Choosing a university degree is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make, and if you’re eyeing the University of Johannesburg (UJ), you’re already on the right track. With over 200 undergraduate programmes across nine faculties, UJ is one of South Africa’s largest and most respected institutions — and it has a place for just about every interest and career dream.
But here’s the thing: knowing a university exists isn’t the same as knowing what it offers. That’s where this guide comes in. We’re breaking down the complete list of UJ undergraduate courses, faculty by faculty, so you can match your strengths and passions to a qualification that will actually take you somewhere.
Whether you’re a Grade 11 or 12 learner, a parent helping your child plan, or a mature student considering a career change, this article gives you the full picture. We’ve also included admissions requirements, APS score guidance, and practical tips from a South African perspective — including how Afrikaans-speaking students fit into UJ’s English-medium environment.
Why choose the University of Johannesburg?
UJ isn’t just another university — it’s a powerhouse of higher education in Gauteng, formed in 2005 from the merger of three institutions: the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), Technikon Witwatersrand, and Vista University. That heritage means UJ blends academic theory with hands-on, career-focused training in a way few other universities manage.
The university enrols over 50,000 students across four campuses: Auckland Park Kingsway (APK), Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB), Doornfontein (DFC), and Soweto (SWC). Each campus has its own character, but all share UJ’s commitment to innovation, research, and community engagement.
Key takeaway: UJ is a comprehensive university, which means you get the best of both worlds — the depth of a traditional university and the practical edge of a former technikon.
How UJ organises its undergraduate programmes
Before we dive into the course list, it helps to understand how UJ structures its qualifications. Every undergraduate programme falls under one of nine faculties, and each faculty is further divided into schools or departments.
All UJ degrees follow the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) , which ensures your qualification is recognised across South Africa and internationally. Here’s what you need to know about the levels:
| NQF Level | Qualification Type | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|
| NQF Level 5 | Higher Certificate | 1 year |
| NQF Level 6 | Diploma / Advanced Certificate | 2–3 years |
| NQF Level 7 | Bachelor’s Degree | 3–4 years |
| NQF Level 8 | Honours Degree | 1 year (postgraduate) |
Most undergraduate degrees at UJ sit at NQF Level 7, which means you’ll graduate with a solid theoretical foundation plus practical skills employers actually want.
Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences
If numbers, money, and business strategy light you up, this faculty is your home. The Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences at UJ is one of the largest of its kind in the country, offering programmes that lead to careers in accounting, banking, tax, and financial management.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- BCom Accounting — This is the classic route to becoming a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)). It covers financial accounting, auditing, taxation, and management accounting over three years, with an optional honours year for SAICA accreditation.
- BCom Economics and Econometrics — Perfect if you love data and want to understand how markets work. You’ll study microeconomics, macroeconomics, and statistical modelling.
- BCom Finance — Focuses on corporate finance, investments, and financial risk management. Graduates often move into banking or wealth management.
- BCom Business Management — A broad degree covering marketing, human resources, operations, and strategic management.
- BCom Informatics — The bridge between business and IT. You’ll learn systems analysis, database design, and business process modelling.
- BAdmin Public Management and Governance — For future policymakers and public sector leaders.
Career prospects: Accountants, financial analysts, economists, tax consultants, and business managers are in high demand across Johannesburg and beyond. The city’s status as Africa’s financial hub means UJ commerce graduates often find work before they even graduate.
Faculty of Humanities
Are you someone who loves ideas, languages, and understanding what makes people tick? The Faculty of Humanities at UJ is the largest faculty on campus, and it offers an incredibly diverse range of undergraduate courses.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- BA in Arts and Culture Studies — Explore history, philosophy, and cultural studies through a critical, modern lens.
- BA in Communication and Media Studies — Build skills in journalism, corporate communication, and digital media production.
- BA in Language and Literary Studies — This is where English and Afrikaans literature takes centre stage. You can major in Afrikaans, English, Zulu, or even French and Portuguese.
- BA in Psychology — A hugely popular degree that covers human behaviour, cognition, and social psychology. Note that further postgraduate study is needed to register as a professional psychologist.
- BA in Social Work — A four-year professional degree that qualifies you to practise as a social worker. Fieldwork placements are built into the programme.
- BA in International Relations — Focus on global politics, diplomacy, and Africa’s role in world affairs.
- BA in Public Relations and Corporate Communication — A practical degree combining communication theory with PR strategy.
