UCT Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The University of Cape Town (UCT), founded in 1829, stands as Africa’s leading university, renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant, diverse community of over 29,000 students. Nestled in Rondebosch, Cape Town, UCT’s six faculties offer a wide range of undergraduate programs, many of which cater to students who prefer to avoid Mathematics. Programs in humanities, social sciences, law, and performing arts often require no Mathematics or accept Mathematical Literacy, opening doors to rewarding careers for those with strengths in communication, creativity, and critical thinking. This guide details UCT’s 2025 undergraduate courses that don’t require Mathematics, including admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects, to help you find a path that aligns with your aspirations.

UCT Courses That Don’t Require Maths

UCT’s six faculties—Commerce, Engineering and the Built Environment, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, and Science—offer diverse undergraduate programs. The Faculty of Humanities is particularly rich in math-free options, while the Faculty of Law and certain extended programs in Commerce provide additional pathways. Below, we outline these courses, based on UCT’s 2025 admission requirements and official sources.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities at UCT, one of the largest and most dynamic, offers flexible and structured programs in arts, social sciences, and performing arts, none of which require Mathematics.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for Extended Programme)

    • Campus: Upper, Lower, and Hiddingh

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 390/600 (excluding Life Orientation), 50% in English (Home or First Additional Language), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) in Academic Literacy (AL) and Quantitative Literacy (QL) required.

    • Overview: Offers majors like African Languages, Anthropology, English, Film Studies, History, Linguistics, Media and Writing, or Sociology. Students take at least two majors over 20 semester courses, with electives for flexibility.

    • Career Paths: Journalist, policy analyst, educator, or media producer.

    • Why Choose It?: A versatile degree for students passionate about culture and society, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc)

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for Extended Programme)

    • Campus: Upper and Lower

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 390/600, 50% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Includes majors such as Economics (if paired with Mathematical Literacy), Gender Studies, Political Studies, Psychology, or Social Development. Requires at least two majors and allows elective choices.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, policy researcher, or development consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: Ideal for students interested in social issues, with flexible math-free options.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Fine Art (BA Fine Art)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hiddingh

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 390/600, 50% in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and a portfolio submission. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers painting, sculpture, photography, and new media, with studio practice and art history. Students develop professional portfolios.

    • Career Paths: Artist, curator, or art educator.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits creative students seeking a math-free artistic career.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Performance

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hiddingh

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 390/600, 50% in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and an audition/portfolio. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Offers streams in Acting, Performance Making, or Pedagogy, blending practical training with academic study in theatre and dance.

    • Career Paths: Actor, director, or drama educator.

    • Why Choose It?: A vocational program for performing arts enthusiasts, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Diploma in Theatre and Performance

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Hiddingh

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with 40% in four 20-credit subjects, 50% in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and an audition. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Intensive vocational training in acting, dance, or performance making, with streams in Contemporary Dance, African Dance, or Theatre Making.

    • Career Paths: Performer, choreographer, or theatre educator.

    • Why Choose It?: An accessible entry into professional performance, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Music (BMus)

    • Duration: 4 years (5 years for Foundation Programme)

    • Campus: Lower

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 390/600, 50% in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and an audition. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Offers streams in Performance, Musicology, or Education, with training in classical, jazz, or African music. Foundation Programme supports students needing extra preparation.

    • Career Paths: Musician, music educator, or composer.

    • Why Choose It?: Perfect for musically talented students avoiding math.

  • Diploma in Music Performance

    • Duration: 3 years (4 years for Foundation Programme)

    • Campus: Lower

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with 40% in four 20-credit subjects, 50% in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and an audition. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Practical training in classical, jazz, or African music performance, with academic music courses.

    • Career Paths: Performer, session musician, or music teacher.

    • Why Choose It?: A focused music qualification without math barriers.

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Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law at UCT, known for its rigorous training, offers a program that combines legal studies with humanities, requiring no Mathematics.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Upper

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 420/600, 60% in English (Home Language) or 70% (First Additional Language), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Combines legal studies with humanities majors like Political Studies or History, serving as a pathway to the LLB or standalone degree.

    • Career Paths: Paralegal, policy analyst, or legal consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: A flexible law-related degree for students avoiding math.

