List of Courses Offered at Lyceum College: The 2026 Prospectus Guide

Key Takeaways: The “Traffic” Specialist

• The USP: Lyceum College is the undisputed leader in Traffic and Metropolitan Policing education in South Africa. If you want to be a Traffic Chief or Station Commander, this is where you study.
• Accreditation Status (2026): After the regulatory hurdles of 2024, Lyceum College is fully reinstated and registered with the Department of Higher Education (DHET). Under new ownership, it remains a legitimate Private Higher Education Institution.
• Distance Learning: All courses are offered via distance learning. You do not attend daily classes; you study while you work (perfect for shift workers).
• No NSFAS: As a private college, NSFAS does not cover Lyceum fees. You must use self-funding, bank loans, or Eduloan (Fundi).
• The “Big 3” Faculties: Humanities (Policing), Commerce (Public Admin), and Education (Grade R).

For over 100 years, Lyceum College has been the go-to institution for South Africa’s law enforcement officers. Walk into any Traffic Department or Police Station, and you will likely find a senior officer studying a Lyceum textbook during their lunch break.

However, the college has evolved. It now offers competitive degrees in Business and Education.

If you are looking to fast-track your promotion in the government sector or start a career in safety, here is the definitive list of courses for the 2026 academic year.

1. Important: Accreditation Status Update (2026)

Before we list the courses, let’s address the elephant in the room.

In 2024, the Educor group (which owns Lyceum, Damelin, etc.) faced temporary deregistration. This has been resolved.

• Current Status: Lyceum College is Registered.
• Verification: You can check their registration number on the latest “Register of Private Higher Education Institutions” on the DHET website.
• Advice: Always check the specific SAQA ID of the course you want to study to ensure it is active.

2. Faculty of Humanities (The Flagship)

This is what Lyceum is famous for. These qualifications are designed specifically for SAPS, Metro Police, and Traffic Officers.

School of Public Safety Studies

• Diploma in Metropolitan and Traffic Policing (NQF 6)
  • Purpose: This is the “Gold Standard” for Traffic Officers. It covers the National Road Traffic Act, AARTO, and police management. It is often a requirement for promotion to “Superintendent” or “Chief.”
  • Duration: 3 Years.
• Bachelor of Arts in Disaster and Safety Management (NQF 7)
  • Purpose: For officials who manage large-scale emergencies (floods, fires, riots). It is highly relevant for Fire Chiefs and Disaster Management Centres.
  • Duration: 3 Years.

School of Criminal Justice

• Diploma in Criminal Justice (NQF 6)
  • Purpose: Ideal for Detectives, Private Investigators, and Security Managers. It focuses on Criminology, Law of Evidence, and Criminal Law.
  • Duration: 3 Years.
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (NQF 7)
  • Purpose: The degree level of the above. It opens doors to senior management roles within the Justice Cluster (Correctional Services, SAPS, Private Security).

3. Faculty of Commerce (Public Admin)

While other colleges focus on “Corporate Business,” Lyceum focuses on “Government Business.” These courses are tailored for civil servants (municipal workers, clerks, admin staff).

School of Business and Management

• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Management (NQF 7)
  • Focus: General business management with a strong focus on leadership.
  • Majors: Human Resource Management, Marketing, or Finance.
• Diploma in Public Administration (NQF 6)
  • Purpose: This is the classic qualification for anyone working in a Municipality or Government Department. It covers municipal finance, supply chain management, and public law.
  • Duration: 3 Years.
• Diploma in Management (NQF 6)
  • Focus: A generalist management diploma for the private sector.

Higher Certificates (1 Year)

If you do not meet the Diploma requirements, these are your entry points:

• Higher Certificate in General Management.
• Higher Certificate in Local Government Management.
• Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management.

4. Faculty of Education

Lyceum has expanded into teacher training, specifically for the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector.

• Diploma in Grade R Teaching (NQF 6)
  • Purpose: This qualifies you to teach Grade R (the reception year) in primary schools.
  • Note: It does not qualify you to teach Grade 1–3 (Foundation Phase) or High School. It is a specialist Grade R qualification.
  • Duration: 3 Years.

5. Method of Delivery: How You Study

Lyceum is a Distance Learning institution. This means:

1. No Classes: You do not drive to a campus every day.
2. The Portal: You download study guides and submit assignments via the myLyceum online portal.
3. Exams: You write exams at designated exam centres across South Africa (or online, depending on the module).
4. Flexibility: This model is designed for working adults. You study at night and on weekends.

6. Admission Requirements (2026)

Admission at Lyceum is generally more accessible than at public universities like UJ or Wits.

For Degree Programmes (BCom / BA):

• NSC (Matric): Bachelor’s Pass (approx. APS 20–22).
• English: 50%+.
• Maths: Not usually required for the Policing/Arts degrees (Required for BCom).

For Diploma Programmes:

• NSC (Matric): Diploma Pass (approx. APS 18).
• English: 40%+.

The “RPL” Route (For Older Officers):

If you are a Police Officer aged 45 with no Matric but 20 years of experience, Lyceum is very good at Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

• You can apply for admission based on your work experience. You will need a letter from your Station Commander and a portfolio of evidence.

7. Fees and Funding (No NSFAS)

Because Lyceum is a Private Higher Education Institution (PHEI):

• NSFAS: Will NOT pay.
• Payment Plans: Lyceum offers monthly payment terms. You pay a deposit (registration fee) and then pay the balance over 10 or 12 months.
• Loans: You can apply for a student loan at Standard Bank, Capitec, FNB, or Fundi.
• Corporate Sponsorship: Many Municipalities and the SAPS have “Bursary Schemes” for their employees. Check with your HR department if they will pay for your Lyceum fees (they often do).

8. Why Choose Lyceum Over UNISA?

Both offer distance learning. Why pay more for Lyceum?

1. Specialization: UNISA offers a generic “Policing” degree. Lyceum offers the specific “Traffic Policing” diploma which deals with the Road Traffic Act in detail. If you are a Traffic Officer, Lyceum is more relevant.
2. Service: Private colleges generally have better administrative support. You can usually get hold of a human being on the phone faster than at UNISA.
3. Structure: Lyceum’s study guides are often praised for being user-friendly and practical.

Summary: Is Lyceum Right for You?

Lyceum is a niche college. It is not trying to be everything to everyone.

• Choose Lyceum if: You work in Law Enforcement (Traffic, Police, Security) and want a promotion.
• Choose Lyceum if: You work in a Municipality and need a Public Admin qualification to become a Manager.
• Consider alternatives if: You want to be a Doctor, Engineer, or CA(SA).

Action Plan:

1. Download the 2026 Prospectus: Visit lyceum.co.za to get the latest fee structure.
2. Talk to HR: If you are employed, ask your HR manager if this qualification is recognized for salary progression in your specific department.
3. Check the SAQA ID: Write down the ID of the course you like and verify it on the SAQA website to be 100% sure of its NQF level.

Disclaimer: Course offerings and accreditation status can change. Always verify the current registration certificate of any private college with the Department of Higher Education before paying fees.