The department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies takes pride in preparing prospective and practicing teachers for the challenges of the 21st century. Staff members and students collaborate with schools in the local community, across the country, and worldwide to improve educational practice. Working together, our staff members and students make a difference in classrooms and communities locally and globally.

Staff members teach courses, are engaged in community engagement projects, and conduct research in the areas of curriculum studies. These activities involve active collaborations with colleagues in other departments, other colleges, and higher education institutions. Faculty and students are committed to seeking meaningful connections among theory, research, and practice.

In line with Unisa's move towards on-line teaching and learning, the department is changing their modules for rich on-line learning experiences based on ODL principles.

Our vision is to be an authentic African department in the College of Education, recognised for relevance and excellence in ODeL teaching and learning, student support, research and engaged scholarship in the service of humanity.

Our mission is fourfold:

• To use relevant 21st century technology-integrated ODeL teaching and learning in the quest for excellence.
• To provide high-quality ODeL education programmes that incorporate contemporary learner support systems and approaches.
• To conduct cutting-edge, innovative research for the advancement of human development in education.
• To establish sustainable partnerships with communities through engaged scholarship projects that are relevant, context specific and responsive to the needs of the community.

The key objectives for 2023 and beyond, as listed below, have been carefully considered and consulted on with all relevant stakeholders, and give expression to the overall strategic intent of the College and the University.  Therefore, the Department aligns itself to the vison, mission and strategic operational plans of the College as well of the University through the following key objectives:

• To increase the student success rate in all modules offered by the Department.
• To offer high-quality accredited and registered programmes and short learning programmes.
• To increase the Department’s contribution to development through engaged teaching and research outputs.
• To promote an appropriate size and shape for a comprehensive University through programme and student registration.
• To develop fully online modules as comprehensive online offerings by 2030.
• To increase the percentage of programmes that manifest indigenous knowledge and/or are available in select indigenous languages from 15% to 20% by 2030.
• To improve first-time entering students’ retention cumulatively by 30% by 2030.
• To promote and advance African scholarship through global collaborations.
• To increase research outputs, external funding and NRF-rated scholars in the Department.

Contact us

Chair of Department
Prof PK Mudau
Tel: 012 429 8898
E-mail: mudaupk@unisa.ac.za

Departmental Secretary
Ms Florenza Lewis
Tel: 012 429 4033
E-mail: lewisfb@unisa.ac.za