Education At Rhodes University
Education Degree Structure
The Faculty of Education has dynamically positioned itself at the forefront of education transformation in the country. This is not a place for the faint-hearted, and demands ‘sinesibindi’ (literally in isiXhosa that we have a liver, but figuratively meaning that we must have courage)! The phrase ‘caring quality’ accurately sums up the reputation that the Faculty has gained for its commitment to students and to work in the education field. The Faculty concerns itself with education in the broadest sense, including the professional preparation of teachers, further in-service qualifications, as well as non-formal education. While operating predominantly in the Eastern Cape, the Faculty also serves the country and the SADC region. Apart from teaching and supervision, it is deeply involved in research, national policy development, and professional and community work.
The Faculty is centred around the Department of Education which works in close partnership with CHERTL (Centre for Higher Education Research Teaching & Learning), RUMEP (Rhodes University Mathematics Education Project), the CSD (Centre for Social Development), and the ISEA (Institute for the Study of English in Africa). The Faculty offers a range of qualifications in education, ranging from non-formal undergraduate certificates to full research doctoral degrees.
Professional qualification as a teacher
There are two ways to qualify as a professional teacher. The route offered at Rhodes is that of first completing a three year bachelor’s degree in another faculty, e.g. Humanities, Commerce, Science, and then ‘capping’ it with a one year PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). If you opt for the degree + PGCE route, you are strongly advised to check out your subject course with the Dean before you embark on your degree, in order to ensure that you will ultimately be eligible for the PGCE.
(The other way to qualify as a teacher is to complete a four year undergraduate Bachelor of Education degree, focusing on a specific phase level with particular specialities. The option is not currently offered at Rhodes, although it is being pursued as a possibility in the future.)
PGCE (SP/FET)
You are expected to teach at least one or two subjects at FET Phase, and, if not two, then another one at the Senior Phase. Here are the various requirements:
FET Phase (Grades 10 − 12)
| School Subjects | University subjects |
| Accounting | Accounting 2 |
| Life Sciences | Zoo 1, Botany 1 + one of Zoo 2, Botany 2, Microbiology 2, Entomology 2, Environmental Science 2 |
| Computer Studies | Computer Science 2 OR Computer Science 1 + Information Systems 2 |
| Computer Applications Technology | Computer Science 1 OR Information Systems 2 |
| Design | A combination of subjects from a range of appropriate technology-related subjects, eg Practical Art, Computer Science, Design Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Architecture. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits, including consideration of matric subjects. |
| Dramatic Arts | Drama 2 |
| Economics / Business Economics | Economics 2 |
| Geography | Geography 2 |
| History | History 2 |
| Language – First Additional Language |
A particular language at 2nd year level (for English – First Additional Language: English 2 + Linguistics 1 OR English 1 + Linguistics 2) |
| Language – Home Language | A particular language at 2nd year level |
| Life Orientation | Psychology 3 OR Psychology 2 + any one of the following: • Philosophy 2 • Biblical Studies 2 • Anthropology 2 • Social work 2 • HKE 2 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics 2 OR Mathematics 1 + Maths Stats 2 / Applied Maths 2 |
| Mathematics Literacy | Matric Mathematics + one or more of a range of possible subjects. Each application will be considered on merit. |
| Music | Musicology 3 + Instrument at 2nd year level + Theory of Music (Grade 8) + Piano (Grade 5) |
| Physical Science | Physics 2 + Chemistry 1 OR Physics 1 + Chemistry 2 |
| Visual Arts | Studio Practice 2 |
Senior Phase (Grades 7 – 9)
| School subjects | University subject(s) and minimum year level |
| Arts and Culture | At least two subjects from a range of appropriate Arts subjects, eg music, drama, anthropology, classics. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits, including consideration of matric subjects. |
| Economic Management Sciences | At least two subjects from a range of appropriate business subjects, eg accounting, management, economics. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits, including consideration of matric subjects. |
| Languages – First Additional Language | A 1st year in that language (or Linguistics 1 for English) |
| Languages – Home Language | A 1st year in that language |
| Life Orientation | Psychology 3 OR Psychology 1 + one of the following: • Philosophy 2 • Biblical Studies 2 • Anthropology 2 • Social work 2 • Sociology 2 • HKE 2 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics 1 |
| Natural Sciences | At least two of the following: Botany 1, Biology 1, Chemistry 1, Earth Sciences 1, Geography 1, Geology 1, Physics 1, Zoology 1. |
| Social Sciences | Geography 1 and/or History 1 (preferably both) |
| Technology | At least two subjects from a range of appropriate technology-related subjects, eg Practical Art, Computer Science, Design Studies, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics. Each application to be examined and decided on its merits, including consideration of matric subjects. |
PGCE (Intermediate Phase, Grades 4 − 6) and
PGCE (Foundation Phase, Grades 1 − 3)
Any appropriate undergraduate degree − please check with the Dean or HOD that your subjects are relevant.