| Qualification stream: | School subject combination: Life Science and Mathematics |
| Qualification code: | 90104 - LSM |
| NQF level: | 7 |
| Total credits: | 480 |
| SAQA ID: | 103108 |
| APS/AS: | 23 |
| Maximum time to complete this qualification: | 10 years |
Purpose statement:
The qualification will develop qualified classroom teachers who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in the teaching of particular specialisations. The qualification requires a specific depth of, and specialisation in, knowledge together with practical skills and workplace experience to enable successful students to enter the teaching profession and apply their learning as beginner teachers in schools in varying contexts. They should be able to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional teaching environment.
In order to prepare teachers for this comprehensive role, the Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching qualification seeks to:
- Foster self-reflexivity and self-understanding among prospective teachers.
- Develop the professional disposition and self-identity of students as teachers.
- Develop students as active citizens and enable them to develop the disposition of citizenship in their learners.
- Promote and develop the disposition and competences to organise learning among a diverse range of learners in diverse contexts.
- Provide a well-rounded education that equips graduates with the required subject content knowledge base, educational theory and methodology that will enable them to demonstrate competence and responsibility as academically and professionally qualified beginner teachers.
- Develop educationally-focused disciplinary learning (foundations of education), general pedagogical learning, fundamental learning and situational learning. Fundamental learning at Level 5 is included. (These credits for Level 5 are not awarded through Recognition of Prior Learning).
- Focus on the teaching specialisation phase and/or subject, including subject-focused disciplinary, pedagogical subject and practical learning.
- Have graduates specialise in at least three teaching specialisations.
- Enable newly qualified teachers to accommodate multiple learning levels amongst learners through curriculum differentiation.
- Develop qualified classroom teachers who can demonstrate knowledge and skills in the teaching of a particular specialisation, phase and/or subject(s).
- Develop and consolidate, in an integrated way, appropriate disciplinary, practical, pedagogical and situational knowledge.
- Cultivate a practical understanding of teaching and learning in a diverse range of South African schools in relation to educational theory, phase and/or subject specialisation, practice and policy.
- Provide a minimum of 20 weeks and maximum of 32 weeks in supervised and assessed school-based practice.
This qualification contains modules with work-integrated learning components, which will require you to spend time away from your home and responsibilities, to gain the required industry exposure through applying your theoretical understanding in a workplace. You will be expected to complete tasks which will reflect your experience and skills gained while in the workplace. These tasks will be formally assessed and grades awarded.
Your admission to Unisa is dependent on you meeting the specific admission requirements for your chosen qualification.
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) (Degree endorsement) with at least 50% in the language of teaching and learning and at least 50% in Mathematics, and at least 50% in Physical Science
or
a Senior Certificate (SC) with matriculation exemption with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning and with at least a D symbol on HG or a in Mathematics and a D symbol for Physical Science (HG or SG)
or
qualify for the exemption from the Matriculation Board with at least a D symbol on HG or a C symbol on SG in the language of teaching and learning and with at least a D symbol on HG or a in Mathematics and a D symbol for Physical Science (HG or SG)
Applicants who would like to apply for admission through recognition of prior learning (RPL) must be at least 23 years old; have completed at least Grade 10; and have at least five years relevant teaching experience in the study field in which they would like to apply for admission to a qualification. For more information on RPL criteria visit: http://www.unisa.ac.za/rpl who do not comply with the above requirements should consider applying for a Higher Certificate in Education if they meet the statutory and additional requirements.
PLEASE NOTE: ONLY a Higher Certificate in Education (SMS Stream) with 50% Physical Science in matric may articulate into this programme.
Pay the application fee once you've received your student number:
Please note that this application fee is non-refundable even if you decide not to study through Unisa, do not qualify for admission to Unisa or cannot be offered a space due to limited spaces available.
Click here to find out more about Unisa's student fees, and the bursaries and loans for Unisa students.
Apply for admission to undergraduate qualifications for the 2026 academic year between 18 August and 10 October 2025.
Please take note of the following:
Unisa will send the necessary information about registration dates and the registration process to all successful applicants who have confirmed their acceptance of Unisa's offer. Visit www.unisa.ac.za/register for registration information.