Program Overview

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Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase Teaching

The Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase Teaching is a four-year program that is internationally recognized and qualifies graduates to teach grades R-3.

Overview

The BEd qualifies students to teach in any school in South Africa and to register with the South African Council of Educators (SACE). A BEd from Wits provides career options in teaching or educational research. Students can choose from three BEd degrees: Foundation Phase Teaching: Grades R-3, Intermediate Phase Teaching: Grades 4-7, and Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching: Grades 8-12. While certain courses are compulsory for all BEd students, students can take other courses that prepare them to teach particular phases and teach subjects effectively to different age groups. All students undertake regular practical teaching experience during their studies.

Career Opportunities

• Teacher (Grades R-3)

Curriculum

First Year

• Education IA AND B
• Being a Foundation Phase Teacher A AND B
• Mathematics for Primary School Teachers
• Childhood Studies I
• Literacy for Primary School Teachers I
• Arts for Teachers
• Teaching Experience IA AND IB
• ICT Literacy
  • AND, select one elective from the following:
    • Fun with Choir
    • Physical Activity and Sports in Schools
    • Financial Planning and Entrepreneurship
    • Learning in and through Art
    • Learning in and through Drama

Second Year

• Education II
• Mathematics for Primary School Teachers II
• Literacy for Primary School Teachers II
• Childhood Studies II
  • AND, select ONE additional language; a language not taken for the NSC, and which is not a home language:
    • isiZulu I
    • Sesotho I
    • isiZulu Additional Language I
    • Sesotho Additional Language I
    • South African Sign Language I
• Teaching Experience II

Third Year

• Education III
• Mathematics for Foundation Phase Teachers III
• Literacy for Primary School Teachers III
• Teaching Experience IIIA AND IIIB
  • AND, select ONE additional language from the following:
    • IsiZulu Additional Language II
    • Sesotho Additional Language II
    • IsiZulu II
    • Sesotho II
    • South African Sign language II

Fourth Year

• Education IV
• Mathematics for Primary School Teachers IV
• Literacy for Foundation Phase Teachers IV
• Childhood Studies IV
• Being a Teacher
• Teaching Experience IV A/B
  • AND, select two electives from the following:
    • Learning in and through Art
    • Learning in and through Drama

Entry Requirements

• APS 37+
• English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
• Mathematics Level 4 OR Maths Literacy Level 5 OR Technical Mathematics Level 5
• Wait-listing: Applicants with an entry requirement of at least 31-36 APS points are wait-listed, subject to place availability.

Additional Selection Criteria

Preference is given to students with higher English results. Due to limited space, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to place availability, academic results, and other entry requirements, where applicable.

University Application Process

The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.

• Check the admission requirements for your degree.
• Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
• Submit your application, required documentation, and application fee before the closing date.
• Once you have applied, an Admissions Consultant will be assigned to your application.
• Applicants can monitor the progress of their application/s via the Self Service Portal.
• Part-time students are not eligible for NSFAS funding, University Entrance Scholarships, or campus residence placement.
• If you are an international applicant and/or hold a foreign qualification, please note that additional requirements may apply.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first-year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results, and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees for the first year of study are available on the Fees website, which also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied, you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. The Financial Aid and Scholarships Office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships, and National Olympiad winner awards.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: HFA00
• Faculty: Humanities
• School: Wits School of Education
• Qualification: BEd
• Duration: 4 years
• Study Mode: Full-time

Closing Date

Application closing date: 30 September 2025