Yearbooks

Programme: MEd Educational Leadership (Coursework)

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Code Faculty Department
09250578 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

Admission requirements

  1. Relevant BEdHons degree or relevant honours degree and  relevant Teacher’s Diploma
  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 800. 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 800).  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.

  • One publishable article based on the research that the student conducted for the dissertation or the mini-dissertation and approved by the supervisor, must be submitted. The article must be submitted at the offices of Student Administration before 15 February for the Autumn graduation ceremonies and before 15 July for the Spring graduation ceremonies.
  • In addition to the copies referred to above, 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 with coursework is conferred with distinction on a student who obtains 75% in the mini-dissertation and an average of 75% in the remaining 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.

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Core modules

  • Module content:

    Continuous professional teacher development (CPTD) as part of Human Resource Management (HRM) in South Africa towards quality education. International debates on continuous professional teacher development and management. Budget construction and budget interpretation. The quality and equity debate.

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  • Module content:

    This module introduces students to the principal as leader of curriculum and instruction in the school context, with the primary goal of enhancing learning. Prospective principals will acquire competence in the deployment of effective leadership strategies (including coaching and teacher appraisal) to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in their schools.

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  • Module content:

    In this module students will become competent in education law matters that impact daily on the life of the school principal. The module will make extensive use of case studies of critical incidents in the school context, including human rights, equity and discrimination. In addition, students gain and learn to apply knowledge of education labour relations, the SACE code of conduct, and international comparative case studies regarding education and the law.

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  • Module content:

    Dissertation of limited scope conducted under supervision of a supervisor on any identified and selected problem in the area of education management, law and policy.

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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

  • Module content:

    Continuous professional teacher development (CPTD) as part of Human Resource Management (HRM) in South Africa towards quality education. International debates on continuous professional teacher development and management. Budget construction and budget interpretation. The quality and equity debate.

    View more

  • Module content:

    This module introduces students to the principal as leader of curriculum and instruction in the school context, with the primary goal of enhancing learning. Prospective principals will acquire competence in the deployment of effective leadership strategies (including coaching and teacher appraisal) to enhance the quality of teaching and learning in their schools.

    View more

  • Module content:

    In this module students will become competent in education law matters that impact daily on the life of the school principal. The module will make extensive use of case studies of critical incidents in the school context, including human rights, equity and discrimination. In addition, students gain and learn to apply knowledge of education labour relations, the SACE code of conduct, and international comparative case studies regarding education and the law.

    View more

  • Module content:

    Dissertation of limited scope conducted under supervision of a supervisor on any identified and selected problem in the area of education management, law and policy.

    View more


The information published here is subject to change and may be amended after the publication of this information. The General Regulations (G Regulations) apply to all faculties of the University of Pretoria. It is expected of students to familiarise themselves well with these regulations as well as with the information contained in the General Rules section. Ignorance concerning these regulations and rules will not be accepted as an excuse for any transgression.

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