Postgraduate Diploma in Distance Higher Education (NQF 8)

Assessment

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.

Course Content

Students need to complete 4 compulsory modules and 3 elective modules.

Course Design

The programme consists of the following learning components:

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

Exit Level Outcomes

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.

Modules

Compulsory Modules:

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

• 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

Who Should Enrol

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

Admission Requirements

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.

Application Requirements

Attached herewith please find the application form and CAT/RPL form, to download click here:

Application form

CAT/RPL form

 
Applicants are required to submit the following documentation and pay a R350.00 non-refundable application fee in order for the application to be processed:

• Completed application form.
• Certified copy of South African Identity Document (South African residents only) / official Passport (Foreign Students).
• Certified copy of highest Qualification Certificate and any other Certification required as proof of meeting minimum entry requirements for this programme.
• Proof of payment of non-refundable application fee of R350.00
• SAQA and USAF verification as required for verification of recognition of foreign qualifications.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) form for access and/or Credit Allocation Transfer (CAT), if applicable.

The following supporting documentation must be included if you are applying for CAT:

• Certified academic transcript(s) of training from a previous educational institution or FPD at same NQF Level.
• Study guide that supports the credit claim at same NQF Level.

The following supporting documentation must be included if you are applying for RPL:

• Testimonials/reference letter from previous or current employers.
• Portfolio of Evidence that is evident of your work experience and skills equivalent to a NQF Level.
• Full curriculum vitae indicating employment history and work experience in relevant field.
• Portfolio of evidence of research project (if applicable).

*Certified documents should be certified by a Commissioner of Oaths. A stamp by your academic institution is not sufficient.

Kindly take note that spaces are limited, therefore please ensure to apply early by sending the above to gradprog@foundation.co.za

A student’s academic progression commences once all conditions of enrolment and the admissions criteria for the selected qualification have been met. Where a student applies for RPL/CAT, and with the approval of the Selection Committee and the Registrar, he/she can gain entry to the qualification.