Afrikaans at UJ: Here’s something important for Afrikaans-speaking students — UJ offers several undergraduate modules in Afrikaans, particularly within the humanities. While the medium of instruction for most courses is English, you can often choose to write assignments and exams in Afrikaans for certain language and cultural studies modules. This makes the transition from Afrikaans-medium high school to university far less daunting.
Career prospects: Journalists, PR specialists, social workers, psychologists (with further study), translators, and diplomats are just some of the paths this faculty opens up.
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
If you’re the type who loves solving problems and building things — or understanding how structures stand and systems work — engineering at UJ deserves a serious look. This faculty is based primarily at the Doornfontein campus, which has invested heavily in modern laboratories and workshop facilities.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- BEng in Civil Engineering — Design and construct roads, bridges, dams, and buildings. This is a four-year professional degree accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA).
- BEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering — Work with power systems, telecommunications, and electronic design. This is especially relevant in South Africa, where energy solutions are a national priority.
- BEng in Mechanical Engineering — From car engines to factory machinery, this degree covers thermodynamics, mechanics, and manufacturing processes.
- BEng in Industrial Engineering — Focus on optimising systems and processes — think logistics, supply chains, and production efficiency.
- BEng in Metallurgical Engineering — A niche but vital field in South Africa’s mining economy. You’ll learn how to extract and process metals.
- BEng in Mining Engineering — Directly aligned to South Africa’s gold, platinum, and coal industries.
- BSc in Construction Studies — A three-year degree leading into construction management or quantity surveying.
- National Diploma in Engineering — A three-year diploma option if you prefer a more hands-on, career-focused route than a full BEng.
Career prospects: South Africa faces a massive shortage of skilled engineers. With load shedding driving demand for energy specialists and government committing to infrastructure spending, qualified graduates are snapped up quickly. Salaries for entry-level engineers typically range between R350,000 and R600,000 per year depending on the discipline.
Faculty of Health Sciences
Medicine and health sciences are among the most competitive programmes at any South African university, and UJ is no exception. The Faculty of Health Sciences trains healthcare professionals who go on to serve communities across the country.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- MBChB (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) — This is the six-year medical degree that leads to registration as a medical doctor. It’s intensely competitive — you’ll need a stellar APS score and strong performance in the NBT (National Benchmark Test).
- BSc in Nursing — A four-year degree that qualifies you to register as a professional nurse and midwife. UJ has strong clinical partnerships with hospitals in Johannesburg and surrounds.
- BSc in Occupational Therapy — Help people recover from injuries and live independently. This four-year programme includes extensive clinical placements.
- BSc in Physiotherapy — Focus on physical rehabilitation, sports injuries, and movement science. Also a four-year professional degree.
- BSc in Podiatry — A specialised field dealing with foot and lower-limb health. UJ is one of the few universities in Africa offering this qualification.
- BCur (Bachelor of Nursing) — An alternative route into nursing for students who prefer a more clinically focused curriculum.
- BHSc (Bachelor of Health Sciences) in Environmental Health — Focus on public health, sanitation, and disease prevention in communities and workplaces.
Important warning: Health sciences programmes are incredibly competitive. Your admission depends not only on your matric results but also on NBT performance and, in some cases, interviews. Don’t apply with only one health science degree on your list — apply for two or three options to keep your chances alive.
Career prospects: Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists are on South Africa’s critical skills list. This means better job security and, in many cases, opportunities to work abroad in countries like the UK, Canada, and Australia.
Faculty of Law
Thinking about arguing cases, shaping policy, or protecting people’s rights? UJ’s Faculty of Law offers a well-respected route into the legal profession.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- LLB (Bachelor of Laws) — This is the core degree for anyone wanting to become an attorney or advocate. UJ offers both a four-year LLB for school leavers and an extended five-year version for students needing extra foundational support.
- BA in Law — A three-year degree combining legal studies with humanities subjects. It doesn’t qualify you to practise as an attorney on its own, but it’s a solid foundation for further LLB study or careers in compliance, policing, and public administration.
- BCom in Law — Combines commerce and law, ideal for future corporate lawyers or those wanting to work in legal compliance within businesses.
Career prospects: Attorneys, advocates, legal advisors, prosecutors, and corporate legal consultants. The legal profession remains one of South Africa’s most respected career paths, and UJ graduates are known for their practical, case-ready approach.
Faculty of Science
If your brain operates in formulas, experiments, and natural phenomena, the Faculty of Science at UJ has everything from astrophysics to zoology. The faculty is based at Auckland Park Kingsway, with modern laboratories and research centres.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- BSc in Physics — Includes options in applied physics, astrophysics, and medical physics.
