1. The Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management (SLM)

The Advanced Diploma in School Leadership and Management is an undergraduate qualification. After obtaining this qualification, students may apply online ( https://www.up.ac.za/online-application ) for enrolment for a postgraduate diploma (or a BEdHons if they also hold an undergraduate degree as outlined above). Click here to download Adv Dip SLM brochure.

In addition, a new Advanced Certificate (Level 6 on the current 10-level NQF), which followed a former Diploma in Education (including a National Professional Diploma in Education) ,may also be presented for admission into an Advanced Diploma.

Further specialisation in a teaching subject, offered through an Advanced Diploma at Level 7, requires cognate studies in that subject at Level 6 in the entry qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Students who successfully completed the previous national ACE in School Management or Leadership (or an equivalent qualification) may apply for advanced standing in the programme by making an application and completing an RPL portfolio.

1.2 Additional requirements

ICT 330 module

All students will be enrolled for the ICT teachers module. This module will allow you to acquire certain ICT skills, which is a prerequisite for this programme. The module is a NQF Level 5 module and weighted with 12 credits. Although the module is for non-degree purposes, students will not be able to graduate from this programme if they do not complete this module. If students do not complete this module in Block 1 of their study cycle, the module will be rolled forward until the student completes the module. If a student has already completed a similar module at another institution, they will be allowed to complete a challenge examination, providing evidence of appropriate ICT training is submitted. This module should not be confused with the ICT orientation that Distance Education provides. ICT orientation is optional training that students could attend to learn more about the online systems of the University.

1.3 Study programme

The study programme is designed to enable students to complete two modules per examination session. The modules are combined into four blocks of two modules each.

1. The Advanced Diploma in Visual Impairment Studies (VIS)

The Advanced Diploma in Visual Impairment Studies is an undergraduate qualification. After obtaining this qualification, students may apply online ( https://www.up.ac.za/online-application ) for enrolment for a postgraduate diploma (or a BEdHons if they also hold an undergraduate degree as outlined above). Click here to download Adv Dip VIS brochure.

Minimum admission requirements

Academic requirements
Candidates can be admitted if they hold any of the following qualifications:
• A four-year BEd degree, or a general first degree or diploma, plus a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a former Postgraduate Higher Diploma in Education
• A former Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) (Level 6 on the former 8-level NQF) or a former Further Diploma in Education, which follows a former professional teaching qualification, or a former four-year Higher Diploma in Education
• A new Advanced Certificate (Level 6 on the 10-level NQF), which follows a former Diploma in Education (including a National Professional Diploma in Education)

Additional requirements

ICT 300 module Information and communications technology for teachers All students will be enrolled for the ICT teacher’s module. This module will allow you to acquire certain ICT skills, which is a prerequisite for this programme. The module is an NQF Level 7 module and weighted with 0 credits. Although the module is for non-degree purposes, students will not be able to graduate from this programme if they do not complete this module. If students do not complete this module in Block 1 of their study cycle, the module will be rolled forward until the student completes the module. If a student already completed a similar module at another institution, the student will be allowed to complete a baseline assessment for exemption. This module should not be confused with the ICT orientation that Distance Education provides. ICT orientation is optional training that students could attend to learn more about the online systems of the University.

Braille proficiency
All students are required to demonstrate proficiency in Braille before graduating from the programme. Braille proficiency can be demonstrated by either providing proof of Braille training, or through successful completion of a proficiency test (details to be provided upon enrolment for the programme). The following stipulations apply:
• Foundation Phase teachers: English and Mathematics Braille proficiency Grade 1
• Other teachers who teach Mathematics or Science: English and Mathematics/Science Braille proficiency Grade 1
• Other teachers who do not teach Mathematics or Science: English Braille proficiency Grade 1

Study programme
The study programme is designed to enable students to complete two modules per six-month cycle, except during Block 3 when only one module is completed, which consists of both a theoretical and a practical component.

The modules of the programmeare offered over four blocks.
Block 1:
ICT 300: Information and Communication Technology for Teachers
VIS 330: Understanding Inclusive Education and Disability as Diversity

Block 2:
VIS 331: Understanding and Teaching Learners with Visual Impairment
VIS 332: Supporting Learners with Visual Impairment

Block 3:
VIS 301: Research and Practice in Visual Impairment

Block 4: Elective modules – choose 2
VIS 333: Orientation and Mobility for Learners with Visual Impairment
VIS 334: Assistive Technology for Learners with Visual Impairment
VIS 335: Facilitating Partnerships and Stakeholder Involvement
VIS 336: School Leadership and Management of Schools for Learners with Visual Impairment