Uj Courses: a Guide to All Faculties at the University of Johannesburg

Picking a university course can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re staring down a list of hundreds of options. You want a qualification that leads somewhere real — a job, a career, a future — and you need accurate information before you commit.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is one of South Africa’s largest and most respected universities, with over 50,000 students and a reputation for producing work-ready graduates. This guide breaks down every faculty, the courses on offer, and everything you need to know before you apply, all in one place.

Why the University of Johannesburg?

UJ stands out in the South African higher education landscape for a few solid reasons. It’s a comprehensive university that combines traditional academic programmes with practical, career-focused qualifications, which means you’ll find both theoretical and hands-on options under one roof.

The university consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa. In recent years, UJ has climbed global rankings for its research output, graduate employability, and sustainability efforts — no small achievement for an institution that was only formally established in 2005 after the merger of the Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and Vista University.

A quick snapshot of UJ at a glance

Location: Four campuses across Johannesburg and Soweto — Auckland Park Kingsway, Auckland Park Bunting Road, Doornfontein, and Soweto.
Language of instruction: English is the primary medium, but the university embraces South Africa’s multilingual reality, including Afrikaans.
Academic structure: Eight distinct faculties and colleges, covering everything from arts to engineering.
Student support: Strong career counselling, financial aid office, and dedicated student wellness services.

This guide is your practical road map to the eight faculties at UJ, the courses they offer, and the career paths those qualifications can unlock.

The Eight Faculties at UJ: An Overview

UJ organises its academic offerings into eight faculties and colleges. Knowing these is your first step toward choosing the right course.

Here’s the full lineup, including the Afrikaans translations for each faculty name — handy if you’re working through documents or conversations in both languages, or trying to match course names from English to Afrikaans:

Faculty / College (English)	Fakulteit / Kollege (Afrikaans)	Focus Area
College of Business and Economics	Kollege vir Besigheid en Ekonomie	Commerce, finance, management, economics
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture	Fakulteit Kuns, Ontwerp en Argitektuur	Creative arts, design, built environment
Faculty of Education	Fakulteit Opvoedkunde	Teaching and educational leadership
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment	Fakulteit Ingenieurswese en die Geboude Omgewing	Engineering disciplines, quantity surveying
Faculty of Health Sciences	Fakulteit Gesondheidswetenskappe	Medicine, nursing, allied health
Faculty of Humanities	Fakulteit Geesteswetenskappe	Social sciences, languages, communication
Faculty of Law	Fakulteit Regte	Legal studies and criminal justice
Faculty of Science	Fakulteit Natuurwetenskappe	Natural and mathematical sciences

Each faculty operates its own schools or departments, and each has its own admission criteria. Let’s dive into each one so you know exactly what to expect.

College of Business and Economics: Where Careers in Commerce Begin

If you’re aiming for the corporate world, the College of Business and Economics (CBE) is likely your starting point. It’s one of the largest business schools in the country and offers programmes that feed directly into banking, consulting, marketing, and entrepreneurship.

The CBE hosts several schools, including the School of Accounting, the School of Economics, and the Johannesburg Business School, which offers postgraduate degrees for working professionals.

Popular UJ courses in this college

BCom Accounting — This is a rigorous four-year programme that sets you up for the CA(SA) qualification. UJ’s pass rates in the initial test of competence (ITC) are consistently strong.
BCom Economics and Econometrics — Ideal if you love data, market trends, and understanding how money moves through the economy.
BCom Financial Management — Focuses on corporate finance, investments, and financial risk.
Diploma in Marketing Management — A shorter, practical qualification that leads straight into brand management and digital marketing roles.
BAdmin Public Management and Governance — Perfect if you see yourself working in government or the public sector.

Career outcomes: Chartered accountant, financial analyst, investment banker, brand manager, supply chain manager, management consultant, economist, and entrepreneur.

Key takeaway: If you’re strong in maths and analytical thinking, the CBE offers some of the highest-paying entry-level careers in South Africa. Most BCom programmes require mathematics at level 5 or higher in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture: Unleash Your Creative Career

The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA) is where creativity meets commercial viability. It’s one of the most respected creative faculties in Africa and produces graduates who work across the design, film, and built-environment industries.

FADA’s teaching is studio-based, meaning you’ll spend much of your time creating, critiquing, and producing actual work — not just writing theory essays. This hands-on approach builds a portfolio that employers actually want to see.

