A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a course that takes one or to two years to complete, depending on whether you are a full-time or part-time student.
The course equips its graduates with teaching skills in the classroom and to polish their skills in a teaching subject that they have specialized in during their undergraduate study.
There are various institutions where you can obtain a PGCE qualification.
The minimum requirements for entry into a PGCE course is a relevant undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification on degree level).
There are three phases of specialty:
- PGCE Primary: Teach children in primary school.
- PGCE Secondary: Teach high school learners.
- PGCE Further/Adult Education: Teach in higher education institutions or adult education classes.
Here is a list of institutions where you can complete a PGCE course and how to apply for them online:
The University of South Africa (Unisa)
The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers PGCE qualifications for Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching as well as for Intermediate and Senior Phase.
Everyone wanting to start a new qualification must apply for admission.
To send in your online application, visit Unisa's website.
- Select the Admissions tool bar and choose "Apply for Admission".
- From there, choose the Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas option.
- Select either First-time Unisa Applicants or Returning Students
- Type in the qualification you're applying for in the search bar (PGCE with a particular specialty)
- Follow the steps and submit your application.
University of Stellenbosch
Stellenbosch University offers a one-year programme focuses on developing competencies in a subject-related field that the candidate can apply in the Senior- and Further Education and Training phases.
Completion of this qualification leads to professional registration with the South African Council for Educators (SACE).
You must apply in writing to be admitted to the PGCE programme at Stellenbosch University.
- As a current student at Stellenbosch University, you can apply at my.sun.ac.za
- If you are not currently a student at Stellenbosch University, you may apply online at: www.sun.ac.za/pgstudies.
Begin your application process by clicking on one of the above-listed links. Scroll down the webpage and click on "Apply to SU".
At the bottom of the next page, you'll find a booklet demonstrating the application process.
North West University (NWU)
The Faculty of Education at North West University offers a PGCE qualification (Senior and Further Education and Training Phase).
To apply for this qualification, click on the link attached just above.
- Scroll down the webpage to where it says "To apply please click here".
- Click on the "here" link.
- Select the option that reads "Honours/Postgraduate Diplomas and Certificates".
- Select "Apply online".
- Follow the steps and submit your application once completed.
University of Cape Town (UCT)
UCT also offers a one-year PGCE course which results in becoming registered with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) for graduates with degrees other than the Bachelor's degree in Education.
To submit your application online, visit UCT's website:
- Click on "Applicants & Students"; a drop down will appear.
- Scroll down and go to "Apply online".
- Click on the Postgraduate Admission option.
- Read the page, then ‘Click here to continue’ at the bottom of the page.
- Read the privacy notice and click the relevant option.
- Select whether you are a first-time user or not.
- If NO, sign in; if YES, create an account.
- You will receive an email to verify your email address. Follow the prompt on the email.
- You now have to complete your personal details; click SAVE.
- Select PROGRAMME of study.
- Go to First Choice.
- Complete the boxes ; select Level of Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma, then Faculty: Humanities, then Academic Qualification: PGCert.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)
The Cape Peninsula University of Technology offers two PGCE qualifications; one for the FET Phase and the other for Senior Phase Education and Training.
To apply for one of these PGCE courses, visit CPUT's website:
- At the top of the page, select "Study at CPUT".
- Choose the "Postgraduate applications" option.
- To start the Application process go to: http://www.cput.ac.za/study/apply
There are plenty of other institutions offering PGCE courses. Make sure to read all the application requirements and take note of the relevant application closing dates.
