If you are considering a teaching career in South Africa, it is important to understand what you will study, how practical training works, and how the degree prepares you for real classrooms in the country.
Bachelor of Education is the most sought-after degree programme for aspiring teachers. When it comes to what you will study, the Bachelor of Education syllabus is more than just a list of subjects. It is a structured plan that guides you from being a student to becoming a confident teacher who can impart knowledge and handle classrooms.
In this article, we explore the Bachelor of Education programme overview, a brief idea of the syllabus for each year, practical teaching practice, career outcomes, and more.
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Bachelor Of Education Programme Overview
The Bachelor of Education is a four-year, CHE-aligned degree that combines foundation education theory, subject specialisation and classroom practice. Students choose specialisations that enable them to teach across Senior Phase and FET, commonly in Science & Technology or Business & Management.
The syllabus balances modules on curriculum and pedagogy with subject-specific teaching skills and strategies to support all learners in the classroom. The Regenesys School of Education offers this programme as a 525-credit NQF Level 7 qualification with structured teaching practice and subject depth. It additionally includes AI modules in your degree at no extra cost.
Read more on What is a Bachelor of Education (BEd)? Scope, Eligibility, Duration & Career Opportunities.
Year-By-Year Summary Of The Bachelor Of Education Syllabus
Over four years, the Bachelor of Education programme prepares aspiring teachers to become professional educators with the essential skills & knowledge to succeed in the classroom. Each year builds on the last, increasing subject depth and practical teaching experience. Being aware of the core modules of the programme will help you prepare in the best possible way to succeed.
The following is a module-based year-by-year overview of the Regenesys School of Education’s BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme syllabus:
Year 1 – Building The Foundation
Year 1 builds your foundations in education theory, develops academic literacy, and helps you learn how to use information and communication technology in teaching. The year also introduces personal mastery and classroom management fundamentals.
This helps you to begin planning lessons and managing learning spaces. You will also select early subject specialisations to begin building subject depth alongside language of learning and teaching modules.
Find below the core Year 1 modules and credit values:
- Work Integrated Learning 1 (7 credits)
- Semester 1: Academic Literacy (10 credits); Basic Information and Communication Technology in Education (10 credits); Education Studies 1 (20 credits); Foundational Personal Mastery (5 credits); Subject Specialisation 2 – elective (10 credits)
- Semester 2: Classroom Management 1 (6 credits); Professional Studies 1 (12 credits); Language of Learning and Teaching: English 1 (10 credits); Conversational Competence – elective (10 credits); Subject Specialisation 3 – elective (10 credits)
- Total Credits Year 1: 120 credits
Year 2 – Growing Your Skills
The second year expands your teaching knowledge and the time spent on practical classroom tasks. You will study deeper education theory and classroom management while taking larger subject specialisation modules to strengthen classroom content knowledge.
Professional studies continue to develop your planning, assessment and professional behaviour in school settings. The year balances campus learning with significant school experience to develop confident lesson design and assessment skills.
Below are the core Year 2 modules and credit values:
- Work Integrated Learning 2 (16 credits)
- Semester 1: Education Studies 2 (30 credits); Classroom Management 2 (8 credits); Subject Specialisation 1 – elective (20 credits)
- Semester 2: Professional Studies 2 (10 credits); Subject Specialisation 2 – elective (20 credits); Subject Specialisation 3 – elective (20 credits)
- Total Credits Year 2: 124 credits
Year 3 – Deepening Knowledge & Teaching Practice
The year 3 moves you into advanced subject content and research-informed classroom practice. Education Studies 3 deepens curriculum understanding while Classroom Management 3 sharpens strategies for diverse learner needs.
You will begin the Action Research Methodology to plan small-scale research or reflective projects that link directly to your school practice. This year is designed to integrate theory, applied research and assessed practice in authentic school settings.
The following are the core Year 3 modules and credit values:
- Work Integrated Learning 3 (20 credits)
- Semester 1: Education Studies 3 (30 credits); Classroom Management 3 (8 credits); Subject Specialisation 1 – elective (20 credits)
- Semester 2: Action Research Methodology (7 credits); Professional Studies 3 (10 credits); Subject Specialisation 2 – elective (20 credits); Subject Specialisation 3 – elective (20 credits)
- Total Credits Year 3: 135 credits
Year 4 – Preparing For Your Teaching Career
The final year prepares you for full professional practice, leadership in the classroom and final assessment tasks. Education Studies 4 offers advanced study of curriculum, policy, and reflective practice, while Assessment in Education refines your ability to design and interpret assessments.
Professional Studies 4 focuses on professional roles, ethics and readiness for SACE registration and school responsibilities. Work Integrated Learning 4 will make you plan, teach and assess with significant mentor and institutional oversight.
Here are the core Year 4 modules and credit values:
- Work Integrated Learning 4 (20 credits)
- Semester 1: Assessment in Education (3 credits); Education Studies 4 (35 credits); Subject Specialisation 1 – elective (22 credits)
- Semester 2: Professional Studies 4 (22 credits); Subject Specialisation 2 – elective (22 credits); Subject Specialisation 3 – elective (22 credits)
- Total Credits Year 4: 146 credits
Read more on Special Needs Education: Should You Choose BEd Inclusive Education as a Specialisation?
Artificial Intelligence Modules In The Syllabus
AI modules are integrated into Regenesys Education’s degree programmes, with the BEd programme integrating modules that support AI literacy at no additional cost. These modules teach how to use artificial intelligence responsibly for lesson planning, assessment and learner support.
The Bachelor of Education syllabus emphasises digital assessment tools, online resources, and ethical use of AI to support learning rather than replace professional judgement. This prepares BEd graduates for modern-day classrooms where technology and education work together.
Read more on Top 7 Time Management Tips for Working Adults Pursuing a BEd Degree.
Professional Registration & Career Outcomes
BEd graduates are eligible to register with the South African Council for Educators (SACE) and to apply for teaching posts in schools that require Senior Phase and FET teachers. Career paths include classroom teaching, curriculum development, education support roles and further study such as postgraduate certificates or honours programmes.
The Regenesys School of Education emphasises employability by combining subject expertise, assessed practice & career support in its BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme.
Read more on Bachelor of Education Applications Open for 2026.
Explore Our Other Programmes
Conclusion
The Bachelor of Education syllabus at Regenesys School of Education provides a clear route from foundational theory to full classroom responsibility. Students gain subject depth, assessed school placements and digital skills, including AI modules as part of the syllabus.
If you want to teach in the Senior Phase and FET bands in South Africa, this programme provides the academic knowledge and practical experience required to move into the teaching profession. To learn more and check entry requirements, visit the Regenesys Education website and explore the programme page.
You can also contact us to speak with a career adviser for expert guidance.
FAQs
How many modules are there in a Bachelor of Education syllabus?
The number of modules varies by educational institution. However, the Regenesys Education’s BEd programme lists 33 modules across the four years.
How many subjects does BEd have?
It depends on the programme. For example, the BEd Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching programme by Regenesys Education enables you to study up to three subject specialisations across the degree.
Which subjects are required to be a teacher?
This depends on what you want to teach. You will normally need a good school record in the subjects you will specialise in, and to meet the entry rules of the BEd programme.
What is the minimum qualification for teaching?
The usual minimum in South Africa is a recognised teaching qualification. This includes either a four-year BEd degree or a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) after another bachelor’s degree. SACE registration is an additional requirement.
Who qualifies for PGCE?
Learners with a recognised undergraduate degree who meet the PGCE entry requirements can apply for this postgraduate qualification to become a qualified teacher.
