A student's subject specialisation is contingent upon meeting specific admission requirements outlined by the DHET. This determination is explicitly communicated in the Acceptance Letter. Cornerstone Institute offers prerequisite undergraduate modules for English, Afrikaans, isiXhosa (from 2025), Mathematics, and Life Skills. For Intermediate Phase students, prerequisite modules for Science & Technology and Social Science are not provided — those may be fulfilled externally for non-degree purposes.

Following a thorough assessment of your academic transcripts, your eligibility for specific subject specialisations will be conclusively determined and explicitly outlined in your Acceptance Letter.

Should you opt not to pursue Afrikaans as your other language teaching subject specialisation, the only alternative language option available at Cornerstone would be isiXhosa. In this case, it is essential to fulfil the undergraduate prerequisites by completing two isiXhosa modules, starting from the 1st semester of 2025. This step is crucial for the registration of the isiXhosa: First Additional Language Didactics.

The PGCE qualification is internationally recognised and accredited by the Council on Higher Education. However, each country has its own unique set of professional teaching standards. For those wanting to teach in Australia or Hong Kong (stricter requirements), please contact edu-admin@cornerstone.ac.za for guidance and assurance that the PGCE meets the necessary criteria.

We do not have a consolidated list. Each module outline will specify required readings under the resources tab on Funda. If you have questions about purchasing textbooks, contact your lecturer directly via their Cornerstone email address (available on the module outline).

None of the PGCE modules require formal examinations; assessment is primarily based on assignments, occasionally supplemented by timed tests. However, there might be online exams for students who are required to complete specific prerequisite undergraduate Sociology or Psychology modules to fulfill admission requirements for Life Skills.

All PGCE modules are bound to specific semesters. Completing a 1st semester module in the 2nd semester is not allowed. The only exceptions are prerequisite modules (e.g., English for Education A & B, Afrikaans for Education A & B, Teaching Practicals) which can be completed across semesters but A & B components cannot be done simultaneously.

Unfortunately, this will not be permitted and is strongly advised against. Practical A should be completed early, Practical B midway, and Practical C in the last semester. During critical emergencies, you may request special permission by contacting the Teaching Practice Coordinator at anelc@cornerstone.ac.za for case-by-case evaluation.

Yes, you may apply for a provisional SACE number while completing your PGCE. Cornerstone supports students by furnishing required documentation. We urge you to apply for provisional SACE registration before you start your Teaching Practice as certain principals ask for this.

Your online tutorial timetable is available on the School of Education Plenary site under the "Resources" section tab on Funda.

All tutorials are prerecorded and accessible later under the "Khuluma" tab within the recordings section. Steps: Click Khuluma → find the tutorial link → Join Meeting (Listen only). Recording available ~1 hour after session under "Recording" section. Also attend live plenary sessions on Thursdays 5pm–5:30pm.

Explore messages in Funda chat tabs. Request to join groups via the class representative. Each module designates a class representative; link is usually shared during the 1st or 2nd tutorial. Be vigilant about scammers.

Yes, students are obligated to settle their initial fee payment once every year, and this payment should be settled before proceeding with registration. For clarification contact finance at bursar@cornerstone.ac.za or jamie-leed@cornerstone.ac.za.

Reach out to helpdesk@cornerstone.ac.za. Changes should be requested within the first two weeks of the semester to avoid financial penalties. After that period, changes result in a penalty.

No, it is not automatic. Your proof of registration is issued once any outstanding fees are settled (returning student) or upon making the initial fee payment for the year (newly accepted students).

No, the initial fee payment must be settled only once annually. If you commence in the second semester, you pay the initial fee that year, and again the following year. It acts as a partial contribution towards overall fees.

First, engage in direct consultation with the lecturer via email. If concerns persist, escalate to the School of Education Faculty Officer at sharon-leee@cornerstone.ac.za for further resolution.

Contact the Registrar’s Department at helpdesk@cornerstone.ac.za. Additionally, mark completed modules on your curriculum grid to monitor progress.

Key changes: isiXhosa prerequisite modules commence 1st semester 2025; Philosophy of Education and Education & Ethics merged into Educational Philosophy and Ethics; new School of Education plenary site launched in 2024 as a central hub for events and resources.