If you’re thinking about taking the next step in your education, you’ve likely asked yourself what postgraduate options are available at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). With a reputation for research output, flexible study modes, and a vibrant city campus, UJ has become one of the most popular choices for South African graduates.
But navigating the list of UJ postgraduate courses and their entry requirements can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re considering an honours degree, a master’s, a PhD, or a professional postgraduate diploma, this guide breaks down everything you need to know — in plain, practical language. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to prepare, where to apply, and how to improve your chances of getting in.
Why choose UJ for your postgraduate studies?
UJ is one of South Africa’s largest and most dynamic universities, enrolling tens of thousands of students across four main campuses: Auckland Park Kingsway, Auckland Park Bunting Road, Doornfontein, and Soweto. It consistently ranks among the top universities in Africa, so a postgraduate qualification from UJ carries real weight — both locally and internationally.
What sets UJ apart is the flexibility it offers postgraduate students. Many courses are available through evening classes, block-release sessions, or online-supported learning, which makes it easier to study while you work. With load shedding still disrupting daily routines, UJ has also invested in hybrid teaching platforms, so you’re not entirely dependent on being physically present for every lecture.
Beyond flexibility, UJ is known for its strong links with industry. Many postgraduate programmes include research projects, internships, and workplace-based assignments, giving you a foot in the door before you even graduate. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of academic rigour and real-world relevance, UJ delivers on both fronts.
Types of postgraduate qualifications at UJ
Before you dive into the list of University of Johannesburg courses, it helps to understand the qualification levels. UJ offers four main types of postgraduate qualifications, each with its own structure and purpose:
| Qualification | Duration | Focus | Typical entry requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honours degree | 1 year full-time / 2 years part-time | Advanced subject knowledge and research methods | Relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 60–65% average |
| Postgraduate diploma | 1–2 years | Professional or specialised skills | Relevant degree or extensive work experience |
| Master’s degree | 1–2 years (coursework) or 1–3 years (research) | Advanced study and original research | Honours degree with at least 65% average |
| Doctoral degree (PhD) | 2–5 years | Original research contributing new knowledge | Master’s degree with a strong research component |
Each qualification leads to the next, but you don’t always have to follow the traditional route. Some postgraduate diplomas, for example, allow you to exit with a professional qualification, while others serve as a bridge into a master’s programme.
Honours degrees at UJ: options and entry requirements
An honours degree is often the first step into postgraduate study, and UJ offers honours programmes across all its faculties. Whether your interest lies in the humanities, science, law, education, engineering, economics, or health sciences, there’s likely an honours option that fits your undergraduate background.
The core of an honours year is deepening your subject knowledge while introducing you to research methodology. You’ll typically complete coursework modules, a research project or mini-dissertation, and a number of seminars or practical assignments. For many students, this is also the year they decide whether to pursue a master’s and continue into academia or research.
General honours entry requirements at UJ
The minimum requirement for most honours programmes is a relevant bachelor’s degree, and you’ll usually need to have achieved an average of at least 60% to 65% in your final undergraduate year. However, the exact cut-off depends on the faculty and the competitiveness of the programme.
For competitive programmes like honours in psychology, economics, or engineering, you may need a higher average — sometimes 70% or more, plus an interview or selection test. It’s worth checking the specific faculty rulebook, which UJ publishes online, to confirm the exact requirements for your chosen field.
Popular honours programmes at UJ
You might be surprised by the range of honours options available. Some of the most sought-after programmes at UJ include:
- Bachelor of Commerce Honours in various specialisations (accounting, finance, economics, marketing)
- BA Honours in languages, linguistics, history, sociology, or communication studies
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours
- Bachelor of Education Honours
- Bachelor of Science Honours in fields like chemistry, physics, and computer science
- BCom Honours in Industrial Psychology
One helpful tip: many UJ honours programmes are offered as both full-time and part-time options, which is ideal if you’re planning to keep working while you study. The part-time route generally takes two years, though you may need to attend weekend or evening classes.
Postgraduate diplomas: the professional route
If you want to specialise without committing to a full research degree, a postgraduate diploma is an excellent option. UJ offers postgraduate diplomas in a variety of fields, including management, public health, accounting sciences, information technology, education, and translation and language practice.
These programmes are designed to build practical, career-focused skills. You’ll often complete coursework, case studies, and a workplace-based project, and some postgraduate diplomas can even be used as stepping stones into a master’s programme.
Entry requirements for postgraduate diplomas
To qualify, you typically need a relevant bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification. In some professional programmes, significant work experience can also be considered in place of formal academic credentials, but this is handled on a case-by-case basis.
Make sure you check the specific diploma you’re interested in, because some have additional selection criteria. Postgraduate diplomas in health sciences, for instance, may require that you’re registered with a professional council like the South African Health Professions Council.
Master’s degrees at UJ: coursework vs research
A master’s degree is where you really start to specialise, and at UJ you’ll find two main paths: coursework master’s programmes and full research master’s degrees. Some programmes combine both, with taught modules followed by a research report or mini-dissertation.
