NSG Writing for Government: Basic Writing Skills Online Course
The National School of Government (NSG) offers PD102: Writing for Government: Basic Writing Skills, a self-paced online course designed to help learners develop practical writing skills for everyday government communication.
The course takes approximately 4 hours of self-paced online learning, excluding time needed for practice. It covers practical writing tasks such as emails, memorandums, official letters, meeting minutes, submissions and reports.
What Is the NSG Writing for Government Course?
Writing for Government: Basic Writing Skills (PD102) focuses on the principles and practical techniques needed to communicate effectively in writing.
The course is designed around everyday workplace tasks and helps learners understand how different communication tools should be used.
According to the course information, learners can take all seven lessons or select individual lessons covering the different areas of government writing.
NSG PD102 Course Details
The course provides 4 hours of self-paced online learning, although additional time should be allowed for practising the skills covered in the lessons.
The course is available during the NSG financial-year access period, which runs from 1 April of the current financial year to 31 March of the following year.
Because the course is self-paced, learners can organise their study around their personal schedules.
What Will You Learn?
The course consists of seven lessons, each focusing on a different aspect of effective government writing.
1. Plain English for Effective Communication
The first lesson introduces the principles of using Plain English to communicate information effectively.
The focus is on making written communication clear and understandable.
2. Writing Effective Emails
Learners explore how to compose email messages that recipients will:
- Open
- Read
- Understand
This lesson focuses on practical email-writing skills that can be applied to everyday workplace communication.
3. Writing Effective Memorandums
The course explains the function of memorandums and provides guidance on how to write effective memos.
This helps learners understand when memorandums are appropriate and how they should be structured.
4. Writing Official Letters
Another lesson focuses on the function of official letters and the principles involved in writing effective letters.
This provides learners with practical guidance for formal written communication.
5. Writing Meeting Minutes
The course also covers what should be done before, during and after a meeting to produce effective meeting minutes.
This lesson is particularly relevant to people who are responsible for documenting meetings and recording decisions or discussions.
6. Writing Submissions
Learners are introduced to techniques for writing submissions that are easy to read and conducive to analysis and response.
This can help improve the way information is presented for consideration by others.
7. Writing Reports
The final lesson focuses on writing reports that enable decision-makers to make informed choices.
The emphasis is therefore on producing reports that communicate useful information clearly to their intended audience.
Course Takeaways
Completing the course provides learners with several practical benefits.
According to the NSG course information, learners will gain:
Understanding of Effective Communication
Learners develop a comprehensive understanding of the principles of effective communication.
Knowledge of Communication Tools
The course provides a thorough understanding of the purpose of different communication tools and clear guidelines for using them.
Customisable Templates
Learners receive customisable templates that can be adapted to their specific needs.
Completion Badges
A badge is awarded upon completion of each lesson in the course.
How Does the Self-Paced Learning Work?
PD102 is designed to allow learners to plan their learning around their own schedules.
The NSG recommends spreading engagement with the course materials over time to improve understanding and retention.
Learners are encouraged to:
- Plan their learning around their personal schedule.
- Work consistently to make steady progress.
- Read all the information provided.
- Allow time to practise the skills covered in the course.
The advertised four-hour duration refers to the online learning component and does not include practice time.
Who Is This Course For?
The course information provided does not specify a separate list of eligibility requirements or a particular qualification needed to enrol.
Its content is focused on practical writing tasks such as emails, memorandums, official letters, minutes, submissions and reports.
Therefore, anyone considering the course should refer to the NSG’s Apply now process for the current enrolment requirements.
How to Apply for the NSG PD102 Course
To get started, learners should use the “Apply now” option on the NSG course page.
The course is delivered online, allowing participants to work through the lessons at their own pace.
Course: PD102 – Writing for Government: Basic Writing Skills
Format: Self-paced online learning
Duration: Approximately 4 hours, excluding practice
Course access period: 1 April to 31 March of the following financial year
Click Here to Apply for the Course
NSG eLearning Technical Support
Learners enrolled in an Open Distance eLearning course have access to technical assistance.
The NSG provides a 24/7 live Chatbot for technical support.
Learners can also contact the in-person helpdesk during office hours by email at:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PD102?
PD102 is the NSG’s Writing for Government: Basic Writing Skills online course.
How long is the course?
The course consists of approximately 4 hours of self-paced online learning, excluding the time required for practice.
How many lessons are included?
There are seven lessons. Learners can take all the lessons or select individual lessons.
What does the course teach?
It covers Plain English, emails, memorandums, official letters, meeting minutes, submissions and reports.
Do learners receive templates?
Yes. The course provides customisable templates that learners can adapt to their own needs.
Do learners receive a certificate?
The supplied course information specifically states that learners receive a badge upon completion of each lesson. It does not state that a separate certificate is issued, so applicants should not assume that a certificate is included unless NSG confirms this.
Can I study at my own pace?
Yes. The course is self-paced, and learners are free to plan their learning around their personal schedules.
When is the course available?
The course is open from 1 April in the current financial year until 31 March of the following year.
Is practice included in the four-hour duration?
No. The stated four-hour duration refers to online learning and excludes the time needed for practice.
How do I get technical support?
Enrolled learners can use the 24/7 live Chatbot or contact the NSG eLearning helpdesk at eLearning@thensg.gov.za during office hours.
Final Takeaway
The NSG PD102 Writing for Government: Basic Writing Skills course provides practical training in written communication for everyday tasks.
In approximately four hours of self-paced online learning, learners can work through seven lessons covering Plain English, emails, memorandums, official letters, meeting minutes, submissions and reports.
The course also provides customisable templates and awards a badge for each completed lesson.
Learners can plan their studies around their schedules and are encouraged to work consistently and allow additional time to practise what they learn.
Looking for another opportunity?
Search Youth Opportunities Hub for jobs, bursaries, internships, learnerships, scholarships and more.
