Postgraduate Diploma in Higher
Education: Teaching and Learning

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The Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education: Teaching and Learning (PG Dip (HE) (T&L)) is designed to provide academics with a space to critically engage with teaching and learning issues and develop their research skills to interrogate their practice. The programme is offered through a blended environment: block contact sessions combined with online activities.

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General aims of the programme

The important role that effective teaching and learning play in higher education is increasingly being recognised internationally as well as in South Africa through national teaching excellence awards, teaching development grants, teaching audits, and the growing field of scholarship in teaching and learning. The broad aims of the PG Dip (HE) (T&L) are to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in Southern African universities as well as to promote a scholarly and professional approach to development in the field of university teaching. Three regional universities collaborate in the teaching and facilitation of this programme, and it is the first collaboration of its kind in South Africa. The programe aims to:

  • strengthen your teaching and assessment practice;
  • introduce you to different ways of understanding teaching, learning and assessment in higher education;
  • assist you to undertake research to enhance teaching, learning and assessment in your institution;
  • provide opportunities for national and regional teaching, learning and research collaboration.

    • Admission requirements

    The PG Dip (HE) is a formal Honours level qualification, and candidates should meet the following prerequisites in order to be admitted into the programme:

  • A Bachelor's degree (or equivalent, as approved by the university Senate) is required.
  • At least two years teaching or related experience in higher education.

    • Structure and credit value of modules

    The programme is run over two years and consists of three core modules and one elective module. Candidates complete one module per semester.

    Module Topic Credits
    Core compulsory modules
    Teaching and Learning in Higher Education 30
    Assessment in Higher Education 30
    Research for Enhancing Teaching and Learning 30
    Elective modules *
    ICTs: Teaching and Learning 30
    Postgraduate Supervision 30
    Academic Leadership and Management 30
    Citizenship, Social Inclusion and Difference 30
    Service Learning and Community Engagement 30
    Work and Learning 30

    * Candidates select one elective. Electives will be offered if there are at least 10 candidates enrolled.

    Assessment

    The programme includes the following formative/continuous assessment tasks:

  • A variety of individual assessment tasks for each module;
  • Small group activities and tasks for each module during block sessions and online.

    • Frequently Asked Questions:

    Q. Who facilitates the programme?

    The programme is run through a regional partnership between the University of Western Cape, the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and Stellenbosch University. Each of the universities has an institutional co-ordinator, and each module has a convenor and facilitators drawn from each of the three universities. Dr Nompilo Tshuma is responsible for the co-ordination of this programme at Stellenbosch University, and programme facilitators at Stellenbosch University are drawn from the Faculty of Education, the Centre for Teaching and Learning and the Centre for Learning Technologies.

    Q. How is the programme facilitated?

    This part-time programme is run over two years, and a candidate is required to complete four modules (three core modules and one elective) during this time. Each module is completed over one semester and has two block contact sessions (between three and five days each) and online sessions. Learning is facilitated via structured study materials, written assignments and feedback, as well as telephonic and electronic contact.

    Q. How can I obtain more information on the programme and application procedures?

    Should you require more information on the learning outcomes, programme or information on modules, please contact the co-ordinator, Dr Nompilo Tshuma at ntshuma@sun.ac.za. If you would like to complete an application form, please get in touch with the Centre for Higher and Adult Education at the following address:

    The Secretary and Course Administrator - Ms Rhoda van Rensburg
    Centre for Higher and Adult Education
    Faculty of Education
    University of Stellenbosch
    Private Bag X1
    Matieland
    7602

    Phone: + 27 (0)21 808 2277/78/94
    Fax: +27 (0)21 808 2270
    Email: vanrensburgrhoda@sun.ac.za

    Q. Enquiries with regard to Student Fees:

    Contact Mr Deon Immelman

    Phone: + 27 (0)21 808 4527
    Email: di@sun.ac.za

    Q. General information for students

    Go to Prospective Postgraduate Student website for information on application procedures, academic programmes, student fees, accommodation, student activities and other useful information for students.