UJ Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The University of Johannesburg (UJ), a vibrant and inclusive institution in South Africa, is home to over 50,000 students across four campuses in Johannesburg. Known for its commitment to academic excellence and African-rooted innovation, UJ offers a wide range of undergraduate programs, many of which cater to students who didn’t take Mathematics or prefer to avoid math-intensive courses. Programs in humanities, education, and arts often accept Mathematical Literacy or have no math requirement, providing accessible pathways to rewarding careers. This guide explores UJ’s 2025 undergraduate courses that don’t require Mathematics, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you make an informed choice.

UJ Courses That Don’t Require Maths

UJ’s nine faculties—Art, Design and Architecture; Business and Economics; Education; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; Law; Science; and Johannesburg Business School—offer diverse programs. Several undergraduate courses, particularly in the Faculties of Humanities, Education, Art, Design and Architecture, and Law, either accept Mathematical Literacy or waive math requirements entirely. Below, we outline these courses, organized by faculty, based on UJ’s 2025 prospectus and official sources.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities at UJ fosters critical thinking and creativity, offering programs that emphasize communication, social sciences, and cultural studies, ideal for students without a Mathematics background.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Humanities

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campuses: Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) and Soweto

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 27, 4 (50–59%) in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Four other subjects must score at least 4, excluding Life Orientation.

    • Overview: Offers majors like Sociology, Anthropology, History, Political Science, or Languages (e.g., English, Afrikaans, isiZulu). Focuses on societal issues, research, and critical analysis.

    • Career Paths: Social researcher, policy analyst, journalist, or community development officer.

    • Why Choose It?: Flexible and broad, perfect for students interested in human behavior and culture without math demands.

  • Bachelor of Social Work

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: APK

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 5 (60–69%) in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Prepares students to support individuals and communities through counseling and advocacy. Includes fieldwork in social service settings.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, counselor, or community outreach coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: A rewarding career for those passionate about social justice, with no math prerequisites.

  • BA in Language Practice

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: APK

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 27, 5 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Afrikaans, isiZulu) is recommended.

    • Overview: Focuses on translation, editing, and professional communication. Includes practical projects in multilingual contexts.

    • Career Paths: Translator, editor, or corporate communicator.

    • Why Choose It?: Ideal for language enthusiasts seeking a math-free professional path.

  • BA in Community Development and Leadership

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: APK

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 26, 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Trains students to lead community projects and address social challenges. Includes practical community engagement.

    • Career Paths: Community development officer, NGO coordinator, or policy advocate.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits those committed to social change, bypassing math requirements.

Faculty of Education

UJ’s Faculty of Education is dedicated to training teachers, with programs that allow students to focus on non-mathematical subjects like languages or life skills, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Soweto

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 26, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades R–3, focusing on literacy, life skills, and early numeracy. Includes teaching practice in schools.

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

    • Why Choose It?: A fulfilling career for those who love young learners, with flexible math options.

  • BEd in Intermediate Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Soweto

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 26, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 4–6, covering languages, social sciences, and life skills. Emphasizes classroom management.

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

    • Why Choose It?: Allows focus on non-mathematical subjects, addressing South Africa’s teacher shortage.

  • BEd in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (Non-Mathematical Specializations)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Soweto

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 26, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Specializations in English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, History, or Life Orientation recommended.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades 7–12 in humanities-focused subjects. Includes extensive teaching practice.

    • Career Paths: High school teacher, curriculum specialist, or education policy analyst.

    • Why Choose It?: Offers flexibility to teach subjects like languages or history, bypassing math-heavy content.

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Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture

This faculty nurtures creativity, offering programs that prioritize portfolios and practical skills over mathematical ability.

  • Diploma in Fashion Production

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Doornfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Portfolio submission required.

    • Overview: Covers garment design, pattern-making, and production. Includes practical studio work and industry exposure.

    • Career Paths: Fashion designer, pattern maker, or retail merchandiser.

    • Why Choose It?: Perfect for creative students, with no math barriers.

  • Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Doornfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Portfolio and interview required.

    • Overview: Teaches jewellery design, crafting, and business skills. Students create collections for exhibitions.

    • Career Paths: Jewellery designer, craftsperson, or entrepreneur.

    • Why Choose It?: A niche program for artistic students, free of math demands.