Coursework master’s degrees, such as an MBA or MCom in a business-related field, are structured around lectures, assignments, and examinations. They’re ideal if you want a structured learning environment and a qualification that leads directly into a professional role.
Research master’s degrees, on the other hand, are primarily focused on an extended thesis. You’ll work closely with a supervisor, and your final assessment is largely based on your ability to conduct independent research. This route suits students who are considering an academic career or a future PhD.
Master’s degree entry requirements at UJ
Generally, you’ll need an honours degree (or a postgraduate diploma, in some cases) with an average of at least 65%. For research master’s programmes, you’ll also need to submit a preliminary research proposal and secure a supervisor before your application can be considered.
Here’s a closer look at the key requirements:
- A completed honours degree or equivalent qualification
- A minimum average of 65% in the qualifying degree, though 70%+ is often required for competitive programmes
- A research proposal for research-based master’s programmes
- Approval from the relevant faculty and a designated supervisor
- Proficiency in English — or in some cases, Afrikaans, depending on the programme
Master’s programmes worth exploring at UJ
UJ offers a broad menu of master’s programmes across its faculties. Popular choices include:
- Master of Commerce across various specialisations
- Master of Arts in fields such as sociology, anthropology, and political science
- Master of Education
- Master of Engineering
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Laws (LLM)
- MBA through the Johannesburg Business School
Each programme has its own structure, so spend time on UJ’s website reviewing the yearbook or faculty prospectus. You’ll find detailed module breakdowns, research focus areas, and specific admission requirements that differ by programme.
Doctoral programmes: the final academic frontier
Completing a PhD at UJ is a significant commitment, but it’s also an opportunity to contribute genuinely new knowledge to your field. UJ has a thriving doctoral community, with research programmes spanning the sciences, humanities, engineering, health sciences, education, law, and management.
The PhD at UJ is typically a research-only degree. You’ll work with a supervisor (and often a co-supervisor) to develop a research topic, gain ethical clearance, and produce a thesis of original research. Depending on your pace and study mode, it can take between two and five years to complete.
What do you need to apply for a PhD at UJ?
To be considered, you must hold a master’s degree with a research component and a strong academic record. You’ll also need to prepare a research proposal that aligns with the faculty’s research strengths, and you must find a supervisor willing to take you on before admission is finalised.
Be prepared for a competitive process. UJ looks at your academic transcript, the feasibility of your research proposal, and your previous research experience. Having published work, conferencing experience, or a solid academic writing portfolio will strengthen your application significantly.
General entry requirements and application deadlines
Across all University of Johannesburg courses, there are common threads in the admissions process. First, you’ll need a formal qualification that UJ recognises as equivalent to the required South African qualification. If your degree is from a non-South African institution, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) will need to evaluate it.
Second, language proficiency matters. Since English is the primary language of instruction at UJ, all applicants whose prior education wasn’t in English may need to provide an English proficiency test result, such as IELTS or TOEFL. That said, South African students who have studied in English at school or university usually don’t need to submit these tests.
When should you apply for UJ postgraduate courses?
Most postgraduate applications for the academic year open around April to May and close between September and November. However, some programme deadlines are much earlier, particularly for research degrees where you need to secure a supervisor. The golden rule is to check your specific programme page early, then work backwards from the deadline.
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide to the application process:
- Search for your programme on the UJ website and download the faculty prospectus
- Check the admission requirements and minimum average scores
- Prepare your academic transcripts, a copy of your ID or passport, and a CV
- For research degrees, prepare a draft research proposal
- Submit your application online through the UJ student portal
- Pay the non-refundable application fee (keep the proof of payment)
- Follow up on your application and monitor your email for update requests
Missing a deadline is the most common reason applications get rejected, so get your documents together early. The online portal updates your application status, so you can track progress instead of guessing.
Fees, funding, and scholarships for postgraduates
The cost of postgraduate study at UJ varies widely depending on your programme and faculty. An honours degree may cost anywhere from around R20,000 to R50,000 per year, while a coursework master’s or MBA can be significantly more. Research degrees and PhDs often charge annual tuition fees plus additional costs for fieldwork, lab work, and thesis production.
The good news is that there are several funding options available to UJ postgraduate students:
- National Research Foundation (NRF) bursaries and scholarships for honours, master’s, and doctoral students
- UJ merit bursaries and academic scholarships for high-performing students
- Postgraduate assistant positions that provide a stipend in exchange for teaching or research support
- Faculty-specific bursaries and donor-funded awards
- Employer sponsorships, especially for professional qualifications like an MBA
If you’re a South African citizen, the NRF is often your first port of call. Some funding is allocated directly via UJ, while other bursaries require you to apply directly to the NRF. Either way, you should also check the UJ financial aid office for internal scholarships you may qualify for.
