Sol Plaatje University (SPU), located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, is one of South Africa’s youngest and most dynamic institutions, established in 2014. Named after the renowned intellectual and activist Sol T. Plaatje, SPU is committed to fostering academic excellence and community engagement while addressing the region’s educational needs. For students who didn’t take Mathematics in high school or prefer to avoid math-intensive programs, SPU offers a variety of courses that accept Mathematical Literacy or have minimal math requirements. These programs span education, humanities, and economic sciences, providing accessible pathways to rewarding careers. This guide explores SPU’s 2025 undergraduate courses that don’t require Mathematics, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you make an informed choice.
Courses That Don’t Require Maths at Sol Plaatje University
SPU, with its modern campus and technology-enhanced learning, offers programs across four faculties: Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Humanities, and Natural and Applied Sciences. Several undergraduate programs, particularly in the Faculties of Education and Humanities, have flexible entry requirements that accept Mathematical Literacy or low Mathematics scores, catering to students who excel in communication, creativity, or social sciences. Below, we outline these courses, organized by faculty, with key details on their structure and career outcomes.
Faculty of Education
SPU’s Faculty of Education is dedicated to training teachers who can address South Africa’s educational needs, focusing on non-mathematical subjects like languages and social sciences. These programs are ideal for students passionate about teaching and community impact.
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Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 30, 4 (50–59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language), and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics. Four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation) must score at least 4.
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Overview: Prepares students to teach grades R–3, focusing on literacy, life skills, and early childhood development. Includes practical teaching experience in schools.
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Career Paths: Foundation phase teacher, early childhood educator, or curriculum developer.
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Why Choose It?: Perfect for those who love nurturing young learners and want a math-light curriculum with strong job prospects in South Africa’s education sector.
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Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Trains teachers for grades 4–6, covering languages, social sciences, and life skills. Emphasizes classroom management and child development.
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Career Paths: Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator, or education consultant.
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Why Choose It?: Offers flexibility to teach non-mathematical subjects, addressing the demand for qualified teachers in South Africa.
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Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) Teaching (Non-Mathematical Specializations)
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Specializations in English, Afrikaans, Setswana, History, or Geography recommended. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Prepares teachers for grades 7–12 in humanities-focused subjects. Includes extensive teaching practice to develop classroom skills.
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Career Paths: High school teacher, curriculum specialist, or education policy analyst.
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Why Choose It?: Allows students to focus on teaching subjects like languages or history, bypassing math-heavy content.
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Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities at SPU fosters creativity, critical thinking, and cultural awareness, offering programs that don’t require Mathematics and are perfect for students interested in social sciences, languages, or heritage studies.
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Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Offers majors in Sociology, Anthropology, History, or African Languages (e.g., Setswana). Focuses on qualitative research, cultural studies, and social issues.
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Career Paths: Social researcher, community development officer, or heritage consultant.
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Why Choose It?: Ideal for those curious about human behavior and societal trends, with no math requirements.
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Bachelor of Social Sciences (Heritage Studies)
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Focuses on cultural heritage, museum studies, and archaeology, with a strong emphasis on the Northern Cape’s history. Includes fieldwork and research projects.
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Career Paths: Museum curator, heritage officer, or cultural tourism specialist.
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Why Choose It?: A unique program leveraging Kimberley’s rich heritage, perfect for students interested in culture without math prerequisites.
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Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies
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Duration: 1 year
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20–23, 4 in English, and 3 in Mathematical Literacy or 2 (30–39%) in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 3.
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Overview: Introduces heritage preservation, museum management, and cultural studies. Serves as a stepping stone to the Bachelor of Social Sciences.
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Career Paths: Heritage assistant, tour guide, or museum administrator.
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Why Choose It?: A short, accessible entry into the heritage sector, ideal for those seeking quick workforce entry or further studies.
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Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
While many programs in this faculty require Mathematics, some accept Mathematical Literacy, focusing on communication and management skills.
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Diploma in Retail Business Management
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 24–29, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 3.
