Program Overview

Introduction to the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year full-time program offered by the University of Cape Town's School of Education. This program is designed for individuals who wish to become teachers and is the only program at the University of Cape Town that enables one to become a teacher and teach within the South African schooling system.

Program Details

• The PGCE program is a demanding full-time contact program that runs from January to November.
• It is neither offered part-time, nor online, nor by correspondence.
• The program fees are:
  • Senior Phase & Further Education: R 60 800 - R 72 600
  • Further Education: R 60 800 - R 72 600

Admission Criteria

• To be eligible for the PGCE program, applicants must have a Bachelor's degree or a diploma in a relevant field.
• For certain subjects, such as Music, applicants must have completed specific courses or have a minimum number of credits in relevant subjects.
• Preference is given to students with two undergraduate teaching subjects.

Teaching Subjects

• The following subjects are considered FET-only subjects: English, History, Geography, Mathematics, Visual Arts & Design, Drama, and Dance.
• For subjects like Life Orientation (LO), applicants must have Psychology 3 (120 credits at least).
• Afrikaans, Economics, isiXhosa, and other subjects cannot be taken without a second teaching subject of at least 60 credits.

Application Process

• Applications for the PGCE program are open from 1 April to 31 October.
• Applicants should apply as early as possible, as late applications will not be accepted.
• For Music applicants, there is a limited number of places available (15), and they must apply prior to 31 August.

Bursaries and Funding

• The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) funds the PGCE program.
• The HCI Foundation offers bursaries to PGCE students, with applications usually opening in August-September.
• The National Students Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) might offer some funding for PGCE students, but there is no guarantee.

Language Requirements

• The program offers an isiXhosa course for students who are not proficient or who did not do languages during their undergraduate studies.
• However, students who do not speak isiXhosa are advised to obtain an undergraduate credit in the subject.

International Recognition

• The PGCE qualification from the University of Cape Town enables one to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE), which is recognized internationally.
• This qualification allows individuals to teach abroad, although requirements may vary across countries, and some may require additional courses.