Available Courses at UCT

Guide on Courses Available for Application at the University of Cape Town (UCT)

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is renowned for offering a wide range of programs across various disciplines. This guide aims to help prospective students understand the breadth of courses available for application, spanning from undergraduate to postgraduate levels.

Undergraduate Courses

1. Faculty of Commerce

  • Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSci)
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)

2. Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment

  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc(Eng))
  • Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies
  • Bachelor of Architectural Studies

3. Faculty of Health Sciences

  • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)
  • Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy
  • Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy
  • Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Pathology

4. Faculty of Humanities

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)
  • Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc)
  • Bachelor of Music (BMus)
  • Bachelor of Fine Art (BFA)

5. Faculty of Law

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

6. Faculty of Science

  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) in various majors including Computer Science, Environmental & Geographical Science, Biological Sciences, and Physics.

Postgraduate Courses

1. Commerce

  • Master of Business Administration (MBA)
  • Master of Commerce (MCom) in various specializations like Economics, Finance, and Taxation.

2. Engineering & the Built Environment

  • Master of Science in Engineering (MSc(Eng)) in various specializations like Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering.
  • Master of Architecture (MArch)
  • Master of City Planning and Urban Design

3. Health Sciences

  • Master of Medicine (MMed) in various specializations like Psychiatry, Paediatrics, and Surgery.
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)
  • Master of Science in Medical Biochemistry

4. Humanities

  • Master of Arts (MA) in various fields like Psychology, Historical Studies, and Linguistics.
  • Master of Social Science (MSocSc) in fields like Gender Studies and Social Development.

5. Law

  • Master of Laws (LLM) in various areas of specialization like Human Rights, International Law, and Environmental Law.

6. Science

  • Master of Science (MSc) in diverse areas such as Bioinformatics, Conservation Biology, and Mathematical Sciences.

Special Programs and Short Courses

UCT also offers various diploma programs, advanced diplomas, and an extensive range of short courses and certificates through its Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED) and other faculties. These programs cater to professionals looking to upskill or diversify their knowledge base.

Application Tips for Prospective Students

  1. Research Thoroughly: Spend time exploring UCT’s website to get detailed information on courses, including prerequisites, course content, and career opportunities.
  2. Check the Requirements: Ensure you meet the specific admission requirements for your chosen course, including academic qualifications, portfolio submissions, and any entrance exams.
  3. Consider Your Interests and Career Goals: Choose a course that aligns with your interests and long-term career aspirations.
  4. Seek Advice: Don’t hesitate to contact UCT’s admissions office or specific faculties for guidance or to clarify any doubts.
  5. Prepare Your Application Early: Start gathering your documents well in advance of the application deadline to avoid any last-minute rush.

This guide provides a broad overview of the courses available at UCT. Prospective students are encouraged to visit the official UCT website for the most up-to-date information, including details on how to apply, tuition fees, and scholarship opportunities.


Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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