POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION (PGCE)
What is a PGCE?
A Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a professional qualification that allows a 3 year Bachelors Degree graduate the opportunity to become a qualified teacher. These qualifications essentially “cap” an academic qualification and allow graduates to register with the South African Council of Educators (SACE). There are 4 teaching phases that one may choose to specialize in, they are as follows;
- Foundation Phase (Grade R – 3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grade 4 – 7)
- Senior Phase (Grade 7 – 9)
- Further Education and Training (Grade 10 – 12)
What is SACE?
SACE is a statutory body for professional educators that aims to inspire a credible teaching profession in South Africa. SACE is responsible for safeguarding public confidence in the teaching profession by registering and monitoring educators that are fit to teach. They also aim to enhance the profession through the management of professional development and inculcation of a Code of Ethics for all educators.
Studying a PGCE?
A PGCE can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and can be done full- or part-time. There are also some universities that offer these programmes via distance learning, however there will always be a practical aspect (Work-Integrated Learning/Teaching Practice) that will need to be completed in a school environment under supervision. Upon the successful completion of the PGCE training, graduates may apply to register with SACE and become qualified teachers.
Admission Requirements
Prospective PGCE students must have at least obtained an undergraduate *Bachelors Degree. These Bachelors Degrees must include appropriate and sufficient academic knowledge to teach school subjects for a specific Phase, usually 2 subjects.
Some universities require PGCE students to have obtained a minimum of 60% in each of their major subjects during their undergraduate Bachelors Degree. This pertains specifically to majors that align with schooling level teaching subjects.
*Those that studied a professional Bachelors of Education (B.Ed) needn’t complete a PGCE as that professional qualification would already lead to registration.
Where can I study a PGCE?
Cognition & Co have searched for every PGCE programme in South Africa and created the following list of institutions. Our Research Team is constantly searching and updating this list, so make sure to check back regularly for updates.
University | Specialisation | Duration | Full or Part Time | Location | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
UNISA | Senior Phase & FET | 2 years | Part Time | Distance Learning | UNISA |
NMU | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Port Elizabeth | NMU |
NMU | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Port Elizabeth | NMU |
MANCOSA | FET | 1 year 6 months | Full Time | Distance Learning | MANOSA |
Varsity College | Senior Phase & FET | 2 years | Part Time | Contact | VC |
Stadio | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Distance | STADIO |
WITS | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year 2 years | Full Time Part Time | Johannesburg | WITS |
UCT | Foundation Phase | 1 year | Full Time | Cape Town | UCT |
UCT | Intermediate Phase | 1 year | Full Time | Cape Town | |
UCT | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Cape Town | |
UCT | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Cape Town | |
Cornerstone | Foundation Phase | 2 years | Part Time | Distance Learning | Cornerstone |
Cornerstone | Intermediate Phase | 2 years | Part Time | Distance Learning | Cornerstone |
UKZN | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Durban | UKZN |
UKZN | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Durban | |
UP | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Pretoria | UP |
UP | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Pretoria | |
TUT | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Soshanguve | TUT |
CUT | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year 2 years | Full Time Part Time | Bloemfontein | CUT |
SACAP | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Cape Town & Johannesburg | SACAP |
Stellenbosch University | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Stellenbosch | SUN |
Rhodes University | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Grahamstown | RU |
NWU | Senior Phase & FET | Full Time | Campuses & Distance Learning | NWU | |
Two Oceans Education Foundation | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year 2 years | Full Time Part Time | Distance Learning | TOGI |
CPUT | FET | 1 year 2 years | Full Time Part Time | Mowbray Campus | CPUT |
UJ | Senior Phase | 1 year | Full Time | Johannesburg | UJ |
UJ | FET | 2 years | Part Time | Johannesburg | |
UFS | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year | Full Time | Free State | UFS |
WSU | Senior Phase & FET | 1 year 2 years | Full Time Part Time | Queenstown | WSU |
UL | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Limpopo | UL |
UFH | Foundation Phase | 1 year | Full Time | East London | UFH |
UFH | FET | 1 year | Full Time | Alice | UFH |
UWC |
SP and FET Phase Subject Requirements for PGCE
School Subject | University Major(s) and Level |
---|---|
Coding and Robotics | Combination of two: Computer Science, Electronics, IT, Info Systems, Applied Maths, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths (one at 2nd-year level). |
Accounting | Accounting at 3rd-year level. |
Creative Arts | Any two Arts subjects, e.g., Music, Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, Design (one at 2nd-year level). |
Economic & Management Sciences | Any two: Accounting, Management, Economics (one at 2nd-year level). |
