Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching

Qualification Details

• Qualification Stream: Life Sciences
• Qualification Code: 90148 - BIO
• NQF Level: 7
• Total Credits: 132
• Admission Points Score (APS/AS): 50

Rules and Regulations

• Teachers who are already professionally qualified to teach may not pursue this qualification.
• Students are responsible for consulting with the relevant Education Department districts or Provincial Education Departments regarding upgrading to additional REQV levels.
• Outstanding admission requirements may not be offered for non-degree purposes (NDP).
• Students who do not meet all admission requirements should consider applying for a Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree if they are not already professionally qualified.
• UNISA reserves the right to cancel PGCE modules registered in excess of the prescribed number.
• Students completing the PGCE over more than one year must register the Teaching Methodology in the same year as the Teaching Practice.
• The maximum duration for completing the PGCE qualification is three years.
• Some of the pre-requisites and/or co-requisites outlined may not apply, as they do not form part of the curriculum.

Purpose Statement

The qualification serves as a professional 'capping' qualification for educators in schools. It aims to:

• Develop and consolidate an integrated understanding of disciplinary, pedagogical, practical, and situational knowledge.
• Cultivate a practical understanding of teaching and learning within a diverse array of South African schools, incorporating educational theory, phase and subject specialisation, practice, and policy.
• Foster self-reflexivity and self-understanding among prospective teachers.
• Nurture a commitment to the ideals of the teaching profession and an appreciation for teaching as a professional endeavor.
• Develop professional dispositions and self-identity of learners as teachers.
• Empower learners to become active citizens and instill the dispositions of citizenship in their students.
• Promote competencies that enable the organization of learning among diverse learners in varied contexts.

This qualification will be delivered through both online and distance learning modes.

Module Selection

Each qualification is structured to ensure students must pass a specific number of NQF level credits within a defined timeframe to graduate.

Module Registration Guidelines

• Co-requisite: If Module A is a co-requisite for Module B, registration for both must occur simultaneously.
• Pre-requisite: Module A must be completed before registering for Module B.
• Students must consider their available time when selecting modules:
  • Approximately 6 to 8 hours per week for semester modules.
  • Approximately 4 to 6 hours per week for year modules.

Curriculum

This qualification consists of 11 modules and 132 credits. Below are the details of the modules:

Group A: Compulsory Modules

• AED3701: Assessment in Education
  • Pre-requisite: TPF3703 or TPN3703 or TPS3703 (not applicable for PGCE)
• CMG3701: Classroom Management
• CUS3701: Curriculum Studies
• ESC3701: Educational Studies in Context
• INC3701: Inclusive Education
• PED3701: Psychology of Education
• TMS3723: Teaching Life Sciences in Further Education and Training
• TMS3728: Teaching Natural Sciences in the Senior Phase
• TPS3705: Teaching Practice for Senior Phase
  • Co-requisite: TMS3703 or TMS3733 or TMS3728 or TMS3708 or TMS3716 or TMS3720 or TMS3731 or TMS3722 or TMS3726
• TPS3706: Teaching Practice for Further Education and Training
  • Co-requisite: TMS3707 or TMS3723 or TMS3704 or SDC4701 or TMS3709 or TMS3719 or TMS3715 or SDENG3J or TMS3705 or TMS3710 or TMS3701 or TMS3713 or TMS3714 or SDH4701 or TMS3706 or TMS3718 or TMS3721 or TMS3725 or TMS3724 or TMS3729 or TMS3730 or TMS3734 or TMS3711

Group B: Language of Communicative Competence

Choose ONE module from the following:

• AFK1505: Afrikaans for Beginners
  • Recommendation: Successful completion of level 4 (National Senior Certificate) and adequate competency in English for instructional use.
• NDE1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - isiNdebele
• NSO1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - Sepedi
• SNL1507: Basic Sign Language
• SSO1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - Sesotho
• SWA1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - SiSwati
• TSO1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - Xitsonga
• TSW1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - Setswana
• VEN1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - Tshivenda
• XHO1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - isiXhosa
• ZUL1507: Applied African Language Communicative Competence for Second Additional Language - isiZulu

University of South Africa

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Overview:

The University of South Africa (Unisa) is the largest open distance learning institution in Africa and the longest-standing dedicated distance education university in the world. It is a public university with a global reach, enrolling nearly one-third of South African students.

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Services Offered:

Unisa offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Online learning platform:

Unisa provides a comprehensive online learning platform, myUnisa, which allows students to access course materials, submit assignments, communicate with lecturers, and participate in online discussions.

Student support services:

Unisa offers various support services to students, such as academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and disability support.

Library resources:

Unisa has a vast library collection, accessible both online and through physical branches, providing students with access to a wide range of books, journals, and other research materials.

Regional centers:

Unisa has regional centers across South Africa, offering students access to physical learning spaces, support services, and opportunities for face-to-face interaction.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

As a distance learning institution, Unisa's campus experience is primarily online. Students can expect to engage with their studies through online platforms, participate in virtual discussions, and connect with fellow students through online forums. While there are limited opportunities for face-to-face interaction, Unisa offers regional centers and occasional events that provide opportunities for students to connect with their peers and faculty.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Accessibility:

Unisa offers flexible and accessible learning opportunities for students of all backgrounds and locations.

Global reach:

Unisa's online platform allows students from around the world to access its programs and resources.

Wide range of qualifications:

Unisa offers a diverse range of qualifications, from undergraduate to postgraduate levels, covering various disciplines.

Affordable education:

Unisa strives to provide affordable education options for students, with various financial aid programs available.

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Academic Programs:

Unisa offers a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines, including:

Accounting Sciences

Agriculture & Environmental Sciences

Economic & Management Sciences

Education

College of Graduate Studies

Human Sciences

Law

Science, Engineering & Technology

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Other:

Unisa is committed to research and innovation, with a focus on addressing societal challenges and contributing to the development of Africa. The university has several research institutes and chairs, and its researchers are actively involved in various national and international collaborations. Unisa also has a strong focus on community engagement and outreach, working to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.