- BSc in Chemistry — Covers organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry, with strong links to industry.
- BSc in Biological Sciences — Choose from specialisations in botany, zoology, microbiology, and biochemistry.
- BSc in Environmental Science — A multidisciplinary degree tackling climate change, conservation, and sustainability — highly relevant for South Africa’s green economy.
- BSc in Computer Science and Informatics — This is the degree to choose if you want to be a software developer, data scientist, or IT specialist. You’ll learn programming, algorithms, and machine learning basics.
- BSc in Mathematical Sciences — Study pure maths, applied maths, or statistics. Actuaries often start their journey here.
- BSc in Biotechnology — Applications in medicine, agriculture, and industrial processes.
- BSc in Geology — Directly relevant to South Africa’s mining and mineral exploration industry.
- BSc in Sport Science — A growing field that combines biology, physiology, and performance analysis.
Career prospects: Data scientists, software developers, environmental scientists, geologists, and laboratory analysts are all in strong demand. Computer science and data-related degrees currently offer some of the highest starting salaries in South Africa, often exceeding R400,000 per year for top graduates.
Faculty of Education
Great teachers build great nations, and UJ takes teacher training seriously. The Faculty of Education produces thousands of qualified educators every year, helping to fill one of South Africa’s most critical skills shortages.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching — The four-year degree for teachers of Grades R to 3. It covers literacy, numeracy, and child development.
- BEd in Intermediate Phase Teaching — Qualifies you to teach Grades 4 to 6, with specialisations in subjects like English, Afrikaans, mathematics, and natural sciences.
- BEd in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching — For teaching Grades 7 to 12. You’ll choose two teaching subjects from a wide list, including Afrikaans, English, mathematics, history, geography, and life sciences.
- BEd in Human Movement Science and Sport Management — Combines teaching skills with sports coaching and management.
- BSc in Mathematics Education — A specialised degree blending deep maths knowledge with teaching methodology.
Career prospects: Teachers are always in demand in South Africa, especially in mathematics, science, and foundation phase education. Government posts offer good benefits, and there’s growing opportunity in private schools and online tutoring.
College of Business and Economics
Separate from the Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences, UJ’s College of Business and Economics (CBE) focuses on management, marketing, and entrepreneurship. It’s the home of UJ’s highly regarded business school programmes at undergraduate level.
Key undergraduate programmes:
- BCom in Entrepreneurship — For students who want to start and run their own businesses. You’ll learn business planning, venture funding, and small business management.
- BCom in Marketing Management — Covers consumer behaviour, branding, digital marketing, and market research.
- BCom in Human Resource Management — Focus on recruitment, employee relations, training, and organisational development.
- BCom in Logistics and Supply Chain Management — The behind-the-scenes engine of every business, covering procurement, warehousing, and freight management.
- BCom in Tourism Management — Combines business skills with the travel and hospitality industry, one of South Africa’s biggest employers.
Career prospects: Marketing managers, HR specialists, logistics coordinators, business owners, and tourism professionals. The CBE’s close ties with industry mean internships and work-integrated learning are built into many programmes.
Admission requirements and APS scores
Now for the practical part — how do you actually get in? Every UJ course has an Admission Point Score (APS) requirement, calculated from your matric results. Here’s the standard APS scale UJ uses:
| Matric Symbol | Percentage | APS Points |
|---|---|---|
| A | 80–100% | 7 |
| B | 70–79% | 6 |
| C | 60–69% | 5 |
| D | 50–59% | 4 |
| E | 40–49% | 3 |
| F | 30–39% | 2 |
Minimum APS requirements by faculty:
- Engineering: 30+ APS, with Mathematics and Physical Sciences at level 5 or higher
- Health Sciences: 32–40+ APS, with specific subject requirements (Biology, Chemistry, etc.)
- Law (LLB): 30+ APS
- Humanities: 20–28 APS depending on the specific programme
- Science: 28–32 APS depending on the programme
- Education: 26–30 APS
- Business and Economics: 26–34 APS depending on the degree
Key takeaway: Your APS is only part of the story. Some programmes require specific subjects at certain levels, and others require NBT results or portfolio submissions. Always check the official UJ prospectus for the exact admission requirements of your chosen programme.
How to apply for UJ undergraduate courses
Applying to UJ is done entirely online through the university’s application portal. Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Visit the UJ website and go to the “Apply to UJ” section during the application window. Applications typically open in March for the following year and close in September or October.
