Dlamini BlessingFor many South African students, the absence of Pure Mathematics in their matric subjects can feel like a barrier to university education. The Central University of Technology (CUT) in Bloemfontein offers numerous programmes across multiple faculties that accept Mathematical Literacy, making higher education accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds .
It is important to note, however, that CUT takes a strict approach in certain faculties. Programmes in Engineering, the Built Environment, and most Sciences generally require Pure Mathematics and will not accept Mathematical Literacy .
CUT Courses That Don’t Require Maths
Courses That Accept Mathematical Literacy
The following courses at CUT accept students with Mathematical Literacy.
Faculty of Management Sciences
This faculty offers the widest range of options for students without Pure Mathematics. Most diploma programmes in business and management accept Mathematical Literacy.
Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accountancy
This four-year professional degree prepares students for careers as accountants. It is accredited with the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). Graduates can work as professional accountants in commerce, industry, academia, and the public sector .
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level with a minimum score of 60% (Level 5) OR Mathematics at Grade 12 level with a minimum score of 40% (Level 3)
Additional Requirements: Accounting at Grade 12 level with a minimum score of 60% (Level 5)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Bachelor of Management Sciences in Internal Auditing
This programme prepares students for careers in internal auditing, risk management, and compliance.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level with a minimum score of 60% (Level 5) OR Mathematics at Grade 12 level with a minimum score of 40% (Level 3)
Additional Requirements: Accounting at Grade 12 level
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Human Resources Management
Focusing on personnel management, recruitment, training coordination, and employee relations, this programme does not require advanced mathematics.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Marketing
Marketing focuses on consumer behaviour, branding, and communication strategies rather than mathematics.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Office Management and Technology
This programme covers office administration, records management, and business technology.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Public Management
This programme focuses on public sector administration, governance, and policy implementation.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Hospitality Management
This programme covers hotel operations, food and beverage management, and guest services.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted. The course calculator shows English and Mathematical Literacy requirements
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Tourism Management
South Africa’s tourism industry offers many opportunities. This diploma covers travel operations, hospitality management, and destination marketing.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 28 points
Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management
Ideal for students who want to start their own businesses, this programme covers business planning, marketing, and basic financial management.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted
Diploma in Project Management
This programme covers project planning, execution, monitoring, and closure across various industries.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted
Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities offers several programmes that accept Mathematical Literacy, particularly in education and language studies.
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Senior Phase and FET Teaching – Language Education
This programme trains students to teach languages at high school level.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
Additional Requirements: English and another language at specific levels
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Senior Phase and FET Teaching – Economic and Management Sciences
This programme prepares teachers for EMS subjects.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) Foundation Phase Teaching (Grades R to 3)
This four-year degree trains students to teach at the early primary school level.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 5 (60-69%) OR Mathematics at Level 4 (50-59%). The course calculator shows English at Level 4, Mathematical Literacy at Level 5, and Life Orientation at Level 4
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Language Practice and Media Studies
This programme covers translation, editing, copywriting, and media production.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted. The course calculator shows English and Mathematical Literacy requirements
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Design and Studio Art
This creative programme focuses on visual arts, graphic design, and artistic practice.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%). A portfolio may be required for admission
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences
Some programmes in the Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences accept Mathematical Literacy, though many require Life Sciences and Physical Sciences.
Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting
This one-year programme prepares students to work as dental assistants in private practices or public hospitals.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
Additional Requirements: English at Level 4
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Diploma in Somatology
This programme focuses on beauty therapy, skin care, and health treatments.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Higher Certificate in Community Development Work
This one-year programme prepares students for careers in community development and social services.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%)
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Most programmes in this faculty require Pure Mathematics. However, the following programmes may accept Mathematical Literacy, though careful verification is essential.
Diploma in Information Technology
This IT diploma focuses on computer programming, software development, and practical coding skills.
Mathematics Requirement: The course calculator shows Mathematical Literacy at Level 6 (70-79%) as an option, though Pure Mathematics is strongly preferred
APS Requirement: Minimum 27 points
Important Note: Even where Mathematical Literacy is listed, IT programmes at CUT generally require strong mathematical aptitude. Prospective students should contact the faculty directly to confirm current requirements.
Diploma in Computer Networking
This programme covers network infrastructure, systems administration, and IT support.
