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.

 

UniversitySpecialisationDurationFull or Part TimeLocationWebsite
UNISASenior Phase & FET2 yearsPart TimeDistance LearningUNISA
NMUSenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimePort ElizabethNMU
NMUFET1 yearFull TimePort ElizabethNMU
MANCOSAFET1 year 6 monthsFull TimeDistance LearningMANOSA
Varsity CollegeSenior Phase & FET2 yearsPart TimeContactVC
StadioSenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimeDistanceSTADIO
WITSSenior Phase & FET1 year
2 years
Full Time
Part Time
JohannesburgWITS
UCTFoundation Phase1 yearFull TimeCape TownUCT
UCTIntermediate Phase1 yearFull TimeCape Town
UCTSenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimeCape Town
UCTFET1 yearFull TimeCape Town
CornerstoneFoundation Phase2 yearsPart TimeDistance LearningCornerstone
CornerstoneIntermediate Phase2 yearsPart TimeDistance LearningCornerstone
UKZNSenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimeDurbanUKZN
UKZNFET1 yearFull TimeDurban
UPSenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimePretoriaUP
UPFET1 yearFull TimePretoria
TUTFET1 yearFull TimeSoshanguveTUT
CUTSenior Phase & FET1 year
2 years
Full Time
Part Time
BloemfonteinCUT
SACAPSenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimeCape Town & JohannesburgSACAP
Stellenbosch UniversityFET1 yearFull TimeStellenboschSUN
Rhodes UniversitySenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimeGrahamstownRU
NWUSenior Phase & FETFull TimeCampuses & Distance LearningNWU
Two Oceans Education FoundationSenior Phase & FET1 year
2 years
Full Time
Part Time
Distance LearningTOGI
CPUTFET1 year
2 years
Full Time
Part Time
Mowbray CampusCPUT
UJSenior Phase1 yearFull TimeJohannesburgUJ
UJFET2 yearsPart TimeJohannesburg
UFSSenior Phase & FET1 yearFull TimeFree StateUFS
WSUSenior Phase & FET1 year
2 years
Full Time
Part Time
QueenstownWSU
ULFET1 yearFull TimeLimpopoUL
UFHFoundation Phase1 yearFull TimeEast LondonUFH
UFHFET1 yearFull TimeAliceUFH
UWC

SP and FET Phase Subject Requirements for PGCE

School SubjectUniversity Major(s) and Level
Coding and RoboticsCombination of two: Computer Science, Electronics, IT, Info Systems, Applied Maths, Chemistry, Physics, or Maths (one at 2nd-year level).
AccountingAccounting at 3rd-year level.
Creative ArtsAny two Arts subjects, e.g., Music, Drama, Dance, Visual Arts, Design (one at 2nd-year level).
Economic & Management SciencesAny two: Accounting, Management, Economics (one at 2nd-year level).
Life SciencesAny two: Biology, Biochemistry, Zoology, Microbiology (one at 3rd-year).
Marine SciencesAny two: Environmental Sciences, Biology, Zoology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, etc. (one at 3rd-year level).
Visual ArtsArt History + Fine Art Practice (both at 3rd-year), e.g., Painting, Sculpture, Multimedia, etc.
Information TechnologyComputer Science at 2nd or 3rd-year, or Info Systems at 3rd-year.
Computer Applications TechnologyComputer Science at 2nd-year, or Info Systems at 3rd-year.
Dramatic ArtsDrama at 3rd-year level.
EconomicsEconomics at 3rd-year level.
Physical SciencesEither Physics (3rd-year) + Chemistry (1st-year), or Chemistry (3rd-year) + Physics (1st-year).
Social SciencesGeography + History (at least one at 2nd-year level).
GeographyGeography or Environmental Science at 3rd-year level.
HistoryHistory at 3rd-year level.
Business StudiesManagement at 3rd-year level.
MathematicsMathematics at 2nd-year (SP) or 3rd-year (FET).
Mathematical LiteracyMatric Maths + Mathematical field subject at 2nd-year (e.g., Stats, Applied Maths). Applications evaluated.
MusicMusicology at 3rd-year + Instrument at 2nd-year + Music Theory (Grade 8) + Piano (Grade 5).
Natural SciencesOne Life Science + one Physical Science subject (one at 2nd-year level).
Life OrientationPsychology (compulsory) + one: Philosophy, Sociology, Anthropology, HKE, Politics, Labour Studies, Industrial Studies (both at 2nd-year).
DesignRelevant design/tech-related subjects, e.g., Fine Art, Computer Science, Physics, Architecture (one at 3rd-year). Applications evaluated.
Languages – Home LanguageRelevant language at 2nd-year (SP) or 3rd-year (FET).
Languages – First AdditionalRelevant 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

No, as a qualified teacher, you can work in government, private, or independent schools, depending on your preferences and opportunities.

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. 

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.

Yes, a PGCE is recognized in many countries, although requirements for teaching abroad may include additional certifications or qualifications.

Yes, as long as your degree includes at least two teaching subjects that align with the curriculum requirements for a PGCE program.

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.

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