Courses offered at FADA

BA Fine Arts — Develops your studio practice across painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media.
BA Visual Communication Design — Covers graphic design, illustration, and digital media for branding and advertising.
BTech or BA in Multimedia Design — Focuses on web design, animation, interactive media, and game design.
National Diploma / BEngTech in Industrial Design — Teaches you to design products, furniture, and consumer goods with commercial appeal.
Bachelor of Architectural Studies / BSc Quantity Surveying — For careers in architecture and construction project management.

Career outcomes: Graphic designer, art director, user experience (UX) designer, photographer, architect, interior designer, industrial designer, and film set designer.

Admission tip: Many FADA programmes require a portfolio submission as part of the application process. Start compiling your best work early — quality beats quantity every time.

Faculty of Education: Shape the Next Generation of South Africa

Teaching is more than a job; it’s a national priority. South Africa faces a serious shortage of qualified educators, especially in mathematics, science, and technology classes. If you get a teaching qualification from UJ, you’ll graduate into a market with real demand.

The Faculty of Education offers both undergraduate degrees and postgraduate diplomas in education, with options to teach at primary or secondary school level.

Routes into teaching at UJ

Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching — For teaching Grades R to 3, with a strong focus on early childhood literacy and numeracy.
BEd in Intermediate Phase Teaching — Covers Grades 4 to 6, with subject specialisations in languages, mathematics, and natural sciences.
BEd in Senior and FET Phase Teaching — Qualifies you to teach Grades 10 to 12, and you’ll choose two school subjects.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) — For graduates who hold a relevant degree but want to become qualified teachers.

Career outcomes: Primary school teacher, high school teacher, education consultant, curriculum developer, school principal, or education policy researcher.

Key takeaway: If you speak English and Afrikaans fluently, an education degree becomes even more valuable — bilingual and multilingual teachers are in high demand across Gauteng’s diverse schools. You’ll find many UJ education materials and school-level resources moving from English to Afrikaans and vice versa, and your language skills will give you an edge.

Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment: Build South Africa’s Future

Engineers build the world — and in South Africa, with its infrastructure needs in energy, transport, and housing, qualified engineers are essential. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at UJ is known for its strong links to industry and its excellent graduate employment rates.

FEBE is particularly strong in engineering technology (the BTech and BEngTech routes), which focus on applying existing engineering knowledge to solve practical problems. This is different from the traditional BEng route, which is more research-focused — but both are equally valuable in the job market.

Engineering courses at UJ

BEngTech in Civil Engineering — Roads, bridges, dams, and structural design.
BEngTech in Electrical Engineering — Power systems, telecommunications, and electronics.
BEngTech in Mechanical Engineering — Vehicle design, manufacturing systems, and thermodynamics.
BEngTech in Industrial Engineering — Optimising processes, supply chains, and systems efficiency.
BSc in Estate Agency — A niche but practical qualification for the property sector.
BSc Quantity Surveying — The construction industry’s financial and contractual brains.
National Diploma in Building — Leads into construction management careers.

Career outcomes: Civil engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, quantity surveyor, construction project manager, town planner, and estate agent.

Important note: Engineering at UJ is extremely popular, and applications far exceed available spaces. Your NSC maths and physical science marks need to be strong — usually level 6 or 7 for the most competitive programmes. If you don’t quite meet the requirements, consider the University’s extended degree programmes, which add an extra year of foundational study.

Faculty of Health Sciences: Join a Sector That Always Needs People

Healthcare is both a calling and a rock-solid career choice. The Faculty of Health Sciences at UJ offers qualifications in medicine and allied health, with clinical training happening in hospitals and clinics across Gauteng.

UJ founded its own Medical School in 2014, and the MBChB degree is now one of the most competitive programmes in the country. But the faculty isn’t only about doctors — it also produces nurses, physiotherapists, radiographers, and emergency care practitioners.

Health sciences courses at UJ

MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery) — A six-year degree leading to medical internship and community service.
Bachelor of Nursing (BCur) — A four-year programme that includes extensive practical rotations.
BSc in Physiotherapy — Focuses on rehabilitation, movement analysis, and patient care.
BSc in Radiography — Includes diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy streams.
Bachelor of Emergency Medical Care — For those in the rescue and paramedic field.
BSc in Human Nutrition — Prepares you to work as a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Career outcomes: Medical doctor, registered nurse, physiotherapist, radiographer, paramedic, dietitian, occupational therapist, or public health specialist.

