Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching

The Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching prepares students to become confident, capable and compassionate teachers for learners in Grade R to Grade 3. These early years of schooling are among the most important in a child’s educational journey, as they establish the foundations for literacy, numeracy, curiosity and lifelong learning.

This programme equips future teachers with the knowledge, teaching skills and practical experience needed to support young learners during this critical stage of development. Students learn how children think, learn and grow, and how teaching strategies can be designed to support different learning styles and backgrounds within the classroom.

The programme focuses on developing strong teaching competence in the core learning areas of the Foundation Phase: Home Language, English First Additional Language, Mathematics and Life Skills. Students gain both subject knowledge and teaching methodology, enabling them to teach these subjects in ways that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to the needs of young learners.

Three Home Language specialisation streams are available: Afrikaans Home Language Teaching and Learning, English Home Language Teaching and Learning, and IsiZulu Home Language Teaching and Learning. Students must select one stream at the time of enrolment.

Minimum – 4 years of study (full time)

Maximum – 8 years of study (part time)

Graduates may pursue career opportunities such as:

• Foundation Phase Teacher (Grades R–3)
• Private Tutor
• Online Tutor
• Educational Content Developer
• Curriculum Support Practitioner

With experience, graduates may progress to roles such as:

• Head of Department
• Deputy Principal
• School Principal
• Education Consultant

Upon successful completion of the qualification, graduates will receive a certificate reflecting the award: Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching. In addition, the following will be denoted on the certificate: Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) and Language(s) of Conversational Competence. Graduates will also receive an academic transcript.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, graduates are eligible to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) as professionally qualified teachers.

These documents will be issued at a graduation ceremony provided that your account is in order.

NB: Certificates cannot be issued to the students before the graduation ceremony.

Admission to the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching requires that applicants meet the minimum statutory and programme specific requirements for Bachelor’s degree study in South Africa.

Minimum statutory admission requirements:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s degree endorsement, or
• A National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) Level 4 with a Bachelor’s degree endorsement in an appropriate field, or
• An Amended Senior Certificate (ASC) with a Bachelor’s degree endorsement, or
• A Senior Certificate (SC) with full or conditional university exemption issued by the Matriculation Board (USAf), or
• A recognised foreign school leaving qualification evaluated by SAQA and approved by the Matriculation Board for Bachelor’s degree admission.

Where required, applicants must obtain the appropriate Matriculation Board exemption or endorsement prior to registration.

Alternative admission routes:

• Mature age exemption granted by the Matriculation Board (USAf).
• Articulation from relevant higher education qualifications at NQF Level 5 or 6, subject to Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) evaluation.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Applicants whose prior education was not conducted in English may be required to demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or institutional assessment.

Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission, as entry to the programme is subject to institutional enrolment planning, approved selection criteria, and regulatory requirements.

Enquire at your nearest Lyceum Branch Office for more information regarding the awarding of subject credits (Credit Accumulation and Transfer – CAT) towards Lyceum Qualifications.