The Honours degree prepares students for research-based postgraduate studies. It is offered on a part-time basis over two years. A number of B Ed Hons specialisms are offered in the Education Faculty. The first year of the degree is common to all the Hons degrees. Educational Issues and Ideas (30 C) and Research in Education (30 credits) constitute this foundation year. 

Two of the specialisms have their home the Department of Primary and Early Childhood Education.

  - Primary Education

  - Educational Leadership and Management  

The two specialism courses (each 30 credits) constitute the second year of the degree.

Honours in Primary Education

The focus of this specialism is on quality teaching and learning from Grade R to Grade 7. The year consists of two modules, which are strongly connected. Building connected knowledge is an important emphasis in quality Primary Education and so the connections between and within the two modules are an important aspect of learning on the course.

Module A: Quality in Primary Education. In this module, students will construct a broad overview of Primary knowledge, explore the connections within and between the 3 main subject fields, and work to understand the connections between society, school learning, and children’s social environments. They will then use this understanding to engage critically with current debates that relate to quality in Primary Education.

Module B: Research in Primary Education. Students will each carry out a research project that will research the process of enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in one particular area of their teaching practice. Each student will work closely with a subject specialist in the Department, who will guide and supervise their work.

Honours in Education Leadership and Management (ELM)

The ELM specialism is designed as a service learning initiative; i.e. a credit bearing course which links the academic learning with community service experiences. Students are expected to lead an organised service activity in their schools and reflect on the process in such a way as to gain  understanding of course content, appreciation of the discipline, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility. This specialism is made up of two courses. The First, Theory, Policy and Practice, introduces students to a range of contemporary ELM approaches and theories. The second aims to deepen expertise and develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of ELM and foster a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Last Modified: Fri, 03 Oct 2025 14:44:29 SAST