Rhodes University Courses and Requirements (2025)

Rhodes University (RU), nestled in the historic town of Makhanda, Eastern Cape, is one of South Africa’s most prestigious institutions, known for its small class sizes, personalized education, and vibrant academic community. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across six faculties, RU attracts students seeking quality education in fields like journalism, law, and science. For those planning to apply for the 2025 academic year, understanding the courses offered and their admission requirements is crucial for a successful application. This comprehensive guide details RU’s 2025 programs, entry criteria, and application process, providing clear, practical information to help you navigate your academic journey with confidence.

Rhodes University Courses and Requirements

Rhodes University organizes its academic offerings across six faculties: Commerce, Education, Humanities, Law, Pharmacy, and Science. Programs range from bachelor’s degrees to doctoral qualifications, delivered on RU’s Makhanda campus. Admission is based on the National Senior Certificate (NSC), Admission Point Score (APS), and faculty-specific requirements, with a minimum English achievement rating of 4 (50–59%) for degree studies. Below, we explore key courses and their entry criteria for 2025, drawing from official RU sources to ensure accuracy.

Faculty of Commerce

This faculty prepares students for careers in business, economics, and management, with programs accredited by bodies like SAICA.

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Requires an NSC with bachelor’s degree endorsement, APS of 38, English at 50%, Mathematics at 60%. Offers majors like Accounting, Economics, or Information Systems. A three-year program for general commerce roles.
Bachelor of Business Science (BBusSc): APS of 40, English at 50%, Mathematics at 70%. A four-year program with specializations in Economics, Quantitative Management, or Computer Science, ideal for advanced business roles.
Bachelor of Economics (BEcon): APS of 38, English at 50%, Mathematics at 60%. Focuses on economic theory and policy, with options to major in Environmental Science or Sociology.
Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management: Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 60% average. A one-year program for entrepreneurship and business innovation.

Faculty of Education

RU’s Education programs train teachers and educators, emphasizing critical pedagogy and community engagement.

Bachelor of Education (BEd) Foundation Phase Teaching: APS of 34, English at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. A four-year program for grades R–3 teachers.
BEd in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching: APS of 34, English at 50%, and subject-specific requirements (e.g., Mathematics at 50% for teaching mathematics). Prepares teachers for grades 7–12.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 60% average and teaching subjects at NSC level 4. A one-year program for aspiring teachers.
MEd in Educational Leadership and Management: Requires a BEd or equivalent with a 65% average and a research proposal.

Faculty of Humanities

This faculty fosters creativity and critical thinking, offering flexible degrees with majors in arts, languages, and social sciences.

Bachelor of Arts (BA): APS of 34, English at 50%, and an additional language at 50%. Offers majors like Journalism, Psychology, or Drama, with a three-year duration.
BA in Journalism and Media Studies: APS of 38, English at 50%, and a selection process including a portfolio. A four-year program renowned for producing award-winning journalists.
Bachelor of Music (BMus): APS of 34, English at 50%, and a music audition. Specializes in performance, composition, or musicology.
MA in Creative Writing: Requires a BA with a 65% average in a relevant major and a writing portfolio.

Faculty of Law

This faculty produces legal professionals, with programs recognized by the Legal Practice Council.

Bachelor of Laws (LLB, 4-year): APS of 38, English at 60%, and an additional language at 50%. A four-year program for legal practice or advocacy.
LLB (3-year, graduate entry): Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 65% average. Ideal for students transitioning to law.
LLB (2-year, graduate entry): Requires a BA or BCom with law modules and a 65% average. A fast-track option for law majors.
LLM in Constitutional Law: Requires an LLB with a 65% average and a research proposal.

Faculty of Pharmacy

This faculty trains pharmacists for clinical and community roles, accredited by the South African Pharmacy Council.

Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm): APS of 38, English at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences at 50%, Life Sciences at 50%. A four-year program for registered pharmacists.
Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy: Requires a BPharm with a 60% average. A one-year program for advanced clinical practice.
MPharm in Pharmaceutical Chemistry: Requires a BPharm with a 65% average and a research proposal.

Faculty of Science

This faculty drives innovation in fields like biology, chemistry, and data science, with access to advanced research facilities.

Bachelor of Science (BSc): APS of 38, English at 50%, Mathematics at 60%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 50%. Offers majors like Biochemistry, Computer Science, or Geology, completed in three years.
BSc in Information Systems: APS of 38, English at 50%, Mathematics at 60%. Focuses on IT solutions for business, with a three-year duration.
BSc Extended Studies Programme: APS of 30, English at 50%, Mathematics at 50%, Physical Sciences or Life Sciences at 50%. A four-year program for students needing academic support.
MSc in Environmental Biotechnology: Requires a BSc with a 65% average in relevant modules.

General Admission Requirements

RU’s admission criteria ensure students are prepared for academic rigor:

National Senior Certificate (NSC): Must have a bachelor’s degree endorsement for degree programs, with English at 50–60% (level 4 or higher). At least four of the seven subjects must be from the designated list (e.g., Mathematics, Physical Sciences).
Minimum APS: Ranges from 34 for Humanities and Education to 40 for Business Science. Calculated using six best NSC subjects, excluding Life Orientation.
Mathematics: Required for numerate degrees (e.g., Commerce, Science, Pharmacy), typically at 60–70%. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for some Humanities and Education programs.
Application Period: Opens April 1, 2024, closes September 30, 2024, for undergraduate programs; November 30, 2024, for postgraduate programs.
Selection Process: Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee admission due to limited spaces, especially in competitive programs like Journalism and Pharmacy.

Admission Point Score (APS) Breakdown

RU calculates APS using a percentage-based system for NSC results:

NSC Level	Percentage	APS Points
7	80–100%	8
6	70–79%	7
5	60–69%	6
4	50–59%	5
3	40–49%	4
2	30–39%	3
1	0–29%	2

For example, a student with English (70%, 6 points), Mathematics (80%, 7 points), and four other subjects at 60% (5 points each) scores: 6 + 7 + 5 + 5 + 5 + 5 = 33 APS points. RU adjusts scores for Advanced Programme (AP) subjects, adding up to 2 points.

Alternative Admission Pathways

RU offers flexible entry options for non-standard applicants:

International Qualifications: A-levels, IB, or IGCSE must be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and meet RU’s requirements.
National Certificate (Vocational) Level 4: Not accepted for degree programs; applicants must complete a matric rewrite for NSC equivalence.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): Available for mature applicants (over 23) with relevant experience, subject to faculty approval.
Extended Studies Programmes: Available in Commerce, Humanities, and Science for students with APS slightly below standard, adding one year to the degree.

Postgraduate Programs

RU offers Honours, Master’s, Doctoral Degrees, and Postgraduate Diplomas across all faculties:

BCom (Honours) in Financial Markets: Requires a BCom with a 65% average.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 60% average, three years of work experience, and a research mini-thesis. Offered by the Rhodes Business School.
PhD in Environmental Science: Requires a master’s degree and a strong research proposal.
Postgraduate Diploma in Media Management: Requires a bachelor’s degree with a 60% average, ideal for journalism professionals.

Application Process for 2025

Applying to RU is streamlined via an online portal, with a holistic evaluation process:

Online Application: Submit via the RU Admissions Gateway from April 1, 2024, at www.ru.ac.za.
Required Documents: Certified copies of ID, NSC or equivalent results, SAQA evaluation (if international), and proof of application fee payment.
Application Fee: Approximately R100 for South African applicants, waived for financial aid applicants.
Selection Process: Competitive programs like BA Journalism and BPharm require portfolios, auditions, or additional assessments. Applicants are ranked by APS and subject performance.
Track Application: Monitor status through the RU Student Portal; outcomes are released within 4–6 weeks.
Orientation: First-year students attend a structured orientation in February 2025, introducing academic and campus life.

