The IIE Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching (FPT), available at Emeris, is an undergraduate professional qualification aimed at preparing graduates to teach learners from Grades R to 3. This four-year Bachelor’s degree is structured in accordance with the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (MRTEQ) (2015). It is also aligned with the new Higher Education Qualifications Sub- Framework’s (HEQSF) guidelines. The degree will equip Foundation Phase classroom teachers with the knowledge, skills and applied competencies for employability and further specialization studies, in support of the principles of life-long learning.
This BEd degree provides a fundamental and comprehensive education underpinned by subject knowledge in the teaching of all three Foundation Phase subjects (Language, Mathematics and Life Skills) for Grades 1 to 3. It additionally enables Foundation Phase teachers to prepare Grade R learners for formal learning. There is an integrated focus on educational theory and methodology, aligned with the requirements for a professionally qualified beginner teacher.
Please see Important Note:
English
First Additional Language (FAL)*
*FAL: The language you seek to study as your First Additional Language (language offers are campus dependent)
ALL applicants, regardless of route of entry to the BEd programmes, are required to meet the indicated additional language requirements for English and the selected FAL.
English:
FAL:
For alternative admission options, please click here or reach out to student recruitment. Please note, requirements for entry to this qualification are correct at the time of publication, however, these may change.
*Teaching Foundation Phase
Teaching Experience (TE) involves placing student teachers in South African school environments where they engage in structured, practical learning and apply their theoretical knowledge in real classroom settings. This school-based Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) component is a critical requirement in all Faculty of Education qualifications.
To gain access to Teaching Experience placements, the following requirements must be met:
Access on to school-based work integrated learning (i.e. teaching experience):
The following is important in this regard:
For the Faculty of Education, the following qualification allows you to articulate into the Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching should you meet the requirements*:
For alternative articulation options within our other faculties please contact your campus for further information.
*Additional admission requirements are applicable to this programme
The successful completion of The IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching enables you to progress into a cognate 120 credit NQF Level 8 Bachelor of Education Honours degree, or a cognate Postgraduate Diploma Programme subject to meeting the admission requirements.
The IIE Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching is accredited by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is registered by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) as a 482-credit qualification on level 7 (SAQA ID: 96408).
Teaching (Grades R – 3)
Tutoring
School Management (may require further study and/or experience)
Educational Consultancy (may require further study and/or experience)
At Emeris, we believe that effective teaching is about creating experiences that foster student growth. Our academic team design activities that challenge students and identify their strengths, allowing for real-time adaptation in the learning journey. By combining subject expertise with teaching insights and digital tools, we extend learning beyond the classroom. This approach ensures students not only keep up but thrive.
For students based in South Africa, online students may select any campus of The Emeris as their Examination Centre.
An alternative examination centre is only permissible for students studying abroad and those located in a province of South Africa where there is no Emeris campus. If there is no Emeris campus within reach, an alternative venue will need to be sourced by you. For non-Emeris venues, there is an alternative venue levy per module.
Duration
3 years full-time / 4 years part-time
Intakes
February
Campuses
Mode/s of study
Information
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An educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education
Formed by the strategic evolution of The IIE's Varsity College, IIE MSA, Vega and
the School of Hospitality and Service Management, uniting under the Emeris name.
Emeris is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd which is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 1997 (reg. no. 2007/HE07/002). Company registration number: 1987/004754/07. View certificate here.
