UKZN Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), a leading public research university formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville, serves over 45,000 students across five campuses in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant community, UKZN offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs, many of which do not require Mathematics, catering to students who excel in humanities, social sciences, law, and education. These programs either accept Mathematical Literacy or have no math requirement, opening doors to fulfilling careers for those with strengths in communication, creativity, and critical thinking. This guide explores UKZN’s 2025 undergraduate courses that don’t require Mathematics, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you choose a path that aligns with your passions.

UKZN Courses That Don’t Require Maths

UKZN’s four colleges—Humanities, Law and Management Studies, Agriculture, Engineering and Science, and Health Sciences—offer programs across five campuses: Edgewood, Howard College, Medical School, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville. The College of Humanities and College of Law and Management Studies provide the most options for students avoiding Mathematics, while select programs in Education accept Mathematical Literacy. Below, we outline these courses, based on UKZN’s 2025 admission requirements and official sources.

College of Humanities

The College of Humanities, one of UKZN’s largest, spans all five campuses and offers programs in arts, social sciences, and education that emphasize critical thinking and communication, with no Mathematics requirement for many degrees.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

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

    • Campuses: Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 28, Level 4 (50–59%) 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) may be required.

    • Overview: Offers majors like Anthropology, Drama, English Studies, History, Media and Cultural Studies, Political Science, or Sociology. Students select two majors and take electives for flexibility.

    • Career Paths: Journalist, cultural researcher, policy analyst, or communications specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: A versatile degree for students passionate about human expression and societal issues, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc)

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

    • Campuses: Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL and QL may be required.

    • Overview: Includes majors such as Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, or Community Development. Students combine two majors, focusing on social issues and research.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, policy researcher, or community developer.

    • Why Choose It?: Ideal for those interested in social change, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Music

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Howard College

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and an audition. NBTs in AL and QL may be required.

    • Overview: Offers streams in Classical Performance, Jazz Studies, or African Music and Dance, combining practical training with music theory and history.

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

    • Why Choose It?: A creative program for musically talented students, avoiding math barriers.

  • Diploma in Music Performance

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Howard College

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with Level 3 (40–49%) in four 20-credit subjects, Level 4 in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and an audition.

    • Overview: Focuses on practical training in Classical, Jazz, or African Music performance, with foundational academic courses.

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

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

  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Pietermaritzburg

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, and a portfolio submission. NBTs in AL and QL may be required.

    • Overview: Covers fine art, graphic design, and digital media, with studio practice and art history components.

    • Career Paths: Artist, graphic designer, or curator.

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

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Edgewood

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, Level 4 in another language (e.g., isiZulu), and Level 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades R–3, focusing on early literacy, life skills, and classroom management. Includes extensive school-based practice.

    • Career Paths: Foundation phase teacher, early childhood educator, or curriculum developer.

    • Why Choose It?: A rewarding career accepting Mathematical Literacy, addressing teacher shortages.

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching (Languages and Social Sciences)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Edgewood

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, Level 4 in another language, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 4–6 in languages (e.g., English, isiZulu) and social sciences (e.g., History, Geography). Includes teaching placements.

    • Career Paths: Intermediate phase teacher, education consultant, or school administrator.

    • Why Choose It?: Focuses on non-mathematical subjects, with flexible math options.

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (Languages and Life Orientation)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Edgewood

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, Level 4 in another language, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades 7–12 in languages and Life Orientation, emphasizing practical teaching experience.

    • Career Paths: High school teacher, guidance counselor, or curriculum specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: Offers specialization in humanities-focused teaching, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

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College of Law and Management Studies

The College of Law and Management Studies, based primarily at Howard College and Westville, offers programs that focus on analytical and administrative skills, with some requiring no Mathematics.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campuses: Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 32, Level 5 (60–69%) in English (Home Language) or Level 6 (70–79%) in English (First Additional Language), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers constitutional law, criminal law, and legal practice, with practical training through UKZN’s law clinics in Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

    • Career Paths: Lawyer, legal advisor, or magistrate.

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program for analytical students, free of math prerequisites.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Law

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campuses: Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. NBTs in AL and QL may be required.

    • Overview: Combines legal studies with humanities majors like Political Science or Sociology, 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.

  • Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin)

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

    • Campus: Westville

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 5 (60–69%) in Mathematical Literacy.

    • Overview: Focuses on public administration, governance, and policy analysis, with case studies on South African systems.

    • Career Paths: Public servant, administrative manager, or policy analyst.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits students interested in governance, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

Summary Table: UKZN Courses Without Maths (2025)

Program

College

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Humanities

3–4 years

Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, NBTs

Journalist, policy analyst

Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc)

Humanities

3–4 years

Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, NBTs

Social worker, researcher

BA in Music

Humanities

4 years

Howard College

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, audition, NBTs

Musician, music educator

Diploma in Music Performance

Humanities

3 years

Howard College

Level 3 in 4 subjects, Level 4 English, no math required, audition

Performer, music teacher

BA in Visual Art

Humanities

3 years

Pietermaritzburg

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, portfolio, NBTs

Artist, graphic designer

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Humanities

4 years

Edgewood

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 4 another language, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Foundation phase teacher

BEd Intermediate Phase (Languages and Social Sciences)

Humanities

4 years

Edgewood

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 4 another language, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

Intermediate phase teacher

BEd Senior Phase and FET (Languages and Life Orientation)

Humanities

4 years

Edgewood

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 4 another language, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy

High school teacher

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Law and Management Studies

4 years

Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

APS 32, Level 5 English (Home) or Level 6 (FAL), no math required, NBTs

Lawyer, legal advisor

BA in Law

Law and Management Studies

3 years

Howard College, Pietermaritzburg

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, NBTs

Paralegal, legal consultant

BAdmin

Law and Management Studies

3–4 years

Westville

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 3 Math or Level 5 Math Literacy

Public servant, policy analyst
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Why Choose Math-Free Courses at UKZN?

