Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology of Education

Qualification code:	90163
NQF level:	8
Total credits:	120
SAQA ID:	111442
APS/AS:	60

Maximum time to complete this qualification:

3 years

Purpose statement:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Psychology of Education is to develop and strengthen the teachers' knowledge in educational psychology and to understand the role educational psychology can play in teaching and learning and the support that needs to be given to learners. The qualification will enable teachers to undertake reflection and development by means of engaging with current thinking practice. Educational psychology teachers and practitioners have an important and fundamental role to play in diverse teaching and learning environments. This qualification therefore aims to contribute to this role by enabling teachers to - ﾕ Develop and consolidate in an integrated way appropriate disciplinary, practical, pedagogical and situational knowledge. - Deepen commitment to the principles of quality education for all. - Create awareness about uniqueness of each learner and be able to provide reasonable support. - Understand the role of learner development and the impact of development on the classroom level. - Engage with theories relevant to practice and to incorporate these theories in innovative ways in the classroom. - Understand the impact of psychosocial barriers and how to manage this within the classroom. - Use research to inform and enhance teaching and learning. - Undertake reflection and apply acquired knowledge to a related professional field of practice. - Acquire an understanding of certain areas of specialisation and apply this in their own context. - Develop learners as active citizens and enable them to develop the dispositions of citizenship in their learners. - Promote and develop the dispositions and competences to organise learning among a diverse range of learners. It is envisaged that teachers who achieve the Exit Level Outcomes will become innovative in the field of educational psychology. The action research method learned from this qualification will enable the qualified teachers and practitioners to conduct their own research and interpret research findings to improve practice. The qualification will use a practical, scholarly teaching approach in strengthening and deepening the teachers' knowledge in educational psychology and opening more career pathways.

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.

A four-year Bachelor of Education, NQF Level 7,
or
a three-year general Bachelor's Degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, NQF Level 7,
or
a four-year professional teaching qualification(s) as well as a 120 credits NQF 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 Psychology of Education or related subject fields, as well as evidence of basic research skills. Psychology up to second level is recommended. 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