Welcome to
Zimbabwe Open
University
Short Courses
Empowerment Through Open Learning
Transform your career with our comprehensive short courses designed for working professionals. Gain industry-relevant skills, earn recognized certifications, and advance your career with flexible learning options that fit your schedule.
Available Short Courses
Certificate in Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Faculty of Arts Culture and Heritage Studies
Essential knowledge and skills for managing diverse stakeholders in today's digital landscape. Build strong brands and foster stakeholder relationships.
Certificate in Contract Management
Faculty of Law
Learn basic principles of contract management to manage contracts as a component of business relations. Reduce risks and enhance collaboration.
Certificate in Compliance, Reporting and Risk Management
Faculty of Law
Master principles and practices of compliance, reporting, and risk management within corporate, financial, and regulatory contexts.
Certificate in Wills and Inheritance in Zimbabwe
Faculty of Law
Comprehensive understanding of legal and practical aspects of wills and inheritance. Learn estate planning and will creation strategies.
Nurse Assistant Short Course
Faculty of Science
A 3-month program equipping participants with knowledge and competences to work in healthcare facilities, contributing to quality care of patients and their families.
Certificate in Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Faculty of Arts Culture and Heritage Studies
Course Description
This course provides essential knowledge and skills for managing diverse stakeholders in today's digital landscape. Equip yourself with strategies to build a strong brand and foster stakeholder relationships while navigating reputational challenges and misinformation.
Target Group
Public relations personnel, receptionists, HR and marketing staff, NGOs, school leavers, and anyone interested.
Course Outline
- Introduction to Public Relations and Communications
- Fundamentals of Public Relations
- Effective Communication Skills
- Emerging Trends in Public Relations
- Media Relations
- Digital PR and Social Media
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Organisational Image Management
- Strategic PR Planning
- Ethical Issues in PR
- Measurement and Evaluation in PR
- Practical Applications and Case Studies
1 Week
$100
Online and face-to-face lectures
ZOU Gwanda Campus
Virtual / ZOU offices
Entry Requirements
The course is open to all literate individuals who have an interest in Public Relations and Corporate Communications
Dates
23 to 27 February 2026
For more information, contact:
Mr. Brian Nkiwane
π 0775341029 / 0780334604
Mr. Mandla Ndlovu
π 0773386167
Certificate in Contract Management
Faculty of Law
Introduction
Contracts are an integral component of the corporate business environment. They provide a platform for the creation and maintenance of business relations. Contract management is thus essential in ensuring successful business relations through reducing risks, improving operational efficiency, increasing revenue and enhancing collaboration and communication.
Overall Objectives
The purpose of this course is equipping learners with basic principles of contract management. At the end of the course, learners shall gain knowledge and skills that are needed to manage contracts as a component of business relations.
Course Content
The following modules are offered:
- Introduction to law
- Introduction to the Law of Contract
- Principles of Contract Management
- Phases of Contract Management
- Contract Management Best Practices
- Strategies for Effective Contract Management and Implementation
Targeted Participants
- Project Managers
- Contract Managers
- Procurements personnel
- Works and estates personnel
- Business managers
- Any interested persons
2 Weeks
US$150.00 per participant
3 February to 16 February 2026
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the paralegal studies training an individual must have a minimum of five (5) Ordinary level subjects including English.
Course Convener(s) and Contact Details
Dr I. Nzero
LLB (UFH), LLM (Business Law UKZN), LLD (UP), PGDHE (CUT)
π +263 772 745 326, +263 718 870 763
βοΈ nzeroi@zou.ac.zw or ignzero@yahoo.co.uk
Dr. T. G. Kasuso
(LLBS (Hons) UZ, LLM (Unisa), LLD (Unisa)
π +2634780247, +263 772 885 464
βοΈ kasusot@zou.ac.zw or tkasuso@yahoo.com
Mrs E. Tsikira
π +263 772 858 121
βοΈ tsikirae@zou.ac.zw
Payment Information
Account Name: Zimbabwe Open University
Bank Name: CBZ
Branch Name: Kwame Nkrumah
Account Number: 01120005100297
Certificate in Compliance, Reporting and Risk Management
Faculty of Law
Introduction
This course introduces students to the principles and practices of compliance, reporting, and risk management within corporate, financial, and regulatory contexts. It examines legal and regulatory frameworks, corporate governance, internal controls, ethical standards, and risk assessment methodologies. Participants will gain practical skills in compliance program design, risk analysis, and reporting processes aligned with global best practices.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Understand the foundations of compliance and regulatory frameworks across different industries
- Identify and evaluate risks (legal, financial, operational, reputational, and compliance-related)
- Design effective compliance programs and reporting mechanisms
- Apply risk management frameworks and tools to real-world scenarios
- Interpret and prepare compliance reports in line with statutory and industry requirements
- Integrate ethical considerations and corporate governance principles into compliance and risk management strategies
Course Structure
The following modules will be covered:
- Introduction to Compliance and Risk Management
- Regulatory and Legal Frameworks
- Risk Management Fundamentals
- Compliance Program Design and Implementation
- Reporting and Disclosure Requirements
- Risk Mitigation and Control Mechanisms
- Compliance Auditing and Monitoring
Two (2) weeks commencing on 19 February to 06 March 2026
US$150.00 per participant
Blending of online and physical class upon consultation between the specific module convener and participants
Entry Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the training, an individual must have a minimum of five (5) Ordinary level subjects, including English.
