Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), one of South Africa’s largest and most dynamic universities, is renowned for its practical, career-focused programs across seven faculties. Based in Pretoria, with campuses in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo, TUT serves over 60,000 students, offering a diverse range of courses that cater to various academic strengths. For students who didn’t take Mathematics in high school or prefer to avoid math-heavy programs, TUT provides numerous undergraduate options that accept Mathematical Literacy or have no math requirement. From arts to education, these courses open doors to exciting careers without needing advanced numerical skills. This guide explores TUT’s 2025 undergraduate programs that don’t require Mathematics, detailing admission requirements, course structures, and career prospects to help you find the right path.
TUT Courses That Don’t Require Maths
TUT’s seven faculties—Arts and Design, Economics and Finance, Engineering and the Built Environment, Humanities, Information and Communication Technology, Management Sciences, and Science—offer a variety of programs, many of which are accessible to students with Mathematical Literacy or minimal Mathematics scores. The Faculties of Arts and Design, Humanities, and Management Sciences are particularly rich in math-free options, emphasizing creativity, communication, and practical skills. Below, we detail these courses, organized by faculty, with clear information on their structure and outcomes, based on TUT’s 2025 prospectus and official sources.
Faculty of Arts and Design
TUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design is a creative hub, offering programs that focus on visual, performing, and communication arts, ideal for students with artistic talents or media interests.
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Diploma in Commercial Photography
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Arts Campus, Pretoria
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Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 22, 3 (40–49%) in English (Home or First Additional Language), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Portfolio submission and interview required.
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Overview: Covers photography techniques, digital editing, and commercial applications. Students gain hands-on experience in studio and field settings.
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Career Paths: Photographer, photo editor, or advertising specialist.
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Why Choose It?: Perfect for visually creative students who want a math-free path in a thriving industry.
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Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Arts Campus, Pretoria
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 3 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Portfolio submission required.
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Overview: Teaches garment design, pattern-making, and production. Includes practical projects and industry exposure.
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Career Paths: Fashion designer, pattern cutter, or retail merchandiser.
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Why Choose It?: Suits those passionate about fashion and creativity, with no math barriers.
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Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Arts Campus, Pretoria
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 3 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Portfolio and interview required.
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Overview: Focuses on painting, sculpture, and ceramics, with an emphasis on artistic development and exhibitions.
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Career Paths: Fine artist, sculptor, or art educator.
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Why Choose It?: A haven for artists seeking a math-free creative career.
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Diploma in Motion Picture Production
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Arts Campus, Pretoria
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 22, 4 (50–59%) in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Interview required.
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Overview: Covers filmmaking, scriptwriting, and editing. Students produce short films and gain industry insights.
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Career Paths: Film producer, director, or editor.
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Why Choose It?: Ideal for storytellers and media enthusiasts, bypassing math requirements.
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Diploma in Performing Arts
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Arts Campus, Pretoria
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 3 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Audition required.
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Overview: Offers training in acting, dance, or musical theatre, with performance opportunities on stage.
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Career Paths: Actor, dancer, or theatre director.
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Why Choose It?: A vibrant program for those with a flair for performance, free of math demands.
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Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities at TUT emphasizes communication, education, and social sciences, offering programs that don’t require Mathematics and suit students with strong verbal or analytical skills.
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Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: Soshanguve North Campus
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 25, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Prepares students to teach grades R–3, focusing on literacy, life skills, and early numeracy. Includes extensive teaching practice.
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Career Paths: Foundation phase teacher, early childhood educator, or curriculum developer.
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Why Choose It?: A rewarding career for those who love young learners, with flexible math requirements.
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Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: Soshanguve North Campus
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 25, 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.
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Career Paths: Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator, or education consultant.
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Why Choose It?: Allows focus on non-mathematical subjects, addressing South Africa’s teacher demand.
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Diploma in Journalism
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Soshanguve North Campus
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 22, 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Interview may be required.
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Overview: Covers news writing, media ethics, and digital journalism. Students gain experience through practical assignments.
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Career Paths: Journalist, editor, or media producer.
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Why Choose It?: Perfect for those with strong writing skills, avoiding math entirely.
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Diploma in Language Practice
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Soshanguve North Campus
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 22, 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Additional language proficiency may be assessed.
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Overview: Focuses on translation, editing, and language technology. Includes practical projects in multilingual settings.
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Career Paths: Translator, editor, or language consultant.
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Why Choose It?: A unique program for language enthusiasts, with no math prerequisites.
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Diploma in Law
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Pretoria Campus
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.
