diff --git a/blocks/course_list/block_course_list.php b/blocks/course_list/block_course_list.php
index 9e9f962eed2..c8880649ba7 100644
--- a/blocks/course_list/block_course_list.php
+++ b/blocks/course_list/block_course_list.php
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ class block_course_list extends block_list {
 
         $categories = get_categories("0");  // Parent = 0   ie top-level categories only
         if ($categories) {   //Check we have categories
-            if (count($categories) > 1) {     // Just print top level category links
+            if (count($categories) > 1 || (count($categories) == 1 && count_records('course') > 200)) {     // Just print top level category links
                 foreach ($categories as $category) {
                     $linkcss = $category->visible ? "" : " class=\"dimmed\" ";
                     $this->content->items[]="<a $linkcss href=\"$CFG->wwwroot/course/category.php?id=$category->id\">$category->name</a>";
diff --git a/course/index.php b/course/index.php
index d0d39292513..424bddbab86 100644
--- a/course/index.php
+++ b/course/index.php
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@
     if (!$adminediting) {
         $countcategories = count_records("course_categories");
 
-        if ($countcategories > 1) {
+        if ($countcategories > 1 || ($countcategories == 1 && count_records('course') > 200)) {
             $strcourses = get_string("courses");
             $strcategories = get_string("categories");
             print_header("$site->shortname: $strcategories", $strcourses,