In Uganda, the future of thousands of current students and recent graduates are in jeopardy as it has been revealed that the courses they are pursuing or have completed are considered “expired.” First, let’s understand what’s really at stake here; read to the end to catch the full list of institutions and their expired courses.
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What is an expired course?
An expired course refers to a degree or diploma program that lacks proper accreditation from the National Council for Higher Education (NCHE), the statutory regulator of the sector. Consequently, these qualifications are legally and technically deemed null and void.
The gravity of the situation came to light when the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom declined to admit an alumna of Makerere University, who had studied for a Bachelor of Biomedical Laboratory Technology, to pursue an advanced degree. The rejection was based on the fact that the program accreditation for the degree had expired in 2015, rendering the qualification obtained in 2018 invalid.
Expired courses Uganda shock
This incident sparked concern among students and education stakeholders, as graduates from Makerere University and other institutions faced similar challenges due to the expiration of their courses. An analysis of the academic programs offered by both public and private universities listed on the NCHE website revealed that nearly all of them were at fault, rendering the degrees they awarded or planned to award invalid.
The NCHE website says, “Approximately 2,260 courses taught at the 47 public and private universities expired eight to twelve years ago. Makerere University had the highest number of “invalid” courses listed, followed by Bugema and Bishop Stuart universities, Kabale University, Busitema, and Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), among others.”
What happens if you pursue an expired degree?
The consequences of pursuing or obtaining degrees from expired courses are significant. Graduates may face difficulties in utilizing their qualifications to enroll in advanced degree programs or secure employment opportunities. The non-recognition of these qualifications can have far-reaching implications for students, graduates, parents/guardians, and other education stakeholders. The process of accreditation for academic programs in Uganda involves universities submitting proposals to the NCHE. The approval is based on criteria such as compliance with admission requirements, suitability of course components, and adequacy of staff, facilities, and equipment. Furthermore, these programs are required to undergo regular reviews to incorporate new knowledge, and technological advancements, and ensure staff competency and appropriate resources.
How universities may face legal consequences for advertising expired programs
The responsibility lies with universities to ensure that they advertise and admit students only to courses that are accredited. Failure to comply with accreditation requirements is considered illegal. The NCHE plays a vital role in overseeing and accrediting academic programs, and universities are obligated to adhere to the regulations.
The lack of re-accreditation for programs is not solely due to financial constraints. While the accreditation process incurs costs, universities are expected to prioritize compliance with regulations. Some educationists suggest that the lapse in accreditation may be attributed to the laissez-faire attitude of administrators who underestimate the consequences of non-compliance. However, recent rejections of graduates by international institutions have prompted universities to address the issue more urgently.
Efforts are underway to rectify the situation. Makerere University has scrapped most of the programs listed as expired, and other universities are also taking measures to address the issue. However, some institutions have criticized the NCHE, claiming that the list of expired programs is outdated and inaccurate.
The implications of teaching expired programs are significant, but a resolution is expected to be reached through a political solution. Therefore, Universities may face potential legal repercussions from disaffected students and graduates. The Ministry of Education, which oversees the education sector, is expected to address the matter and guide the affected institutions on how to rectify the situation.
So, do university courses expire?
The answer is both yes and no! The Universities and Other Tertiary Institutions, Quality Assurance Regulations 2008 requires that all academic programs be reviewed every after five years. University courses or degrees themselves do not have an expiration date. Consequently, once you have completed a university course and received credit or a degree for it, that achievement is typically considered permanent. The knowledge and skills you acquire during the course may remain valuable for an extended period, although some fields and industries may experience rapid changes that require ongoing learning and updating of knowledge.
However, it is worth noting that academic knowledge and industry practices can evolve. As discoveries are made, research advances, and technologies change, the information taught in a particular course may become outdated or less relevant. This is particularly true in fields such as technology, science, and medicine, where advancements occur at a fast pace.