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Overview: Introduces legal principles, contract law, and administrative law. Prepares students for paralegal roles or further legal studies.
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Career Paths: Paralegal, legal assistant, or compliance officer.
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Why Choose It?: An accessible entry into the legal field without math demands.
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Faculty of Management Sciences
This faculty offers programs that emphasize communication and administration, with some accepting Mathematical Literacy for students interested in business-related roles.
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Diploma in Integrated Communication
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Pretoria Campus
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20 with Mathematics or 21 with Mathematical Literacy, 4 in English. Four other subjects must score 3.
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Overview: Covers public relations, marketing, and corporate communication. Includes internships for practical experience.
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Career Paths: PR specialist, marketing coordinator, or corporate communicator.
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Why Choose It?: A dynamic program for communication-focused students, with flexible math options.
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Higher Certificate in Contact Centre Management
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Duration: 1 year
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Campus: Pretoria Campus (online option available)
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Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 3 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.
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Overview: Teaches customer service, communication, and operational skills for contact centres. Prepares students for entry-level roles or further studies.
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Career Paths: Contact centre agent, team leader, or customer service manager.
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Why Choose It?: A quick, math-free entry into a growing industry.
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Summary Table: TUT Courses Without Maths (2025)
Program |
Faculty |
Duration |
Campus |
Key Admission Requirements |
Career Prospects |
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Diploma in Commercial Photography |
Arts and Design |
3 years |
Arts Campus, Pretoria |
APS 22, 3 English, portfolio |
Photographer, photo editor |
Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology |
Arts and Design |
3 years |
Arts Campus, Pretoria |
APS 20, 3 English, portfolio |
Fashion designer, merchandiser |
Diploma in Fine and Applied Arts |
Arts and Design |
3 years |
Arts Campus, Pretoria |
APS 20, 3 English, portfolio |
Fine artist, art educator |
Diploma in Motion Picture Production |
Arts and Design |
3 years |
Arts Campus, Pretoria |
APS 22, 4 English, interview |
Film producer, editor |
Diploma in Performing Arts |
Arts and Design |
3 years |
Arts Campus, Pretoria |
APS 20, 3 English, audition |
Actor, dancer, theatre director |
BEd Foundation Phase Teaching |
Humanities |
4 years |
Soshanguve North |
APS 25, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
Foundation phase teacher, curriculum developer |
BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching |
Humanities |
4 years |
Soshanguve North |
APS 25, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator |
Diploma in Journalism |
Humanities |
3 years |
Soshanguve North |
APS 22, 4 English |
Journalist, media producer |
Diploma in Language Practice |
Humanities |
3 years |
Soshanguve North |
APS 22, 4 English |
Translator, language consultant |
Diploma in Law |
Humanities |
3 years |
Pretoria Campus |
APS 20, 4 English |
Paralegal, legal assistant |
Diploma in Integrated Communication |
Management Sciences |
3 years |
Pretoria Campus |
APS 21, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy |
PR specialist, marketing coordinator |
Higher Certificate in Contact Centre Management |
Management Sciences |
1 year |
Pretoria (online option) |
APS 20, 3 English |
Contact centre agent, team leader |
Why Choose Math-Free Courses at TUT?
Pursuing TUT programs that don’t require Mathematics offers several advantages for students who shine in other areas:
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Inclusivity: Accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement makes higher education accessible to diverse learners.
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Career Opportunities: These courses lead to in-demand roles in education, media, arts, and business, with strong job prospects in South Africa.
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Practical Training: TUT’s focus on hands-on learning, through portfolios, internships, and teaching practice, ensures graduates are workplace-ready.
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Flexible Learning: Options like online study (e.g., Contact Centre Management) cater to students balancing work or other commitments.
How to Apply to TUT for 2025
TUT’s application process is online, free for South African citizens, and competitive due to limited spaces. Follow these steps for 2025 admission:
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Check Requirements: Review the APS, English, and Mathematical Literacy requirements for your chosen program in the 2025 TUT prospectus, available at www.tut.ac.za.
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Apply Online: Visit www.tut.ac.za, click “Apply Now,” and create a profile. Applications open April 1, 2024, and close September 30, 2024 (July 31 for Arts and Design programs). Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC results, and Grade 11 report if Grade 12 results are pending.
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Submit Additional Materials: For Arts and Design programs, include portfolios or attend auditions/interviews as specified.
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Track Your Application: Monitor your status via the TUT online portal. Offers are sent by late 2024 via email or SMS.
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Register and Pay: Accepted students register in January 2025, paying a deposit to secure their place.