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Overview: Covers retail operations, marketing, and customer service. Includes practical projects and internships in retail settings.
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Career Paths: Retail manager, merchandiser, or supply chain coordinator.
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Why Choose It?: Suits those interested in the dynamic retail sector, with minimal math requirements.
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Higher Certificate in Court Reporting
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Duration: 1 year
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Campus: Kimberley (Central Campus)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20–23, 4 in English, and 3 in Mathematical Literacy or 2 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 3.
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Overview: Trains students to record court proceedings and produce legal transcripts. Includes practical training in courtroom settings.
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Career Paths: Court reporter, legal transcriptionist, or administrative assistant.
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Why Choose It?: A niche, one-year program offering quick entry into the legal administration field without math demands.
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Summary Table: SPU Courses Without Maths (2025)
Program |
Faculty |
Duration |
Campus |
Key Admission Requirements |
Career Prospects |
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BEd Foundation Phase Teaching |
Education |
4 years |
Kimberley |
APS 30, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
Foundation phase teacher, curriculum developer |
BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching |
Education |
4 years |
Kimberley |
APS 30, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator |
BEd Senior Phase and FET (Non-Math Subjects) |
Education |
4 years |
Kimberley |
APS 30, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
High school teacher, education consultant |
BA in Humanities |
Humanities |
3 years |
Kimberley |
APS 30, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
Social researcher, community development officer |
Bachelor of Social Sciences (Heritage Studies) |
Humanities |
3 years |
Kimberley |
APS 30, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
Museum curator, heritage officer |
Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies |
Humanities |
1 year |
Kimberley |
APS 20–23, 4 English, 3 Math Literacy |
Heritage assistant, tour guide |
Diploma in Retail Business Management |
Economic and Management Sciences |
3 years |
Kimberley |
APS 24–29, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
Retail manager, merchandiser |
Higher Certificate in Court Reporting |
Economic and Management Sciences |
1 year |
Kimberley |
APS 20–23, 4 English, 3 Math Literacy |
Court reporter, legal transcriptionist |
Why Choose Math-Free Courses at SPU?
Enrolling in SPU programs that don’t require Mathematics offers several benefits for students who excel in other areas:
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Accessibility: Accepting Mathematical Literacy lowers barriers, making higher education inclusive for students who didn’t pursue pure Mathematics.
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Career Diversity: These programs lead to careers in education, heritage, retail, and legal administration, aligning with South Africa’s developmental needs.
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Practical Focus: SPU’s emphasis on technology-enhanced learning and hands-on training, such as teaching practice and internships, ensures job-ready skills.
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Regional Impact: Studying in Kimberley, a city rich in history, allows students to engage with local heritage and community projects, enhancing their educational experience.
How to Apply to SPU for 2025
SPU’s application process is fully online, free for South African citizens, and competitive due to limited spaces. Follow these steps to apply for 2025:
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Review Requirements: Check the APS, English, and Mathematical Literacy requirements for your chosen program in SPU’s 2025 prospectus or website.
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Apply Online: Visit www.spu.ac.za, navigate to the “Admissions” tab, and click “Apply.”部分
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ply.” Complete the form, available from April 20 to October 31, 2024. Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC results, and Grade 11 report (if Grade 12 results are pending).3. Create a PIN: Generate a 5-digit PIN (e.g., 24689) and accept the terms to submit your application. 4. Upload Documents: Ensure all documents are uploaded correctly. Select “yes” on the document upload dropdown, choose files from your device, and click “complete upload.” 5. Track Your Application: Use the reference number provided to monitor your application status via the SPU portal. Offers are typically sent by late 2024. 6. Register and Pay: Accepted students register in January 2025, paying a deposit to secure their place.
Tip: Apply early, as programs like the BEd fill quickly due to limited spaces. Contact SPU’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)53 491 0109 or [email protected] for support.
