University of Pretoria UP Distance Learning

University of Pretoria UP Undergraduate Distance Learning Courses

Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management (SLM)

The Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management is a robust undergraduate qualification designed to enhance leadership and management skills in the educational context. For progression to postgraduate studies, eligible students can apply online at University of Pretoria Online Application. A detailed brochure for the Adv Dip SLM can be downloaded here.

1.1 Eligibility Criteria

Applicants may be considered for admission if they have obtained:

• A four-year Bachelor of Education degree, or
• A general first degree or diploma, plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, or
• A previous Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education.

Previous qualifications such as an Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) (Level 6 on the erstwhile eight-level NQF), a Further Diploma in Education following a professional teaching qualification, or a four-year Higher Diploma in Education, are also acceptable for admission.

Candidates with a new Advanced Certificate (Level 6 on the modern 10-level NQF), succeeded by a Diploma in Education (including a National Professional Diploma in Education), are likewise eligible.

For specialization in a teaching subject at Level 7 through an Advanced Diploma, applicants must have relevant Level 6 subject studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Those with previous ACE in School Management or Leadership, or equivalent qualifications, can apply for advanced standing through an RPL portfolio submission.

1.2 Programme Specifications

ICT 330 Module: This module equips students with essential ICT skills, mandatory for this diploma. As a Level 5 NQF module carrying 12 credits, it is imperative for graduation. Should a student not complete it in the first block, it will be deferred to the next. Transfer credits via a challenge examination are an option if a similar module has been completed elsewhere. This is distinct from the optional ICT orientation for Distance Education.

1.3 Course Structure

The curriculum is structured to facilitate the completion of two modules per examination period, grouped into four blocks.

Block 1:

• ICT 330: Information and Communication Technology for Teachers
• PFO 335 or PFO 336: Professional Portfolio (RPL)
• ELP 330: School Leadership and Management Part 1

Block 2:

• MBR 330: Personnel Management
• EDM 331: School Leadership and Management Part 2

Block 3:

• EDO 330: Organisational Management
• OWG 330: Community Management

Block 4:

• ELP 330: Education System, Law, and Policy
• PFO 337: Professional Portfolio Part 2

2. Advanced Diploma in Visual Impairment Studies (VIS)

The Advanced Diploma in Visual Impairment Studies is an undergraduate qualification that serves as a springboard to postgraduate diplomas or BEdHons for qualifying students. Application for enrollment can be made online at University of Pretoria Online Application. For more information, download the Adv Dip VIS brochure here.

Minimum Admission Criteria

Eligibility for this program is based on:

• A four-year BEd degree, or
• A general first degree or diploma plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a former Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education.
• An Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) (Level 6 on the old 8-level NQF) or a former Further Diploma in Education following a professional teaching qualification, or a former four-year Higher Diploma in Education.
• A new Advanced Certificate (Level 6 on the 10-level NQF) post a former Diploma in Education (including a National Professional Diploma in Education).

Additional Requirements:

ICT 300 Module: Students must complete the ICT 300 module to acquire specific ICT skills required for the diploma. Although it carries 0 credits and is a Level 7 NQF module, it is essential for graduation. A baseline assessment for exemption is possible for those with equivalent prior learning.

Braille Proficiency: Proficiency in Braille is a pre-requisite, proven either through previous Braille training or a proficiency test. Requirements vary based on the teaching focus, with different standards set for Foundation Phase teachers and those teaching subjects like Mathematics or Science.

Study Programme: The program allows for two modules to be completed every six months, with Block 3 including a singular module with both theory and practice.

Blocks Outline:

Block 1:

• ICT 300: Information and Communication Technology for Teachers
• VIS 330: Understanding Inclusive Education and Disability as Diversity

Block 2:

• VIS 331: Understanding and Teaching Learners with Visual Impairment
• VIS 332: Supporting Learners with Visual Impairment

Block 3:

• VIS 301: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment

Block 4 (Electives – Choose 2):

• VIS 333: Orientation and Mobility for Learners with Visual Impairment
• VIS 334: Assistive Technology for Learners with Visual Impairment
• VIS 335: Facilitating Partnerships and Stakeholder Involvement
• VIS 336: School Leadership and Management of Schools for Learners with Visual Impairment

University of Pretoria UP Postgraduate Distance Learning Courses

The University of Pretoria has established itself as a leading institution in delivering comprehensive distance education programmes. Through the Unit for Distance Education within the Faculty of Education, it offers an array of specialised BEdHons programmes, such as Computer Integrated Education, Learning Support, and Education Management, Law and Policy, along with undergraduate Advanced Diplomas in School Leadership and Management (SLM) and Visual Impairment Studies. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply via the following link: Apply to University of Pretoria.

A detailed brochure outlining the nuances of the new BEdHons academic programmes can be accessed here.

1. The BEdHons Degree

This advanced postgraduate qualification paves the way for graduates to pursue a master’s degree in the field of education.

Academic Prerequisites

Entrance to the BEdHons programmes is contingent upon one of the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree accompanied by a teacher’s diploma or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (e.g., BA + PGCE)
• A four-year integrated degree in Education (e.g., BEd, BAEd)
• Holders of an M+4 teacher’s diploma, such as the previous HED, must first obtain a new Advanced Diploma at Level 7 in a related field to qualify for BEdHons enrolment.

Additional Entry Criteria

Aspirants are required to participate in an Orientation Session provided by the Unit for Distance Education, which can be attended online or in-person. The session is instrumental in familiarising students with the University’s clickUP – the Blackboard online learning management system. It is mandatory for prospective students to have both a computer and internet access, which must be affirmed through a signed declaration.

Study Programme Structure

The programme is ingeniously crafted to allow students to complete two modules per programme cycle, organised into four sequential blocks.

1.1 BEdHons (Computer Integrated Education)

• Block 1: Educational Research Methodology, Philosophy and Social Imperatives of Education
• Block 2: Curriculum Development, Assessment Approaches and Instruments
• Block 3: Research Proposal, Instructional Tools and e-Learning
• Block 4: Research Report, Computers as Cognitive Tools
• *Completion of initial research modules is a prerequisite for the final research report module.

1.2 BEdHons (Learning Support) – Emphasis on Early Childhood Education

• Block 1: Educational Research Methodology, Philosophy and Social Imperatives of Education
• Block 2: Curriculum Development, Identification of Learners’ Needs
• Block 3: Research Proposal, Learning Support
• Block 4: Research Report, Early Intervention in Numeracy and Literacy
• *A successful research proposal and report are necessary for the degree, in compliance with national honours degree criteria.

1.3 BEdHons (Education Management, Law and Policy)

• Block 1: Educational Research Methodology, Philosophy and Social Imperatives of Education
• Block 2: Curriculum Development, Management and Leadership in Education Law and Policy
• Block 3: Research Proposal, Education Law and Policy
• Block 4: Research Report, Education Management
• *Fulfillment of research components is essential for obtaining the degree, according to the latest national honours degree standards.

Programme Duration

The programmes are structured with flexibility, offering a minimum duration of two years, providing four examination chances, and a maximum time frame of five years, granting ten examination opportunities.