Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education at Rhodes University

Programme overview

A 120-credit NQF Level 8 (honours level) qualification offered by CHERTL that advances academic developers' knowledge of higher education as a field of study and prepares them to design and implement academic development initiatives, particularly staff development.

Faculty: Faculty of Education | Department: Centre for Higher Education Research, Teaching and Learning (CHERTL) | Duration: 2 years part-time (1 year full-time possible) | Study mode: part-time | Location: Makhanda, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

Six core modules over two years: Higher Education Context, Quality Assurance of Teaching and Learning, Curriculum Development, Academic Development Initiatives, Learning and Teaching in Higher Education and Assessment of Student Learning, with an integrated portfolio. Candidates may add a research elective such as Supervision of Research in Higher Education or Leadership in Higher Education.

Career pathways

Academic development and lecturing roles in higher education.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Academic Developers stream: normally a Level 9 qualification on the HEQSF; employment as an academic developer or in a cognate role at a higher education institution; proficiency in oral and written formal English; computer literacy and reliable computer and internet access. A candidate may proceed to year two only after passing at least two year-one modules.

ZAR 25,050 a year (2026). Annual part-time tuition for the Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education per the 2026 fees booklet. Excludes residence and the international student levy. Source

Applications from all new students close on 30 September; this is also the deadline for international applicants, and no international applications are considered after 30 September. Late applications from South African applicants will be considered. The non-refundable application fee is R100.

Apply through the official page: https://ross.ru.ac.za/

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