Programme: Master of Education [MEd]

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Code Faculty Department
09250007 Faculty of Education Department: Education Management and Policy Studies
Credits Duration NQF level
Minimum duration of study: 2 years Total credits: 180 NQF level:  09

Programme information

Students can choose one of the following focus areas:

  • Humanities Education (09250005)
  • Early Childhood Education (09250006)
  • Education Management and Policy Studies (09250007)
  • Computer Integrated Education (09250008)
  • Life Sciences Education (09250009)
  • Mathematics Education (09250013)
  • Physical Sciences Education (09250014)
  • Technology Education (09250015)

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant BEdHons degree or a relevant honours degree, and a Teacher’s Diploma (PGCE)
  2. A cumulative weighted average of at least 60% for the relevant honours qualification

Additional requirements

Selection is based on:

  • meeting the minimum academic requirements required for admission;
  • previous academic performance;
  • applicable academic and/or teaching background;
  • availability of supervision for the required research project;
  • proven academic potential which may include academic communication and computer application skills;
  • additionally, an interview may be requested;
  • the requirements of professional registration bodies; and
  • the discretion of the relevant head of department.

Other programme-specific information

  • Renewal of registration after the two-year period is permitted only under special circumstances in which case the head of department may give approval for a limited fixed extension of this period in terms of the set procedures.
  • Students will be granted two opportunities to pass NMQ 801. Unsuccessful candidates will not be allowed to continue with the programme.
  • This requirement applies to both the full research as well as the coursework master’s degrees.

Research information

All master’s students must submit a dissertation or a mini-dissertation and must pass Research Proposal (NMQ 801).  For the MEd research degree programmes, a dissertation on a topic approved by the Dean on the recommendation of the relevant head of department must be submitted, following the approval of a complete research proposal. A literature study is not acceptable.

  • Each successful student must submit a bound paper copy as well as two electronic copies of the approved mini-dissertation/dissertation to the Head: Student Administration in the format specified by the Faculty and in accordance with the minimum standards set by the Department of Library Services (see http://upetd.up.ac.za/authors/ publish/ standards.htm#specs), before 15 February for the Autumn graduation ceremonies and before 15 July for the Spring graduation ceremonies. Failure to meet these deadlines will result in the degree being awarded during a subsequent series of graduation ceremonies
  • All students have to submit a research proposal during the first year of registration and defend it successfully before a panel of examiners appointed by the Dean, in collaboration with the relevant head of department, Supervisor and Research Coordinator, before they can start with the research.
  • Students have to apply for ethical clearance to the relevant head of department and Ethics Committee and only commence with field work once the application for ethical clearance has been approved by the Ethics Committee.
  • Students have to present a progress report on the research to the supervisor annually. Continued reregistration depends on satisfactory annual progress.
  • All students have to attend the research capacity building sessions on quantitative and qualitative research at master’s level.

Pass with distinction

The MEd degree is conferred with distinction on a student who obtains at least 75% in the dissertation.

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    Development of a research proposal. Research methodology. Overview and principles of quantitative and qualitative research methodology. Data collection methods, data analysis methods, paradigm analysis and theoretical frameworks for educational studies. Global theoretical perspectives in education.

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Core modules

Fundamental modules

  • Module content:

    Development of a research proposal. Research methodology. Overview and principles of quantitative and qualitative research methodology. Data collection methods, data analysis methods, paradigm analysis and theoretical frameworks for educational studies. Global theoretical perspectives in education.

    View more

Core modules


General Academic Regulations and Student Rules
The General Academic Regulations (G Regulations) and General Student Rules apply to all faculties and registered students of the University, as well as all prospective students who have accepted an offer of a place at the University of Pretoria. On registering for a programme, the student bears the responsibility of ensuring that they familiarise themselves with the General Academic Regulations applicable to their registration, as well as the relevant faculty-specific and programme-specific regulations and information as stipulated in the relevant yearbook. Ignorance concerning these regulations will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression, or basis for an exception to any of the aforementioned regulations. The G Regulations are updated annually and may be amended after the publication of this information.

Regulations, degree requirements and information
The faculty regulations, information on and requirements for the degrees published here are subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information.

University of Pretoria Programme Qualification Mix (PQM) verification project
The higher education sector has undergone an extensive alignment to the Higher Education Qualification Sub-Framework (HEQSF) across all institutions in South Africa. In order to comply with the HEQSF, all institutions are legally required to participate in a national initiative led by regulatory bodies such as the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Council on Higher Education (CHE), and the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The University of Pretoria is presently engaged in an ongoing effort to align its qualifications and programmes with the HEQSF criteria. Current and prospective students should take note that changes to UP qualification and programme names, may occur as a result of the HEQSF initiative. Students are advised to contact their faculties if they have any questions.

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