Contact Details
Dr. I. Nzero
LLB (UFH), LLM (UKZN), LLD (UP), PGDHE (CUT)
Dean, Faculty of Law
Corner House
8th Floor, Office 806
π 0718 870 763
βοΈ nzeroi@zou.ac.zw
Mrs E. Tsikira
π 0772 858 121
βοΈ tsikirae@zou.ac.zw
Payment Information
Account Name: Zimbabwe Open University
Account No: 01120005100297
Bank: CBZ (Nostro)
Branch: Kwame Nkrumah
Certificate in Wills and Inheritance in Zimbabwe
Faculty of Law
Introduction
When a person dies, he or she leaves behind not only relatives and friends but leaves property as well as debts and liabilities which must be paid and finalized. Therefore, this course is designed for individuals who are interested in learning about the basics of wills and inheritance laws in Zimbabwe.
It is further intended for those who are new to estate planning, as well as for those who have some knowledge but want to deepen their understanding. The course covers topics such as the types of wills, how to create a will, estate planning strategies, taxes and probate, and estate administration. Participants will learn the key principles and practical considerations involved in creating a will and managing an estate.
Overall Objective
The overall objective of this short course is to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and practical aspects of wills and inheritance in Zimbabwe, with the aim of equipping them to create and execute effective wills and navigate the complex legal procedures related to inheritance.
By the end of the course, learners will have developed practical skills and knowledge that will enable them to better manage and protect their assets, ensure their wishes are carried out, and minimize potential conflict among family members and beneficiaries.
Course Content
The following modules are offered:
- Module 1: Introduction to Wills and Inheritance
- Module 2: Creating a Will
- Module 3: Inheritance Laws in Zimbabwe
- Module 4: Estate Planning and Trusts
- Module 5: Estate Administration
Targeted Market
The course is aimed at individuals who are concerned about their future and want to protect their assets and provide for their loved ones, adults of all ages, especially those approaching retirement or who have recently experienced a significant life event, such as a marriage or the birth of a child, people with significant assets or properties who want to ensure that their wishes are carried out after their death and anyone who is interested in learning about estate planning and inheritance.
Two (2) weeks
$120 per participant
19 February to 6 March 2026
Classes will be conducted online during times determined in consultation with facilitators
Entry Requirements
There are no formal admission criteria.
Course Convener(s) and Contact Details
Ms. L. Mhuru
LLB (Hons) UFH, MA in Human Rights (UFH)
π +263 78 790 2480 / +263 71 417 5041
βοΈ mhurul@zou.ac.zw or leecall@gmail.com
Mr. S. Kubonera
LLB (Hons) UFH, LLM (Medical Law) UKZN
βοΈ kuboneras@zou.ac.zw
π +263 774857348
Mrs. E. Tsikira
π +0772 858 121
βοΈ tsikirae@zou.ac.zw
Payment Information
Account Name: Zimbabwe Open University
Account No: 01120005100297
Bank: CBZ (Nostro)
Branch: Kwame Nkrumah
Nurse Assistant Short Course
Faculty of Science
Introduction
The Zimbabwe Open University, a leader in empowering the Zimbabwean populace through Open and Distance Learning, invites interested applicants to undertake a 3-month Nurse Assistant Course. A certificate of competence will be issued at the end of the training.
Aim of the Course
The course aims to equip the participants with knowledge and competences that will enable them to work in healthcare facilities both locally and internationally, contributing to quality care of patients, clients and their families.
Course Structure
The course consists of two main components:
- Theory Component: 4 weeks of theoretical instruction
- Clinical Attachments: 8 weeks of hands-on clinical practice in healthcare facilities
12 weeks (4 weeks theory + 8 weeks clinical attachments)
USD $200
Covering tuition, soft copies of study material and Course certificate
Face to face tutorials, online and demonstrations
Monday - Friday
08:00am - 4:00pm
Assessment
End of training examination will be conducted to evaluate participant competency and understanding.
Venue
National Centre, 7th Floor
Entry Requirements
A minimum of 3 O' levels
Important Dates
28 January 2026
02 March 2026
For more information, contact:
Mashungu Lynnet
π +263776816209
Mlauzi Hilda
π +263784532805
Payment Information
Account Name: Zimbabwe Open University
Bank: CBZ Bank
Branch: Kwame Nkrumah
Account Number: 01120005100297
Website
For more information, visit: www.zou.ac.zw