Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management and Leadership is offered by the NWU Faculty of Education. The Qualification is on NQF level 8. The purpose of the qualification is to equip the student with a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence regarding relevant aspects of Management and Leadership in Education. The curriculum includes modules that provide for the broadening and deepening of the student’s expertise in the practice and pedagogy of Management and Leadership, thus developing the ability to become an academic leader and expert in the field of Management and Leadership in Education. The curriculum content focuses on deepening the student’s content knowledge of practical skill in the areas of Education Management (EM), Education Law (EL) and Comparative Education (CE), as well as exploring research theory in the field of Education Management and Leadership. The primary purpose of the qualification is to undertake advanced reflection on the participants’ own practice and to enhance the professional development of students by means of a systematic survey of current thinking in Education Management and Leadership to strengthen and deepen students’ knowledge of education systems as leaders and managers in other educational contexts. The research theory module aims to equip students with the theoretical grounding for research within their practice and for further study. However, this diploma does not include a supervised research project. 

General Information

The Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management and Leadership is offered through the Distance Education mode of delivery. It is not offered through contact or part time modes of delivery. Interactive white board sessions are offered at various distance centres and examinations are also written at different centres. Take note of the following general information:

• This programme is offered online, making use of the eFundi e-learning platform.
• Students must have access to daily, reliable internet to be able to successfully engage, communicate and complete this programme.
• Language of tuition is in English although students may submit assignments in English or Afrikaans. Exam papers may also be completed in English or Afrikaans.
• The minimum duration of the programme is two years and the maximum duration 4 years after which a student’s studies may be terminated.
• For inquiries regarding applications and registrations please email UODLPGdip@nwu.ac.za
• Students should call the e-Fundi call centre for e-Fundi queries on 018 285 2295 or eFundi-PC@nwu.ac.za
• Your student number and a clear indication that you are a distance student must be indicated on all correspondence.
• Students have a first and second examination opportunity. The second opportunity must be utilised during the next examination period. See A-Rules.
• A valid participation mark gives the student access to two examination opportunities, after which a student must generate a new participation mark by re-registering for the module. See A-Rules and Faculty Rules.
• It is the student’s responsibility to purchase their own prescribed material. Study material lists will be made available to students. It is the student’s own responsibility to order and pay for study material through any provider of academic books. For study material related inquiries please use the following email: UODLstudymaterial@nwu.ac.za
• Study MOD’s (Module Overview Document) will be available on e-Fundi.

Digital/electronic assistance

All registered students have access to electronic learning platform, eFundi (sign in with your student number). Academic information is shared on dedicated module sites. Here you will find:

• assignments,

• important dates,

• additional reading material,

• assignment feedback,

• participation and examination marks, and more.

First-time users register with RSA ID/passport number as your password after which you will automatically have access to all the eFundi module sites. Get eFundi support here.

Application & Admission

Students can only apply online via the NWU website.

Note: Select the distance mode of delivery and the code is 4DF D01

Admission requirements Admission to this qualification takes place according to the A-Rule 1.5 of the university. In particular, the following admission requirements are valid for the PGDip:

      a) a recognised BEd, or

      b) a recognised B-degree + PGCE qualification (NQF Level 7).

      c) a four-year professional teaching qualification(s) as well as a 120 credit Level 7 Advanced Diploma

      d) Aggregate of 60%+ in previous qualification.

Applications close 31 August 2026

Assessment

Assessment is module specific and will be communicated via the eFundi module site. Assessments usually include two or more module assignments that contributes to the participation mark of the student. a) All assignments must be submitted electronically via eFundi. In instances where a portfolio is it totals 100% of the module mark. A minimum participation mark ff 40% allows the student to participate in the exam. Students need a subminimum of 40% in the exam. To pass a module the student needs a 50% module mark (participation + exam). A participation mark is valid for two consecutive exam opportunities.

