Page 43 - DUT Annual Report 2020

Figure 16. Throughput rates for 3-year diploma/degree programmes (2013 – 2018 cohorts)
As noted in a previous Report to Senate, the cohort throughput data may be distorted since 2013, as the curriculum renewal project unfolded in the University. As the renewal project was scheduled to be concluded
in 2019 (pending CHE approval of the replacement programmes), it is hoped that a much clearer picture of cohort throughput rates will be forthcoming.
Figure 17. Dropout rates for 3-year diploma/degree programmes (2013 – 2018 cohorts)
DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY ANNUAL REPORT 2020
60 50
40 30
17%
18%
16%
17% 17%
33% 34%
2014 2015
Minimum time
20 34% 10
37% 39% 36%
2016 2017 2018 Minimum time +1
0
2013
45%
40%
35% 30%
25% 20% 15% 10%
5% 0%
39% 39%
40%
38%
34%
28%
2013 2014 2015
2016 2017 2018
Figure 17 indicates that dropout rates for 3-year programmes have declined since 2015. While many factors may be responsible, this is a promising result as it bodes well for throughput, albeit not in minimum time. It should also be remembered that many students may be forced to ‘stop out’ as they await work-integrated learning (WIL) placements, or for other reasons, such as earning money to pay for their studies.
Throughput rates for 4-year Bachelor’s degree students are much higher overall (Figure 18) than for the 3-year diploma/degree students. However, there was a significant decrease in throughput for the 2017 cohort, and more in-depth analysis is needed to identify and understand why this is the case. Minimum time throughput for 4-year Bachelor’s degree programmes has averaged 61% since 2015.
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