Faculty of Commerce (Extended Programmes)

The Faculty of Commerce offers extended programs for students who may not meet standard requirements, some of which accept Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) Academic Development Programme (ADP)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Upper

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 370–405/600 (depending on stream), 50% in English, 50% in Mathematical Literacy or 40% in Mathematics, and NBTs in AL and QL. Preference for South African Black, Coloured, Indian, or Chinese applicants.

    • Overview: Offers streams like Accounting or Management Studies with additional academic support. Excludes math-heavy majors like Actuarial Science.

    • Career Paths: Accountant, business manager, or financial analyst.

    • Why Choose It?: An inclusive commerce pathway accepting Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc) Academic Development Programme (ADP)

    • Duration: 5 years

    • Campus: Upper

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 370–405/600, 50% in English, 50% in Mathematical Literacy or 40% in Mathematics, and NBTs in AL and QL. Preference for equity candidates.

    • Overview: Focuses on Management Studies or Economics with extended support, avoiding math-intensive streams like Quantitative Finance.

    • Career Paths: Business consultant, marketer, or HR manager.

    • Why Choose It?: A comprehensive business degree with flexible math options.

Summary Table: UCT Courses Without Maths (2025)

Program

Faculty

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Humanities

3–4 years

Upper, Lower, Hiddingh

APS 390, 50% English, no math required, NBTs

Journalist, policy analyst

Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc)

Humanities

3–4 years

Upper, Lower

APS 390, 50% English, no math required, NBTs

Social worker, researcher

BA in Fine Art

Humanities

4 years

Hiddingh

APS 390, 50% English, no math required, portfolio, NBTs

Artist, curator

BA in Theatre and Performance

Humanities

4 years

Hiddingh

APS 390, 50% English, no math required, audition, NBTs

Actor, director

Diploma in Theatre and Performance

Humanities

3 years

Hiddingh

40% in 4 subjects, 50% English, no math required, audition, NBTs

Performer, choreographer

Bachelor of Music (BMus)

Humanities

4–5 years

Lower

APS 390, 50% English, no math required, audition, NBTs

Musician, composer

Diploma in Music Performance

Humanities

3–4 years

Lower

40% in 4 subjects, 50% English, no math required, audition, NBTs

Performer, music teacher

BA in Law

Law

3 years

Upper

APS 420, 60% English (Home) or 70% (FAL), no math required, NBTs

Paralegal, legal consultant

BCom (ADP)

Commerce

4 years

Upper

APS 370–405, 50% English, 50% Math Literacy or 40% Math, NBTs

Accountant, business manager

BBusSc (ADP)

Commerce

5 years

Upper

APS 370–405, 50% English, 50% Math Literacy or 40% Math, NBTs

Business consultant, marketer
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Why Choose Math-Free Courses at UCT?

Enrolling in UCT programs that don’t require Mathematics offers numerous advantages:

  • Flexibility: Programs like BA and BSocSc allow students to tailor their studies, changing majors based on interests, without math constraints.

  • Inclusivity: Accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement broadens access, especially through extended programs for equity candidates.

  • Career Opportunities: Graduates enter high-demand fields like media, social work, and law, with UCT’s global reputation enhancing employability.

  • Practical Focus: UCT emphasizes hands-on learning through performances, fieldwork, and projects, ensuring job-readiness.

How to Apply to UCT for 2025

UCT’s application process is fully online, with a non-refundable fee of R100 for South African citizens (R300 for international applicants). Applications for 2025 are closed, but 2026 applications open April 1, 2025, and close July 31, 2025. Follow these steps for 2026:

  1. Check Requirements: Review APS, subject, and NBT requirements in the UCT undergraduate prospectus at www.uct.ac.za.

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.uct.ac.za, select “Apply Online,” and submit up to two program choices. Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and NBT results.

  3. Write NBTs: Register for the Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy tests by October 2025 via www.nbt.ac.za. Two attempts allowed.

  4. Pay Application Fee: Pay R100 (or R300 for international applicants) via bank transfer or card, with fee waivers for eligible South Africans.

  5. Track Application: Monitor your status at www.uct.ac.za. Outcomes are emailed by November 2025 for non-Grade 12 applicants or January 2026 for Grade 12 applicants.

