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Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

What's new for 2026? | ODeL, Unisa and postgraduate studies | Qualifications | Apply for admission | Application outcome | Application for appeal | Academic research support | Payment methods and banking details | FAQs | International students | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology of Education

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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.

Qualification code: 90163
NQF level: 8
Total credits: 120
SAQA ID: 111442
APS/AS: 60
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  3 years

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

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

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:

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