Rhodes University Bachelor of Education Hons (Namibia)

Rhodes University Bachelor of Education Hons (Namibia)

Bachelor Of Education (Honours)

The BEd(Hons) is the first degree after initial teacher qualification, and the Rhodes BEd(Hons) is a general postgraduate degree which prepares students for research-based postgraduate studies in education. Its aim is to consolidate and deepen students’ knowledge of education, and to develop their ability to research educational contexts using appropriate methodologies and techniques. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, and results in an NQF Level 8 exit qualification. It provides a pathway to a Master’s in Education (MEd).Our department recognizes the importance of providing post-graduate courses for educators which facilitate an engagement with important educational issues in South Africa today. The Bachelor of Education (Honours) degree – BEd(Hons) – has critical engagement with as its central goal.

About the Course

The BEd Honors is a part-time qualification with tuition over two years. A new course is started every year, with one in Makhanda, formerly Grahamstown, and one in Okahandja, Namibia. Students attend five week-long teaching sessions each year and are expected to complete assignments between each session. Attendance at all sessions and submission of all assignments is compulsory.

In addition to a General Bachelor in Education degree with electives in the second year of study, Rhodes is accredited to offer the following specialist degree options. In any given year these specialisms depend on viable class size and staff availability.

Bilingual Education, Diversity & Access

Curriculum Studies

Educational Leadership & Management

General Education

Geography Education

ICT Technology Education

Mathematics Education

Primary Education

Science Education

An Honours in English Language Teaching may be on offer in 2020. Please enquire if you are interested in either of these options.

The flyer at the link below contains information about the current course which you may find useful.

BEd Honours Flyer

Programme Structure: Part Time

Year 1 comprises two courses. In the first course, students examine contemporary issues and related ideas in education, from philosophical, psychological and sociological perspectives. The second course introduces students to the fundamentals of educational research.

Year 2 comprises the specialism OR electives. This year’s study deepens students’ theoretical understanding in their chosen field and they undertake a research project under supervision.

In the General Education programme, Year 2 comprises two electives. Options, depending on staff availability and class size,  include:
Adult Education and Training
Bilingual Education
Education Leadership and Management
English Language Teaching
Environment and Sustainability Education
ICT in Education
Maths Education
Primary Education
Science Education

In both years, students are supported by an academic literacies programme which enhances their ability to read and write academic genres at an Honours level.

2020 session dates:

Attendance is compulsory at the 25 days per year of intensive tutor – student contact sessions, as well as the exam dates. As far as possible, the dates of the five contact sessions are scheduled during school holidays to minimize disruption to students’ work commitments. Applicants should ensure that their employers are supportive of their study plans, and should also be prepared to arrange and fund their own accommodation during contact sessions.

Proposed 2020 dates:

Session 1:       25 – 31 January (starts with a 2-day Academic Orientation)

Session 2:       23 – 27 March

Session 3:        11 – 15 May

Session 4:       21 – 26 June

Session 5:        21 – 25 September

Examinations:  18 – 23 October

Estimated costs and payments 2020

The 2019 tuition fees for part-time students is R21 000 per annum. The fees for 2020 are only finalised later in the year, and there will be an inflation-linked increase. In addition, there will be a departmental fee of approximately R1 900 in the first year and R1 000 in the second year to cover course-related expenses.

Entry Requirements

1. The minimum academic requirement is an M+4 or NQF Level 7 qualification on the current 10-level NQF. This is usually obtained through either

A. a four-year teaching degree (e.g. BEd), or

B. an appropriate Bachelors degree (e.g. BSc) with a recognised teaching qualification (e.g. PGCE), or

C. a four-year professional teaching qualification with an Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7 The Advanced Certificate in Education alone does not give access to a BEd Honours.

2. Normally two years’ classroom experience or equivalent work in an educational context is required.

3. Applicants should have at least towo years’ undergraduate study in the specialist field of their chosen degree, if the specialism is a school subject, e.g. Science.

4. Applicants are required to write a placement test in September as part of the application process.

In all cases, previous academic record is taken into consideration.

Applications are open for 2020 – 2021, in Makhanda (formerly Grahamstown), Eastern Cape.

CLOSING DATE for applications is 16 September 2019

For further information about the registration process contact Ms Siya Bara on 046 603 8383

Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be invited to write a placement test, tentatively scheduled for 28 September 2019 and 5 October 2019 (from 9:00 – 12:00), at the Rhodes Education Department, Grey Street, MAKHANDA (formerly GRAHAMSTOWN).

Final selections will be based on:

  • previous academic record
  • performance in the placement test
  • educational

Successful applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application after 7th December 2019.

Important dates:

16 September 2019 – Applications close.

28 September & 5 October 2019 – Probable dates for placement tests.

7 December 2019 – successful candidates will be notified.

* PLEASE NOTE, regarding qualifications:

1. If you received your qualifications before 2000 it is important that you check their current status and recognition. Details appear in the Government Gazette No. 40610, Policy on the Recognition and Evaluation of Qualifications for Employment in Education, 10 FEBRUARY 2017, page 45. This Gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za. Your District Office may also be able to help you.

2. If you are applying with qualifications obtained in a country other than South Africa, you will need to check their current status and recognition in South Africa. You may need to submit your qualifications to SAQA for an equivalence certificate. Details appear in the Government Gazette No. 40610, Policy on the Recognition and Evaluation of Qualifications for Employment in Education, 10 FEBRUARY 2017, page 64. This Gazette is also available free online at www.gpwonline.co.za

As these processes may take time we urge interested applicants to begin this investigation early in the year in which you intend to apply.

Guidelines and Check List for all BEd Honours Applications (2019-20)

Application Procedure

If you meet the minimum entry requirements, complete two forms:

The Departmental Honours application form on the website, and the Rhodes EXTERNAL form.

Submit these two forms, together with academic transcripts of your previous degree / diploma course(s), and certified copies of your degree/ diploma certificates to:

Registrar’s office – registrar@ru.ac.za phone 046603 8276

For further information contact Ms Siyanda Bara on 046 603 8383

If you wish to proceed with your application for one of the BEd Honours degrees, please download the application form:

BEd Hons Application form 2019/2020

RU Honours Applications – External

Send these TWO forms to

The Registrar

Rhodes University
Grahamstown, 6140
Tel: 046-603 8276
Fax: 046- 603 7350
Email: registrar@ru.ac.za
Website: http://www.ru.ac.za/applying

An application fee of R100 is payable as a non-refundable administrative fee and must be deposited into this account:

Account Name: Rhodes University FNBFEES

Account Number: 62145504553

Branch: First National Bank Grahamstown

Branch Code: 210717

Use your surname or previous Rhodes student number as the reference for the deposit. The bank deposit slip of the application fee must be attached to the front of your application form.