Skip to Main Content

Ethics Training

Research Ethics Training Requirement

In line with the National Department of Health (NDoH) Ethics Guidelines (2024), all researchers applying for human research ethics clearance through the TUT Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) must submit proof of research ethics training completed within the past three years.

This requirement applies to:

  • Researchers
  • Supervisors
  • Postgraduate students

Training must include an assessment component and a certificate of completion.

The South African Ethics in Health Research Guidelines: Principles, Processes and Structures, 2024, (V3.1) (NDoH 2024) state: 

“Competence is demonstrated mainly by academic qualifications, credentials, scientific and technical competence, as evidenced in previous publications or testimonials. Competence includes research competence, which is assessed in terms of education, knowledge, certification, and experience. In addition, researchers must produce evidence of appropriate research ethics training within the previous three years.” 

TUT HREC Requirements

To support your ethics application, you must submit:

  1. Proof of ethics training

A valid certificate must be attached to your ethics application.

  1. Recent certification

The certificate must not be older than three years at the time of submission.

  1. Assessed training

The course must include an assessment process and issue a certificate on successful completion.

Recognised Training Options

  1. Health Sciences Stream

TRREE - Training and Resources in Research Ethics Evaluation

Recommended for health and biomedical research.

Recommended modules:

  • Module 1: Introduction to Research Ethics
  • Module 2: Research Ethics Evaluation
  • Module 3: Informed Consent

Course link: https://elearning.trree.org/

  1. Social Sciences and Humanities Stream

Macquarie University - Social Sciences Ethics Training

Recommended for social sciences, humanities, and related non-health research.

Course features:

  • Six modules
  • Quiz after each module
  • Certificate issued after successful completion

Course link: https://ethicstraining.mq.edu.au/

  1. Additional / Cross-Disciplinary Training

The Global Health Network – Research Ethics Online Training (V2)

Suitable as additional or complementary ethics training across disciplines.

Course features:

  • 10 modules
  • Quiz after each module
  • Certificates issued per completed module

Course link: https://globalhealthtrainingcentre.tghn.org/elearning/research-ethics/

  1. Alternative Training Options Aligned with NDoH Requirements

TUT HREC may also consider other research ethics training programmes that are appropriately aligned with NDoH guideline requirements, provided that the training:

  • is relevant to the applicant’s research area.
  • includes an assessment component.
  • issues a certificate of successful completion.
  • was completed within the last three years.
  • demonstrates adequate coverage of core research ethics principles.

Where applicants wish to submit a certificate from an alternative provider, they may be requested to provide additional information on the course content for HREC review.

This option allows researchers to undertake equivalent ethics training relevant to their discipline while still meeting national and institutional compliance requirements.

Before submitting your ethics application:

  1. Choose the training stream most appropriate to your research area.
  2. Complete the required training and assessment.
  3. Obtain your certificate of completion.
  4. Attach the certificate to your ethics application.
  5. Ensure the certificate is still valid at the time of submission.

Important Submission Requirement

A copy of the ethics training certificate(s) for all researchers, supervisors, and students involved in the study must be included with every application submitted to the TUT HREC.

Certificates older than three years will not be accepted. Refresher training will then be required.