International Students

International applicants must meet additional criteria:

SAQA Evaluation: Non-South African qualifications require SAQA verification.
English Proficiency: TOEFL or IELTS scores for non-English-speaking applicants.
Study Permit: Required before registration.

Financial Aid and Funding

RU supports students through various funding options:

NSFAS: For South African students with a household income below R350,000 per year. Applications open August 2024 via the NSFAS portal.
RU Bursaries: Merit-based awards for top performers, detailed in the 2025 prospectus.
External Scholarships: Available through private organizations and government programs.
Postgraduate Funding: Research grants and fellowships for Honours, Master’s, and PhD students.

Apply for funding early to align with registration deadlines (February 2025).

Why Choose Rhodes University?

RU stands out for its:

Small Class Sizes: With fewer than 8,000 students, RU offers personalized attention and a close-knit community.
Academic Excellence: Renowned for programs like Journalism, Pharmacy, and Environmental Science, with strong research output.
Vibrant Campus Life: Makhanda’s cultural scene includes festivals, theater, and over 100 student societies.
Supportive Environment: Structured programs like Extended Studies and orientation ease the transition to university life.

Campus Life and Orientation

RU’s Makhanda campus offers a dynamic student experience, blending historic charm with modern facilities. The 2025 orientation program, starting in February, introduces first-years to academic resources, residences, and societies. Students can engage in:

Sports Facilities: Rugby, cricket, and rowing programs.
Cultural Events: Music concerts, art exhibitions, and the National Arts Festival.
Volunteering: Community engagement through initiatives like the Nine Tenths Mentoring Programme.

Challenges and Considerations

While RU offers excellent opportunities, students should note:

Competitive Admission: Programs like BA Journalism and BPharm have limited spaces, requiring high APS and additional assessments.
Rural Location: Makhanda’s smaller size may require adjustment for students from urban areas.
Mathematics Requirements: Numerate degrees demand strong Mathematics performance, limiting access for some applicants.

Summary Table: Key RU Courses and Requirements (2025)

Faculty	Course	APS	Key Requirements
Commerce	BCom	38	English 50%, Maths 60%
Commerce	BBusSc	40	English 50%, Maths 70%
Education	BEd Foundation Phase Teaching	34	English 50%, additional language 50%
Humanities	BA Journalism and Media Studies	38	English 50%, portfolio
Law	LLB (4-year)	38	English 60%, additional language 50%
Pharmacy	BPharm	38	English 50%, Maths 60%, Physical/Life Sciences 50%
Science	BSc	38	English 50%, Maths 60%, Physical/Life Sciences 50%

FAQ: Common Questions About RU Courses and Requirements

What is the minimum APS for Rhodes University in 2025?
The minimum APS ranges from 34 for Humanities and Education to 40 for Business Science. Most bachelor’s degrees require an APS of 38, with English at 50% and faculty-specific subjects like Mathematics at 60–70%.

Can I apply to RU without Mathematics?
Yes, some programs like BA and BEd Foundation Phase Teaching accept Mathematical Literacy at 50% or higher, or don’t require Mathematics. However, numerate degrees like BCom, BSc, and BPharm require Mathematics at 60–70%. Check faculty requirements on RU’s website.

When do RU applications close for 2025?
Applications close on September 30, 2024, for undergraduate programs and November 30, 2024, for postgraduate programs. Early application is recommended due to limited spaces.

Conclusion

Rhodes University offers a diverse array of programs for 2025, from bachelor’s degrees to postgraduate qualifications, designed to prepare students for careers in commerce, education, law, and more. By meeting the APS, English, and subject-specific requirements, you can secure a spot at RU’s Makhanda campus. Start your application early, gather necessary documents, and explore funding options like NSFAS to ensure a smooth process. With its academic excellence, supportive environment, and vibrant campus life, RU is an exceptional choice for your higher education journey.