To stay current in your field, it is often necessary to engage in lifelong learning and professional development. This may involve taking additional courses, attending workshops, conferences, or pursuing higher degrees. Many professionals also engage in self-study and continuous learning to stay up to date with the latest developments in their respective fields.
So while university courses themselves do not expire, it’s important to recognize that ongoing learning and staying up to date with industry trends are crucial for maintaining knowledge and skills throughout your career.
In the meantime, students and graduates are bearing the direct impact of the issue, facing challenges in pursuing scholarships and opportunities abroad. Universities and the NCHE must prioritize resolving this matter promptly and ensuring that all academic programs meet the global standard.
Expired Courses In Uganda full list
Makerere University expired courses in Uganda
Master of Instructional Design and Technology
Bachelor of Youth Development Work
Bachelor of Geographical Sciences
Master of Science in Disaster Risk Management
Master of Science in Agroforestry and Community Development
Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Master of Science in Forestry and Biodiversity Management
Master of Science in Environment and Natural Resources
Management
Master of Science in Wildlife Health and Management
Master of Education
Master of Land Use and Regional Development Planning
Master of Science in Livestock Development and Management
Bachelor of Science in Forestry
Master of Geographical Sciences
Bachelor of Industrial Livestock Business
Bachelor of Information Systems and Technology
Master of Science in Health Professions Education
Master of Science in Records and Archives Management
Masters in Bioethics
Master of Health Informatics
Diploma in Office Management (DOM)
Kyambogo University expired courses in Uganda
Bachelor of Education – Secondary (Science)
Bachelor of Education in Education
Bachelor of Education – Secondary (Vocational Studies)
Bachelor of Education – Secondary (Arts)
Bachelor of Education – Primary
Bachelor of Education -Secondary (Business Studies)
Master of Public Health
Bachelor of Economics and Statistics
Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise Instruction
Bachelor of Food Science and Processing Technology
Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences
Master of Arts in Economics
Diploma in Deaf Studies
Diploma in Food Processing Technology
Bachelor of Adult and Community Education
Postgraduate Diploma in Community-Based Rehabilitation
Bachelor of Demography and Reproductive Health
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Uganda Christian University
Bachelor of Economics and Management
Bachelor of Public Health
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Computer Science
Diploma in Procurement and Logistics Management
Diploma in Project Planning Management
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Bachelor of Project Planning and Management
Bachelor of Public Administration and Management
Bachelor of Development Economics
Diploma in Primary Education-in service
Diploma in Medical Records and Information Management
Diploma in Information Technology
Bachelor of Business Computing
Master of Nursing Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness
Bachelor of Nursing Science
Bachelor of Electronics and Communication Science
Bachelor of Development and Social Entrepreneurship
Diploma in Microfinance
Bachelor of Information Technology and Computing
Bachelor of Interior and Landscape Design
Busitema University expired courses in Uganda
Diploma of Tourism and Travel Management
Diploma in Catering and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Catering and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management
Bachelor of Science in Anaesthesia
Diploma in Catering and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Catering and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Tourism and Travel Management
Bachelor of Science in Anaesthesia
Diploma in Ginning and Industrial Engineering
Master of Medicine in Paediatrics and Child Health
Diploma in Science Laboratory Technology-Physics
Diploma in Industrial Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Diploma in Crop Production and Management
Bachelor of Science in Animal Production and Management
Bachelor of Science Education (Physical Education)
Bachelor of Entrepreneurship andBachelor of Entrepreneurship, Development and Management
Diploma in Business Administration.
