What Are The Requirements To Teach At Unisa?
As a leader in online education, Unisa offers a variety of teaching positions that cater to passionate educators who thrive in a dynamic and remote learning environment.
If you’re interested in joining an esteemed faculty at Unisa, understanding the necessary qualifications is needed.
What qualifications do I need to teach at Unisa?
Unisa primarily hires educators with postgraduate qualifications, specifically a Master’s degree or a Doctorate (PhD) in the field they wish to teach.
However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the teaching position and academic department.
Here’s a general breakdown:
- Master’s Degree: A Master’s degree in your chosen teaching field is the minimum requirement for most teaching positions at Unisa. The specific Master’s program may have additional coursework or research experience requirements.
- Doctorate (PhD): Some Unisa departments, particularly those offering postgraduate studies, may require a PhD as a prerequisite for teaching. A PhD demonstrates a deep understanding of the subject matter and the ability to conduct independent research.
In addition to the above, the following are generally considered essential for teaching at Unisa:
- Teaching experience: Experience in teaching at a university level or another relevant educational institution is highly desirable. This demonstrates your ability to effectively engage students in a learning environment, even in a remote setting.
- Curriculum development experience: The ability to develop and manage online learning materials is crucial for Unisa lecturers. Experience in designing engaging online courses is a significant asset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills: While Unisa’s learning model is online, strong communication skills are necessary to interact with students through various channels and provide effective feedback.
- Technological proficiency: Comfort and competence in using online learning platforms and communication tools are essential for success at Unisa.
Do I need a teaching qualification to teach at Unisa?
While a teaching qualification, such as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), is not mandatory for all teaching positions at Unisa, it can be advantageous.
A PGCE equips educators with the necessary pedagogical skills for effective online teaching.
Additionally, some departments may give preference to candidates with a PGCE or similar qualification.
These are some resources to explore teaching qualifications in South Africa:
- The South African Council for Educators (SACE): https://www.sace.org.za/
- Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET): https://www.dhet.gov.za/
What are the different teaching positions available at Unisa?
Unisa offers various teaching positions, ranging from temporary and part-time lecturer roles to full-time professorships.
Some of the common positions include:
- Junior Lecturer: This entry-level position involves assisting with teaching, developing learning materials, and marking assignments.
- Lecturer: This role involves delivering lectures (online and offline), developing and managing courses, supervising students, and conducting research.
- Senior Lecturer: This position has a greater emphasis on research and scholarly activities in addition to teaching responsibilities.
- Professor: Professors hold senior positions within their departments and are expected to be leading researchers within their field. They contribute significantly to curriculum development and postgraduate studies.
Is there a demand for teachers in my subject area at Unisa?
The demand for teachers in a specific subject area at Unisa can fluctuate depending on student enrolment and departmental needs.
However, Unisa offers a wide range of qualifications across various disciplines.
You can get a general sense of current needs by exploring the “Faculties and Departments” section of the Unisa website.