Dlamini BlessingFor many South African students, not having Pure Mathematics in their matric subjects feels like a closed door to university education. The University of Fort Hare (UFH) offers numerous programmes across multiple faculties that accept Mathematical Literacy, and some have no specific mathematics requirement at all. This guide covers the courses available to students without Pure Mathematics.
University of Fort Hare Courses That Don’t Require Maths
General Admission Requirements for Students Without Pure Mathematics
Before applying, you must meet UFH’s minimum statutory requirements for your chosen qualification level :
– For a Bachelor’s Degree: Pass the NSC with an achievement rating of Level 4 (50-59%) or higher in four 20-credit subjects from the designated list (excluding Life Orientation). English must be at Level 4 (First Additional Language) or Level 3 (Home Language).
– For a Diploma: Pass the NSC with an achievement rating of Level 3 (40-49%) or higher in four 20-credit subjects.
– For a Higher Certificate: Pass the NSC with at least 30% in the language of learning and teaching (English).
Your APS (Admission Point Score) is calculated using your six best subjects, including Life Orientation, which is capped. UFH uses a 7-point scale for NSC results, with 90-100% earning 8 points, 80-89% earning 7 points, and so down to 0-29% earning 1 point .
Courses That Accept Mathematical Literacy or Require No Maths
The following courses at the University of Fort Hare are open to students who do not have Pure Mathematics.
Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
This faculty offers the widest range of options for students without Mathematics.
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
The Bachelor of Arts degree is one of the most flexible options for students without Pure Mathematics. This programme offers majors in languages, history, geography, sociology, psychology, music, fine arts, and theology.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted. There is no specific requirement for Pure Mathematics .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 25 .
Additional Requirements: English Home Language at Level 4 or English First Additional Language at Level 4, Life Orientation at Level 4, and two other designated subjects at Level 4 .
Bachelor of Social Science (B Soc Sc)
This programme focuses on sociology, anthropology, and social dynamics, preparing students for careers in community development, research, and social policy.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted. No Pure Mathematics required .
Bachelor of Social Work (B Social Work)
This professional degree prepares students to become social workers, registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted .
Bachelor of Library and Information Science (B Bibl)
This programme trains students for careers in libraries, archives, and information management.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted .
Bachelor of Applied Communication Management
Focusing on corporate communication, public relations, and media studies, this programme does not require Pure Mathematics.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy is accepted .
Bachelor of Theology (B Th)
For students pursuing religious studies and ministry, this programme has no mathematics requirement.
Mathematics Requirement: No specific mathematics requirement .
Bachelor of Fine Arts (B Fine Arts)
This creative programme focuses on visual arts, design, and artistic practice. Mathematics is not a factor in admission.
Mathematics Requirement: No mathematics requirement .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 25 .
Bachelor of Arts in Music (BA Music) and Bachelor of Music (B Mus)
These programmes focus on music theory, performance, and composition. Auditions are typically required.
Mathematics Requirement: No mathematics requirement .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 25 .
Faculty of Education
Teaching qualifications at UFH are accessible to students with Mathematical Literacy, particularly for foundation and intermediate phase teaching.
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, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%) OR Pure Mathematics at Level 3 (40-49%) .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 25 .
Additional Requirements: English Home Language or Xhosa Home Language or Afrikaans Home Language at Level 4, English FAL or Xhosa FAL or Afrikaans FAL at Level 4, Life Orientation at Level 4, and two other designated subjects at Level 4 .
Bachelor of Education (B Ed) Intermediate Phase Teaching (Grades 4 to 6)
This programme prepares teachers for the intermediate primary school phase.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted. Specific level requirements may vary by subject specialisation.
Bachelor of Education (B Ed) Senior Phase and FET Teaching
For students who want to teach at high school level, certain subject combinations such as Languages, History, and Geography accept Mathematical Literacy. However, students choosing Mathematics as a teaching subject would need Pure Mathematics .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 25 .
Additional Requirements: English Home Language or First Additional Language at Level 4, another language at Level 3, two relevant subjects of specialisation at Level 4, Life Orientation at Level 4 .
Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) Programmes
These postgraduate certificates are available in various specialisations including Mathematical Literacy, Life Orientation, and School Leadership. They are designed for qualified teachers seeking further specialisation.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted for relevant specialisations .
Nelson Mandela Institute for Education and Rural Development (NMI)
This institute offers specialised education programmes focused on rural development and foundational learning.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Faculty of Law (Nelson R. Mandela School of Law)
The Faculty of Law offers several pathways that do not require Pure Mathematics.
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
The LLB is the professional law degree required to practice as an attorney or advocate in South Africa. This is a four-year degree covering all core areas of South African law.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 (50-59%) OR Pure Mathematics at Level 3 (40-49%) OR Technical Mathematics at Level 4 .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 30 .
Additional Requirements: English at Level 4, another Home Language at Level 4, Life Orientation at Level 5 .
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Extended Programme
This is a more accessible pathway to the LLB, designed for students who meet the minimum requirements but may benefit from additional academic support.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 3 (40-49%) OR Pure Mathematics at Level 2 (30-39%) OR Technical Mathematics at Level 3 .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 27 .
Bachelor of Commerce (Law)
This degree combines commerce and law, preparing students for careers in corporate law, compliance, or further legal study.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 5 (60-69%) OR Pure Mathematics at Level 4 (50-59%) OR Technical Mathematics at Level 5 .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 28 .
Diploma in Local Government Law and Administration
This diploma prepares students for careers in municipal governance, local government administration, and public law.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Faculty of Management and Commerce
While many commerce programmes require Pure Mathematics, UFH offers several diplomas and foundation programmes that accept Mathematical Literacy.
BCom General Streams
The BCom General programmes in Business Management and Industrial Psychology accept Mathematical Literacy .
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted. Pure Mathematics is not required for these streams.
Bachelor of Administration in Public Administration (BAdmin)
This programme focuses on public sector management, governance, and policy implementation. It is offered at the Bhisho and Alice campuses.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
BCom Foundation Programmes
UFH offers foundation programmes in Accounting, Economics, Business Management, and Industrial Psychology. These four-year extended programmes provide additional academic support for students who meet the minimum requirements but may need more time to adjust to university study .
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted for foundation programmes.
Diploma in Public Sector Monitoring
This postgraduate diploma focuses on monitoring and evaluation in the public sector.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted at undergraduate level .
Faculty of Health Sciences
The Faculty of Health Sciences offers select programmes that accept Mathematical Literacy.
Bachelor of Nursing
This professional degree prepares students for careers as registered nurses.
Mathematics Requirement: Specific requirements may vary. Check the current prospectus.
Bachelor of Health in Human Movement Science
This programme focuses on exercise science, biomechanics, and human performance.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy at Level 5 (60-69%) OR Pure Mathematics at Level 4 (50-59%) .
APS Requirement: Minimum APS of 28-29 .
Additional Requirements: English at Level 4, Life Orientation at Level 4, and four other designated subjects at Level 4 .
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Biology are recommended but not mandatory .
Bachelor of Science in Speech-Language Therapy
This professional degree trains students to work as speech and language therapists.
Mathematics Requirement: Check prospectus for specific requirements. May accept Mathematical Literacy with higher levels.
Faculty of Science and Agriculture
The Faculty of Science and Agriculture primarily requires Pure Mathematics for BSc degree programmes. However, diploma and certificate programmes may be more accessible.
Bachelor of Agriculture (BAgric)
This programme focuses on agricultural extension, production, and management. It is more accessible than the BSc Agriculture degree.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy may be accepted. Check the current prospectus for specific level requirements .
Diploma Programmes
UFH offers several diploma programmes across various faculties that are generally more accessible than degree programmes.
Diploma in Archives and Records Management
This programme trains students for careers in archives, records management, and information governance.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Diploma in Fine Arts (Dip FA)
This creative programme focuses on fine art practice and theory.
Mathematics Requirement: No mathematics requirement .
Diploma in Local Government Law and Administration
As mentioned under the Law Faculty, this diploma prepares students for local government careers.
Mathematics Requirement: Mathematical Literacy accepted .
Higher Certificates
Higher certificates are one-year programmes that serve as excellent entry points for students who may not meet degree or diploma requirements. They can also serve as pathways to further study.
Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies (if offered)
Focuses on heritage, museums, archives, and cultural preservation.
Higher Certificate in Court Interpreting (if offered)
Prepares students for careers in legal interpreting and court services.
Entry requirements for higher certificates are generally lower than for diplomas or degrees, with English at 30% being the primary requirement .
Important Note on Courses That Do Require Pure Mathematics
For clarity, it is equally important to know which UFH courses will not accept Mathematical Literacy. Students without Pure Mathematics cannot apply for the following programmes:
– BCom in Accounting (mainstream degree) – Requires Pure Mathematics
– BCom in Information Systems – Requires Pure Mathematics
– BCom Economics (mainstream degree) – May require Pure Mathematics at a higher level
– Bachelor of Science (BSc) programmes – All BSc programmes in Applied Mathematics, Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, and related fields require Pure Mathematics
– Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (BSc Agric) – Requires Pure Mathematics
Quick Reference Table by Qualification
| Qualification | Mathematics Requirement | APS Required |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts (BA) | Maths Lit accepted | 25 |
| Bachelor of Social Work | Maths Lit accepted | Check prospectus |
| Bachelor of Fine Arts | No maths required | 25 |
| Bachelor of Music | No maths required | 25 |
| B.Ed. Foundation Phase | Maths Lit Level 4 OR Maths Level 3 | 25 |
| LLB | Maths Lit Level 4 OR Maths Level 3 | 30 |
| LLB Extended | Maths Lit Level 3 OR Maths Level 2 | 27 |
| BCom (Law) | Maths Lit Level 5 OR Maths Level 4 | 28 |
| BAdmin Public Administration | Maths Lit accepted | Check prospectus |
| BCom Foundation Programmes | Maths Lit accepted | Check prospectus |
| Bachelor of Nursing | May accept Maths Lit | Check prospectus |
| Bachelor of Health in Human Movement Science | Maths Lit Level 5 OR Maths Level 4 | 28–29 |
| Bachelor of Agriculture (BAgric) | May accept Maths Lit | Check prospectus |
| Diploma in Archives and Records Management | Maths Lit accepted | Diploma entry |
| Higher Certificates (various) | Minimal maths requirements | NSC pass with 30% English |
Application Tips for Students Without Pure Mathematics
1. Verify Your Specific Requirements: While this guide provides general requirements, always check the official UFH prospectus for your specific programme, as requirements can change annually .
2. Calculate Your APS Correctly: UFH uses a 7-point scale for NSC results. Remember that Life Orientation is included but capped. Use the official UFH conversion table to calculate your APS accurately .
3. English is Mandatory: All programmes require English Home Language at Level 3 or English First Additional Language at Level 4 .
4. Four Designated Subjects Required: For degree admission, you need four subjects (excluding LO) at Level 4 or higher from the designated list. Mathematical Literacy is on this list, so it counts toward your four subjects .
5. Meeting Minimums Does Not Guarantee Admission: UFH admission is done on merit, using a points system where high scores are considered first in chronological order. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place .
6. Apply Early: Applications typically open in April and close in September for undergraduate studies. Early application is strongly recommended .
How to Apply
Applications to the University of Fort Hare are submitted online through the official UFH website at www.ufh.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 any queries, you can contact the admissions office:
Alice Campus: 040 602 2016 / 2053 / 2122 / 2174 / 2281
East London Campus: 043 704 7155 / 7266 / 7004 / 7139
Email: [email protected]
Conclusion
The University of Fort Hare offers genuine opportunities for students who did not take Pure Mathematics in high school. From the humanities and education to law, social work, and select health sciences programmes, there are multiple accredited pathways to meaningful careers.
The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities provides the widest range of options, including the BA, Social Work, Fine Arts, and Music programmes. The Faculty of Law offers the LLB with Mathematical Literacy at Level 4. The Faculty of Education accepts Mathematical Literacy for foundation phase teaching. And foundation programmes in Commerce provide accessible entry points to business studies.
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 multiple campuses in Alice, Bhisho, and East London, and a commitment to accessible education, UFH remains a welcoming institution for students who want to succeed without Pure Mathematics. Your matric results do not define your future, and at the University of Fort Hare, the door to higher education remains wide open.