PURPOSE AND OVERVIEW

The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education is accredited by the Council on Higher Education and is registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a minimum 120 credit qualification on level 8 (SAQA ID No:90646). This challenging yet stimulating qualification, will equip lecturers and those responsible for developing lecturers with a deep understanding of the teaching and learning process in the context of higher education. The programme is aimed at subject matter experts who require deeper insight into education theory or its application and will strengthen the ability of lecturers to promote student learning in their own disciplines.  

The curriculum of this programme includes a focus on higher education in the contemporary social and political context; education leadership and policy; contemporary learning theories and approaches; transformational curriculum theory and design; education research; and assessment practice. These curricular elements are all focused around students’ personal disciplines in the context of South African higher education and as such, assessment activities on this programme centre on the application of these topics to real or scenario-based learning environments. Students will develop their own teaching identity through an examination of the values and beliefs around higher education, and through an exploration of their own development in ethical and reflective educational practice. 

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

This qualification is set at NQF level 8 and candidates must hold an undergraduate degree (or NQF7 equivalent) to be granted admission. 

It is also highly recommended that, given the postgraduate nature of this programme and the emphasis on written assessment, students are proficient in both English academic writing and referencing. Additional Short Learning Programmes that address these skills are available if necessary.

QUALIFICATION STRUCTURE AND DELIVERY

This qualification is offered as a distance programme. It combines a mix of predominantly self-directed learning, synchronised workshops, and asynchronistic online interactions with peers and online tutors via IIELearn, our Learning Management System (LMS). Online interaction and online sessions are highly recommended, and students must be prepared to spend the required notional hours on each module in order to succeed in this programme.

This diploma runs over 3 semesters (18 months), with a 4th semester extension option available for completion if required. Integrated Curriculum Engagement (ICE) tasks and assignments need to be completed and loaded on IIELearn. Summative assessments take the form of take-home exams and a Research Report.      

Application Fee: R250.00

Email: llatter@varsitycollege.co.za 

Available at The IIE's Varsity College