The Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training degree (BEd SP & FET) has the primary purpose of providing 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. Principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into a professional teaching career. The learning programme must, as a minimum requirement, lead to the development of all the beginner teacher competences.

The degree is intended to develop qualified classroom teachers who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in Senior and Further Education and Training Phases teaching.
The degree requires a specific depth of, and specialisation in knowledge, together with practical skills and workplace experience, to enable successful students to enter into teaching and apply their learning as beginner teachers in schools in varying contexts. The programme will enable graduates to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic and professional teaching environment.

Additionally, the degree requires intellectual independence and the development of research competence at an introductory level in the field of education, specifically teaching and learning, in order to provide a basis for postgraduate studies in the field of education or in a sub-field of education, as well as for further professional development as a teacher.
(Government Gazette, 19 February 2015, p. 28).

It is an initial professional teacher education qualification for candidates to be registered as fully qualified professional educators/teachers in schooling. The qualification accredits the development of professional competence informed by sound knowledge and understanding of the areas of specialisation and educational theory (South African Qualifications Authority, Qualification ID 20161, Bachelor of Education).

(b) Minimum Admission Requirements
Entry Requirements
A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelors’ endorsement and achievement in the subjects as follows:
• English level 4
• IsiXhosa or IsiZulu or Afrikaans or Sotho level 4
• and any TWO of the following: Life Sciences level 4; Mathematics level 4;
Physical Sciences level 4, and any other 2 subjects, at level 3
• Admission Point Score: 28