Higher Certificate in Social Studies at Afrikaanse Protestantse Akademie (Die) NPC

Programme overview

The Higher Certificate in Social Studies (SAQA ID 125454) is a 120-credit vocational programme at NQF level 5 that prepares aspirant social service workers for social settings, studied from a Christian and Reformed worldview. It is delivered entirely by distance learning in Afrikaans and can lead to degree study such as the BSocSci at the APA through RPL or credit transfer.

Duration: 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time (may not exceed 3 years) | Study mode: distance | Intake: February 2027 | Location: Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

Social Theory, Human Development and Psychology, Administration of Social Services, Human Development and the Environment, Professional Standards and Ethics, work-integrated learning, and one of Counselling, Family Studies or Social Care Programmes.

Career pathways

Au pair or childcare work, nursery-school assistant, church and youth workers, community development, and counselling and social service work; also a route to further study in the social sciences.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC (issued from 2008) approved for higher certificate study, or a Senior Certificate (before 2008); no specific subjects required. Relevant NQF level 4 qualification also considered; applicants aged 45+ may enter through RPL or credit transfer. Applicants need a suitable computer and reliable internet.

ZAR 26,000 for the whole programme (2027). 2027 total of R26,000 for the one-year programme (sum of per-module fees listed in the prospectus). 2027 tuition per the APA prospectus. Excludes the R500 non-refundable application fee and the R11,600 registration deposit (R10,000 of which forms part of Source

BDiv and BSocSci Honours (Psychology) lectures start on Monday 1 February 2027; BA, BSocSci, NGOS and Higher Certificate in Social Studies lectures start on Monday 15 February 2027.

Applications are made online at apa.ac.za; the application fee is R500 (non-refundable). Last registration dates: BDiv 5 February 2027; BA, BSocSci and NGOS 19 February 2027; BSocSci Honours Psychology 30 September 2026.

Apply through the official page: https://apa.ac.za/doen-aansoek

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