Programme outlay

Postgraduate Diploma in Education Management and Leadership (Programme code: 4DF D01) 

Programme Outcomes

After the successful completion of this programme, the student must be able to demonstrate:

• an integrated knowledge of and engagement with multiple sources of knowledge in education and critical understanding and application of leadership and management theories and techniques relevant to Education Leadership and Management, Education Law and Education Systems;
• the ability to understand the complexities and uncertainties in education, and select, apply and critically interrogate multiple sources of knowledge, judge the effectiveness of a range of relevant skills, techniques and procedures appropriate to effective and efficient Education Management and Leadership;
• an advanced ability to effectively implement and apply management and leadership theories, skills and techniques, with a view to improve the quality of education at all levels;
• the ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse, critically reflect on and effectively solve complex issues and challenges related to Education Leadership and Management, Education Law and Education Systems, to systematically draw on the body of knowledge and methods to apply practice driven solutions;
• the ability to identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection within different cultural and social contexts and professional environments for Education Management and Leadership, and to become agents of change;
• the ability to apply specialised knowledge and/or professional skills (specify for module context) in the workplace environment;
• the ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats (written, visual and electronic) with diverse education audiences and for various purposes within Education Leadership and Management;
• the ability to position own knowledge and understanding within the context of broader societal trends and developments, for example Education Leadership and Management, Education Law and Education Systems;
• the ability to articulate a clear vision and goals, and to motivate others to achieve them and to be self-directed and lifelong learners, who are able to work independently, utilise resources effectively, and exercise initiative; furthermore, to show tolerance for ambiguity, and the courage and confidence to act in uncertain situations; and
• an understanding of their social, civic and environmental responsibilities within the context of education, and commitment to social justice, democracy, human rights and the integrity of the environment, manifested in conduct that respects and upholds the rights of individuals, groups, and communities.

Fees

For any information about study fees please contact

PC-studyfees@nwu.ac.za or (018) 299 2667/ 2668/ 2669/ 2670/ 2671/2672/ 2673

Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs Education is offered by the NWU Faculty of Education. The Qualification is on NQF level 8. The Department of Basic Education requires working professionals to continuously develop their careers and enhance their knowledge in order to provide appropriate guidance and support to learners who experience special needs in an educational environment. Working professionals with existing qualifications can use continuing professional development learning programmes to strengthen their current qualification. The PGDip (Special Needs) is primarily professionally oriented to offer working professionals the opportunity to undertake advanced reflection on and development of special needs issues in education.

The purpose of this PGDip (Special Needs) qualification is to:

• consolidate and deepen students’ expertise in the area of special needs education, as encompassed in the various modules of the programme;
• provide students with a deeper understanding of the professional practices, institutions, and systems that deal with special needs in the school system;
• develop students’ potential to act as leaders and experts in the field of special needs education in their area of function in the school system; • develop students’ potential to make responsible decisions and solve specific problems regarding matters of special needs education;
• equip students to conduct independent enquiry into a specific problem they experience in their practice in special needs education; and
• provide students with a deeper understanding of the economic, social and cultural diversity and needs of South African professionals within special needs education.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to undertake advanced reflection and to enhance the professional development of students by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods to strengthen and deepen students’ knowledge of special needs in their educational contexts. This qualification will also equip students with the requisite skills to enhance national competitiveness and productivity in a global context. Students who are practising professionals at micro and macro levels will engage with the most recent theory, discourses and practices. 

General Information

The Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs Education is offered through the Distance Education mode of delivery. It is not offered through contact or part time modes of delivery. Interactive white board sessions are offered at various distance centres and examinations are also written at different centres. Take note of the following general information:

