Programme overview

This programme provides prospective teachers with knowledge of the three subject areas (literacy, numeracy and life skills) as well as the skills to integrate these subjects into their teaching and learning practices.

The FP programme emphasizes hands-on classroom competencies and the development and design of teaching and learning materials.

In the first three years various academic and professional subjects (modules) provide background knowledge for teaching with planned school-based learning opportunities for observation and practical teaching. The fourth year consists largely of school-based learning (SBL) and it incorporates an element of research.

A new state-of-the art Foundation Phase building was built at the university’s Missionvale Campus and, as from 2017, all Foundation Phase students receive tuition at the Missionvale Campus.

 

School based learning (SBL)

In order to meet the requirements of the Foundation Phase qualification, all students are required to spend dedicated, supervised time in schools. This is a compulsory component of the B Ed programme.

Students are introduced to school based classroom experiences throughout their course, as academic and experiential learning are seamlessly blended to provide a holistic approach to teacher preparation.

 

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements for Grade 12 learners:

  • Minimum NSC statutory requirements for degree entry must be met.
  • An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics or Technical Mathematics requires a minimum Applicant Score of 350. 
  • An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literacy requires a minimum Applicant Score of 365.
  • NSC achievement rating of at least 45% for Mathematics or Technical Mathematics or 60% for Mathematical Literacy.
  • English (Home Language or First Additional Language) AND Afrikaans or isiXhosa (Home Language or First Additional Language).

Important dates

Prospective candidates are advised to apply for admission to the Nelson Mandela University and the B Ed programme well in advance, i.e. from April of the year preceding their first year of study.

Closing date for 2024 applications: 30 September 2023

Closing date for NFSAS loan application: +- 30 November 2023

Registration of admitted students: January 2024

 

Financial information & bursaries

Before registering as a student, you need to determine whether or not you will have sufficient funds to finance your studies. In addition to the actual course/module fees, you should also provide for books, equipment, transport, accommodation and general living expenses.

 

More detailed information can be obtained from:

http://www.nmmu.ac.za/Apply/Funding-your-studies/General-Financial-information

Nelson Mandela University offers financial assistance to full-time students in the form of bursaries, merit awards, scholarships and study loans. Assistance is based on financial need as well as academic excellence and sporting achievements. These awards will not necessarily cover all costs, and cannot be granted to all candidates who apply.

The university also provides financial assistance in collaboration with the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for financially needy students. More detailed information can be obtained from: http://finaid.nmmu.ac.za/

 

Funza Lushaka Bursaries

The Department of Basic Education provides a number of Funza Lushaka service-obligation bursaries (± R74 000.00) to Education students annually.  Strict criteria and conditions apply.  Bursaries are awarded on grounds of academic merit and specialisation in priority areas identified by DBE.

· Only students who have already been provisionally admitted or admitted into the B Ed programme can apply.

· The Department of Basic Education will only consider registered students for selection.

Apply on-line at: http://www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za

 

Matthew Goniwe Scholarship

Applications forms for the 2021 academic year will be available from  August 2020.

Enquiries may be directed to:
Ms Muriel Geswint
Bursary Administrator: Faculty of Education
Tel : 041 504 2387
Email: funzalushaka@mandela.ac.za

Contact information
Dr Tobeka Mapasa
HOD
Tel: 041 504 4583
tobeka.mapasa@mandela.ac.za

Ms Basheera Brooks
Programme Administrator: BEd Foundation Phase
Tel: 041 504 2547
basheera.brooks@mandela.ac.za