Mathematics Requirement: The course calculator shows varied requirements. Pure Mathematics appears to be strongly preferred
Important Note on Programmes That Do NOT Accept Mathematical Literacy
For clarity, it is equally important to know which CUT courses will not accept Mathematical Literacy. Students without Pure Mathematics cannot apply for the following programmes:
Civil Engineering – Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted. Requires Mathematics Level 5 (60-69%) and Physical Sciences Level 4 (50-59%)
Construction (Higher Certificate) – Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted. Requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 4
Renewable Energy Technologies (Higher Certificate) – Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted. Requires Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 4
Electrical Engineering – Requires Mathematics at Level 5
Mechanical Engineering – Requires Mathematics at Level 4 or 5 depending on programme
Quantity Surveying – Requires Mathematics at Level 4
Construction Management – Requires Mathematics at Level 4
Radiography – Requires Mathematics at Level 4
Environmental Health – Requires Mathematics at Level 4
Medical Laboratory Sciences – Requires Mathematics at Level 4
Bachelor of Education (SP & FET) Mathematics stream – Requires Mathematics at Level 4 (this stream is for teaching Mathematics)
Quick Reference Table
| Qualification | Mathematics Requirement | APS Required |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Management Sciences in Accountancy | Maths Lit Level 5 (60%) OR Maths Level 3 | 27 |
| Bachelor of Management Sciences in Internal Auditing | Maths Lit Level 5 OR Maths Level 3 | 27 |
| Diploma in Human Resources Management | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Diploma in Marketing | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Diploma in Office Management and Technology | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Diploma in Public Management | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Diploma in Hospitality Management | Maths Lit accepted | 27 |
| Diploma in Tourism Management | Maths Lit Level 4 | 28 |
| B.Ed. Foundation Phase | Maths Lit Level 5 OR Maths Level 4 | 27 |
| B.Ed. Language Education | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Diploma in Language Practice and Media Studies | Maths Lit accepted | 27 |
| Diploma in Design and Studio Art | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Higher Certificate in Dental Assisting | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Diploma in Somatology | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Higher Certificate in Community Development Work | Maths Lit Level 4 | 27 |
| Diploma in Information Technology | Maths Lit Level 6 (check with faculty) | 27 |
Application Tips for Students Without Pure Mathematics
1. Verify Your Specific Requirements: While this guide provides general requirements, always check the official CUT prospectus for your specific programme, as requirements can change annually .
2. Calculate Your APS Correctly: CUT uses an M-Score where Life Orientation is given only 1 point regardless of percentage. Use the official CUT course calculator on their website to calculate your APS accurately .
3. English is Mandatory: All programmes require English at a minimum level, typically Level 4 (50-59%) for degree programmes .
4. Meeting Minimums Does Not Guarantee Admission: CUT admission is competitive. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Try to exceed the minimum APS wherever possible .
5. Apply Early: Applications typically open in April and close on 30 September for most programmes. Early application is strongly recommended .
6. Consider the Selection Test: If your APS is between 23 and 26 points, you may be eligible for a selection test. However, if the programme is full of applicants who meet the minimum and above, you may not be given the opportunity.
Understanding the Maths Requirement at CUT
CUT calculates an Admission Point Score (M-Score) using your six best subjects, with Life Orientation given a score of 1 point regardless of the percentage achieved. The minimum APS for most programmes is 27 points, though some require higher scores .
For students without Pure Mathematics, the key distinction is this: some programmes accept Mathematical Literacy, while others specifically state that Mathematical Literacy will not be accepted. When Mathematical Literacy is accepted, the required achievement level is often higher than for Pure Mathematics.
General Admission Requirements
Before applying, you must meet CUT’s minimum statutory requirements:
For a Higher Certificate: NSC pass with at least 30% in English
For a Diploma: NSC pass with at least 30% in English, plus 40% or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects
For a Bachelor’s Degree: NSC pass with degree exemption, plus 50% or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects
How to Apply
Applications to the Central University of Technology are submitted online through the official CUT website at www.cut.ac.za. You will need:
– Your South African ID number or passport
– Your Grade 11 final results or Grade 12 examination number
– A unique email address and cell phone number
– Certified copies of your ID and latest academic results
For international students, qualifications must be formally evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) .
For any queries, you can contact the admissions office through the CUT website or call the main switchboard at 051 507 3911.
Conclusion
The Central University of Technology offers genuine opportunities for students who did not take Pure Mathematics in high school. From the business and management programmes in the Faculty of Management Sciences to education, language studies, and select health sciences courses, there are multiple accredited pathways to meaningful careers.
The Faculty of Management Sciences provides the widest range of options, including Accountancy, Human Resources Management, Marketing, Public Management, Hospitality, and Tourism. The Faculty of Humanities offers education programmes and creative diplomas. The Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences offers Dental Assisting and Somatology.
However, it is crucial to note that Engineering, Construction, and most Built Environment programmes at CUT strictly require Pure Mathematics and will not accept Mathematical Literacy. Students interested in these fields should either upgrade their Mathematics qualification or consider alternative programmes.
The key is to identify which programme aligns with your interests and strengths, then ensure you meet the specific Mathematical Literacy and English requirements for that course. With a clear understanding of CUT’s requirements and early application, you can build a successful university career without Pure Mathematics.