UJ Information Literacy Course: Free 50-Hour Online Learning

The UJ information literacy course gives adults a free way to improve how they find, assess and use information online. Enrolment for the University of Johannesburg’s 2026 Building Blocks of Information Literacy short learning programme remains open until 22 November 2026.

The programme is offered through UJ Digital and is designed for beginners. It has an estimated learning duration of 50 hours, uses a self-paced format and requires no previous knowledge of the subject. The current course ends on 6 December 2026, so applicants should leave enough time to complete the work.

UJ information literacy course: key details

• Provider: University of Johannesburg through UJ Digital
• Course: Building Blocks of Information Literacy
• Cost: free
• Level: beginner
• Duration: 50 hours
• Delivery: self-paced online learning
• Minimum age: 18 years
• Enrolment closes: 22 November 2026
• Current course ends: 6 December 2026
• Accreditation listing: not accredited; NQF level not applicable

UJ information literacy course: who can enrol?

The published admission requirements are that you must be at least 18, have access to an internet-enabled device and communicate clearly in English. UJ also states that no prior knowledge of information literacy is required.

The published course requirements do not list a degree, Matric certificate or existing UJ student status. South Africans in any province can review the online application route, provided they can meet the listed requirements and access the learning platform. Follow any further instructions displayed when you sign in.

The course may be useful if you are returning to study, preparing assignments, researching opportunities or handling information at work. Its focus is on the skills used to work with information, rather than training for one particular occupation.

UJ information literacy course: what the course covers

The curriculum starts with understanding what information literacy means and how its different stages fit together. It then moves through identifying an information need, finding suitable sources, assessing what you have found and using it responsibly.

• Recognising what information a task actually requires
• Choosing a type of source that fits the purpose of the task
• Searching library collections and online resources more effectively
• Accessing information and checking it against evaluation criteria
• Applying academic-integrity principles when using other people’s work
• Using digital platforms and content safely, responsibly and ethically

These skills can help turn an unfocused internet search into a more deliberate process. For example, researching a bursary involves more than finding an attractive headline. You need the correct sponsor, current eligibility conditions and the official application instructions. Evaluating those details is a practical use for the kind of source-checking skills covered by the programme.

UJ’s wider Information Literacy Skills Guide also introduces research and referencing skills. It provides useful context for the subject, while the UJ Digital course page remains the place to check this particular programme’s admission rules and dates.

UJ information literacy course: plan around both the enrolment and completion dates

There are two different dates to keep in mind. 22 November is the enrolment deadline; 6 December is the course end date. The programme began earlier in 2026 and still accepts enrolment during the published window. It is not a new cohort starting in November.

Self-paced learning gives you flexibility over when you study, but the course still has an end date. Fifty hours is a meaningful time commitment. As a planning example, spreading that workload over five weeks would mean around 10 hours a week. That is an illustration for your own timetable, not a weekly schedule imposed by UJ.

Starting before the final enrolment week gives you more room for other responsibilities and any access problems. Also consider the cost of internet access. The course is listed as free, but the page does not advertise data bundles or a device allowance.

How to apply through UJ Digital

• Open the official Building Blocks of Information Literacy course page.
• Check the admission requirements, dates and current course details.
• Select Login to Apply and sign in to the UJ Digital platform.
• If you need a new account, use the registration option provided by the official platform.
• Follow the application and registration instructions and keep any confirmation you receive. Applying alone does not confirm enrolment.
• Once enrolled, check your learning access and plan to finish before 6 December.

UJ’s FAQ says courses are hosted on Moodle. Once registered, look out for the university’s email explaining how to access your learning materials and assessments. If you create a new UJ Digital account, complete the email-verification step and check your spam folder if the confirmation does not arrive.

The named course contact is Elize du Toit. Questions about the programme can be sent to elizedt@uj.ac.za, as listed on the official course page.

UJ information literacy course: frequently asked questions

Is the course really free?

Yes. UJ Digital lists the programme as free. You still need your own internet-enabled device and access to the online learning platform.

Do I need experience in research or information literacy?

No prior knowledge is required. The programme is listed at beginner level.

Is this an accredited qualification?

The course page lists accreditation as No and its NQF level as not applicable. UJ’s official FAQ explains that free short learning programmes are non-credit-bearing and offer a merit-based digital certificate to participants who complete them successfully. The certificate should not be described as an accredited degree, diploma or academic-credit award.

Can I finish after December?

The published end date for this offering is 6 December 2026. Do not assume an extension; ask the course contact if you need clarification about completion timing.

Find more learning options in ReignGigs Courses & Training. Course details and the live application link were checked on 20 October 2026.