Dlamini BlessingFor students who prefer to focus on humanities, creative arts, or social sciences, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) offers numerous undergraduate degrees that do not require Mathematics as a prerequisite. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Wits courses for the 2026 academic year that accept students without Mathematics, along with application information and important considerations.
Please note: All information is based on the 2026 course listings. Always verify specific entry requirements on the official Wits website before applying, as prerequisites can change.
WITS Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2026)
Important Note About Mathematics vs. Mathematical Literacy
Before exploring courses, it’s essential to understand that Wits, like most South African universities, distinguishes between pure Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy.
| Subject Type | Typical Acceptance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pure Mathematics | Required for Science, Engineering, and Commerce degrees | Most courses not requiring Maths will accept Mathematical Literacy or have no Maths requirement |
| Mathematical Literacy | Accepted for many Humanities and Arts degrees | Always check specific requirements per programme |
| No Maths Requirement | Common in Creative Arts and some Humanities programmes | Admission often based on portfolio or language requirements instead |
The courses listed below either accept Mathematical Literacy or have no Mathematics requirement at all. However, English proficiency at a specific level is almost always required.
Faculty of Humanities: Arts and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Humanities offers the widest range of options for students without Mathematics. These programmes focus on languages, social studies, creative expression, and professional humanities fields.
Bachelor of Arts (General)
The BA is the most flexible degree for students without Mathematics, allowing you to choose majors from a wide selection of humanities and social science subjects.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | Bachelor of Arts (BA) |
| Duration | 3 years |
| Mathematics Requirement | None (Mathematical Literacy may be accepted) |
| Key Focus | Choose two major subjects from options including languages, history, politics, psychology, sociology, philosophy, and more |
| Career Paths | Varied depending on majors; includes roles in media, government, research, education, and business |
Professional and Specialist Humanities Degrees
These four-year professional degrees prepare students for specific careers and typically do not require Mathematics.
| Programme | Duration | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts | 4 years | Digital media, interactive design, creative technology |
| Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art | 4 years | Theatre, performance, drama studies |
| Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television | 4 years | Filmmaking, production, screen studies |
| Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts | 4 years | Visual art, studio practice, art history |
| Bachelor of Music | 4 years | Music performance, composition, theory |
| Bachelor of Arts in Performing & Visual Arts | 4 years | Combined performing and visual arts practice |
| Bachelor of Social Work | 4 years | Social work practice, community development, welfare studies |
Health Humanities and Therapy Professions
Several health sciences programmes in the humanities faculty do not require Mathematics.
| Programme | Duration | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Audiology | 4 years | Hearing assessment, rehabilitation, auditory science |
| Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology | 4 years | Communication disorders, therapy, language development |
Education Degrees
The Bachelor of Education programmes prepare students for teaching careers and typically do not require Mathematics, though specific subject specialisations may have requirements.
| Programme | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching) | Early childhood education, Grades R–3 |
| BEd (Intermediate Phase Teaching) | Generalist teaching, Grades 4–6 |
| BEd (Senior Phase & FET Teaching) | Subject specialisation, Grades 7–12 |
Faculty of Humanities: Language and Communication
For students interested in language, media, and communication, these programmes offer pathways without Mathematics.
Language and Media Programmes
While specific language degrees may have different requirements, the general BA pathway allows language specialisation. The Bachelor of Arts in Law combines legal studies with humanities subjects and may accept students without Mathematics.
Faculty of Humanities: Visual and Performing Arts
Creative arts programmes at Wits focus on portfolio submissions and auditions rather than Mathematics results.
Key Creative Arts Programmes
– Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts
– Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art
– Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television
– Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
– Bachelor of Music
– Bachelor of Arts in Performing and Visual Arts
These programmes typically require:
– A portfolio of work (for visual arts)
– An audition (for performance-based programmes)
– Strong English results
Faculty of Humanities: Social Sciences
Social science majors can be pursued through the general BA degree, including:
– Psychology
– Sociology
– Political Studies
– International Relations
– Anthropology
– Archaeology
– Geography
– History
– Philosophy
None of these majors require Mathematics for entry through the BA programme.
