Choosing a career in education is an admirable decision. Teachers play a critical role in shaping the minds and futures of generations, and South Africa is always in need of passionate, qualified educators. If you’re considering becoming a teacher, you’ve likely come across two popular pathways: the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and the Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree. But how do you decide which one is right for you?
In this article, we’ll dive into the differences between a PGCE and a BEd, the pros and cons of each, and factors to consider when making your choice. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which path aligns with your career goals and circumstances.
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Understanding the Basics: What Are PGCE and BEd?
Before you decide to study toward either a PGCE or BEd degree, it’s important to understand the basics of each of the qualifications so that you know what you’re getting into. Below, we’ve outlined what you need to know about each degree to help you stay informed.
What is a BEd Degree?
The BEd degree is a four-year undergraduate programme designed for individuals who want to pursue teaching as their first career choice. This comprehensive programme combines theoretical education modules with practical teaching experience, equipping graduates with the skills needed to teach specific age groups or subjects.
In South Africa, there are three main types of BEd degrees:
- BEd Foundation Phase: Focuses on teaching children in Grades R to 3.
- BEd Intermediate and Senior Phase: Prepares teachers for Grades 4 to 9, often with a specialization in specific subjects.
- BEd Senior and FET Phase: Targets Grades 10 to 12, allowing students to specialise in high school subjects.
What is a PGCE?
The PGCE is a one-year (or part-time equivalent) postgraduate programme designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a specific field and want to transition into teaching. The PGCE provides the pedagogical training required to teach at various levels, depending on the specialisation you choose.
PGCE programmes are typically divided into the following phases:
- Foundation Phase (Grades R to 3)
- Intermediate Phase (Grades 4 to 6)
- Senior and FET Phase (Grades 7 to 12)
Key Differences Between PGCE and BEd
Now that you know the basics of these qualifications, it’s important to note the differences. Many people think that a PGCE and BEd are the same, and although they both allow you to reach your goal of becoming a teacher, there are some key differences you should be wary of before you start studying.
Aspect | BEd Degree | PGCE |
Requirements | Open to individuals with an NSC or equivalent | Requires a completed bachelor’s degree with relevant subjects |
Duration | Four years full-time | One year full-time or up to two years part-time |
Focus | Comprehensive education-focused curriculum | Focuses on teaching methods and pedagogy |
Cost | Higher cost due to longer duration | Lower cost but requires a prior undergraduate degree |
Career flexibility | Limited to teaching without additional qualifications | Offers more flexibility with career options |
Pros and Cons
For those aspiring to be a teacher, both the PGCE and BEd have both advantages and disadvantages that need to be acknowledged.
Pros and Cons of BEd
The BEd offers several pros and cons for those who are looking to study this full-time degree, which you will find outlined below:
Pros:
- Comprehensive Training: The BEd integrates subject knowledge, pedagogy, and practical experience from the start.
- Direct Pathway: Designed specifically for aspiring teachers, making it the most direct route to qualify.
- In-Demand Skills: Graduates are equipped to teach a specific age group or phase, making them highly employable in South Africa’s education sector.
- Financial Support: There are various bursaries and scholarships available, such as the Funza Lushaka Bursary Scheme, to assist BEd students financially.
Cons:
- Time Commitment: A four-year programme requires a significant investment of time.
- Limited Flexibility: Career options outside teaching may require further study or retraining.
- Cost: While bursaries are available, the cost of a four-year degree can be prohibitive for some.
Pros and Cons of PGCE
In terms of studying toward a PGCE, here are the pros and cons you’ll need to consider before undertaking this postgraduate qualification:
Pros:
- Quick Transition: A one-year programme allows you to qualify as a teacher quickly.
- Flexible Entry: Ideal for those who decide to pursue teaching later or after exploring another career path.
- Cost-Effective: Shorter duration means lower tuition fees compared to a full four-year degree.
- Career Options: Your undergraduate degree can open doors to careers outside teaching if you choose to pivot later.
Cons:
- Prerequisite Degree: You must already have a relevant bachelor’s degree, which adds time and cost before starting the PGCE.
- Steep Learning Curve: The PGCE condenses teaching methodologies and pedagogy into one year, which can be intense.
Subject Restrictions: Your undergraduate degree must align with the teaching subjects you wish to pursue.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between PGCE and BEd
When deciding between a PGCE and a BEd, your current academic situation is a key factor. If you’re still deciding on your undergraduate studies and are certain about teaching as your career, the BEd degree is the most straightforward option. However, if you’ve already completed a bachelor’s degree in another field and want to transition to teaching, the PGCE is the logical choice.
Time and financial investment are also important considerations. The BEd requires a longer time commitment and may involve higher costs overall, but it offers a structured pathway into teaching. In contrast, the PGCE is quicker and potentially cheaper but requires prior investment in an undergraduate degree.
It’s essential to think about your career goals and the level of flexibility you want in your career. The BEd is ideal if you’re confident that teaching is your lifelong career. On the other hand, the PGCE is better suited for individuals who want to keep their career options open or transition into teaching after exploring other industries.
Specialisation and subject passion should also guide your decision. Ensure that the degree you choose allows you to focus on the phase or subjects you’re passionate about teaching. For example, if you love biology, make sure your pathway enables you to teach it at your desired grade level.
Finally, consider the job market demand for teachers in your chosen phase or subject. In South Africa, fields like mathematics, science, and technology education often have higher demand, improving job prospects for graduates in these areas.
Real-Life Scenarios: Which Pathway is Better?
To better understand which pathway might be right for you, let’s consider a few real-life scenarios.
Scenario 1: The High School Science Enthusiast:
If you’ve always loved science and want to teach it at the high school level, you could:
- Pursue a BEd Senior and FET Phase with a focus on science subjects.
- Complete a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree with relevant subjects and then enroll in a PGCE Senior and FET Phase.
Scenario 2: The Career Changer:
You’ve worked in marketing for several years but have discovered a passion for teaching. A PGCE allows you to:
- Transition into teaching without starting a four-year degree from scratch.
- Leverage your existing degree to teach subjects like business studies or English.
Scenario 3: The Young Aspiring Teacher:
You’ve just finished matric and now you want to teach primary school. The BEd Foundation Phase is your best bet, offering a structured, four-year programme that prepares you for teaching Grades R to 3.
Funding Opportunities for Both Pathways
One of the most significant concerns for prospective students is funding. Fortunately, there are a few options available for aspiring teachers in South Africa:
- Funza Lushaka Bursary: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living expenses for BEd and PGCE students who commit to teaching in public schools after graduation.
- NSFAS: Offers financial aid to eligible students pursuing undergraduate degrees, including BEd.
Fund Your Tertiary Education with Fundi
Once you’ve decided which qualification is right for you, it’s time to look at the next step: Funding your studies. Fundi offers study loans to students that cover a range of educational costs, including textbooks, tuition fees and more.
Find out if you qualify for a Fundi study loan by using our Fundi Loan Calculator and start your journey as a teacher today!
