The Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching (PGCE in Intermediate Phase Teaching) is a teaching qualification that enables students who have successfully completed, a) a cognate undergraduate degree (NQF Level 7) or b) a cognate postgraduate qualification (NQF level 8 and above) to pursue the Postgraduate Certificate in Education. The PGCE in Intermediate Phase Teaching enables graduates to enter the teaching profession as an Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 – 6) teacher in South African public and private schools. The PGCE in Intermediate Phase Teaching is an NQF Level 7 qualification consisting of a minimum of 144 credits.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching provides students with a holistic, child-centred approach to education, by facilitating their engagement with educational theory, an understanding of relevant and current policy and legislation, subject content knowledge, alongside cooperative and collaborative learning methodologies, which are relevant to the South African context (and to their journey of lifelong learning).
The qualification caters for students who have completed an appropriate degree, which must include sufficient disciplinary learning in appropriate fields to enable the development of teaching specialisation subjects applicable to Grades 4 -7. The qualification aims to produce ‘competent and qualified teachers who:
- are values-driven and child-centred.
- adopt a cooperative and collaborative approach (to their learning, the learning of others, children’s caregivers, and colleagues).
- have sufficient subject knowledge.
- understand diversity in the South African context.
- can engage in differentiated teaching, learning and assessment.
- can reflect critically on educational theory and practice.
- have highly developed literacy, numeracy, and information technology skills.
- conduct themselves in a manner that enhances and develops the South African teaching profession.
The qualification focuses on essential knowledge and skills for teachers, teaching in Grades 4 – 6, and in at least two teaching specialisations. Students may be required to complete a conversational African language module (Conversational isiZulu) to facilitate learning in multi-lingual classrooms if they are not proficient in an African language. They may also be required to complete the Technology and Teaching module if they are not proficient in the use of technology.
The programme duration is:Minimum – 1 year of study (full time)Maximum – 3 years of study (part time)
Students could potentially pursue a career in:
- Teacher
- Tutor
- Education liaison officer
- Educational consultant
- Educational advisor
Upon successful completion of the qualification, you will receive a certificate depicting: Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching, in addition the following will be denoted on the certificate:
Intermediate Phase Specialisations; Language(s) of Learning and Teaching (Lot); Language(s) of Conversational Competence and Subject Specialisations. The student will also receive an academic transcript. These documents will be issued at the graduation ceremonies, provided that your account is in order.
NB: Certificates cannot be issued to students before an official graduation ceremony.
The minimum requirements for admission into the Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching is either:
- A bachelor’s degree at NQF Level 7. This bachelor’s degree must include modules at an NQF in an appropriate discipline(s) to specialise in at least two Intermediate Phase school subjects as well as an appropriate language.
Or
- An approved 360-Credit, NQF Level 6 Diploma. This Diploma must include modules at NQF Level 6 in an appropriate discipline(s) to specialise in at least two Intermediate Phase school subjects.
Diplomas in the following fields may be appropriate however final approval is granted by the faculty based on the specific requirements of the programme:
- Engineering
- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
- Fine Art
- Dance
- Music
- Dramatic Arts
- Business Studies
- Accounting
- Design
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Medical Technology
- Chemical Technology
- Information Technology
- Biotechnology
- Sport and Exercise Technology
- Applied Sciences
- Mathematics Technology
Or
- An International Qualification of appropriate equivalence as determined by SAQA. For all international qualifications, SAQA evaluation Certificate is required and the syllabus.
International students whose first language is not English may be required to provide proof of English proficiency; otherwise, students will be required to take an English Proficiency test before admission.
