Purpose statement
The Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training serves to strengthen an educator or lecturer in ACET in general or in a particular field or sub-field in ACET. The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training is to enable professional ACET educators and lecturers to undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in an area of specialisation in their profession or in a sub-field thereof. The Postgraduate Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training overlaps with other qualifications in community development work as it leads to adult educators that have a deeper understanding of community development issues, and to community development workers that have been able to apply sound pedagogical principles in their work. And to enable this synergetic and symbiotic relationship to continue, the qualification serves to provide learners with the advanced knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for application as educators or lecturers or researchers in education and training sites and in workplace and community contexts where ACET qualifications are in operation or being initiated and conducted. Upon achieving this qualification, aimed at professionals and practitioners in the field of adult and community education and training: Learners will be well-equipped with a comprehensive set of skills, knowledge, and competencies necessary to navigate and excel in the field, in line with the latest national policy requirements. They will gain a deep understanding of adult education principles and theories, enabling them to design and deliver educational programmes tailored to the unique needs of adult learners. Their training will also include the development, implementation, and evaluation of curricula suited to adult and community education environments. Furthermore, learners will acquire the ability to critically engage with and contribute to policy analysis and development, ensuring their work aligns with national education priorities. They will be skilled in leading and managing educational projects and programmes, encompassing planning, budgeting, and effective stakeholder engagement. The qualification also prepares them to facilitate learning through various methodologies and technologies, adapting teaching methods to meet adult learners' diverse needs and fostering inclusive, supportive learning environments. Evaluating and assessing educational outcomes will be another crucial skill, enabling learners to measure the effectiveness of the qualification and interventions and use data to inform continuous improvement. They will understand how to use education as a tool for community development and workforce advancement, addressing skills gaps and promoting lifelong learning. As advocates for adult education, they will articulate the value of adult learning and training across different contexts, including in communities, trade unions, and skills development institutions. Learners will learn to apply research methodologies and frameworks to improve practice, inform policy, and advance the field of adult and community education. Collaboration and networking with a range of stakeholders, such as educators, community leaders, policymakers, and organizations, will be key to supporting and enhancing adult education initiatives. This qualification not only prepares learners to contribute significantly to the field of adult education and training with a solid theoretical foundation but also equips them with practical skills and strategies to meet the current and future needs of adult learners and communities, making them adaptable, reflective, and capable of leading change.
| Qualification code: | 90196 |
| NQF level: | 8 |
| Total credits: | 120 |
| SAQA ID: | 125442 |
| APS/AS: | 60 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 3 years |
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
Advanced Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training, NQF Level 7.
Or
Diploma in Adult and Community Education and Training, NQF Level 6.
Or
Bachelor of Education degree in Adult and Community Education and Training, NQF Level 7.
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 Inclusive Studies 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
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to an undergraduate qualification between 17 August and 9 October 2026.
Please take note of the following:
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.
The curriculum information displayed on this page is based on the current academic year and may be updated for future academic years.
The curriculum information for this qualification will be available closer to the registration phase.