  6. Accept Offer and Register: Accept offers within 10 days and register by January 31, 2026, via the UCT portal.

Note: Programs like BA Fine Art and BMus require auditions/portfolios, and LLB pathways are competitive. Contact UCT’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)21 650 9111 or [email protected] for assistance.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

UCT’s math-free programs align with South Africa’s workforce needs, offering strong employability:

  • Humanities: BA and BSocSc graduates earn R100,000–R250,000 in media, policy, or social development roles, with psychology majors pursuing further studies for clinical practice.

  • Performing Arts: Fine Art, Theatre, and Music graduates earn R80,000–R200,000 as artists, performers, or educators, with opportunities in cultural sectors.

  • Law: BA Law graduates earn R120,000–R300,000 as paralegals or consultants, with LLB pathways leading to R300,000–R600,000 as lawyers.

  • Commerce (ADP): BCom and BBusSc graduates earn R150,000–R350,000 in accounting, management, or marketing, addressing business sector needs.

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UCT’s partnerships with industries, NGOs, and cultural institutions, plus events like the Epic Job Expo (August 2025), ensure over 85% of graduates find employment within a year, per university reports.

Tips for Success in UCT’s Math-Free Courses

To thrive at UCT, consider these practical strategies:

  • Engage in Practical Components: Maximize auditions, performances, or fieldwork in programs like Theatre or Social Work to build professional skills.

  • Hone Writing Skills: Visit UCT’s Writing Centre to meet faculty expectations for essays, crucial in Humanities and Law.

  • Leverage Campus Resources: Use libraries, career services, and the Umthombo program for extended curriculum support.

  • Network Actively: Join societies like UCT Radio or SHAWCO and attend open days (e.g., April 2025) to connect with peers and employers.

  • Adapt to Teaching Styles: Introduce yourself to lecturers early, as UCT’s formal, British-influenced style requires independent learning.

UCT’s Unique Learning Environment

UCT’s research-intensive environment, with 50% of faculty holding doctorates, fosters innovation across its Upper, Lower, and Hiddingh campuses. The Faculty of Humanities, spanning multiple campuses, offers state-of-the-art studios, theatres, and libraries, while virtual 360° tours showcase its vibrant spaces.

UCT’s diverse community, with 20% international students from over 100 countries, enriches programs like African Languages and Cultural Studies. Student life includes over 100 societies, sports clubs, and community service through SHAWCO, reflecting UCT’s commitment to social justice. The university’s sustainability initiatives, addressing water crises, add a practical dimension to learning.

Financial Aid and Support at UCT

UCT offers funding options to ensure affordability:

  • NSFAS Bursaries: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living costs for students with household incomes below R350,000 annually. Apply by November 30, 2025, via www.nsfas.org.za.

  • UCT Bursaries: Merit- and need-based funding is available. Check www.uct.ac.za for 2025 deadlines.

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact UCT’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)21 650 9111.

Apply for funding early, as spaces are limited. UCT provides academic support through the Centre for Higher Education Development, counseling, and career services via the Careers Service Office.

FAQ: Common Questions About UCT Courses Without Maths

1. Can I study at UCT without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like BA, BSocSc, BA Law, and performing arts degrees don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, needing only an NSC with the specified APS, English proficiency, and NBTs. Commerce ADP programs accept Mathematical Literacy. Check www.uct.ac.za for details.

2. What are the job prospects for UCT’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter fields like media (R100,000–R250,000), performing arts (R80,000–R200,000), law (R120,000–R600,000), and commerce (R150,000–R350,000). Over 85% of UCT graduates find employment within a year, supported by practical training and industry networks.

3. Are there short courses at UCT that don’t require Maths?
Yes, UCT’s continuing education offers online short courses in humanities, law, and business, such as Creative Writing or Business Communication, typically requiring only a Grade 12 certificate. Visit www.getsmarter.com for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

The University of Cape Town offers a rich selection of undergraduate courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, catering to students with talents in humanities, performing arts, law, and commerce. From crafting stories on stage to shaping social policies or building business careers, UCT’s programs provide practical training and global opportunities. With accessible applications, robust financial aid, and a vibrant campus, UCT is an inspiring choice. Visit www.uct.ac.za, prepare for the 2026 application cycle opening April 1, 2025, and take the first step toward a transformative education at Africa’s top university.