- Create an account with your email address and personal details. Keep your login details safe — you’ll need them to track your application.
- Complete the online application form, choosing your programme(s) in order of preference. You can apply for up to two programmes.
- Upload your supporting documents, which may include your ID, latest school results, and NBT results (where applicable).
- Pay the application fee online. Fees are usually around R200 for South African applicants.
- Submit and wait, then monitor your application status on the UJ portal. You’ll receive feedback on whether you’ve been offered a place or placed on a waiting list.
Important: If you don’t meet the requirements for your first-choice course, don’t panic. UJ considers your second choice automatically, and you can also appeal a rejection with improved results or additional documentation.
Afrikaans-speaking students: your language options at UJ
Given UJ’s history — one of its founding institutions was the Rand Afrikaans University — Afrikaans still has a presence on campus, even though English is the primary medium of instruction.
Here’s what Afrikaans-speaking students need to know:
- Language and literature modules are offered in Afrikaans, and you can major in Afrikaans as a subject in the Faculty of Humanities or Education.
- Some law and education modules may be offered in Afrikaans depending on lecturer availability and class size. This changes from year to year, so it’s worth asking the faculty directly.
- Writing exams in Afrikaans is permitted in certain modules where the lecturer approves it. At university level, it’s not an automatic right, but it’s often arranged if you request it early in the semester.
- The UJ Language Policy officially promotes a multilingual environment, embracing English as the primary language while acknowledging Afrikaans, isiZulu, Sesotho, and other South African languages.
Key takeaway: If you’re comfortable learning in English, you’ll have no problem at UJ. But if you want to keep your Afrikaans alive academically, the humanities and education faculties give you the most space to do so. Afrikaans is taught as a subject up to postgraduate level, and there are strong research groups in Afrikaans literature and linguistics.
If you’re used to studying in Afrikaans and worried about the transition, onvertaal jou sleutelkonsepte — that is, translate your key terms — early. Terminology in subjects like law and psychology is different in English and Afrikaans, and building your English vocabulary alongside your Afrikaans knowledge will set you up for academic success.
Fees and financial support for UJ students
Let’s talk money, because this is a real concern for most South African families. UJ undergraduate tuition fees vary widely by faculty:
| Faculty | Estimated Annual Fees (2025) |
|---|---|
| Humanities | R38,000 – R48,000 |
| Law | R45,000 – R55,000 |
| Business and Economics | R50,000 – R70,000 |
| Science | R55,000 – R75,000 |
| Engineering | R60,000 – R80,000 |
| Health Sciences | R65,000 – R90,000+ |
These figures include tuition only — accommodation, meals, books, and transport are additional costs.
Funding options:
- NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme): Covers tuition, accommodation, and a living stipend for students from households earning less than R350,000 per year. The application is free and done online via the NSFAS portal.
- UJ Merit Bursaries: Awarded to top-performing school leavers based on matric results. If you score above 80% average, you may qualify automatically.
- Faculty Bursaries: Some faculties have their own bursary funds for high-performing students.
- Private bursaries and loans: Companies like the big four banks, mining houses, and accounting firms regularly fund students in exchange for work-back agreements.
Key takeaway: Don’t let finances stop you from applying. NSFAS covers around 40% of UJ’s undergraduate students, and the university is committed to improving access for students from all backgrounds.
Campus life and student support at UJ
Your degree is important, but your university experience shapes you just as much. UJ offers a vibrant campus life with sport clubs, cultural societies, and student leadership opportunities across all four campuses.
- Sports facilities at UJ are world-class, and the university competes in the Varsity Cup rugby and Varsity Shield athletics series.
- The UJ Art Gallery and the Auckland Park Kingsway campus host exhibitions, performances, and cultural events throughout the year.
- Student accommodation includes residences and private accredited housing near campuses, with applications opening early in the year.
- The Centre for Psychological Services (CfPS) provides free counselling and mental health support to all students — a huge help when the pressure of exams and deadlines builds up.
Wenken vir jou eerste jaar: Get involved in orientation week. It’s the fastest way to meet people, find your campus bearings, and discover the clubs and societies that will make your university years memorable. Your eerste jaar — first year — sets the tone, so start strong.
Careers and graduate outcomes: where do UJ graduates end up?
One of the biggest questions students and parents ask is, “Will I get a job after this degree?” The honest answer is: it depends on your degree, your performance, and the economy. But UJ’s strong industry connections and work-integrated learning approach give graduates a genuine advantage.