GULU UNIVERSITY expired courses Uganda
Bachelor of Public Administration
Bachelor of Development Studies
Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship Skills Development
Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management
Bachelor of Science Education -Economics
Bachelor of Applied Sciences Chemistry
Diploma in Secretarial and Information Management
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Master of Science in Information and Communication Technologies for Development
Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management
Bachelor of Information Technology – Business Computing
Bachelor of Arts Education
Diploma in Development studies
Diploma in Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Biosystems Engineering
Doctor of Philosophy in Agricultural and Applied Biosciences
Bachelor of Science Education (Agriculture)
Bachelor of Public Health
Bachelor of Science Education (Physical)
Bachelor of Science in Civil, Building and Environmental Engineering
Islamic UNIVERSITY OF UGANDA
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science
Bachelor of Library and Information Science
Bachelor of Social Sciences
Diploma in Records Management
Master of Science in Environmental Science
Diploma in Library and Information Science
Master of Arts in History
Postgraduate Diploma in Education
Bachelor of Business Computing
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration
Bachelor of Procurement & Logistics Management
Bachelor of Public Administration
Bachelor of Science in Health Services Management
Diploma in Business Studies
Bachelor of Arts (Islamic/Arabic)
Bachelor of Arts (Sharia)
Master of Arts (Sharia)
Foundation Programme/Remedial Programme-Science
Bachelor of Science (Chemistry)
Diploma in Primary Education-Professional Programme
Institution
Mbarara University of Science and Technology expired courses Uganda
Bachelor of Science in Economics
Master of Science in Biochemistry
Master of Medicine in Otorhinolaryngology
Master of Medicine in Family Medicine and Community Practice
Masters of Science in Physiology
Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (Diploma Entry)
Master of Medicine in Emergency Medicine
Diploma in Emergency Medicine for Emergency Care Practitioners
Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Advanced Diploma in Child and Adolescent Mental Health
Master of Education in Educational Administration and Planning
Master of Education in Educational Psychology
Master of Education in Curriculum Instruction and Media
Bachelor of Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Livelihoods and Farm Production
Master of Medicine in Psychiatry
Master of Medical Laboratory Science
Bachelor of Gender and Women’s Health (B.GWH)
Bugema University expired courses Uganda
Foundation Programme (Science)
Foundation Programme (Arts)
Bachelor of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Bachelor of Development Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with Chaplaincy
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with Development Ministry
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies with Evangelism and
Church Growth
Postgraduate Diploma in Information Technology
Bachelor of Business Administration – Business Information
Systems
Bachelor of Business Administration in Insurance
Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance
Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting
Bachelor of Science in Computer Networks & Systems Administration
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering and Application
Development
Bachelor of Arts with Education (English Language, Literature
& Kiswahili)
Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics
Bachelor of Business Administration – Management – Production and Operations Management
Bachelor of Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Business Administration – Project Planning and
Management
Bachelor of Business Administration – Marketing
NKUMBA UNIVERSITY
Bachelor of Arts in Commercial Art
Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Agriculture and Extension
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management
Master of Arts in Community-Based Development
Master of Science in Accounting and Finance
Master of Science in Banking and Finance
Diploma in Business Administration (Banking, Insurance and
Finance)
Bachelor of Business Administration (Banking, Insurance and
Finance)
Master of Science in Environmental Health
Master’s in Information Technology
Institution
Diploma in Development Studies
KUMI UNIVERSITY expired courses Uganda
Bachelor of Commerce
Diploma in Languages
Diploma in Community Development
Bachelor of Community Development
Diploma in Theology and Divinity
Diploma in Secretarial Studies
Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling
Bachelor of Theology and Divinity
Diploma in Commerce
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Languages
Bachelor of Secretarial Studies
VICTORIA University
Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management
Diploma in Human Resource Management
Diploma in Business Administration
Bachelor of International Business
Bachelor of Environmental Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Oil and Gas Accounting
Diploma in Business Information Systems
Diploma in Information Technology
Foundation Programme
Bachelor of Business Computing
Bachelor’s Degree in Banking and Finance
