Program Overview

Programme: PGDip Technical and Vocational Education and Training

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Technical and Vocational Education and Training is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the TVET sector. The program is offered by the Faculty of Education at the University of Pretoria.

Admission Requirements

To be eligible for admission, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Relevant bachelor's degree, or
• Relevant advanced diploma (in TVET, NQF level 7), or
• Relevant advanced diploma in teaching/Postgraduate Certificate in Education, or
• Relevant four-year bachelor's degree in teaching (e.g., BEd, BAEd, BSecEd; BSc Ed), or
• Relevant three-year professional teaching qualification with appropriate prior learning, or
• National Diploma with appropriate prior learning. Applicants must also demonstrate computer literacy proficiency as determined by a proficiency test.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must be employed as academic staff in the TVET sector.
• Applicants must be able to demonstrate sufficient computer literacy, which will be assessed, or must have a recognized Information Technology qualification that meets this need.
• Applicants must have access to Internet Communications infrastructure.

Programme Structure

The program takes the form of integrated work-based professional learning, addressing the multidimensional practice of education in a TVET context. The focus is on authentic workplace assessment. The program extends over one year and is presented in block sessions, followed by evening classes every fortnight. In distance and hybrid off-campus modes, the program extends over one or two years and is presented with two optional contact sessions per year, followed by ICT-driven guided study.

Pass with Distinction

The certificate is awarded with distinction to a student who has obtained an average of at least 75%, with a minimum of 65% in each module (no rounding).

Minimum Credits

The minimum credits required for the program are 130.

Core Modules

The program consists of the following core modules:

• CDD 711: Curriculum Development
• EDM 734: Financial and Human Resource Management
• KGG 731: Emotional-Social Wellbeing
• LMD 700: Instructional Management
• LVO 732: Management and Leadership in Education
• OWT 730: Educational Technology in Higher Education
• PFO 700: Professional Development in TVET
• QPI 713: Assessment and Quality Assurance

Module Descriptions

CDD 711: Curriculum Development

This module covers theories, principles, and foundations of curriculum design and development processes. It provides an overview of international and national models and trends in curriculum/programme development. A project-based approach is used to manage curriculum design, development, and evaluation processes in a real-world context.

EDM 734: Financial and Human Resource Management

This module provides theoretical and practical approaches to financial and human resources management within the TVET sector. Aspects of budgets, strategic management and governance, asset management, recruitment and selection of staff, performance management, and continuous professional development are core themes explored in this module.

KGG 731: Emotional-Social Wellbeing

This module enhances higher education managers' understanding and capacity to promote mental wellbeing of staff and students. It focuses on systemic support strategies encompassing the context of high need to empower managers to advance preventative psychological health and to acquire specialized knowledge regarding how to strengthen staff and students' emotional-social wellbeing and resilience.

LMD 700: Instructional Management

This module covers monitoring and evaluation of instruction in higher education. Managers in higher education develop strategies to enhance the quality of teaching and learning by exploring best practices in learning facilitation and the provision of professional development initiatives and interventions to improve instructional practices.

LVO 732: Management and Leadership in Education

This module introduces education management theories, processes, and models related to education management as functions to ensure effective task execution in the TVET sector. Students acquire competence in the deployment of effective leadership and management strategies to enhance the quality of teaching and learning and to create a productive internal educational environment in their institutions.

OWT 730: Educational Technology in Higher Education

This module explores e-learning and e-assessment in the context of the fourth industrial revolution, as well as developing and supporting digital competencies in the TVET context. Educators explore how higher education institutional policy can be transformed to accommodate technology in education and to make effective use of digital media and blended learning environments.

PFO 700: Professional Development in TVET

This module focuses on the professional development of TVET managers and professional leadership in the TVET context from a holistic viewpoint. It integrates theoretical and practical aspects and considers both national and international perspectives. It encompasses project-based learning that requires implementation of the program components and their integration within a context of school and workplace, as well as a professional and substantiated reflection.

QPI 713: Assessment and Quality Assurance

This module provides knowledge on quality assurance, assessment, and accreditation requirements within the context of the national education and training system. The focus is on the legislative base, policies, and structures of national and international accreditation and quality assurance bodies. Models and perspectives on quality assurance of institutions are explored. Processes relevant to quality management and the monitoring and evaluation of programs within the TVET sector and broader Higher Education arena are central to the course. The design and development of quality assessment instruments will be covered. TVET managers will be equipped with principles and strategies for the assessment of 21st-century skills relevant to training students entering the current, globalized economy.