Important Exclusions: Programmes That Require Mathematics
To avoid confusion, it’s helpful to know which faculties and programmes definitely require Mathematics.
| Faculty | Mathematics Requirement |
|---|---|
| Engineering and the Built Environment | All programmes require Mathematics |
| Science | All programmes require Mathematics (including Actuarial Science, Computer Science, etc.) |
| Commerce, Law and Management | Most programmes require Mathematics (e.g., BCom, BAccSc, BEconSc); LLB may accept without Maths but is highly competitive |
| Health Sciences | Most programmes require Mathematics or strong science results; specific requirements must be checked individually |
The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) may be accessible without Mathematics, but it is highly competitive and English requirements are stringent.
How to Confirm Entry Requirements for 2026
Step 1: Visit the Official Wits Website
The most reliable information is always on the official Wits University website at www.wits.ac.za. Navigate to the Undergraduate or Future Students section for the latest 2026 admission requirements.
Step 2: Check Faculty-Specific Requirements
Each faculty publishes detailed admission criteria, including:
– APS score requirements
– Subject prerequisites (Mathematics, English, etc.)
– Additional requirements (portfolios, auditions, interviews)
Step 3: Verify with the Admissions Office
For personalised guidance, contact the Wits Admissions Office:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Website | www.wits.ac.za |
| [email protected] | |
| Phone | +27 (0)11 717 1000 |
Step 4: Apply Online
Applications for 2026 opened in March 2025 and typically close around 30 September 2025, though some programmes may have earlier deadlines. All applications are submitted online through the Wits application portal.
– Application fee: Approximately R200-R300 (confirm current amount)
– Required documents: Final Grade 11 results (if applying early) or final Grade 12 results, ID document, and any programme-specific requirements
Summary of WITS Courses Without Maths (2026)
| Faculty | Programme Type | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities | General Degrees | BA (various majors), BA in Law |
| Humanities | Creative Arts | BA Digital Arts, BA Dramatic Art, BA Film, BA Fine Arts, BMus |
| Humanities | Professional | BEd (various phases), BA Social Work, BA Audiology, BA Speech-Language Pathology |
| Humanities | Languages | Various language majors offered through BA |
| Faculty | Programmes Not Accessible Without Mathematics |
|---|---|
| Engineering | All programmes |
| Science | All programmes (including Computer Science, Actuarial Science) |
| Commerce | Most programmes (e.g., BCom, BAccSc, BEconSc) |
| Health Sciences | Most clinical programmes (must be checked individually) |
Tips for Students Without Mathematics
Focus on English: Almost all programmes require a strong pass in English (Home Language or First Additional Language). Aim for Level 4 or higher.
Consider Mathematical Literacy: If you have Mathematical Literacy rather than pure Maths, check if your chosen programme accepts it. Many humanities programmes do.
Prepare Portfolios Early: For creative arts programmes, portfolio preparation takes time. Start gathering work well before application deadlines.
Research APS Requirements: Different programmes have different APS cut-offs. Humanities programmes typically require APS scores between 30-36, but competitive programmes may require higher.
Apply Early: Applications open in March 2025 and close around September 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute.
Conclusion
Wits University offers numerous undergraduate options for the 2026 academic year that do not require Mathematics. The Faculty of Humanities provides the widest selection, including general BA degrees with diverse majors, professional creative arts programmes, education degrees, and social work. Programmes in audiology and speech-language pathology also offer pathways without Mathematics.
Students without Mathematics should focus on achieving strong English results, preparing any required portfolios or auditions, and meeting APS score requirements. Always verify specific entry requirements on the official Wits website, as prerequisites can change and some programmes within humanities may have subject-specific requirements.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit www.wits.ac.za or contact the admissions office directly. With careful planning and early application, students without Mathematics can find rewarding and respected degree programmes at one of South Africa’s top universities.
Note: All information is based on 2026 course listings from various sources. Programme availability, requirements, and fees are subject to change. Always confirm details on the official Wits website before applying.