Pursuing UKZN programs that don’t require Mathematics offers several benefits:

  • Accessibility: Accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement makes education inclusive for students with strengths in language or creativity.

  • Career Diversity: These programs lead to careers in education, law, media, and public administration, addressing South Africa’s workforce needs.

  • Practical Training: UKZN emphasizes hands-on learning through law clinics, teaching practice, and artistic performances, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

  • Global Recognition: Ranked among Africa’s top universities, UKZN’s degrees are respected worldwide, with over 200,000 alumni in diverse fields.

How to Apply to UKZN for 2025

UKZN’s application process is managed through the Central Applications Office (CAO), with a non-refundable fee of R250 for South African citizens (R300 for international applicants). Applications for 2025 closed on September 30, 2024, but late applications for select programs are open until February 28, 2025, subject to availability. For 2026, applications open April 1, 2025. Follow these steps for 2026:

  1. Check Requirements: Review APS, subject, and NBT requirements in the UKZN 2025 prospectus at www.ukzn.ac.za or www.cao.ac.za.

  2. Apply via CAO: Visit www.cao.ac.za, select up to six program choices across institutions, and upload certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and NBT results (if required).

  3. Pay Application Fee: Pay R250 (or R300 for international applicants) via EasyPay or card. Fee waivers are available for eligible South Africans.

  4. Write NBTs: Register for Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy tests by October 2025 via www.nbt.ac.za, required for most programs.

  5. Track Application: Monitor your status at www.cao.ac.za using your CAO number. 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 UKZN portal.

Note: Programs like LLB and BEd are highly competitive. Contact UKZN’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)31 260 2212 or [email protected] for support.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

UKZN’s math-free programs align with South Africa’s economic and social needs, offering strong job prospects:

  • Education: With a projected teacher shortage of 400,000 by 2030, BEd graduates earn R150,000–R300,000 annually in schools or educational NGOs.

  • Law: LLB graduates earn R300,000–R600,000 as lawyers or advisors, with opportunities in legal firms, government, and UKZN’s law clinics.

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

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

  • Public Administration: BAdmin graduates earn R120,000–R250,000 in government or municipal roles, addressing administrative needs.

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UKZN’s partnerships with schools, NGOs, and government, plus events like the Centre for Creative Arts festivals, ensure over 80% of graduates find employment within a year, per university reports.

Tips for Success in UKZN’s Math-Free Courses

To excel at UKZN, try these practical strategies:

  • Maximize Practical Experience: Engage fully in teaching practice for BEd or law clinics for LLB to build workplace skills.

  • Build Communication Skills: Programs like BA and BSocSc rely on strong verbal and written abilities. Join UKZN’s debating or media societies.

  • Use Campus Resources: Access libraries, career services, and online platforms like Moodle for academic support.

  • Network Actively: Attend open days (e.g., April 2025) or festivals like Poetry Africa to connect with professionals.

  • Stay Organized: Use planners to balance coursework, practicals, and deadlines, especially in four-year programs like BEd.

UKZN’s Unique Learning Environment

UKZN’s research-led approach, with a ranking in the 401–500 bracket by Times Higher Education, fosters innovation across its five campuses. The Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses host most humanities and law programs, with modern lecture halls, libraries, and residences for 30% of students. The Edgewood campus, dedicated to Education, features teaching labs and community outreach programs.

UKZN’s Centre for Creative Arts, established in 1996, organizes festivals like Time of the Writer and Poetry Africa, providing platforms for humanities students to showcase talents. The university’s diverse community, with 15% international students, enriches programs like African Music and Cultural Studies. UKZN’s commitment to social justice is evident in its law clinics, serving vulnerable communities.

Financial Aid and Support at UKZN

UKZN 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.

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

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact UKZN’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)31 260 7060.

Apply for funding early, as spaces are limited. UKZN provides counseling, career guidance, and academic support through the Student Support Services and online platforms.

FAQ: Common Questions About UKZN Courses Without Maths

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

2. What are the job prospects for UKZN’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter fields like teaching (R150,000–R300,000), law (R300,000–R600,000), humanities (R100,000–R250,000), and arts (R80,000–R200,000). Over 80% of UKZN graduates find employment within a year, supported by practical training and industry links.

3. Are there short courses at UKZN that don’t require Maths?
Yes, UKZN Extended Learning offers short courses in humanities, law, and business, such as Leadership Development or Community Engagement, typically requiring only a Grade 12 certificate. Visit www.ukznextendedlearning.com for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers a wide array of undergraduate courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, catering to students with strengths in humanities, law, education, and arts. From shaping young minds to advocating for justice or creating cultural works, UKZN’s programs provide practical training and lead to rewarding careers. With accessible applications through CAO, robust financial aid, and vibrant campuses, UKZN is an excellent choice. Visit www.ukzn.ac.za or www.cao.ac.za, prepare for the 2026 application cycle opening April 1, 2025, and start your journey at this prestigious institution.