English to Afrikaans: language considerations for postgraduate study at UJ
If you’ve studied in Afrikaans or live in an Afrikaans-speaking community, you might have questions about UJ’s language policy. Here’s the good news: UJ’s official medium of instruction is English, but the university recognises the value of multilingualism and has support structures in place to help Afrikaans-speaking students make a smooth transition.
Many postgraduate programmes at UJ provide course materials and assessments in English, but you won’t be alone in navigating this shift. UJ has academic writing centres and language support services where you can get assistance with English academic writing, research proposal drafting, and thesis editing. There’s also a strong culture of bilingual academic resources in certain humanities programmes.
Interestingly, UJ offers postgraduate qualifications in translation and language practice, where you can put your English-to-Afrikaans skills to professional use. These programmes train students to translate, interpret, and edit between South Africa’s major languages including English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, and Sesotho. If you want to combine solid career prospects with your bilingual strengths, this is a field worth exploring.
How to strengthen your English academic writing for UJ
If you’re coming from an Afrikaans background, a few practical steps can help you adjust to English-medium postgraduate study:
- Read academic journals and dissertations in English within your field before you start
- Use UJ’s academic writing centre to review your assignments and research proposals
- Practise submitting your past work through online English writing tools and grammar checkers
- Start writing your research proposal in English early, and ask a mentor or colleague to proofread it
- Attend orientation sessions and writing workshops at the start of the academic year
Keep in mind that in fields like translation, language practice, and literature, your bilingual strength is a genuine advantage. Some courses even encourage assignments and research projects in both English and Afrikaans, depending on the scope of the study.
Tips for a successful UJ postgraduate application
The most competitive UJ postgraduate courses don’t just look at your marks; they look at your overall academic profile. A well-prepared application can make the difference between an offer of admission and a rejection letter, especially for research-based degrees.
Here are some practical tips to strengthen your application:
- Aim to exceed the minimum academic average, not just meet it — marks below 65% will close many doors
- Contact potential supervisors early, preferably months before the application deadline
- Write a clear, concise research proposal that shows you understand the field and the faculty’s strengths
- Ask for strong letters of recommendation from academics who know your work personally
- Include evidence of research experience, such as undergraduate projects, publications, or presentations
- Double-check all documents before submitting to avoid admin delays
- Apply to more than one programme if you’re unsure about your first choice
Remember that admission to postgraduate study is a conversation, not just a formality. If you meet the requirements but aren’t accepted, you can request feedback or consider re-applying with a stronger proposal. Many successful UJ postgraduates didn’t get in on their first attempt.
A final word on your postgraduate journey
The University of Johannesburg courses and postgraduate options we’ve explored today are as diverse as the students who apply for them. From a two-year postgraduate diploma to an ambitious doctoral thesis, there’s a pathway that matches your career goals, lifestyle, and budget.
The key takeaway is this: start early, research your specific programme carefully, and build relationships with the academics who will eventually assess your application. Whether you’re switching back from Afrikaans-medium study, returning after time in the workplace, or progressing straight from your undergraduate degree, UJ offers a postgraduate environment that welcomes persistent, prepared learners.
Take the first step today. Visit the UJ postgraduate prospectus, shortlist two or three courses, and check the deadlines for next year. The sooner you begin, the stronger your application will be.
Frequently asked questions about University of Johannesburg courses and postgraduate requirements
What is the minimum average required for an honours degree at UJ?
Most honours programmes at UJ require a relevant bachelor’s degree with an average of at least 60% to 65% in your final undergraduate year. Competitive programmes such as psychology, economics, and engineering may require higher averages of 70% or more, so always verify the faculty-specific requirements.
Can I study a UJ postgraduate degree part-time while working?
Yes, UJ offers many postgraduate programmes on a part-time basis, including honours degrees, postgraduate diplomas, coursework master’s degrees, and PhDs. Part-time study typically extends the duration of the programme and may involve evening, weekend, or block-release classes.
Do I need English proficiency tests like IELTS to apply for UJ postgraduate courses?
If your previous studies were completed in English, you generally don’t need an IELTS or TOEFL score. However, if your qualification was obtained through Afrikaans or another non-English medium, or if you studied outside South Africa, UJ may request proof of English proficiency.
Are there programmes at UJ focused on English to Afrikaans translation?
Yes, UJ offers postgraduate qualifications in translation and language practice where you can specialise in translating between English, Afrikaans, and other South African languages. These programmes combine theoretical language study with practical professional translation skills.
What funding options are available for postgraduate students at UJ?
Postgraduate students at UJ can apply for National Research Foundation bursaries, UJ merit scholarships, postgraduate assistantships, and faculty-specific donor funds. Research-based master’s and doctoral students are often given priority for internal funding.
How long does a PhD take at the University of Johannesburg?
A PhD at UJ typically takes between two and five years, depending on your study mode, research complexity, and how much time you can dedicate. Full-time students usually finish sooner, while part-time doctoral candidates often take closer to four or five years.