The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year professional teaching qualification in South Africa designed to “cap” an undergraduate degree or recognized national diploma, allowing graduates to qualify as professional educators. To be eligible, applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or a 360-credit NQF level 6/7 diploma that includes at least two school-related subjects, with specific requirements regarding the level at which those subjects were passed.
Core Admission Requirements
While specific criteria can vary slightly between institutions, the following are the standard requirements for enrollment in a PGCE program:
Academic Qualifications
- Degree or Diploma: You must hold a bachelor’s degree or an approved 360-credit National Diploma (NQF Level 6 or 7).
- Subject Specialization: Your undergraduate studies must include sufficient disciplinary learning in fields recognized by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET).
- Subject Level Requirements: To qualify for specific teaching methodologies, you generally need to have passed the relevant school subject at the university level. For example, for Further Education and Training (FET) methodology, the subject typically needs to be passed at the second or third-year level. For Senior Phase (SP) methodology, at least first or second-year level pass is usually required.
Additional Competencies
- Language Proficiency: Most programs require evidence of conversational competence in at least one official South African language beyond English or Afrikaans. If you cannot provide proof of this, you may be required to register for an additional conversational language module.
- Computer Literacy: Basic ICT and computer proficiency are essential. Institutions will often assess this at the start of the program, and students who lack these skills may be required to complete an End-User Computing or similar support module.
Understanding the Teaching Phases
When applying for a PGCE, you will select a teaching phase based on your undergraduate major subjects:
- Foundation Phase: Focused on teaching primary school learners in their early years.
- Intermediate Phase: Focused on learners in grades 4–6.
- Senior Phase (SP): Focused on grades 7–9.
- Further Education and Training (FET): Focused on grades 10–12.
Most universities require you to select a combination of phases or subjects that align with your previous academic background to ensure you have the subject matter expertise required for the classroom.
Work Integrated Learning (WIL)
A mandatory component of the PGCE is the Teaching Practice or Work Integrated Learning (WIL) module. This involves a period of school-based placement (usually 8 to 10 weeks) where students teach under the supervision of a qualified mentor teacher. This experience is assessed and is a prerequisite for graduation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of qualification do I need to apply for a PGCE?
You need a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or a recognized 360-credit National Diploma at NQF Level 6 or 7 from a DHET-registered higher education institution.
Can I apply if my degree does not have enough school-related subjects?
If your degree lacks sufficient credits in the necessary school subjects, some institutions may allow you to register for “non-degree purpose” (NDP) modules to make up the missing credits. You should consult the university’s admissions office to see if this is an option for your specific degree.
What is the difference between SP and FET methodologies?
The Senior Phase (SP) covers Grades 7–9, while the Further Education and Training (FET) phase covers Grades 10–12. The academic requirements for FET are generally more stringent, often requiring your major subject to have been passed at a third-year university level.
Is the PGCE a full-time or part-time qualification?
The PGCE is typically offered as a one-year full-time program. However, many institutions also offer part-time or distance-learning options that can be completed over two or more years, depending on the number of modules and school-based practice requirements.
Are TVET college diplomas accepted for PGCE entry?
Generally, no. Most universities state that Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) qualifications do not satisfy the admission requirements for the PGCE. You must have a qualification that meets the specific disciplinary learning requirements defined in the national policy (MRTEQ).
What happens during the Teaching Practice component?
Teaching Practice involves working in a school environment under the supervision of a mentor. You are required to observe, prepare lessons, and teach subjects for which you are seeking specialization. It is a full-time commitment during the designated weeks, usually requiring your presence for the full school day.