Faculty of Law

UJ’s Faculty of Law offers programs that focus on analytical and communication skills, with no Mathematics requirement.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: APK

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 31, 5 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Covers legal principles, contract law, and constitutional law. Prepares students for legal practice or advocacy.

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

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program for those with strong analytical skills, without math prerequisites.

  • BA in Law

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: APK

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Introduces legal studies alongside humanities subjects like political science or psychology. A stepping stone to the LLB.

    • Career Paths: Paralegal, legal consultant, or policy analyst.

    • Why Choose It?: A flexible law-related degree for students avoiding math.

Faculty of Business and Economics

Some programs in this faculty accept Mathematical Literacy, focusing on management and communication skills.

  • BCom in Information Management

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: APK

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 26, 4 in English, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Covers data management, competitive intelligence, and business information systems. Includes practical projects.

    • Career Paths: Information consultant, data analyst, or business manager.

    • Why Choose It?: A unique program accepting Mathematical Literacy, preparing students for the digital economy.

  • Diploma in Public Relations and Communication

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Soweto

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 24, 4 in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Four other subjects must score 4.

    • Overview: Teaches PR strategies, media relations, and corporate communication. Includes internships and campaigns.

    • Career Paths: PR specialist, media coordinator, or event planner.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits communication-focused students, with no math demands.

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Summary Table: UJ Courses Without Maths (2025)

Program

Faculty

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

BA in Humanities

Humanities

3 years

APK, Soweto

APS 27, 4 English, no math required

Social researcher, journalist

Bachelor of Social Work

Humanities

4 years

APK

APS 30, 5 English, no math required

Social worker, counselor

BA in Language Practice

Humanities

3 years

APK

APS 27, 5 English, no math required

Translator, editor

BA in Community Development and Leadership

Humanities

3 years

APK

APS 26, 4 English, no math required

Community development officer, NGO coordinator

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Education

4 years

Soweto

APS 26, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy

Foundation phase teacher, curriculum developer

BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching

Education

4 years

Soweto

APS 26, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy

Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator

BEd Senior Phase and FET (Non-Math Subjects)

Education

4 years

Soweto

APS 26, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy

High school teacher, education consultant

Diploma in Fashion Production

Art, Design and Architecture

3 years

Doornfontein

APS 20, 4 English, portfolio, no math required

Fashion designer, merchandiser

Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture

Art, Design and Architecture

3 years

Doornfontein

APS 20, 4 English, portfolio, no math required

Jewellery designer, entrepreneur

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Law

4 years

APK

APS 31, 5 English, no math required

Lawyer, legal advisor

BA in Law

Law

3 years

APK

APS 28, 5 English, no math required

Paralegal, legal consultant

BCom in Information Management

Business and Economics

3 years

APK

APS 26, 4 English, 4 Math Literacy

Information consultant, data analyst

Diploma in Public Relations and Communication

Business and Economics

3 years

Soweto

APS 24, 4 English, no math required

PR specialist, media coordinator

Why Choose Math-Free Courses at UJ?

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

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

  • Career Diversity: These programs lead to careers in education, social work, law, arts, and communication, aligning with South Africa’s workforce needs.

  • Practical Training: UJ emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork, internships, and portfolios, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

  • Vibrant Campus Life: UJ’s four campuses (APK, Soweto, Doornfontein, and Auckland Park Bunting Road) offer modern facilities, residences, and cultural activities, enriching the student experience.

How to Apply to UJ for 2025

UJ’s application process is fully online, free for South African citizens, and competitive due to high demand. Follow these steps for 2025 admission:

  1. Review Requirements: Check the APS, English, and Mathematical Literacy requirements for your chosen program in the 2025 prospectus, available at www.uj.ac.za.

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.uj.ac.za, click “Apply,” and create a profile. Applications open April 1, 2024, and close September 30, 2024, at 12:00. Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC results, and Grade 11 report if Grade 12 results are pending.

  3. Submit Additional Materials: For programs like Fashion Production or Jewellery Design, include portfolios or attend interviews as required.

