The University of Pretoria is a comprehensive contact tertiary institution and one of the premier research universities in South Africa. In 2002, the University of Pretoria decided to launch a distance education initiative within its Faculty of Education. The purpose of this initiative is to play a constructive role in addressing the dire need among practising teachers, especially in rural areas, to improve their qualifications.

The Unit for Distance Education at the University of Pretoria is specifically responsible for this initiative. The Unit for Distance Education acts as a focal point from where all related activities and business processes are coordinated. The Unit of Distance Education itself consists of a manager, two administrative staff members, an accountant, a researcher and a learning designer.