Career Prospects and Industry Demand
SPU’s math-free programs align with South Africa’s workforce needs, offering strong job prospects in growing sectors:
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Education: South Africa faces a teacher shortage, with over 400,000 educators needed by 2030. BEd graduates are in high demand, with starting salaries of R200,000–R300,000 annually, especially in foundation and intermediate phases.
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Heritage and Cultural Studies: Kimberley’s historical significance creates demand for heritage professionals. Graduates in Heritage Studies can earn R150,000–R250,000 in roles like museum curation or tourism, leveraging the Northern Cape’s cultural assets.
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Retail Business Management: South Africa’s retail sector is robust, with entry-level salaries of R120,000–R200,000 for retail managers and merchandisers. SPU’s practical training ensures graduates are competitive.
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Court Reporting: Court reporters are needed in legal settings, with starting salaries of R100,000–R180,000. The Higher Certificate offers quick entry into this niche field.
SPU’s partnerships with schools, museums, and businesses enhance employability through internships, fieldwork, and community engagement projects, aligning with the university’s mission to foster local development.
Tips for Success in SPU’s Math-Free Courses
To excel in these programs, consider these practical strategies:
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Develop Communication Skills: Programs like Humanities and Education rely on strong verbal and written skills. Join SPU’s debate or writing clubs to hone these abilities.
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Engage in Practical Training: Maximize teaching practice, fieldwork, or internships to build real-world experience. For example, BEd students should seek diverse school placements.
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Build a Portfolio: For Heritage Studies, document projects or research to showcase your skills to employers, using SPU’s e-learning platform for digital submissions.
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Network Actively: Attend SPU’s career fairs, open days (e.g., April 12, 2025), or community events to connect with professionals in your field.
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Stay Organized: Use planners to balance coursework, practical components, and deadlines, especially in programs with fieldwork like Heritage Studies.
Exploring SPU’s Unique Learning Environment
SPU stands out for its technology-enhanced learning, utilizing a state-of-the-art e-learning platform that allows students to access course materials, collaborate with peers, and engage with lecturers remotely. This is particularly beneficial for distance learning students or those balancing work and studies. The platform supports interactive learning, ensuring flexibility and accessibility, which is crucial for programs like the BEd or Humanities that emphasize research and collaboration.
The university’s location in Kimberley, a city steeped in history due to its diamond mining heritage, enriches programs like Heritage Studies. Students have access to local museums, archaeological sites, and cultural landmarks, providing hands-on learning opportunities that are unique to SPU. The Northern Cape’s diverse cultural tapestry, including Setswana and Afrikaans heritage, informs the curriculum, making it relevant and impactful.
SPU’s commitment to social justice and equality is evident in its community engagement initiatives. Students in Humanities and Education participate in projects addressing local challenges, such as literacy programs or heritage preservation efforts, fostering skills that employers value, like problem-solving and cultural sensitivity. This aligns with SPU’s mission to produce socially conscious graduates who contribute to national development.
Financial Aid and Support at SPU
SPU offers various financial aid options to make education accessible:
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NSFAS Funding: South African students can apply for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursaries, covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs for eligible applicants. Applications open in September 2024 via www.nsfas.org.za.
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SPU Bursaries: The university provides merit-based and need-based bursaries. Check the SPU website for 2025 deadlines and eligibility.
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Student Loans: Private providers like Fundi offer loans for tuition and related expenses. Contact SPU’s Financial Aid Office for guidance.
Students should apply early for funding, as deadlines are strict, and spaces are limited. SPU’s Financial Aid Office (+27 (0)53 491 0116) assists with applications and queries.
Campus Life and Facilities
SPU’s Kimberley campus is modern and student-centered, offering:
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Residences: Three residences near the Central, Crawford, and Thornton campuses provide secure, comfortable accommodation with amenities like Wi-Fi and study areas. Apply early during the application process, as spaces are limited.
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Open Learning Centres: These facilities support students with access to computers, study materials, and academic advisors, enhancing success in programs like the BEd or Humanities.
