Post Graduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education

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

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

• demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in the field of distance education theory and practice
• interrogate multiple theories and practices of distance 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
• demonstrate the ability to evaluate and reflect on current thinking, practices and research in distance higher education and education in general.

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
• Higher Education Policy and Regulatory Framework
• Research in Higher Education – Educational Research
• Higher Education Service Learning (Community engagement/Community based learning)
• Quality Enhancement in Higher Education

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.

Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education is offered as an e-learning qualification. The minimum period for completion is 12 months and the maximum period is 24 months.

SAQA ID 109941, NQF Level 8, 120 Credits.

To successfully complete and meet the requirements of the programme, participants must pass various formative and summative assessment tasks for each of the modules.

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

R 31 000 (Inclusive of all VAT and taxes where applicable).

Please note that there is a R350 application fee.

The first intake will commence:

Intake 1: Registrations close on 

03 June 2022 for July 2022

Intake 2: Registration close on 

21 September 2022 for October 2022

Applicants for the Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education will follow these easy steps on their path to enrolment:

Step 1: Apply for Enrolment

You will be required to complete and submit the attached application form for enrolment, together with the supporting documents, via email to  sisipon@foundation.co.za. Please note that there is a non-refundable R350 application fee. Banking details to pay the application fee are provided at the bottom of the Application Form.

Please note that by signing the Application Form and submitting the supporting documents you indicate that you understand that, should your qualification(s) be found to be misrepresented or from a degree mill, then your name will be included in the Register of Misrepresented Qualifications and Providers operating outside of the South African NQF (RMQP). You will also not receive the qualification.

Application form 2021 Formal qualifications

The following supporting documents need to be submitted:

• Certified copies of the certificate and academic record of an appropriate Bachelor’s Degree on NQF exit level 7 or
  • An Advanced Diploma on NQF exit level 7
• Working experience related to higher education, distance higher education or post-secondary technical and vocational education and training will be regarded as important determinants.
• Certified copy of RSA Identification document or passport.
• Proof of payment of the application fee.

Once you have submitted your application, along with all supporting documentation, you will receive correspondence from FPD regarding the outcome of your application.

Step 2: Apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) / Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Applicants aiming to enter the FPD proposed PG Dip Distance Higher Education programme may already be working in a (distance) higher education context and/or have gained knowledge as a result of learning in the workplace and in other settings.

If this applies to you, you can apply for RPL by providing testimonials/reference letter from previous or current employers. The testimonials/reference letter must include the number of years worked and your responsibilities/duties. Please send these via email to sisipon@foundation.co.za.

Credit Accumulation & Transfer (CAT)

Students who have previously successfully completed relevant modules, courses or programmes at FPD or another institution and who wish to have such modules, courses or programmes recognised by FPD should apply for CAT. To apply for CAT, complete the attached application form for CAT together with supporting documents and send via email to sisipon@foundation.co.za.

The maximum CAT allowable is 60 credits.

Application for CAT Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education

The following supporting documentation is required to be submitted:

• Certified transcript(s) of training from a previous educational institution at NQF exit level 8
• Assessment results or any relevant documentation that supports the credit claim at NQF exit level 8

You will receive correspondence from FPD regarding the outcome of the CAT.

Step 4: Registration and Payment

Successful applicants will also receive an invoice from FPD, in order to make payment. A 10% non-refundable registration fee is required upfront. As a student you have the option of paying the remainder of the fees at the start of each quarter or alternatively you may also pay for the entire qualification in advance.

Once proof of payment has been received, you will receive an acknowledgement letter with a link for you to register on the FPD Student Portal.

FPD School of Education

Tel: 012 110 4080/ 087 821 1109

E-mail: education@foundation.co.za