Which Study Is Best For Teaching

The University of South Africa, popularly known as Unisa, offers a wide variety of teaching qualifications, catering to various educational aspirations.

Choosing the most suitable study path can be difficult, especially for aspiring teachers in South Africa.

What Teaching Qualifications are Offered by Unisa?

Unisa offers a lot of teaching qualifications. They are categorized based on your educational background and desired teaching level:

1. Bachelor of Education (BEd): This four-year undergraduate degree prepares you for teaching in primary or secondary schools. You choose a phase (Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, or Senior Phase and FET) and, for the Intermediate and Senior Phase and FET degrees, a school subject combination such as Mathematics and English.
2. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): This one-year postgraduate qualification is designed for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in a non-education field who wish to pursue a teaching career.
3. Bachelor of Education Honours (BEd Hons): This one-year postgraduate qualification builds upon your existing BEd degree, allowing you to specialize further in a particular subject or educational domain like Educational Leadership or Curriculum Development.
4. Diplomas and certificates in education: Unisa offers the Diploma in Early Childhood Care and Education, the Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training, higher certificates in education and advanced certificates in education.

What are the Admission Requirements for Unisa’s Teaching Qualifications?

Admission requirements vary depending on the chosen program. For a BEd, you generally need a National Senior Certificate with degree endorsement plus the subject marks listed for your phase or subject combination.

Specific programs might require a relevant bachelor’s degree (such as the PGCE) or a completed Higher Certificate in Education, which Unisa describes as an access qualification.

Always refer to the official Unisa website for detailed admission requirements for each program.

Can I Teach with a Bachelor of Education (BEd) Degree?

Yes, a Bachelor of Education degree qualifies you to pursue a teaching career in South Africa.

However, you must register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) before you can teach. Your qualification itself comes from Unisa.

The BEd already includes supervised school-based teaching practice (20 to 32 weeks for the Senior Phase and FET degree).

What is the Difference Between the PGCE and the BEd?

The primary difference lies in the entry requirement.

A BEd is an undergraduate degree requiring a matric certificate, while a PGCE is a postgraduate qualification requiring a completed bachelor’s degree in a non-education field. 

The BEd offers a broader foundation in teaching principles, while the PGCE provides faster entry into the teaching profession for those with existing qualifications.

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Teaching Qualification at Unisa?

The duration varies depending on the program. A BEd (480 credits) takes at least four years with a full load, and you have up to 10 years to finish. A PGCE can be completed in one year.

Part-time options are available for most programs, adjusting the completion timeframe accordingly.

How Much Does it Cost to Study Teaching at Unisa?

Tuition fees vary depending on the program and year of study. Unisa publishes its fee structure annually on its website.

Consider additional costs like textbooks and learning materials.

Unisa offers financial aid options, so explore their bursary and scholarship opportunities.

Is Unisa a Good University for Teaching Degrees?

Unisa is a recognized leader in South African distance learning, offering flexible and accessible education. 

Their teaching qualifications are well-regarded, and many South African educators have successfully launched their careers through Unisa programs.