About UKZN UCDP

At the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP), funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), is positioned to serve as a transformative catalyst, nurturing and empowering the next generation of academics and researchers within the university. By providing comprehensive training programmes and continuous academic and professional development opportunities, the UCDP will play a pivotal role in cultivating a diverse cadre of academics (emerging and mid-career) and students (undergraduate and postgraduate). The planned projects aim to achieve cutting-edge research and excellence in teaching and learning. In line with Goals 1 – 3 of the new Strategic Plan (2023 – 2032), the UCDP focuses on High-Impact Research, Excellent Teaching and Learning, Excellent Student Experience, and the pressing agenda of Curriculum Transformation. Notably, teaching and research are equally prioritised within the UCDP plan, emphasising the integral connection between these two pillars of academia.

In this regard, the UCDP is designed to address existing gaps and challenges through:

Provisioning of equitable opportunities for success for both undergraduate and postgraduate.
Fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning through the continuous adoption of innovative pedagogical.
Supporting emerging and newly recruited academic staff to complete their academic qualifications, which entails a deliberate effort to raise the academic profile of our teaching staff.
Systematically fostering the growth of research capabilities, with a focus on nurturing the potential of emerging academic staff to develop and enhance UKZN’s research.
Empowering the research management expertise of executive leaders and relevant administrative staff to oversee research.
Adopting a multipronged approach in the development, intellectualisation and promotion of indigenous languages.

The integrated approach to capacity development will aid in breaking down barriers that traditionally separated student development, staff development, and programme/curriculum development. UKZN is committed to improving on lessons learnt from the previous cycles and learning from the experiences of implementing the UCDP Programme over the next three years. This dedication to refinement and responsiveness will ensure that the programme remains dynamic and effective, adapting to the evolving needs of the institution and its stakeholders.