Program Overview

Introduction to the BEd Honours Programme

The BEd Honours programme is designed primarily for students who wish to progress to an academic Master's degree in Education. This programme is offered by the School of Education at the University of Cape Town.

Overview

The BEd Honours programme is a one-year full-time qualification. However, it is strongly recommended that students in full-time employment complete the programme over two years, with coursework in the first year and the research project in the second year. Please note that the BEd Honours programme is not offered by distance learning or correspondence.

Admission Requirements

• Faculty requirements as set out under Rule FH3 (See Faculty Handbook)
• Specialisation requirements:
  • A degree recognised for teaching purposes of this university or of another university recognised by Senate for the purpose, and a professional teaching qualification recognised by Senate with an average mark of at least 65%
  • A BEd degree with an average mark for the degree of at least 65%
  • A four-year, post-senior certificate, teacher's diploma or diplomas recognised by Senate, and a record in the final year of study of an average mark of 70%
  • A record of professional and academic work considered by Senate to be satisfactory for the degree
  • At least two years relevant teaching or work experience, which must be clearly indicated on your CV
• Acceptance is on the recommendation of the Head of Department

Registration

Registration for BEd Honours will be online. However, all students who want to register must attend an in-person orientation. Only once you have attended the in-person orientation and met with the BEd Honours Convenor will the academic advice hold on your registration be lifted, enabling you to register.

Curriculum

The programme comprises four courses, each of which must be completed. Candidates may choose one of the curriculum options below.

Curriculum A

• EDN4506F/S South African Education in Context
• EDN4507S Learning & Teaching
• EDN4508W Doing Research in Education
• And one approved elective from the list below

Curriculum B

• EDN4507S Learning & Teaching
• EDN4508W Doing Research in Education
• And two approved electives from the list below

Approved Elective Courses in Streams (Specialisations)

• Curriculum: EDN4512F Curriculum: theory, research & practice
• Language & Literacy: EDN4514F Lang & Lit in Schooling: Theory, Research & Practice
• Science Education: EDN4516F Knowledge for Practice in Science Education
• Mathematics Education: EDN4515F Knowledge for Practice in Mathematics Education
• History Education: EDN4513F History Education: theory, research & practice
• Psychology of Education: EDN4520F Educational psych in changing context of SA schooling
• Educational Management & Leadership: EDN4517F Educational Management & Leadership
• Adult and Vocational Education: EDN4518S Knowledge & Experience in Adult & Vocational Education

Course Outlines

EDN4508W Doing Research in Education

The purpose of the course is to develop students' capacity to design research in their field/specialism with a view to preparing them to conduct and report on independent research.

EDN4506F South African Education in Contexts

This course addresses the foundations of education and professional studies in the South African context.

EDN4507S Learning and Teaching

This course investigates the interrelated issues of learning, teaching, and cognitive change.

EDN4512F Curriculum: Theory, Research & Practice

The study of curriculum is the study of how dominant groups in society select and codify the knowledge they consider to be important for children to learn.

EDN4513F History Education: Theory, Research & Practice

This course aims to engage students critically with current theory, research, and practice in the field of history education.

EDN4514F Language & Literacy in Schooling: Theory, Research & Practice

The course aims to develop students' understanding of the language and literacy challenges in South African schooling.

EDN4515F Knowledge for Practice in Mathematics Education

The aim of the course is to expose students to a range of theoretical and methodological positions in the field of mathematics education.

EDN4516F Knowledge for Practice in Science Education

The course aims to consolidate and deepen students' understanding of the thinking, practice, and research approaches in the specialist field of science education.

EDN4517F Educational Management and Leadership

Through an examination of key concepts in leadership styles and managerial practices, the course aims to focus students/practitioners on ways to improve teaching and learning in schools.

EDN4520F Educational Psychology in Changing Context of South African Schooling

Educational Psychology in Changing Context of South African Schooling examines children's development and learning in South African schooling against the background of contemporary social and educational changes.