Since you already have a degree/BTech, to obtain the relevant teaching subjects and/or extra credits, you can register for the teaching subjects as an occasional student at any South African university. You will need to obtain these credits prior to the PGCE. Concurrent studies are not allowed during the PGCE. Have a look at our webpage and our leaflet to assist you on the subject/s selection that you would like to teach.

For UCTs undergrad occasional studies, one can contact the Humanities Undergrad Manager, Ms Shahira Laws at shahira.laws@uct.ac.za to query the process of application for occasional studies. One will need permission from the relevant HoD/s. Please read through the info: Occasional Studies | Faculty of Humanities

UCT’s Postgraduate Certificate in Education http://www.education.uct.ac.za/edu/downloadprospective (PGCE) is an additional 1 year, full-time, programme.  You may apply if you are currently in third year of a Bachelor's Degree or already have a Bachelor's Degree and want to become a teacher (see our leaflet).

One would need to have either two teaching subjects up to second-year level (at least 60 credits each) to teach at SP&FET level or 1 teaching subject to third year (at least 120 credits) to teach at FET only level. Please note that preference will be given to students with 2 undergrad teaching subjects.

English, History, Geography, Mathematics, Visual Arts & Design, Drama and Dance.

Therefore, Afrikaans, Economics, isiXhosa and *Life Orientation (LO) cannot be taken without a second teaching subject of at least 60 credits.

*Kindly note that one must have Psychology 3 (120 credits at least ) in order to teach LO.

There are only online applications, therefore, no hardcopy forms. Click here for the steps on how to apply online or here to apply online or view the humanities application process and see the UCT applications process 

Select HG026EDN28 for Music and HG027EDN29 for Dramatic Arts, Dance and Fine Art

Select the SP&FET (HG026EDN28) application code in order to teach Music at both Primary and High School levels, given that Music has two methods courses during the PGCE.

Furthermore, successful Music students will be required to do a theory test in November, the same year that their application was made, which will be administered via the South African College of Music (SACM)  All Music applicants will receive access to a shared drive, so as to prepare them for the theory test. Please write to Prof Anri Herbst or the PGCE Admissions Advisor if you require access to the shared drive.

Please note that the Music PGCE programme is limited to 15 places/offers. Please apply early, prior to 31 August, as late applications will not be accepted.

Further information on the Entrance music theory test:
The three-hour entrance test covers all material from Grades I–V/VI* and applicants will be tested on rudimentary aspects from all grades leading up to Grades V/VI.*
* Unisa Grade V or ABRSM Grade VI.
Date of the theory test: usually end of November each year
NB: Entrance to the PGCE requires a 70%-pass in the theory test.
Applicants from all music streams (including Music Education) must take this entrance test irrespective of their music theory mark.
NB: You will only be allowed to write the test if you formally applied to the School of Education. Walk-ins will not be allowed.

The Humanities postgraduate handbook states the following for admission to the PGCE:

(c) Except by permission of Senate, a person shall not be admitted as a candidate for the certificate with a specialisation in Music unless he/she has: 

i) completed the requirements of an approved 360- or 480 degree or a diploma in music of this University or of another university recognised by Senate for this purpose. 

ii) obtained a minimum of 65% in MUZ2351H MTAII, MUZ2350H Music Theory II, MUZ2375H African Music Theory II or MUZ2363H Jazz Theory II, or equivalent; and passed a music theory test. 

iii) obtained a minimum of 60% in instrument/vocal studies at B3 level or equivalent, or audition. Candidates who have not completed instrumental or vocal studies at B4 level are required to take this course during their PGC year. Please note that there is a cap of 15 enrolments per year for the specialisation in music.

A student could have Economics 2 (60 credits) and at least Maths 1 (30 credits).

The PGCE is a one-year full-time (demanding) contact programme which runs from January to November. It is neither offered part-time, nor online, nor by correspondence. You can try UNISA, Cornerstone Institute, MANCOSA, North West University or Varsity College for correspondence studies.

You should apply as early as April. PGCE applications are open from 1 April to 31 October.

The PGCE is not offered concurrently as per the Humanities handbook and the policy that governs teaching requirements nationally - Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (MRTEQ). Furthermore, the PGCE is a demanding full-time contact programme.

The programme fees are:

Senior Phase & Further Education ............ R 60 800-R 72 600 

Further Education ....................................... R 60 800-R 72 600

Also, see the Fees Handbook (search for Postgraduate Certificate in Education) as well as the application and other fee details.

2024_International Students Initial fees_payment_dates.pdf

Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) funds the PGCE: https://pg.isfap.org.za/.  Note the FAQs: https://www.isfap.org.za/frequently-asked-questions/. Any queries can be made directly to ISFAP at postgrad@isfap.org.za or students@isfap.org.za or Ms Carmelita Lee Shong Carmelita.Leeshong@uct.ac.za based at UCT.

The HCI Foundation offers bursaries to PGCE students. Applications for the new intake usually open in August-September. Queries can be directed to bp@hcifoundation.co.za or 021 424 6010.

National Students Financial AID Scheme (NSFAS) might offer some funding for PGCE students. Visit their website for more information at https://my.nsfas.org.za/. Please note that there is no guarantee for NSFAS funding.

No. However, students who have any concerns are welcome to consult with the PGCE Admissions Advisor

We offer an isiXhosa course as part of the PGCE for students who are not proficient or who did not do languages during their undergrad or NSC. However, the undergrad isiXhosa course is much more focused on the subject area. Therefore, we advise students who do not speak isiXhosa to obtain an undergraduate credit. However,  the decision is the student’s to make.

This is the only programme at UCT that enables one to become a teacher and teach within the South African schooling system. It enables one to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) which is recognised internationally and enables teaching abroad. Requirements vary across countries and certain countries may require some further accompanying courses.