Students studying at University of South Africa must now complete an important requirement designed to protect the value and credibility of their qualifications. The Unisa Academic Integrity Course has been introduced as a compulsory programme for students registered in undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications.
This course ensures that students understand the importance of honesty, fairness, and ethical behaviour in academic work. It also prepares students to navigate modern learning environments where digital tools, artificial intelligence, and online assessments are becoming more common.
For many students, completing this course is one of the first steps in building a responsible and ethical academic journey.
About the University
University of South Africa, widely known as UNISA, is one of the largest distance learning institutions in the world.
The university provides flexible learning opportunities to students across South Africa and internationally. Through online platforms and digital learning systems, Unisa allows students to complete qualifications while balancing work and other commitments.
To protect the quality and credibility of its academic programmes, the institution has implemented the Academic Integrity Course as a mandatory requirement.
About the Academic Integrity Course
The Unisa Academic Integrity Course is an online learning programme designed to help students understand ethical academic practices.
It is compulsory for students registered in qualifications ranging from NQF Level 5 to NQF Level 8. The course focuses on helping students avoid plagiarism, use research sources correctly, and understand responsible use of artificial intelligence in academic work.
Course Objectives
The course aims to help students:
Understand the principles of academic honesty
Learn how to avoid plagiarism
Understand correct referencing practices
Use artificial intelligence tools responsibly
Follow ethical research practices
Promote fairness and accountability in academic assessments
These skills are essential for maintaining the integrity of academic qualifications.
Course Duration and Platform
The Academic Integrity Course is completed online through the Unisa learning platform.
Course duration: Approximately four hours
Platform: mooc.unisa.ac.za
Login credentials: myLife Unisa email address and myUnisa password
Students can access the course using their official Unisa login details.
QUICK LINKS:
Why Academic Integrity Matters
Academic integrity plays a crucial role in maintaining trust in educational qualifications.
When students complete their work honestly and responsibly, it ensures that the knowledge and skills they demonstrate are genuine.
Academic integrity helps to:
Maintain fairness in assessments and academic work
Protect the credibility of university qualifications
Prevent plagiarism and intellectual property violations
Encourage responsible use of research sources
Promote ethical behaviour in professional careers
By understanding these principles early in their studies, students develop habits that benefit them throughout their academic and professional lives.
How Students Are Grouped
Students are assigned to specific course groups that determine when they can access the Academic Integrity Course.
Each group has its own opening and closing dates for completing the programme.
Students can check their group allocation by using the official group allocation tool. After entering their student number, they will be able to see their assigned group and the corresponding course dates.
Steps to Complete the Academic Integrity Course
Completing the course involves several simple steps that students must follow on the online platform.
Step 1: Log in to the Platform
Visit the course platform and click on the login option at the top right of the page.
Select the option to log in using your Unisa email account.
Enter your myLife email address and click next. Then enter your myUnisa password and sign in.
Step 2: Access the Course
Once logged in, open the “My Courses” menu.
Scroll through the available courses and select the Academic Integrity Course.
Step 3: Complete All Units
The course contains multiple learning units that must be completed in order.
Students should:
Watch the course navigation guide
Complete all learning units
Click the “Completed” button after finishing each unit
When a unit is successfully completed, a green circle will appear next to the unit name.
Step 4: Confirm Completion
Students must complete all units in order to successfully finish the course.
Failure to complete the programme may affect the student’s ability to continue with certain academic activities at the university.
What Students Will Learn
The Academic Integrity Course covers several key topics that help students understand ethical academic behaviour.
Understanding Academic Integrity
Students learn why honesty and responsibility are essential in higher education.
Plagiarism Awareness
The course teaches how to correctly cite sources and avoid copying other people’s work without proper acknowledgement.
Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence
Students learn the correct way to use artificial intelligence tools during research and assignments while maintaining academic honesty.
Responsible Research Practices
The course explains how to conduct ethical research and follow university guidelines.
Ethical Decision Making
Students learn how to make responsible choices when completing assessments and academic tasks.
Why Students Should Complete the Course
Completing the Academic Integrity Course offers several important benefits.
It fulfils a mandatory university requirement
It protects the credibility of your academic qualification
It improves your research and writing skills
It prepares you for ethical decision-making in professional environments
It helps you understand responsible use of digital learning tools
Students who understand these principles are better prepared for both academic success and professional responsibility.
Need Help?
Students who experience difficulties accessing the course or completing the modules can request support from the university.
Support email: mymodules22@unisa.ac.za
Conclusion
The Unisa Academic Integrity Course is an essential requirement that helps students understand the importance of ethical academic behaviour. By completing this course, students learn how to conduct research responsibly, avoid plagiarism, and use modern tools such as artificial intelligence in an ethical way.
Completing the course not only ensures compliance with university policies but also strengthens the credibility of your academic journey. Taking the time to finish this programme early allows students to focus on their studies with confidence while contributing to a culture of honesty and responsibility at Unisa.