Dean's Message

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) website.

Our mission is to play a central role in enhancing the academic experience and supporting the academic success of both students and staff. Through our focus on pedagogy, assessment, and curriculum development, CHED is committed to fostering an environment where academic excellence can thrive.

Educational development—also referred to as academic development—encompasses all aspects of teaching and learning. At CHED, we are particularly dedicated to promoting inclusive education by addressing and reducing inequalities faced by vulnerable groups. These include students with disabilities, refugees, those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, and individuals affected by poverty and inequality.

Globally, educational development has been shaped by both evolving challenges and transformative innovations. As we advance into the 21st century, educational systems worldwide are encountering new demands and opportunities. While we strive to become future-ready, CHED remains mindful of the persistent social inequities within our own context. We are intentional in our socially aware approach to teaching and learning, ensuring that no one is left behind—particularly marginalised and minority students and staff. We are committed to ensuring that all individuals at UCT experience a sense of belonging and inclusion, reinforcing their right to be here and to succeed.

The Centre for Higher Education Development serves as a central hub for promoting academic excellence and fostering innovation across our institution. By integrating a broad range of academic support services, teaching strategies, and professional development opportunities, CHED works to strengthen educational practices and advance a student-centred approach to learning. Our efforts aim to improve student success and create a thriving academic community at UCT.

A key priority of CHED is to support both student learning and staff development. We are dedicated to providing ongoing professional development for faculty and staff, offering access to resources for research, and facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration. Our work aligns with UCT’s broader mission to provide inclusive, equitable, and high-quality education, as well as to promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

CHED achieves these goals through its various departments and initiatives, including CILT, the D-School, the Academic Development Programme, CEA, and the Careers Service. Additionally, the Dean’s strategic projects, such as multilingual education, undergraduate fellowships and mentorship programs, cohort professional development, and capacity-building initiatives, contribute to the ongoing development of our academic community. CHED also offers postgraduate courses in Higher Education Studies, including the PGDip, Master’s, and PhD programs, all supported by a team of expert supervisors in various areas of educational development.

We look forward to working together to build an even stronger, more supportive academic environment at UCT. As we continue to evolve, we are excited about the opportunity to engage with you and to positively impact our university community in the years ahead.

With a wealth of expertise in higher education development, CHED plays an integral role in UCT’s ongoing pursuit of excellence in teaching, learning, and research. Our impact extends not only within UCT but also beyond the university, influencing the national, regional, and international educational landscape.

As you navigate our website, we encourage you to explore the resources and opportunities CHED offers. Whether you are a student seeking academic support, a staff member looking for professional development, or a colleague interested in enhancing your skills, we are here to support you.

We look forward to an ongoing and upward moving engagement with you!