Duration: 3–6 Months
Programme Type: Provider-Based Short Course (Non-Credit Bearing)
Certification: Certificate of Proficiency / Completion
Mode of Delivery: On-Campus | Online | Blended

 

Programme Overview

The Website Design and E-Commerce programme is a practical, hands-on digital skills course designed to equip learners with the ability to design websites and build online stores for businesses, entrepreneurs, and self-employment.

This programme focuses on real-world skills needed to create, manage, and grow online businesses, making it ideal for students, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

Course Modules

1. Introduction to Website Design & E-Commerce

• Understanding websites and online business models
• Introduction to e-commerce and online marketplaces
• Overview of digital entrepreneurship
• Website planning and business goal setting

2. Website Design Fundamentals

• Website structure and navigation
• User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) basics
• Responsive design principles
• Domains, hosting, and website security basics

3. Website Development Skills

• HTML and CSS fundamentals
• Introduction to WordPress
• Creating and managing website pages
• Website maintenance and updates

Module 4: E-Commerce Platforms & Online Marketplaces

• Introduction to e-commerce platforms
• Setting up an online store using WordPress & WooCommerce
• Product listing, pricing, and inventory management
• Shopping carts and checkout systems

Third-Party E-Commerce Platforms:

• Takealot Seller Platform (product listing, order processing, fulfillment basics)
• Amazon Seller Platform (store setup, product uploads, seller policies)
• Understanding marketplace fees, commissions, and compliance

Module 5: Online Payments & Store Operations

• Payment gateways (PayFast, PayPal, EFT basics)
• Order processing and stock management
• Delivery, logistics, and customer service
• Online business ethics, data protection, and compliance awareness

Module 6: Dropshipping & Online Fulfilment Models

• Introduction to dropshipping business models
• Product sourcing and supplier selection
• Local vs international dropshipping
• Order automation and supplier communication
• Managing customer expectations and returns
• Risks, compliance, and ethical considerations in dropshipping

Module 7: Digital Marketing for E-Commerce

• Online branding and product presentation
• Social media marketing for online stores
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) basics
• Online advertising and promotional strategies

Module 8: Practical Projects & Store Launch

• Design and launch a functional website or online store
• Upload and manage products (own store or marketplace)
• Test payment systems and checkout processes
• Develop a basic e-commerce or dropshipping business plan

 Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:

By the end of the programme, learners will be able to:

• Design and manage professional websites
• Build and operate an online store
• Sell products via own website, Takealot, and Amazon
• Understand dropshipping business models
• Apply digital marketing strategies to grow online sales

 

Entrance Requirements

• Grade 10, Matric, or equivalent
• Basic computer literacy recommended
• No prior web or business experience required

Career & Business Opportunities

Learners may pursue:

• E-Commerce Store Administrator
• Online Marketplace Seller (Takealot / Amazon)
• Junior Website Designer
• Dropshipping Business Owner
• Digital Business Assistant
• Freelance Website & Online Store Developer

 Compliance & Accreditation Note

This programme is a provider-based, non-credit-bearing skills programme developed and assessed by Excel Gene Academy.
It is not registered on the NQF and does not carry SAQA accreditation, but supports employability, entrepreneurship, and digital skills development.

Excel Gene Academy – Learn. Transform. Excel.

Empowering digital entrepreneurs for the online economy.