Bachelor of Education: Foundation Phase Teaching

This four-year programme is internationally recognised and qualifies graduates to teach grades R-3.

Overview

The BEd qualifies you to teach in any school in South Africa and to register with the South African Council of Educators (SACE). A BEd from Wits provides career options in teaching or educational research. 

You can choose from three BEd degrees: Foundation Phase Teaching: Grades R-3; Intermediate Phase Teaching: Grades 4-7; Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching: Grades 8-12

While certain courses are compulsory for all BEd students, you can take other courses that prepare you to teach particular phases and teach subjects effectively to different age groups. All students undertake regular practical teaching experience during their studies.

Foundation Phase teachers help children develop a strong educational base and a love of learning. This includes teaching children to read and write and supporting them in developing their numeracy skills. It also means inviting children into enquiry-led explorations of their worlds through the interdisciplinary subject ‘Life skills’. 

For application queries contact:

Student Call Centre
ask.wits@wits.ac.za
011 717 1888

Career Opportunities

  • Teacher (Grades R-3)

Curriculum

First Year
  • Education IA AND B
  • Being a Foundation Phase Teacher A AND B
  • Mathematics for Primary School Teachers
  • Childhood Studies I
  • Literacy for Primary School Teachers I
  • Arts for Teachers
  • Teaching Experience IA AND IB
  • ICT Literacy

AND, select one elective from the following:

  • Fun with Choir
  • Physical Activity and Sports in Schools
  • Financial Planning and Entrepreneurship
  • Learning in and through Art
  • Learning in and through Drama
Second year
  • Education II
  • Mathematics for Primary School Teachers II
  • Literacy for Primary School Teachers II
  • Childhood Studies II

AND, select ONE additional language; a language not taken for the NSC, and which is not a home language:

  • isiZulu I
  • Sesotho I
  • isiZulu Additional Language I
  • Sesotho Additional Language I
  • South African Sign Language I

Teaching Experience II

Third year
  • Education III
  • Mathematics for Foundation Phase Teachers III
  • Literacy for Primary School Teachers III
  • Teaching Experience IIIA AND IIIB

AND, select ONE additional language from the following:

  • IsiZulu Additional Language II
  • Sesotho Additional Language II
  • IsiZulu II
  • Sesotho II
  • South African Sign language II
Fourth year
  • Education IV
  • Mathematics for Primary School Teachers IV
  • Literacy for Foundation Phase Teachers IV
  • Childhood Studies IV
  • Being a Teacher
  • Teaching Experience IV A/B

AND, select two electives from the following:

• Learning in and through Art
• Learning in and through Drama

Entry Requirements

APS 37+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language  Level 5

Mathematics Level 4 OR  Maths Literacy Level 5 OR Technical Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with an entry requirement of at least 31-36 APS points are wait-listed, subject to place availability.

Additional Selection Criteria

Preference is given to students with higher English results. Due to limited space, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to place availability, academic results, and other entry requirements, where applicable.

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.