  4. Pay Application Fee (if applicable): International applicants pay R200. South African citizens apply free online.

  5. Track Your Application: Monitor your status via the UJ portal. Offers are sent by late 2024 via email or SMS.

  6. Register and Pay: Accepted students register in January 2025, paying a deposit to secure their place.

Note: Apply early, as programs like BEd and LLB fill quickly. Late applications (January 13–27, 2025) are considered only for programs with spaces. Contact UJ’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)11 559 4555 or [email protected] for support.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

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

  • Education: With a teacher shortage projected to reach 400,000 by 2030, BEd graduates are in high demand, with salaries of R200,000–R300,000 annually.

  • Social Work: Social workers earn R150,000–R250,000, with opportunities in NGOs, government, and healthcare addressing societal challenges.

  • Law: LLB graduates can earn R300,000–R500,000 as lawyers or advisors, with demand in legal firms and corporate sectors.

  • Arts and Design: Fashion and jewellery designers earn R120,000–R250,000, with opportunities in retail or entrepreneurship.

  • Communication and Information Management: PR specialists and information consultants earn R150,000–R300,000, with roles in media and tech.

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UJ’s partnerships with industries, schools, and NGOs enhance employability through practical training and networking events like career fairs.

Tips for Success in UJ’s Math-Free Courses

To excel in these programs, consider these practical tips:

  • Build Communication Skills: Programs like Social Work and Public Relations rely on strong verbal and written abilities. Join UJ’s debate or media clubs.

  • Engage in Practical Training: Maximize fieldwork, teaching practice, or internships to gain real-world experience. For example, BEd students should seek diverse school placements.

  • Create a Portfolio: For Fashion Production or Jewellery Design, document your work to showcase skills to employers, using UJ’s digital platforms.

  • Network Actively: Attend UJ’s open days (e.g., April 2025), career fairs, or alumni events to connect with professionals.

  • Stay Organized: Use planners to balance coursework, practical components, and deadlines, especially in programs with fieldwork like Social Work.

Exploring UJ’s Unique Learning Environment

UJ’s 4IR-focused curriculum integrates Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, even in humanities and arts, preparing students for digital workplaces. The APK campus, a hub for Humanities and Law, features modern lecture halls and libraries, while Soweto’s Education campus offers teaching labs and community engagement opportunities. The Doornfontein campus, home to Art, Design and Architecture, boasts studios and workshops for creative programs.

UJ’s UJFM 95.4 radio station and cultural initiatives, like the UJ Arts & Culture division, enrich student life, offering platforms for media and arts students to gain experience. With over 3,000 international students from 80 countries, UJ’s diverse community fosters global perspectives, particularly in programs like Language Practice.

Financial Aid and Support at UJ

UJ offers various funding options to make education accessible:

  • NSFAS Funding: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living costs for South African students with household incomes below R350,000 annually. Apply by November 2024 via www.nsfas.org.za.

  • UJ Bursaries: Merit-based and need-based bursaries are available. Check www.uj.ac.za for 2025 deadlines.

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans for tuition and expenses. Contact UJ’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)11 559 3845.

Apply early for funding, as spaces are limited. UJ provides counseling, career guidance, and academic workshops to support students, especially first-years.

FAQ: Common Questions About UJ Courses Without Maths

1. Can I study at UJ without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like BA in Humanities, Diploma in Fashion Production, and LLB don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, needing only an NSC with the specified APS and English proficiency. Some, like BCom Information Management, accept Mathematical Literacy. Check the 2025 prospectus for details.

2. What are the job prospects for UJ’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter high-demand fields like teaching (R200,000–R300,000), social work (R150,000–R250,000), law (R300,000–R500,000), and communication (R150,000–R300,000). UJ’s practical training ensures over 80% of graduates find employment within a year, per UJ reports.

3. Are there short courses at UJ that don’t require Maths?
Yes, UJ offers Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in humanities, arts, and business, like The Storytelling Leader, with no math requirements. These are available year-round via www.uj.ac.za. Contact UJ’s Continuing Education division for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

The University of Johannesburg offers a wealth of undergraduate courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, catering to students with strengths in communication, creativity, or social sciences. From teaching future generations to designing fashion or advocating for justice, UJ’s programs in humanities, education, arts, law, and business provide practical, career-focused training. With modern campuses, industry partnerships, and a commitment to inclusivity, UJ is an inspiring choice. Download the 2025 prospectus, apply online by September 30, 2024, and start your journey at this dynamic institution.