Unisa PGCE
Unisa PGCE
The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) as a pathway for individuals who already hold an undergraduate degree and wish to become professional teachers. This qualification is designed for those seeking to enter the teaching profession without pursuing a full Bachelor of Education degree. The PGCE at Unisa focuses on the Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) levels, covering teaching from Grade 7 to Grade 12. It is structured to be completed within a maximum of three years, with a recommended study time of about one year. The program includes a combination of semester and year modules, along with a compulsory 10-week teacher practice component. Admission requirements include a relevant bachelor’s degree, completion of at least one school subject at a second level, proficiency in two official languages at the first level, and an APS score of 50. The PGCE is the only alternative route recommended by Unisa for qualifying as a schoolteacher, distinct from other postgraduate diplomas that do not confer teaching qualifications. The qualification is priced around R19,895 for study fees, excluding additional costs. Unisa phased out PGCE offerings in some education phases after 2022, emphasizing the Senior Phase and FET PGCE as the primary route. This program remains a popular choice for career changers and graduates from other fields who want to enter education without an extended study period.
Unisa PGCE requirements:
The Unisa PGCE is an extensive program that offers potential teachers the information, skills, and practical experience they need to become effective teachers. The program prepares instructors for the Foundation Phase (grades R–3) and the Intermediate Phase (grades 4–6) levels. It emphasises critical pedagogical and subject-specific skills, cultivating a comprehensive understanding of child development, and meeting students’ different needs.
PGCE acts as a professional ‘limiting’ qualification for applicants who have earned a suitable 360 or 480-credit Bachelor’s degree other than the BEd. The qualification accredits the development of professional competence reflexively grounded in the philosophy of education. Unisa presents this PGCE qualification by using both online and distance learning modes.
Unisa PGCE Application Date 2026/2027
- Applications for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year to be open from 21 August to 11 October 2026.
READ ALSO: UNISA Education Courses 2026
Unisa PGCE Qualifications
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Agriculture and Life Sciences (90148 – AGR)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Agriculture and Management (90148 – AGM)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Agriculture and Technology (90148 – AGT)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Art (90148 – ART)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Business Studies (90148 – BUS)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Consumer Studies (90148 – CON)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Economics (90148 – ECO)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Engineering Technology (90148 – ETC)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching English (90148 – ENG)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Financial Accounting (90148 – FAC)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Geography (90148 – GEO)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching History (90148 – HIS)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Hospitality Studies (90148 – HOS)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Information Computer Studies (90148 – ICA)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Languages (90148 – LAN)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Languages and Human Sciences (90148 – LAH)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Languages and Social Sciences (90148 – LAS)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Life Orientation (90148 – LOR)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Life Sciences (90148 – BIO)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Life Sciences and Mathematics (90148 – BIM)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Mathematical Literacy (90148 – MTL)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Mathematics (90148 – MAT)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Mathematics and Natural Sciences (90148 – MAS)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Music and Language (90148 – MUL)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Music and Management (90148 – MUM)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Physical Sciences (90148 – PHS)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Physical Sciences and Mathematics (90148 – PSM)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Religious Studies (90148 – REL)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Sport Science (90148 – SPT)
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching Tourism (90148 – TRM).
How To Choose Your PGCE Modules
- At least 36 NQF credits in your first year of study (3 modules of 12 credits each).
- At least 48 NQF credits in your second or subsequent years of study (4 modules of 12 credits each).
You can not register for more than the maximum number of credits/modules permitted per semester:
- At least 60 NQF credits in a semester (5 modules of 12 credits each).
- For annual modules, at least 120 NQF credits (10 modules of 12 credits each) per year.
The Unisa PGCE Curriculum For This Qualification
Group A. Compulsory Educational Themes. Choose any 4 modules
- EDAHOD5 – The Educator as Assessor
- EDDHODJ – The Educator as Learning Programme Developer
- EDLHODM – The Educator as Leader, Manager, and Administrator
- EDMHODR – The Educator as Mediator of Learning
- EDPHOD8 – The Educator in a Pastoral Role
- EDT1601 – Child Development
Group B. Compulsory Professional Studies.
- PFC101Q – Professional Studies Theme A: Social Sciences and Environmental Education
- PFC102R – Professional Studies Theme B: Teaching Mathematics and Natural Sciences
- PFC103S – Professional Studies Theme C: Technology Education, Economic Literacy and Entrepreneurship
- PFC104T – Teaching Practice (Including Oral Communication) Co-requisite: PFC101Q, PFC102R & PFC103S
Group C. Choose any 2 modules
- ETH302S – Inclusive Education A
- ETH305V – Multicultural Education (Educational Themes 305)
- EUP1501 – Ethical Information and Communication Technologies for Development Solutions
- HEC101V – Health Education
- PST131J – Language Teaching
- PST210G – Arts and Culture
PST312M – Physical Education and Sports Coaching
Unisa PGCE Fees
- Pay the application fee of R140
Calculate fees hereafter selecting modules.
UNISA Contact Information
Address:
- Preller Street, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria
- Sunnyside campus (applications, registrations & learning centre):
- Cnr Justice Mahomed & Steve Biko Streets, Sunnyside, Pretoria
- Tel: 0800 005 311
- Email: unisa@whistleblowing.co.za
The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) program at the University of South Africa is a model of excellence in teacher preparation. Unisa plays a critical role in influencing the future of education in South Africa by providing educators with the information and skills they need to thrive in diverse classrooms. Visit Unisa’s Official Website.
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