In a rapidly evolving higher education landscape, the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recognises the urgent need to transform its curriculum to meet the demands of a digitally driven world. The traditional higher education model must evolve to support the development of graduate attributes, lifelong competencies, and digital fluency. The existing curriculum often lacks integration of emerging technologies and fails to engage students accustomed to digital experiences, hindering relevance and compromising inclusivity and adaptability in student learning. Within UKZN, certain Gatekeeper modules—identified by high enrolment and/or high failure rates, significantly impact student progression and outcomes, and therefore require urgent attention. Based on institutional data, one Gatekeeper module per year will be selected from each of the 19 Schools for targeted digital transformation. Through the Digital Curriculum Transformation Project, UKZN aims to revise and modernise these modules to enhance learning experiences and maintain excellence in teaching and learning.

This project aligns with UKZN’s Strategic Plan 2023–2032, specifically Goal 1: Excellent Teaching and Learning, which seeks to attract high-potential students and support their development into globally aware professionals, leaders, and citizens. It also supports Goal 2: Excellent Student Experience, which focuses on producing graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and networks required to build meaningful, adaptable, and sustainable careers over their lifetime.