Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education (NQF L8)

This qualification is aimed at lecturers at higher education institutions with an interest in embracing e-learning.

SAQA ID: 109941

NQF Level 8

120 Credits

Accredited by the Council on Higher Education; Registered by the Department of Higher Education and Training.

To enrol for this programme, potential students must possess:

• An appropriate Bachelor’s Degree on NQF exit level 7 or
• An Advanced Diploma on NQF exit level 7
• Appropriate working experience related to higher education, distance higher education or post-secondary technical and vocational education and training, which will be regarded as important determinants.

The programme consists of the following learning components: 

• Distance e-learning (self-study) modules,
• Various assessment tasks.

Students need to complete four compulsory modules and three elective modules.

Compulsory Modules:

• Introduction and field: Distance Higher Education
• Online Teaching and Learning (Pedagogy)
• Online Teaching and Learning (Technology)
• Assessment in Higher Education 

Elective Modules:

• Curriculum/Programme Design
• Module/Learning Unit Design
• Higher Education Leadership and Management
• Research in Higher Education – Educational Research
• Higher Education Service Learning (Community engagement/Community based learning)
• Quality Enhancement in Higher Education

On achieving this qualification, a learner will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in the field of distance education theory and practice. He/she will demonstrate his/her understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods, technologies and techniques relevant to the pedagogy and practice of distance and online teaching and learning.  The student will apply this knowledge in a variety of distance education and online teaching contexts in order to improve and maintain quality distance higher education.
• Interrogate multiple theories and practices of distance and online teaching and learning and will demonstrate the ability to assess processes of knowledge production in the field of online teaching and learning. The student will demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting and applying appropriate methods and techniques in distance higher education and online teaching.   
• Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in higher education assessment theory and practice and will be able to use the knowledge in the context of distance higher education.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the selection and application of standard procedures, processes and approaches in higher education programme/curriculum design and/or module/learning unit design with specific reference to application in the distance education context.
• Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and address complex problems and challenges in distance higher education by drawing systematically and critically on the body of knowledge pertaining to the fields of higher education leadership and management and higher education policy and regulatory frameworks.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate and reflect on current thinking, practices and research in distance higher education and education in general. The student will demonstrate the ability to critically review gathered information, synthesise data, evaluate quality enhancement and service-learning processes in higher education contexts in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues and thus improve quality in distance higher education.

• 12 months full time
• 24 months part time.

The programme includes the following assessment opportunities for the compulsory modules. The elective modules will vary depending on selection:

• Formative assessment tests - self-study multiple choice questions (MCQs) assessments.
• Formative modular assessments (individual assignments) in the form of work-related assignments.
• Summative exam assessments (including elective modules) – this will be in the form of an assessment that ensures your application of the content.

The successful candidate will be awarded with a Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education (NQF Level 8).

R 350.00 non-refundable application free

R 31 374.00 (full time) or;

R 38 375.00 (part time).

(inclusive of all vat and taxes where applicable)

For more information on the application process, click here.