Admission reality check: Health sciences programmes have some of the highest entry requirements at UJ. The MBChB typically needs a minimum NSC score of 35 or higher across your subjects (with specific maths, physics, and biology requirements). You’ll also need to pass an online situational judgement test (SJT) for certain programmes like medicine.

Faculty of Humanities: Understand People, Culture, and Society

If you’re curious about how societies work — or if you’ve ever found yourself fluent in multiple languages, fascinated by history, or drawn to psychology — the Faculty of Humanities is your home. It’s the largest faculty at UJ and offers the widest range of undergraduate degrees and diplomas.

Humanities graduates often get a bad rap in the “which degree leads to a job?” debate. But with the right subject combination and work experience, humanities students move into careers in media, government, corporate communications, psychology, and international relations.

Humanities courses at UJ

BA in Psychology and Counselling — Prepares you for honours and professional registration as a psychologist.
BA in Communication and Media Studies — Covers journalism, public relations, and corporate communication.
BA in International Relations — Focuses on diplomacy, politics, and global affairs.
BA in Languages — Choose among English, Afrikaans, Zulu, French, and more. This is where your interest in translating between English and Afrikaans can become a real career.
BA in Social Work — A professional four-year degree that leads to registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
Diploma in Public Relations Management — A more practical route into the PR and communications industry.

Career outcomes: Journalist, psychologist (post honours), social worker, diplomat, human resources specialist, corporate communication manager, translator, and interpreter.

Key takeaway: Treat your humanities degree as a foundation, not a final destination. Stack a postgraduate certificate or honourable degree on top of your BA, and your earning potential and job options expand significantly.

Faculty of Law: Find Your Voice in the Courtroom and Beyond

Law is competitive, intellectually demanding, and highly respected. UJ’s Faculty of Law produces graduates who go on to become attorneys, advocates, magistrates, prosecutors, and legal advisors in the corporate sector.

UJ’s law faculty is known for its practical focus, with a dedicated Moot Court, legal clinics where students serve real clients, and strong links to the Johannesburg legal community.

Law qualifications at UJ

LLB (Bachelor of Laws) — The four-year professional degree required to enter the legal profession.
BA in Law — An alternative route that combines law with humanities subjects, followed by a postgraduate LLB (two years).
BCom in Law — Combines legal studies with commercial subjects — excellent if you want to specialise in corporate law, tax law, or banking law.
Postgraduate LLB — For students who completed a different undergraduate degree and want to qualify as lawyers.

Career outcomes: Attorney, advocate, prosecutor, magistrate, legal academic, company secretary, compliance officer, labour relations specialist, and legal journalist.

Admission insight: The LLB is demanding. UJ looks at your overall NSC results and, in some cases, requires a minimum of 65% in English and strong performance in your other subjects. Be prepared for a heavy reading workload — law is a textbook-driven degree.

Faculty of Science: Where Discovery Meets Industry

The Faculty of Science at UJ is where mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and computer sciences come to life. It’s the faculty for anyone who asks “how?” and “why?” — and who wants to find the answer through data, experiments, and logic.

Science graduates are the engine room of South Africa’s tech, pharmaceutical, mining, and environmental sectors. A BSc from UJ can lead to postgraduate specialisation or straight into the workforce in applied roles.

Science courses at UJ

BSc in Computer Science and Informatics — Learn programming, algorithms, software development, and data science. It’s one of the most employable degrees in the faculty.
BSc in Biotechnology — In demand in the pharmaceutical and agro-processing industries.
BSc in Geology — Crucial for South Africa’s mining sector, where geologists earn top salaries.
BSc in Applied Mathematics — The foundation for quantitative analysis, actuarial science, and research.
BSc in Environmental Science — Focuses on climate, ecosystems, and sustainable resource use.
BSc in Sport Science — A growing field combining anatomy, physiology, and performance analysis.

Career outcomes: Software developer, data scientist, geologist, biotechnologist, environmental scientist, actuary, research scientist, and data analyst.

Funding bonus: Science programmes often have access to Scarce Skills and SETA bursaries from private industry. Mining houses, tech companies, and pharmaceutical firms sponsor strong science students in exchange for work-back agreements.

