• Bachelor degrees not offered via UCT’s PGCE
    We do not offer PGCEs in Travel and Tourism, Consumer Studies, Religious Studies, Information Technology, Hospitality, Public Administration/Management, LLB, Human Resources, Administration, Business Studies, Sports Management and Agricultural Management. Furthermore, Agricultural degrees which do not include Maths, Life Sciences and Natural Sciences subjects are not eligible.
  • What do I do in the instance when I have a degree/BTech but no teaching subjects?

    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.

  • What is the duration of UCTs PGCE?

    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).

  • How many teaching subjects would I need within my undergrad degree?

    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.

  • Which subjects are considered as FET-only subjects?

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

    Therefore, Accounting, 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.

  • Where can I find application forms to apply for the PGCE?

    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 

     

  • Which PGCE application code should I select for Performance Arts teaching subjects?

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

  • Which phase should be selected for Music applicants? 

    Select SP&FET (HG026EDN28) 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 be added to a Vula site, 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 Vula site.

    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.

  • What subjects do I need to do a PGCE in Accounting and/or Economics?

    Both Accounting and Economics have to be taken during our PGCE, therefore, one must have Accounting 2 and Economics 2 (60 credits each) or Accounting 3 (120 credits) and Economics 2 (60 credits) or vice versa. 

    Alternatively, one can have Accounting 2 (60 credits) and Maths 1 (30 credits) or Economics 2 (60 credits) and Maths 1 (30 credits).

  • Does UCTs School of Education offer correspondence studies and distance learning?

    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.

  • When should I apply?

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

  • Can one study for extra credits toward teaching subjects while doing the PGCE?

    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.

  • PGCE Programme Fees - what are the PGCE programme fees?

    The programme fees are:

    Senior Phase & Further Education ............. R 57 400-R 68 600

    Further Education ........................................ R 57 400-R 68 600

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

  • Bursaries - which bursary options are available for the PGCE programme?

    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.

  • Is there an age requirement for PGCE?

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

  • Should I have any prior language courses?

    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.

  • Can I teach abroad with my UCT PGCE qualification?

    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.