Programme overview
This programme provides prospective Grade 4-6 teachers with knowledge of the subjects they will teach in the Intermediate Phase. It is important to note that we do prepare our graduates to teach grade 7 as well. As such, the programme aims to provide student teachers with the required knowledge, understanding, values and skills to facilitate learning in all the Intermediate Phase and grade 7 subjects, namely, Languages, Mathematics, Life Skills, Natural Sciences and Technology, Arts and Culture, Social Sciences and Economic and Management Sciences.
School-based Learning
In order to meet the requirements of the B Ed degree, all students are required to spend dedicated, supervised time in schools. This is a compulsory component of the B Ed curriculum.
Students are introduced to school-based classroom experiences from year 1 to year 4. Academic and experiential learning are seamlessly blended to provide a holistic approach to teacher preparation.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements for Grade 12 learners:
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Minimum NSC statutory requirements for degree entry must be met.
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An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematics or Technical Mathematics requires a minimum of Applicant Score of 370 and NSC achievement rating of at least 45%.
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An applicant with NSC Grade 12 Mathematical Literary requires a minimum Applicant score of 385 and NSC achievement rating of at least 60%.
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English (Home Language or First Additional Language) AND isiXhosa (Home or First Additional Language) or Afrikaans (Home or First Additional Language).
The Faculty may call candidates for admission interview before final acceptance into the programme.
The completion of this qualification could lead to students furthering their Higher Education access by registering an Honours degree.
How to calculate your AS
Applicant Score (AS) replaces Admission Point Score (APS);
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Percentages and not levels (1-8) are used to calculate the Applicant Score;
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Life Orientation is not included in the calculation of the Applicant Score;
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Applicants must meet direct entry requirements (AS + subjects and % required);
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In addition, for those applicants from quintile 1,2 or 3 schools who attain 50% or higher for Life Orientation, 7 points may be added to their score out of 600 to arrive at their final AS.
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Testing as an alternative admission route is no longer offered.
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 Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme is a multi-year programme to promote teaching as a profession. Bursaries are available to enable eligible students to complete a teaching qualification in an area of national priority. Recipients of these bursaries will be required to teach at a public school for the same number of years that they received the bursary. The bursary is awarded for one academic year at a time; and upon proof of academic success, the bursary may be renewed each year until the recipient of the bursary has qualified as a teacher. The recipient is required to apply online for the renewal of the bursary every year.
Bursaries are awarded on grounds of academic merit as well as specialization in specific priority areas (subjects) identified by the Department of Basic Education.
Prospective bursars must first gain provisional admission or be admitted to the B.Ed. or PGCE programme. Only registered students will be considered for selection.
Application information is available at www.funzalushaka.doe.gov.za . Updated information is normally from October each year.
After your application has been submitted online, you will be prompted to make a printout. This will serve as proof of your application. Keep a copy for yourself, and submit a copy to the Faculty of Education’s Bursary Coordinator.
NOTE: All first time applicants must be 30 years or younger to apply for Funza Lushaka Bursary.
Matthew Goniwe Scholarship
Application forms for the 2024 academic year will be available from August 2023.
Enquiries for both bursaries may be directed to:
Mrs Muriel Geswint
Bursary Coordinator: Faculty of Education
Tel : +27 (0)41 504 2387
Email: funzalushaka@mandela.ac.za