A programme that is not accredited is not necessarily a programme that is inferior or without educational value. Some programmes are new, and have not yet had a graduating cohort. They are therefore not ready to be considered for accreditation. In these cases, the registration status and overall reputation of the institution, as well as feedback from the institution and current students will be critical. Other questions to be considered are:
• Does the institution have other accredited programmes?
• Does it have a reputation of submitting its programmes for accreditation?
• Is the institution preparing to submit the programme for accreditation as soon as it is eligible?
Be Proactive
• Approach your research from different angles.
• Think about your educational and career goals, and the programme of study that can best assist you to meet those goals.
• Visit the UCJ’s website, www.ucj.org.jm for a list of registered institutions and accredited programmes.
• Think about the institution’s reputation and visit its website for the range of programmes and student services offered.
• Consider whether you will be eligible for a loan from the Students’ Loan Bureau or any other financial agency.
• Consider whether you will get a rounded education with opportunities for personal development and enrichment.
Ask questions
Ask the institution
• Is the programme new and when will it be submitted for accreditation?
• Is the curriculum current and how often is it reviewed?
Ask current students and graduates
• Would you recommend this programme to others?
• What do you most/least like about the programme?
Ask employers
• Will you recognize this qualification?
It’s Up to You!
While choosing the right institution and programme means that you are on your way to receiving a quality education, accreditation will not guarantee your success. It is up to you to make the most out of your educational opportunity by putting in the hard work!
Quick Tips
• Check the UCJ’s website,
www.ucj.org.jm for a list of accredited programmes.
• Speak to current students and graduates about their experiences and whether they would recommend the programme being considered.
• Find out if there are any restrictions to securing funding based on the accreditation status of the programme.
• Check with the professional body associated with your profession as to whether the programme you are selecting is acceptable.