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02 February 2026  |  10 April 2026

Copy-editing and Proofreading (Feb Intake)

Applications accepted until
19 January 2026
Short Course Coordinator:
Zanele Nkosi
Accreditation:
Certificate of Competence
Course dates
02 February 2026 - 10 April 2026
Applications close
19 January 2026
Overview
This self-paced course equips aspiring editors and proofreaders with the essential skills to refine and correct written texts. Through 22 practical assignments, students will learn to distinguish between copy-editing and proofreading, apply style guides, maintain consistency with style sheets, and use proofreading symbols and digital tools effectively. The course also develops the ability to identify and correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and formatting errors while ensuring clarity, readability, and accuracy. Ideal for professionals, writers, and language practitioners, the course provides practical experience aligned with industry standards for high-quality text editing. A quality-assured certificate from the University of the Witwatersrand is issued on successful completion.
Duration
10 Weeks
Format
Asynchronous, self-paced, with 22 assignments in total
Pricing
VAT Incl. = R12,200.00

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Please complete the following info:

    The course content addresses the following topics:


    • Recommended references and resources
    • House style guides
    • Typical terms used in copy-editing and proofreading (typos, transpositions, bias-free language, etc.)
    • The editorial process and different editing roles
    • Defining copy-editing
    • Defining proofreading
    • Readability and plain language
    • Common mistakes
    • Text organisation
    • Working to a brief
    • Maintaining a style sheet
    • Querying content-related mistakes
    • Identifying and correcting spelling, punctuation, grammar, and formatting errors in texts
    • Proofreading symbols
    • Proofreading hard-copy texts
    • Working as a copy editor or proofreader
    • Long-form editing tasks
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