• This programme is offered online, making use of the eFundi e-learning platform.
• Students must have access to daily, reliable internet to be able to successfully engage, communicate and complete this programme.
• Language of tuition is in English although students may submit assignments in English or Afrikaans. Exam papers may also be completed in English or Afrikaans.
• The minimum duration of the programme is two years and the maximum duration 4 years after which a student’s studies may be terminated.
• For inquiries regarding applications and registrations please email UODLPGdip@nwu.ac.za.
• Students should call the e-Fundi call centre for e-Fundi queries on 018 285 2295 or eFundi-PC@nwu.ac.za
• Your student number and a clear indication that you are a distance student must be indicated on all correspondence.
• Students have a first and second examination opportunity. The second opportunity must be utilised during the next examination period. See A-Rules.
• A valid participation mark gives the student access to two examination opportunities, after which a student must generate a new participation mark by re-registering for the module. See A-Rules and Faculty Rules.
• It is the student’s responsibility to purchase their own prescribed material. Study material lists will be made available to students. It is the student’s own responsibility to order and pay for study material through any provider of academic books. For study material related inquiries please use the following email: UODLstudymaterial@nwu.ac.za
• Study MOD’s (Module Overview Document) will be available on e-Fundi.

Digital/electronic assistance

eFundi is the electronic learning platform where individual module sites are created and all academic information is uploaded, including assignments, important dates, additional reading material, assignment feedback, participation and examination marks, etc. All registered students have access to eFundi. When you sign up to use eFundi, your username is your student number. For the first time you will need to use your RSA ID/passport number as your password. After you have submitted your assignment on eFundi, you will receive a notification via e-mail. As soon as students are registered, they should automatically have access to all the eFundi module sites. 

Please watch the following videos as an introduction to eFundi: http://youtu.be/8k6dvp6fZ5w and http://youtu.be/WyZiFFSYWJg

Application & Admission

Students can only apply online via the NWU website. Note: Select the distance mode of delivery and the code is 4DG D01 Admission requirements Admission to this qualification takes place according to the A-Rule 1.5 of the university. In particular, the following admission requirements are valid for the PGDip:

     a) a recognised BEd, or

     b) a recognised B-degree + PGCE qualification (NQF Level 7).

     c) a four-year professional teaching qualification(s) as well as a 120 credit Level 7 Advanced Diploma d) Aggregate of 60%+ in previous qualification.

Applications close 31 August 2026

Assessment

Assessment is module specific and will be communicated via the eFundi module site. Assessments usually include two or more module assignments that contributes to the participation mark of the student. a) All assignments must be submitted electronically via eFundi. In instances where a portfolio is it totals 100% of the module mark. A minimum participation mark ff 40% allows the student to participate in the exam. Students need a subminimum of 40% in the exam. To pass a module the student needs a 50% module mark (participation + exam). A participation mark is valid for two consecutive exam opportunities.

Programme Outlay

Postgraduate Diploma in Special Needs Education (Programme code: 4DG D01)

Programme Outcomes

The competence developed in the qualification is reflected in the exit level outcomes. The alignment of the outcomes with the appropriate NQF level 8 is as follows: On completion of this qualification, students should demonstrate:

• a willingness to take responsibility for their judgements within an inclusive society, which is based on a strong value system, and an awareness and understanding of moral and social issues;
• integrated knowledge of underlying theories relevant to special needs education and learner support, as well as a critical understanding of school guidance and lay counselling, learners with special needs, health-promoting schools, learner support in a diverse classroom, applied learner support and education research;
• the ability to contribute to the current knowledge framework of educational matters and issues within special needs and learner support by evaluating different knowledge sources;
• an acquired in-depth expertise within the field of special needs and learner support education by demonstrating specific skills to identify and solve real-life problems regarding key matters in special needs and learner support education, as well as competence with regard to ethical issues and professional practice that deal with special needs and learner support within the South African school system.
• an ability for effective teamwork with e.g. staff members and learners in the educational environment, demonstrating their expertise in the field of special needs and learner support education, the capacity for argumentation and reasoning, based on their own values, beliefs and practices, as well as the ability to critically analyse alternative approaches and solve specific problems within the field of special needs education;
• accountability for their own self-directed learning when dealing with a problem in special needs and learner support education, as well as the ability to present new insights into and solutions to known problems in an academically appropriate way; and
• appreciation for their own limited knowledge, and an intellectual curiosity for new ideas as lifelong learners, who question established ways of understanding current educational issues.

Fees

For any information about study fees please contact

PC-studyfees@nwu.ac.za or (018) 299 2667/ 2668/ 2669/ 2670/ 2671/2672/ 2673