Extended Programmes at UJ: A Second Chance to Succeed

Didn’t get the marks you needed for a direct entry into your dream course? Don’t give up. UJ offers extended degree programmes (also known as extended curricula) that add one or two extra years to your degree while providing foundational support in mathematics, language skills, and study methods.

The extended programmes are available across all faculties, and they’re designed specifically for students who show academic potential but who don’t meet the standard entry requirements. On completion of the extended first year, you mainstream into the regular degree.

Benefits of an extended programme:

Smaller class sizes and more personalised attention.
Extra time to master difficult concepts.
Access to additional tutors, study skills workshops, and academic advisors.
The qualification you graduate with is the same degree — it just takes a bit longer.

Key takeaway: An extended programme is a smart pathway, not a lesser qualification. Many successful UJ graduates started on this route.

English to Afrikaans: Your Translation Advantage at UJ

The “english to afrikaans” connection at UJ is more relevant than you might think. While English is the primary medium of instruction, Afrikaans still plays a meaningful role in South African academic, legal, and business life — and that creates a unique advantage for bilingual students.

If you can comfortably move between English and Afrikaans, you can leverage that skill in several UJ courses:

Translation and Interpreting — Offered through the Department of Linguistics and Literary Studies. This is a formal qualification in the art of translating between English and Afrikaans (and other official languages).
Language Practice and Editing — A postgraduate path for those who want to work as editors, copywriters, or language practitioners.
Law and Legal Studies — South African law uses a mix of English and Afrikaans terminology, and bilingual legal professionals are highly valued.
Education — Bilingual teachers who can switch between English and Afrikaans are in high demand in Gauteng schools.

UJ also offers language services and academic writing support in both languages through its writing centres. If you’re planning to study at UJ and you’re comfortable in Afrikaans, you’ll find that your bilingual skill is an asset employers actively look for.

How to Choose the Right UJ Course for You

Choosing a course isn’t just about careers and salary projections — it’s about finding a path that matches your strengths, interests, and values. Here’s a simple filter to help you decide.

Ask yourself these five questions:

What subjects do I enjoy most at school? If you dread maths but love writing, don’t force yourself into a BCom. The workload only gets heavier at university.
What does a day in the life of this career look like? Talk to someone in the field, shadow a professional, or watch detailed “day in the life” videos on YouTube.
Do I meet the minimum entry requirements? Check the latest NSC pass marks on UJ’s official website before you apply. If you’re slightly short, look at extended programmes.
What are the job prospects after graduation? Research graduate employment rates for each faculty. UJ publishes career outcomes data you can review.
Can I fund this qualification? Longer degrees like medicine, law, and architecture cost more. Weigh your budget, NSFAS eligibility, and bursary options.

Key takeaway: The “best” course is the one that fits you — not the one your family, friends, or trends dictate. Do your research, trust your strengths, and remember that your first qualification doesn’t lock you in for life.

Admission Requirements and Application Process

Every faculty and course at UJ has its own admission requirements. However, there’s a standard framework you’ll need to understand.

The basics for undergraduate applications

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass or equivalent international qualification.
Specific subject requirements that vary by course — engineering needs maths and physics; health sciences needs biology and maths; law needs strong English.
Application score (APS): UJ calculates an Admission Point Score from your NSC results. Each faculty sets a minimum APS, and competitive programmes require high scores. A score of 30 or higher is generally needed for the most sought-after courses.
Application fee: South African applicants pay a fee (currently around R240, but it changes annually). Many applicants qualify for fee exemptions — check with the admissions office.

Steps to apply

Visit the UJ student applications portal and create an account.
Complete the online application form and select up to three course choices in order of preference.
Upload your certified ID, final grade 11 results, and any other supporting documents.
Pay the required application fee (or apply for an exemption).
Submit your application before the deadline — usually mid-September for the following January intake. Some courses, especially in health sciences and law, close even earlier.

Pro tip: International students and those applying with non-NSC qualifications face different requirements. Contact UJ’s International Office if you’re an international applicant — don’t rely on guesswork.

Fees, Financial Aid, and NSFAS Funding at UJ

University education is an investment, and it’s worth understanding the real numbers before you commit.

