Postgraduate Diploma in Language Education

Qualification code:	90164
NQF level:	8
Total credits:	120
SAQA ID:	112624
APS/AS:	60

Maximum time to complete this qualification:

3 years

Purpose statement:
The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with knowledge of language development and acquisition, and understanding of language teaching and learning theories and the use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) in language teaching. This specific knowledge and skills will enable learners to be aware of matters relating to multilingualism and cultural diversity. The qualification will equip learners with knowledge and skills on how to conduct research and write a research report. The qualification aims for teachers, academics and other practitioners in the social sciences practising in the field of Language Education. Language practitioners have an essential fundamental role to play in both teaching and learning environments and in communicating with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. This qualification, therefore, aims to contribute to this role by doing the following: ﾕ Develop and consolidate in an integrated way appropriate disciplinary, practical, pedagogical and situational knowledge. - Cultivate a practical understanding of teaching and learning in a diverse range of settings in South African schools, about language theory, policy and practice. - Foster self-reflexivity and self-understanding among language practitioners. - Nurture commitment to the ideals of the language teaching profession and an understanding of teaching as a profession. - Develop the professional dispositions and self-identity of students as experienced, language practitioners. - Develop learners as active citizens and enable them to develop the dispositions of citizenship in their learners. - Promote and develop the dispositions and competencies to organise learning among a diverse range of learners in different contexts. Learners who achieve the Exit Level Outcomes will be competent language teachers or practitioners who will be able to work effectively in diverse multicultural and multilingual contexts. These learners will also be able to use ICT effectively and efficiently in their classroom teaching and learning environments. The qualification will enable the qualified language teachers and practitioners to conduct and interpret research findings to improve practice.

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

• Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
• Unisa reserves the right to withdraw any offer for admission to the 2026 academic year should it be found that you do not meet the statutory, college and/or minimum admission requirements for the qualification to which you have been admitted. In such a case, the university will refund any registration fees paid towards the said qualification.

An appropriate and recognised Bachelor of Education degree NQF Level 7,
or
a General Bachelor's degree, NQF Level 7, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, NQF Level 7,
or
(a) four-year professional teaching qualification(s) as well as a 120 credits Level 7 Advanced Diploma in a cognate specialisation.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 23 years old; have completed Diploma at an NQF level 6; and have at least five years of relevant teaching/work-based experience in Language Education or related subject fields, as well as evidence of basic research skills. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

Student fees and funding your studies

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025. 

Please note:

• You must apply for each new qualification even if you already have a formal Unisa student number. This includes first-time Unisa applicants, Unisa students changing to a new qualification and/or changing the specialisation of their current qualification, and applicants completing an undergraduate qualification who wish to continue with postgraduate studies.
  * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers.
• You may apply for a maximum of two qualifications, ranked in order of preference (although you may only register for one should all of your applications be successful). No changes may be made after the closing date for applications.
• You must accept or decline Unisa's offer within the prescribed period of time.
• You may only accept one offer. If you accept an offer, the other application for admission/offer will automatically fall away.
• If you accept Unisa's offer for the 2026 academic year, you may only register for the qualification and specialisation for which you received an offer. You may also only register for the 2026 academic year. Should you decide not to register for the 2026 academic year for any reason, you will need to apply for admission during the next application period.

Registration

Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register

Curriculum / modules