Note: Apply early, as popular programs fill quickly. Late applications (January 20–27, 2025) are considered only for programs with available spaces. Contact TUT’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)12 382 5914 or [email protected] for assistance.
Career Prospects and Industry Demand
TUT’s math-free programs align with South Africa’s workforce needs, offering strong job prospects:
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Education: With a projected need for 400,000 teachers by 2030, BEd graduates are highly sought after, with starting salaries of R200,000–R300,000 annually.
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Arts and Design: Photographers, fashion designers, and filmmakers find roles in creative industries, with entry-level salaries of R150,000–R250,000.
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Media and Communication: Journalists and PR specialists are in demand in media and corporate sectors, with salaries starting at R120,000–R200,000.
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Legal Support: Paralegals and legal assistants earn R100,000–R180,000 in law firms or corporate settings.
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Contact Centres: South Africa’s growing BPO sector needs contact centre agents, with starting salaries of R80,000–R150,000.
TUT’s partnerships with industries, schools, and media houses enhance employability through practical training and networking opportunities.
Tips for Success in TUT’s Math-Free Programs
To thrive in these programs, try these practical strategies:
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Hone Creative Skills: For Arts and Design, build a strong portfolio using TUT’s studios and software resources.
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Strengthen Communication: Programs like Journalism and Integrated Communication rely on writing and speaking skills. Join TUT’s media or debate clubs.
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Engage in Practical Training: Maximize internships, teaching practice, or auditions to gain real-world experience.
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Network Actively: Attend TUT’s career fairs, open days (e.g., April 2025), or alumni events to connect with professionals.
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Stay Organized: Use planners to balance coursework, practical components, and deadlines, especially in online programs.
Exploring TUT’s Unique Learning Environment
TUT’s entrepreneurship-based curriculum equips students with skills to innovate and contribute to the economy, as highlighted in its vision of being “a people’s university that makes knowledge work.” The Arts Campus in Pretoria is a creative hotspot, with state-of-the-art studios for photography, fashion, and film production. The Soshanguve North Campus, home to education programs, offers modern teaching labs and partnerships with local schools for practical experience. TUT’s online learning platform, Canvas, supports flexible study for programs like the Higher Certificate in Contact Centre Management, allowing students to access materials and submit work remotely.
The university’s six campuses provide vibrant student life, with residences, open learning centres, and support services like counseling and career guidance. TUT’s commitment to holistic development ensures students grow academically and personally, supported by workshops and extracurricular activities like drama clubs or media societies.
Financial Aid and Support at TUT
TUT offers various funding options to make education accessible:
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NSFAS Funding: Eligible South African students can apply for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) bursaries, covering tuition, accommodation, and living costs. Applications open September 2024 via www.nsfas.org.za.
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TUT Bursaries: Merit-based and need-based bursaries are available. Check www.tut.ac.za for 2025 deadlines.
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External Funding: Private providers like Fundi or company-sponsored bursaries support students. Contact TUT’s Financial Aid Office for guidance.
Apply early for funding, as deadlines are strict. Reach TUT’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)12 382 5914 or [email protected].
FAQ: Common Questions About TUT Courses Without Maths
1. Can I study at TUT with Mathematical Literacy instead of Mathematics?
Yes, programs like the BEd in Foundation Phase Teaching, Diploma in Integrated Communication, and others accept Mathematical Literacy with a minimum of 4 (50–59%) or no math requirement. Check the 2025 prospectus for specifics.
2. What are the job prospects for TUT’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter high-demand fields like teaching, photography, journalism, and contact centre management. For example, BEd graduates benefit from South Africa’s teacher shortage, while arts graduates find roles in creative industries, with salaries ranging from R80,000–R300,000 annually.
3. Are there short courses at TUT that don’t require Maths?
Yes, the Higher Certificate in Contact Centre Management (1 year) and short courses through TUT’s Continuing Education Unit, like communication or leadership, don’t require Mathematics. Visit www.tut.ac.za for details.
Conclusion
Tshwane University of Technology offers a wealth of opportunities for students who want to avoid Mathematics, with programs in arts, education, humanities, and management sciences that emphasize practical skills and creativity. Whether you dream of teaching young learners, designing fashion, producing films, or shaping media narratives, TUT’s courses provide accessible pathways to fulfilling careers. With modern facilities, industry partnerships, and a focus on entrepreneurship, TUT is an excellent choice for 2025. Download the 2025 prospectus, apply online by September 30, 2024, and take the first step toward your future at this leading university of technology.