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Student Support Services: SPU offers counseling, career guidance, and academic workshops to ensure holistic development, particularly for first-year students transitioning to university life.
The campus’s location in a vibrant, multicultural city allows students to engage in cultural festivals, heritage tours, and community projects, enriching their academic and personal growth. The annual Open Day on April 12, 2025, offers a chance to explore these facilities and meet faculty.
Program-Specific Insights
Education Programs
The BEd programs at SPU are designed to address South Africa’s critical teacher shortage. The Foundation Phase program emphasizes early literacy, using play-based methods to engage young learners. Intermediate Phase teachers focus on holistic development, teaching subjects like English, History, or Life Skills, which don’t require advanced math. Senior Phase and FET specializations in non-mathematical subjects allow students to tailor their degrees to their strengths, such as teaching Setswana or Geography. Practical teaching placements in local schools ensure graduates are classroom-ready, with 80% of SPU BEd graduates finding employment within six months.
Humanities Programs
The BA in Humanities and Bachelor of Social Sciences (Heritage Studies) leverage Kimberley’s unique context. For example, Heritage Studies students participate in projects at the McGregor Museum or Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre, gaining practical skills in cultural preservation. The Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies is a quick entry point for those interested in tourism or museum work, with coursework focusing on qualitative research rather than quantitative analysis. These programs attract students who are passionate about social justice, with opportunities to engage in community-driven research.
Economic and Management Sciences Programs
The Diploma in Retail Business Management prepares students for South Africa’s growing retail sector, with courses in customer behavior and marketing that don’t require math. The Higher Certificate in Court Reporting is a specialized program, training students to use stenography equipment and produce accurate legal transcripts. Both programs include internships, ensuring graduates are job-ready. For example, retail management students often secure placements with major retailers in Kimberley, while court reporting students gain experience in local courts.
Preparing for Your Studies at SPU
Before starting at SPU, consider these preparatory steps:
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Research Your Program: Download the 2025 prospectus from www.spu.ac.za to understand course modules, assessment methods, and practical requirements.
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Improve Language Skills: Strong English proficiency is crucial, as all programs require a minimum of 4 (50–59%) in English. Practice through reading, writing, or online courses.
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Explore Kimberley: Familiarize yourself with the city’s cultural and historical sites, especially for Heritage Studies students, to enhance your learning experience.
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Budget Wisely: Plan for tuition, accommodation, and living costs. Apply for NSFAS or bursaries early to secure funding.
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Connect with Peers: Join SPU’s student forums or social media groups to build a support network before classes start in 2025.
FAQ: Common Questions About SPU Courses Without Maths
1. Can I study at SPU with Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics?
Yes, programs like the BEd, BA in Humanities, and Diploma in Retail Business Management accept Mathematical Literacy with a minimum of 4 (50–59%) or 3 (40–49%), depending on the course. Check the 2025 prospectus for specific requirements.
2. What are the job prospects for SPU’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter high-demand fields like teaching, heritage management, retail, and court reporting. For example, BEd graduates benefit from South Africa’s teacher shortage, while Heritage Studies graduates find roles in cultural tourism, with salaries ranging from R150,000–R300,000 annually.
3. Are there short courses at SPU that don’t require Maths?
Yes, the Higher Certificate in Heritage Studies and Higher Certificate in Court Reporting (both 1 year) accept Mathematical Literacy and offer quick entry into the workforce or further studies. SPU’s Continuing Education Unit may also offer short courses in leadership or communication without math requirements.
Conclusion
Sol Plaatje University offers a range of dynamic courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, making higher education accessible to students who excel in communication, creativity, or social sciences. From training future teachers to preserving the Northern Cape’s rich heritage, SPU’s programs in education, humanities, and economic sciences provide practical, career-focused training. With its modern campus, technology-enhanced learning, and commitment to social justice, SPU is an inspiring choice for students seeking impactful careers. Download the 2025 prospectus, apply online by October 31, 2024, and start your journey at this forward-thinking institution in Kimberley.