Advanced Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training

Qualification code:	90190
NQF level:	7
Total credits:	360
SAQA ID:	124592
APS/AS:	60

Maximum time to complete this qualification:

8 years

Purpose statement:
The Advanced Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training offered by the University of South Africa (UNISA) is crafted to address the educational and developmental challenges faced by Africa and beyond. This programme is situated within a broader national and professional context, aiming to empower individuals and communities to tackle their unique challenges effectively, thereby contributing to social and economic development. The transition to fully online delivery, prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects UNISA's commitment to leveraging technology to enhance educational accessibility and effectiveness. This approach aligns with the university's mission to provide quality, technology-driven education that is both flexible and inclusive, making higher education accessible to a broader audience, including those in remote or underserved regions. The programmes design ensures that graduates emerge with a comprehensive understanding and advanced competencies in adult and community education and training (ACET). This includes a deep theoretical grounding coupled with practical application skills, enabling them to ethically facilitate learning, adapt to changing policies and legislation, and manage ACET programmes with professionalism. The curriculum's exit level outcomes are closely tied to the programmes purpose, ensuring that all aspects of adult and community education, from theory to practice, are covered. Graduates are expected to integrate and apply their knowledge to address the complexities of adult and community education, evaluate different types of knowledge critically, and practice ethical decision-making within their professional conduct. Furthermore, the programme emphasizes the development of a range of graduate attributes, including ethical and professional practice, innovative problem-solving and management skills, and effective communication. These attributes are essential for graduates to navigate the challenges and opportunities within the ACET sector confidently. By fostering a strong sense of accountability, encouraging self-directed and collaborative learning processes, and emphasizing the importance of effective information management and communication, the programme prepares students to take on leadership roles within their communities and organisations.

Admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.

Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training,NQF Level 6
or
Bachelor of Education degree in ACET
or
a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, NQF Level 7
or
a historically equivalent qualification in Adult Education or an equivalent qualification from another subfield in education
or
a new Advanced Certificate (NQF Level 6) which followed a former Diploma in Education (including a National Professional Diploma in Education) may also be presented for admission to the Advanced Diploma.
Advanced specialisation in a sub-field of ACET offered through an Advanced Diploma in
Adult and Community Education and Training at Level 7 requires appropriate cognate study
at 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 at least Grade 10; and have at least five years of relevant teaching experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl
NOTE: No foreign Diploma's will be accepted for admission.
Applicants who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a lower level qualification for which they meet the statutory and additional requirements.

Student fees and funding your studies

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.      

Please take note of the following:

• All applications for admission must be submitted online. 
• Admission to a qualification is not automatic. It will depend on whether you comply with the admission requirements and if space is available.

Registration

Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.

Curriculum / modules