Bachelor of Public Administration and Management
Bachelor of Procurement and Logistics
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Bachelor Business Administration
CAVENDISH UNIVERSITY expired courses Uganda
Diploma in Public Health
Diploma in Journalism and Communication Studies
Master of Peace and Conflict Studies
Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management
Diploma in Public Administration and Management
Diploma in Records and Information Management
Diploma in Environmental Health Science
Diploma in Law
Diploma in Social Work and Development
Bachelor of Laws
Bachelor of Science in Economics and Statistics
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Bachelor of Social Work and Social Administration
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Arts with Education
Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
Bachelor of Public Health
Bachelor of Mass Communication and Journalism
University Foundation Programme
Bishop Stuart University expired courses Uganda
Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management
Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Master of Science in Climate Change and Food Security
Master of Science in Agronomy (Dry Land Farming)
Diploma in Project Planning and Management
Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance
Bachelor of Planning and Community Development
Bachelor of Arts in Performing and Leisure Arts
Master of Social Work
Master in Information Technology
Diploma in Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Human Resource Management
Bachelor of Tourism and Hospitality Management
Master of Agriculture and Rural Innovations
Bachelor of Economics and Management
Diploma in Guidance and Counselling (DGC)
Bachelor of Science with Education (BSCED)
Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling (BGC)
PhD in Development Studies
Metropolitan International University (MIU)
Bachelor of Tourism and Hotel Management
Global Institute of Information Technology & Business
Diploma in Cosmetology
Diploma in Oil and Gas Management
Diploma in Human Resource Management
Diploma in Medical Records and Health Informatics
Diploma in Information Technology
Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
Muni University
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture
Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Ankole Western University
Diploma in Agribusiness Management and Rural Development
Bachelor of Office Management and Secretarial Studies
Diploma in Social Work and Social Administration
Ankole Western University
Diploma in Information Technology with Education
East African Institute of Management Science
Diploma in Human Resource Management
Diploma in Secretarial and Office Management
Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication
Diploma in Early Childhood Development
African College of Commerce and Technology
Diploma in Renewable Energies
Diploma in Tourism and Hotel Management
Diploma in Journalism
Diploma in Human Resource Management
Diploma in Business Administration
Diploma in Records Management
Diploma in Public Administration
Diploma in Stores Management
Institution
Diploma in Library and Information Management
Valley University of Science & Technology expired degrees in Uganda
Bachelor of Education Primary
Diploma in Primary Education
Bachelor of Education
Bachelor of Arts with Education
Bachelor of Economics and Management Sciences
Fisheries Training Institute
Diploma in Fisheries Management and Technologies
Diploma in Marine Construction, System Engineering and
Maintenance
Diploma in Integrated Aquaculture and Agriculture
Kampala International University
Diploma in Social Work and Social Administration
Bachelor of Guidance and Counselling
Diploma in Computer Science
Master of Arts in Public Administration and Management
Diploma in Library and Information Science
Diploma in Information Technology
Diploma in Guidance and Counselling
Diploma in Development Studies
Diploma in Public Administration
Bachelor of Public Administration
Master of Education in Early Childhood Education
Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies
Bachelor of Arts with Education
Bachelor of Education Arts – Secondary
Bachelor of Computer Science
Master of Medicine (M.MED) in Internal Medicine
Master of Medicine (Psychiatry)
Master of Medicine (M.MED) in General Surgery
Master of Medicine (M.MED) Child Health and Paediatrics
Master of Medicine (M.MED) in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Master of Medicine in Psychiatry (M.MED)
Master of Science in Information Systems
Master of Arts in Economics
International University of East Africa
Bachelor of Arts in Economics
Bachelor of Business Administration
Bachelor of Tourism and Hotel Management
university Foundation Programme
Bachelor of Laws
Undergraduate Diploma in Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Control Engineering
Master’s in Business Administration
Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
Diploma in Computer Science
Diploma in Civil Engineering
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering
Diploma in Water & Sanitation Engineering
Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration
Bachelor of Science in Tourism Operations & Management
Diploma in Environmental Sciences & Management
Postgraduate Diploma in Project Planning and Management
Diploma in Electrical Engineering
Bachelor of Statistics
