Our Background

The Centre for Higher and Adult Education (CHAE) was established in 1997 under the leadership of the late Prof Chris Kapp as part of the Department of Curriculum Studies in the Faculty of Education at Stellenbosch University. Whilst the CHAE has remained true to its initial focus on teaching and learning in higher and adult education settings, our work has evolved to include a strong focus on postgraduate supervision, doctoral education, and student success in higher education.

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Student Testimonials

Dr.Yaw Owusu-Agyeman (PhD, 2016)

My studies at the Centre for Higher and Adult Education (CHAE) has helped me to develop critical judgement in my professional practice. The most significant transformation has been my ability to research, write and publish in good journals.

Dr.Yaw Owusu-Agyeman (PhD) Currently the head of Examinations and Records Department and a part-time lecturer at Ghana Technology University College
Christopher McCreanor  (PhD, 2016)

As a recipient of the Desmond Tutu and Vrije University of Amsterdam PhD Scholarship, I completed my PhD in Curriculum Studies (Corporate Social Responsibility) in 2015. The result of my research led to the development of a competency framework for Corporate Social Responsibility practitioners to inform curricula development. I have since been involved at Nelson Mandela Business School and Nelson Mandela University where I have led the design and development of new qualifications for the Department of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources.

Christopher McCreanor (PhD) Currently is the Projects Coordinator for the Unit for Positive Organisations at Nelson Mandela University.
Fulgence Matimbo (PhD, 2016)

The PhD journey has turned my thinking. It has widened and deepened my understanding of higher education, including the international and national context of private universities, as well as an improved understanding of quality assurance systems in the world that is helpful in my current position. I developed insights that made me more confident and independent as a researcher. My self-belief has been transformed from initially seeing myself as an incompetent and underprepared researcher, to the opposite position: that of a confident researcher.

Fulgence Matimbo (PhD) Currently the Acting Director of Accreditation and Quality Assurance at the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU). College
Elza Lourens (PhD, 2016)

My studies contributed to the development of my academic voice and to have the confidence to use it.  I also improved my critical thinking and writing, which I am able to use in the facilitation of my classes. My studies enabled me to develop an understanding of what particularly students from disadvantaged backgrounds encounter during their university studies, as well as on route to first-time employment. The interaction with participants was enriching and broadened my horizons.

Elza Lourens (PhD) Currently a Physical Sciences facilitator in the SciMathUS programme, a university preparation programme of Stellenbosch University.

Postgraduate Studies

Why choose Us?

PG DIP IN HIGHER EDUCATION: TEACHING AND LEARNING.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education is offered in collaboration with two other universities, and provides academics a space to critically engage with teaching and learning issues and develop their research skills to interrogate their practice.

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Why choose Us?

MPHIL IN HIGHER EDUCATION STUDIES

The MPhil in Higher Education studies offers participants the opportunity to engage with current thinking about higher education issues, and develop their research skills in investigating such issues.

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Why choose Us?

MPHIL IN LIFELONG LEARNING

The MPhil in Lifelong Learning offers participants the opportunity to engage with current thinking about adult education issues, and develop their research skills in investigating such issues.

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Why choose Us?

PhD

We offer a PhD by research or by publication, and our current students are focusing on a range of topics related to Higher Education and Lifelong Learning. These include, but are not limited to, Creativity, Leadership, Curriculum Development, Workplace Learning and Educational Technology.

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Contact us

Call us today at + 27 (0)21 808 2277
or Email us at vanrensburgrhoda@sun.ac.za

We strive to equip our students with strong research skills while engaging them in current debates related
to higher and adult education.
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Centre of Higher and Adult Education Team

Professor Liezel Frick

Professor Liezel Frick

Director and Associate Professor
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Professor Peter Rule

Professor Peter Rule

Associate Professor
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Nompilo Tshuma

Dr Nompilo Tshuma

Lecturer
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Ms Rhoda van Rensburg

Ms Rhoda van Rensburg

Administrative assistant
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Our DepartmentStellenbosch University

Speak to Us+ 27 (0)21 808 2277

Contact UsCHAE on Email