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14/06/2013

PGCE creates scope for a professional teaching career

The Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE (FET)) will be offered at NMMU’s George Campus from the 2014 Academic Year.

This is good news for final year undergraduate students with relevant subject specialisations – both at NMMU George and other Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. 

The programme should also appeal to professionals considering a career change and in-service teachers without a professional (teaching) qualification who are prepared to consider full time study.

The qualification will be offered on a one-year full-time basis and includes a school-based component where students are placed in schools in the region to gain practical and work-integrated learning.

The Faculty of Education at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University is an important role player in Initial Teacher Education, particularly in meeting urgent educational needs in the Southern and Eastern Cape. The decision to introduce the qualification at NMMU George was taken with the view of addressing the need for more and suitably equipped teachers, particularly in the Further Education and Training (FET) Phase which caters for Grades 10 – 12.

PGCE (FET) - Programme focus

The PGCE FET is a professional teaching programme that will equip those who hold an undergraduate degree or approved diploma with the focused knowledge and skills to teach learners in Grades 10 – 12 (FET Phase) in particular subjects in a diverse range of schools. The qualification requires both a depth and specialisation of subject content knowledge (two school subjects at second year level), together with the practical skills and workplace experience required to successfully teach the relevant subject.

Requirements for admission to the PGCE (FET)

The preferred minimum entry requirement for admission to the PGCE (FET) is an approved undergraduate Bachelor’s degree (current NQF Level 6) which includes appropriate and sufficient academic subject content knowledge to teach school subjects for the FET Phase.

In addition, certain diplomas (360 credits, NQF Level 5) currently offered by accredited public and private higher education institutions, which are also appropriate for teaching will be considered in consultation with the Department of Higher Education and Training.  

The Higher Diploma in Agriculture, which is considered a “scarce skill”, may qualify for admission to the PGCE (FET) in George in 2014.

Candidates interested in enrolling for the PGCE (FET) in George, can specialise in two of the following FET (Grades 10 – 12) school subjects: Economics, Business Studies, Accounting, Mathematical Literacy, Mathematics, Agricultural Science or Agricultural Management Practices. 

A minimum number of (twenty) students (sub-minimum of five per specialisation area) will be required to enable the programme to be offered in George.

Opportunities for further studies

Students who have successful completed - the PGCE FET can be admitted to the B Ed Hons (current NQF level 7) or Advanced Certificate in Education, for example ACE Special Needs Education (current NQF level 6).

What content will prospective students of the PGCE (FET) be exposed to?

Students who enrol for the PGCE (FET) will be exposed to a broad range of interesting and thought-provoking subject content such as educational thought, teaching and learning; curriculum design and development; barriers to learning and inclusive education; issues and challenges in education; citizenship and human movement science. They will also be assisted in getting to grips with the various methodologies of presenting their chosen school subjects/areas of specialisation.

In addition, students will spend about 16 weeks in schools during the second and third term as part of their practical and work-based learning.

Bursaries

The Department of Basic Education offers Funza Lushaka service-obligation bursaries to education students specialising in Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Economics, Mathematics, or Mathematical Literacy. However, strict criteria and conditions apply and students are only eligible upon acceptance into the PGCE (FET) programme. For more information, applicants need to apply online: http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

Want to know more?

For further details contact Ms Jackie Hay on 041 504 4568, or e-mail Jackie.hay@nmmu.ac.za

Where/how to apply?

The early closing date to enrol for studies at NMMU in 2014 is 1 August 2013. Prospective PGCE (FET) students who are not able to apply by the first closing date should apply before the end of September.  Application forms are available at NMMU George or any of the university’s campuses in Port Elizabeth. Online applications are also accepted – http://www.nmmu.ac.za/Apply 

http://www.nmmu.ac.za/Apply/Admission/How-do-I-apply- 

Photograph: Prof Denise Zinn (far right), Executive Dean of NMMU’s Faculty of Education, with a group of excelling education students during a recent academic merit awards evening held at the NMMU George Campus.

Contact information
Ms Alet van Tonder
Manager: Marketing & Corporate Relations
Tel: 27 44 801 5098
alet.vantonder@mandela.ac.za