Some notable facts about UJ graduate outcomes:
- UJ has an employment rate of approximately 80% for graduates within two years of completing their studies.
- The UJ Centre for Entrepreneurship helps graduates launch their own businesses, with mentorship and seed funding available for promising startups.
- Johannesburg’s economy is the largest in Africa, and UJ’s location in the city means students build professional networks while they study — not just after graduation.
- UJ is consistently ranked among the top 5 universities in South Africa and among the top 400 globally, which carries weight with international employers too.
Key takeaway: Your degree from UJ is recognised and respected. What you do with it is up to you — but the university provides the launchpad, the network, and the practical skills to get you going.
How to choose the right UJ programme for you
With over 200 undergraduate courses available, choosing can feel overwhelming. Here’s a simple framework to narrow down your options:
- Start with your subjects. Which matric subjects do you enjoy and perform well in? Engineering needs maths and science; law needs languages and humanities; business needs maths or accounting.
- Think about your working style. Do you want to work with people, with data, with your hands, or with ideas? Match your answer to the course list above.
- Check the APS you’re likely to achieve. Be realistic. If your maths mark is around 50%, an engineering degree is going to be an uphill battle — channel your skills into a programme that plays to your strengths.
- Look beyond the first job. Accountants can become CFOs, teachers can become school principals, engineers can become project directors. Consider the long-term career ladder, not just the entry post.
Key takeaway: Your undergraduate degree is a foundation, not a life sentence. Plenty of UJ graduates switch industries after a few years — your degree teaches you how to think, write, analyse, and communicate. Those skills transfer everywhere.
Frequently asked questions about UJ undergraduate courses
1. What is the minimum APS score needed to get into UJ?
The minimum APS for UJ undergraduate courses is typically 26, but this varies significantly by faculty. Humanities programmes often require lower APS scores (around 20–26), while competitive programmes like Medicine (MBChB) can require APS scores of 40+ plus strong NBT results. Always check the specific programme requirements in the UJ prospectus.
2. Does UJ offer programmes in Afrikaans?
Yes, partially. English is UJ’s primary medium of instruction, but the Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Education offer Afrikaans modules, including Afrikaans literature and language majors. In some law and education courses, lectures or assessments can be arranged in Afrikaans on request. For full Afrikaans-medium instruction, you’d need to look at universities like Stellenbosch, Pretoria (UP), or the North-West University (NWU).
3. When does the UJ application window open and close?
Applications for the following academic year typically open in March and close around 30 September for most programmes. Some competitive programmes, such as Medicine and Engineering, may close earlier. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible — UJ reviews applications on a rolling basis, and early applicants have a better chance of securing spots in residence and in competitive courses.
4. Can I apply to UJ with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) pass?
Yes, but “pass” is a broad term. You need a Bachelor’s Degree pass (exemption) to qualify for most undergraduate degree programmes. If your NSC only qualifies you for a diploma pass, you may still be considered for diploma-level courses or higher certificate programmes, which can later serve as pathways into degree studies.
5. Does UJ offer distance learning or online undergraduate programmes?
Yes, to a limited extent. UJ offers a small number of undergraduate courses through its UJ Online platform, but most undergraduate degrees remain contact-based, requiring physical attendance. If you need a fully distance-learning degree, institutions like UNISA are better suited to that model.
6. What are the NBT requirements for UJ?
Not all UJ programmes require NBT results, but they are mandatory for Health Sciences, Law, and some Engineering programmes. The NBTs (National Benchmark Tests) assess academic literacy, quantitative literacy, and mathematics. We recommend writing the NBTs while you’re in matric, so your results are ready when you apply.
7. Can I change my course after being accepted at UJ?
Yes, you can apply for a course change, but it isn’t automatic. You must meet the entry requirements for the new programme, and there must be space available. Course changes are typically considered at the end of your first semester or year — so don’t see your first choice as a trap. UJ also has academic advisors who can guide you through this process.
Final thoughts: your future starts at UJ
The University of Johannesburg has a course for nearly every passion, every skill set, and every career ambition. Whether you’re dreaming of designing bridges, arguing cases in court, healing patients, teaching young minds, or building a business, UJ’s undergraduate programmes give you the knowledge, credentials, and practical experience to make it real.
Your next step is simple: check the admission requirements for the programmes that excite you, sort out your APS score, and put together a strong application. The journey to your degree starts with a single online form — and the career you’ve been imagining is waiting on the other side of it.
Moet nie wag nie — die toekoms wag vir jou. Don’t wait — the future is waiting for you.