The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) offers a wide range of academic programs across its various campuses, catering to a diverse array of interests and career aspirations. From undergraduate degrees to postgraduate research opportunities, UKZN is renowned for its comprehensive curriculum, research facilities, and vibrant academic community. This guide provides an overview of the available courses at UKZN, organized by faculty, to help prospective students make informed decisions about their future studies.
Faculty of Agriculture, Engineering, and Science
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Science (BSc) in areas like Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Sciences, Geological Sciences, and Physics. Bachelor of Agricultural Management, Bachelor of Science in Engineering (Civil, Chemical, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical).
- Postgraduate Degrees: Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in various specializations within Agriculture, Engineering, and Science, including advanced research opportunities.
Faculty of Health Sciences
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Occupational Therapy, and Bachelor of Sport Science.
- Postgraduate Degrees: Offers a range of postgraduate diplomas, Master’s degrees, and PhD opportunities in disciplines such as Public Health, Nursing, Medical Sciences, and various other health-related fields.
Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Development Studies
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication, Psychology, Sociology, Music, and Visual Arts. Bachelor of Social Science in areas such as Government, Business, and Ethics, Community Development, and Industrial, Organizational, and Labour Studies.
- Postgraduate Degrees: Honours, Master’s, and PhD degrees in disciplines like Education, Fine Arts, Music, Psychology, and Social Sciences, with a strong emphasis on social development and policy research.
Faculty of Law
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Laws (LLB), which can be pursued as a four-year undergraduate degree or as a postgraduate option for those holding a Bachelor’s degree in another discipline.
- Postgraduate Degrees: Master of Laws (LLM) in various specializations including Commercial Law, Maritime Law, Environmental Law, and Human Rights Law, as well as Doctoral research opportunities.
Faculty of Management, IT, and Governance
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Business Science, Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Information Systems and Technology, Management, and Marketing.
- Postgraduate Degrees: Offers Honours, Master’s in Commerce, Master of Business Administration (MBA), and PhD degrees in management and related fields, with a focus on leadership, sustainability, and governance.
School of Education
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Early Childhood Education, Intermediate Phase Teaching, Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching.
- Postgraduate Degrees: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), Honours, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees in Education, focusing on curriculum studies, educational leadership, and educational psychology.
School of Built Environment and Development Studies
- Undergraduate Degrees: Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Community and Development Studies, Bachelor of Planning, and Bachelor of Housing.
- Postgraduate Degrees: Honours, Master’s, and PhD degrees in Architecture, Development Studies, Housing, and Urban and Regional Planning.
Additional Study Options
- Extended Learning: UKZN offers various short courses and part-time study options through its Extended Learning division, catering to professionals looking to enhance their skills or pursue new interests.
Application and Selection Process
Prospective students are encouraged to carefully review the specific admission requirements for their program of interest, as some programs may have additional selection criteria, such as portfolios, auditions, or interviews.
With its diverse range of programs, UKZN provides students with numerous opportunities to pursue their academic and professional goals in an environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and social responsibility. Prospective students should visit the UKZN website or contact the admissions office for the most current information on course offerings, admission requirements, and application deadlines.
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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