At UJ, undergraduate tuition fees typically range from R35,000 to R80,000 per year, depending on the faculty. Engineering and health sciences degrees sit at the higher end, while humanities and education degrees are generally more affordable. On top of tuition, you’ll need to budget for accommodation (R30,000 to R70,000 per year), books, transport, and living costs.

Funding options worth exploring

NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): If your household income is below the threshold (around R350,000 per year), you may qualify for a NSFAS bursary that covers tuition, accommodation, and a living allowance. NSFAS is also set to expand eligibility, so check your status even if you didn’t qualify before.
UJ Merit Bursaries: The university automatically considers students with excellent NSC results for academic bursaries. A good matric performance could earn you up to 100% fee remission in your first year.
Private bursaries and industry sponsorships: Mining, engineering, and medical companies offer bursaries that cover studies in exchange for a work-back period after graduation.
Student loans: Banks like FNB, Standard Bank, and Absa offer study loans with interest-only repayment periods while you’re studying.

Key takeaway: Don’t let fees discourage you before you’ve explored your options. The UJ Financial Aid Office exists to help you fund your studies — reach out to them early and often.

Life as a UJ Student: Support Systems and Campus Culture

Adjusting to university life is a big transition. UJ understands this, and the university has built support systems that genuinely help students thrive.

What to expect on campus

Academic support: Every faculty offers tutorials, peer mentoring, and academic advisors. If you’re struggling with a subject, your first step should be asking for help — the resources are there.
Student wellness: UJ provides counselling services, support groups, and wellness programmes. Load shedding, financial stress, and homesickness are real challenges; the wellness team is there to help you manage them.
Sport and culture: From the UJ men’s and women’s basketball teams to choirs, debating societies, and entrepreneurship clubs, there’s a community for you.
Load shedding realities: South Africa’s energy crisis has shaped university life. UJ campuses have backup power for essential services, and lecturers are trained to handle class disruptions. Keep a power bank and a printed copy of your notes handy.

Final Thoughts: Your UJ Journey Starts Here

The University of Johannesburg offers one of the widest arrays of courses in South Africa, and knowing which faculty matches your goals is the first and most important decision. Whether you’re heading into engineering, teaching, law, or the arts, UJ has a pathway with strong support structures, industry links, and real career outcomes.

And if you’re bilingual in English and Afrikaans, don’t underestimate the edge that gives you — in translation, law, teaching, and countless other fields. Use your language skills as a career multiplier, not just a party trick.

Take the time to research, speak to current students and lecturers, and honestly assess your academic strengths. When you find the right UJ course for you, the effort you invest now will pay off for the rest of your career.

Frequently Asked Questions About UJ Courses

How many faculties does the University of Johannesburg have?

UJ has eight faculties and colleges: the College of Business and Economics, Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Faculty of Health Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Law, and Faculty of Science.

What are the minimum requirements for a UJ degree?

You’ll need a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor’s pass, plus the required Admission Point Score (APS) for your chosen course. Competitive programmes like medicine, engineering, and law require high APS scores and specific subjects like maths, physics, or biology. Extended programmes offer a pathway if you fall slightly short of direct entry requirements.

Does UJ charge an application fee?

Yes, South African applicants currently pay an application fee of approximately R240, but this amount can change each academic year. Some applicants may qualify for an exemption, so it’s worth contacting the admissions office to check your eligibility before paying.

When do UJ applications close?

The main application deadline for undergraduate courses is usually mid-September for the following academic year’s January intake. However, some faculties like Health Sciences and Law may close applications earlier due to high demand and limited spaces.

Does UJ offer courses in Afrikaans?

UJ’s primary language of instruction is English, but Afrikaans appears in areas like translation studies, law terminology, and language practice programmes. Bilingual students also find their English-to-Afrikaans skills valuable in education, legal studies, and professional communication courses. UJ’s language policy supports multilingualism, and the university provides writing and academic support in both English and Afrikaans.

Does UJ offer online or distance learning courses?

Yes, UJ offers several online and blended-learning qualifications, particularly at postgraduate level and through the Johannesburg Business School. Undergraduate courses are primarily campus-based, but some short courses and professional development programmes are available online.

How much do UJ courses cost per year?

Undergraduate tuition fees at UJ typically range from R35,000 to R80,000 per year, depending on the faculty. Health sciences and engineering degrees are at the higher end, while humanities and education degrees are more affordable. Additional costs include accommodation, meals, books, and transport.