Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education

Qualification code: 90175
NQF level: 8
Total credits: 120
SAQA ID: 117366
APS/AS: 60
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  3 years

Purpose statement:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Mathematics Education is to develop and strengthen learners' knowledge in Mathematics education. This qualification seeks to train learners who demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of Mathematics education and to develop their professional expertise in the field of Mathematics education. Also, learners will develop a deeper understanding of the professional practices of Mathematics education. They will be empowered to achieve some critical distance from the popular and conventional methods and institutions of education. The qualification will foster progressive thinking in the field of Mathematics education by developing a cadre of educators with a broader and more in-depth understanding of the transformation of education, and to enable the qualified teachers and practitioners to conduct their research and interpret research findings to improve practice. The qualification develops and consolidates in an integrated way appropriate disciplinary, practical, pedagogical and situational knowledge. This qualification will use a practical, scholarly teaching approach in strengthening and deepening learners' knowledge in Mathematics education and subsequently open career pathways to learners.

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.

Bachelor of Education degree, NQF Level 7, with mathematics/mathematics education completed up to second level (NQF6),
or
a Bachelor's degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, with Mathematics or Mathematics Education completed up to 2nd level (NQF level 6).
or
(a) four-year professional teaching qualification(s) as well as a 120 credits, NQF Level 7 Advanced Diploma in a cognate specialisation, with Mathematics or Mathematics Education completed up to 2nd level (NQF level 6).

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 relevant teaching/ work-based experience in Mathematics 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

Application fee

Pay the application fee of R150 once you've received your student number.

Please note:

  • The application fee is only applicable to students who do not have a formal Unisa student number.
    * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers. These students will be issued with a formal Unisa student number.
  • The application fee is a once-off fee.
    * You only need to pay the application fee once when you receive your formal Unisa student number. 
  • This application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
  • Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie 8 DIGIT STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030). Send your proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
  • Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information. International students are advised to make use of the Flywire payment option. 
  • The due date for the application fee is the closing date for the application period. Any application submitted without an application fee will not be processed. Please ensure that you keep a copy of your proof of payment.


Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

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