Mathematics Education Division

Contribution to Academic Programmes

Undergraduate courses

The Division’s contribution to the BEd programme (for Secondary School maths teachers) is comprised of courses in mathematics and those created to develop the ability to teach mathematics.

All first-year BEd students do a one-year Introduction to Mathematics course. This course provides students with the opportunity to experience mathematics as a useful tool as well as a language that describes the world around them.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education

A PGCE route into mathematics teaching is available. Entry into taking Mathematics as a major (qualifying to teach Mathematics up to Matric level) requires applicants to have passed Math II in the course of their undergraduate studies.

To take Mathematics as a sub-major (qualifying to teach Mathematics up to Grade 9 level) applicants must have passed a full 1st year course in Maths (e.g. Math I) or the equivalent (e.g. 2 semester courses in first year Maths), AND at least 1 second year semester course in Maths.

Find out more about the PGCE programme

BEd Honours Programme in Mathematics Education

This programme (offered in 1-year full-time or two-year part-time modes) focuses on:

• Developing the depth and breadth of content knowledge for teaching
• Providing an introduction to the postgraduate academic reading and writing field through an introduction to key areas of literature in mathematics education.
• Programme Modules
• Mathematics content
• Mathematics Education
• Research project

Entry Requirements

Entry to the B Ed Honours programme in Mathematics Education requires an undergraduate degree with at least a first-year Mathematics content course (eg, Math I) or equivalent (B Ed with a secondary maths specialism or a 2 2 Diploma ACE focused on secondary maths), as well as a 65% pass in Mathematics at that level.

MEd in Mathematics Education (by coursework or dissertation)

This programme aims to provide participants with a firm grounding in both the key areas of academic literature relating to mathematics education nationally and internationally and producing academic writing in the field. The MEd programme can be done as full-time (one year) or as part-time (2 years).

Programme Modules

The aims of the MEd by coursework and research report are:

• to develop an understanding of the current issues and problems in mathematics education, and to promote discussion on ways of addressing these problems in the southern African context
• to acquaint students with particular research currently being followed in a defined field of mathematics education
• to familiarise students with the methods of research in this field
• to provide graduates who:
• can act independently on small research projects
• can approach their work in an informed and critically reflective manner
• possess the tools to find out more about their field and independently adjust to change
• can improve their understanding of content through study and reflection.

Entry Requirements

The admission requirements for this degree are a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in one of the approved mathematics subjects, plus a minimum of a BSc Honours or equivalent degree (such as a BEd Honours degree), and appropriate teaching experience. We normally require an average mark of 65% for the Honours degree, with 65% for the research component.For MEd by dissertation, a minimum of 70% is required for each of the average coursework AND the research report.

PhD in Mathematics Education

We offer full and part-time options for PhD studies. Supervision is available in (but not limited to) the research focus areas in the Maths Division.

For PhD admission, a minimum of 70% is required for each of the average coursework AND the research report.