Life Sciences | Any two: Biology, Biochemistry, Zoology, Microbiology (one at 3rd-year). |
Marine Sciences | Any two: Environmental Sciences, Biology, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, etc. (one at 3rd-year level). |
Visual Arts | Art History + Fine Art Practice (both at 3rd-year), e.g., Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia, etc. |
Information Technology | Computer Science at 2nd or 3rd-year, or Info Systems at 3rd-year. |
Computer Applications Technology | Computer Science at 2nd-year, or Info Systems at 3rd-year. |
Dramatic Arts | Drama at 3rd-year level. |
Economics | Economics at 3rd-year level. |
Physical Sciences | Either Physics (3rd-year) + Chemistry (1st-year), or Chemistry (3rd-year) + Physics (1st-year). |
Social Sciences | Geography + History (at least one at 2nd-year level). |
Geography | Geography or Environmental Science at 3rd-year level. |
History | History at 3rd-year level. |
Business Studies | Management at 3rd-year level. |
Mathematics | Mathematics at 2nd-year (SP) or 3rd-year (FET). |
Mathematical Literacy | Matric Maths + Mathematical field subject at 2nd-year (e.g., Stats, Applied Maths). Applications evaluated. |
Music | Musicology at 3rd-year + Instrument at 2nd-year + Music Theory (Grade 8) + Piano (Grade 5). |
Natural Sciences | One Life Science + one Physical Science subject (one at 2nd-year level). |
Life Orientation | Psychology (compulsory) + one: Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, HKE, Politics, Labour Studies, Industrial Studies (both at 2nd-year). |
Design | Relevant design/tech-related subjects, e.g., Fine Art, Computer Science, Physics, Architecture (one at 3rd-year). Applications evaluated. |
Languages – Home Language | Relevant language at 2nd-year (SP) or 3rd-year (FET). |
Languages – First Additional | Relevant language at 2nd-year level. English: English 2 + another language/literature module. isiXhosa/Afrikaans: Language at 2nd-year. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be able to speak an African language?
No, proficiency in an African language is not required to enroll in a PGCE. However, it is mandatory to take an African language module as part of the PGCE curriculum.
Do I have to be computer literate?
If you haven’t already completed a computer literacy module during your undergraduate degree, you may need to take a computer and information studies module as part of your PGCE program.
What subjects can I teach with a PGCE?
The subjects you can teach are determined by the subjects you majored in during your undergraduate studies. For instance, if you majored in psychology, you may qualify to teach Life Orientation. A comprehensive list of subject equivalencies is typically provided by institutions offering the PGCE.
Is a PGCE more academic or practical?
The PGCE is primarily an academic course but includes a practical training component known as Work Integrated Learning (WIL), where you gain hands-on experience teaching in a school.
Can I complete a PGCE online?
Yes, there are many institutions offer PGCE programs with online components. However, the practical components, such as WIL or the teaching practicum, must be completed in person at an approved school. Students will need to make sure their schedules are able to accommodate the teaching practicum.
How are practical components completed in an online PGCE?
If you study online, you will still be required to attend a school in person to complete your practical training. Some universities will allocate students with a school, while others might request that the student applies for a placement in their area. Once the placement is applied for, the university will assist the student to get the correct documentation signed and registered.
When should I register with SACE?
You can provisionally register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) as a student during your studies. Full registration is only possible once you have successfully completed your PGCE.
If I complete a PGCE in the Primary Phase, can I teach high school?
No, you are only qualified to teach the phase you studied for. For example, a Foundation Phase PGCE qualifies you to teach Grades R-3, while a Further Education and Training (FET) PGCE qualifies you for Grades 10-12.
Do I have to teach in a government school?
No, as a qualified teacher, you can work in government, private, or independent schools, depending on your preferences and opportunities.
Can I specialize in a specific subject during the PGCE?
Yes, the specialization is determined by your undergraduate subjects. Institutions will guide you on which teaching subjects align with your academic background. Students must have achieved a minimum of 60% in their major subject in order to specialize in that subject – this varies from university to university.
How long does it take to complete a PGCE?
A PGCE typically takes one academic year to complete if studied full-time. Part-time or online options may extend the duration. Please use the table above to determine the length of the various programs. Additionally, students are encouraged to contact the various universities for up-to-date information on the programs offered.
Is the PGCE internationally recognized?
Yes, a PGCE is recognized in many countries, although requirements for teaching abroad may include additional certifications or qualifications.
Can I pursue a PGCE if my undergraduate degree is not education-focused?
Yes, as long as your degree includes at least two teaching subjects that align with the curriculum requirements for a PGCE program.
Will doing a PGCE help with my Master’s applications in psychology?
While a PGCE does not directly contribute to a psychology Master’s qualification, the teaching experience can enhance your interpersonal, leadership, and reflective skills, which are valuable in psychology-related fields.