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Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

Honours degrees & postgraduate diplomas

What's new for 2026? | ODeL, Unisa and postgraduate studies | Qualifications | Apply for admission | Application outcome | Application for appeal | Academic research support | Payment methods and banking details | FAQs | International students | Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning Care and Support

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Purpose statement

The purpose of this qualification is to deepen teachers' knowledge in psychosocial/mental health wellbeing, and ultimately provide them with the necessary skills to implement Care and Support for Teaching Learning (CSTL) in teaching and learning environments. Learners' theoretical understanding is deepened and strengthened by interrogating, appreciating, and contextualising the body of knowledge, observing human rights and taking African philosophies/Indigenous knowledge systems into consideration. Project/problem based work-integrated learning provides teachers with the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge ethically within their scope of practice. Intellectual independence and accountability are fostered through critical reflection assisting learners to undertake leadership roles by acquiring the necessary skills to apply theory in practice. As a result, teachers are empowered to fulfil their roles as scholars, researchers and lifelong learners, as well as their community, citizenship and pastoral roles. Qualifying learners will acquire counselling, case management, and project management skills to enable them in: Pursuing and sustaining psychosocial wellbeing of learners and teachers by rendering psychosocial care and support. Creating and maintaining a psychosocial safe environment within their own ethical scope of practice.

Qualification code: 90110
NQF level: 8
Total credits: 120
SAQA ID: 109012
APS/AS: 60
Maximum time to complete this qualification:  3 years

Admission and re-admission requirements

Qualification admission requirements

Please note:

An appropriate and recognised four-year Bachelor of Education Degree,
or
a three years general Bachelor's degree and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (or a former equivalent),
or
a four-year professional teaching qualification(s) as well as a 120 credits NQF Level 7 Advanced Diploma in a cognate specialisation.
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 23 years old; have completed Diploma at an NQF level 6; and have at least five years relevant teaching/ work based experience in Teaching Learning Care and Support or related subject fields, as well as evidence of basic research skills. Psychology up to second level is recommended. For more information on RPL criteria http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl

Student fees and funding your studies

Application fee

Pay the application fee of R150 once you've received your student number.

Please note:

  • The application fee is only applicable to students who do not have a formal Unisa student number.
    * Student numbers issued for short learning programmes and the Graduate School of Business Leadership are not formal Unisa student numbers. These students will be issued with a formal Unisa student number.
  • The application fee is a once-off fee.
    * You only need to pay the application fee once when you receive your formal Unisa student number. 
  • This application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa or do not qualify for admission to Unisa.
  • Use the 8 digit student number you receive from Unisa AND the application fee reference number (ie 8 DIGIT STUDENT NUMBER 5370810030). Send your proof of payment to susdepid@unisa.ac.za
  • Visit www.unisa.ac.za/paymentinfo for banking details and payment information. International students are advised to make use of the Flywire payment option. 
  • The due date for the application fee is the closing date for the application period. Any application submitted without an application fee will not be processed. Please ensure that you keep a copy of your proof of payment.


Student fees

Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.

Apply for admission

Apply for admission to honours degrees or postgraduate diplomas for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025. 


Please note:

Registration

Successful applicants should visit the registration website in January 2026 for updated registration information (eg qualification rules, curriculum/transitional arrangements, pre-requisites and co-requisites): www.unisa.ac.za/register

Curriculum / modules