Dlamini BlessingFor many South African students, Mathematics is the biggest barrier to university admission. Whether you did not take Pure Mathematics in high school or simply struggled with it, the good news is that the University of Johannesburg offers a wide range of accredited degrees and diplomas that do not require Mathematics for admission. In many cases, Mathematical Literacy is accepted instead, and some programmes have no mathematics requirement at all.
This guide covers all the faculties at UJ where you can study without Pure Mathematics, along with specific course options, APS requirements, and career paths.
UJ Courses That Don’t Require Maths
Faculties and Courses That Don’t Require Mathematics
1. Faculty of Humanities
The Faculty of Humanities is the most accessible faculty for students without Mathematics. Almost all courses in this faculty do not require Pure Mathematics, and most accept Mathematical Literacy. This faculty is ideal for students interested in languages, social sciences, communication, and community development .
Bachelor of Arts (BA) General Degree
The standard BA degree is one of the most flexible options at UJ. You can choose from a wide range of majors including Psychology, Sociology, History, Politics, Philosophy, Anthropology, and various languages. No Mathematics is required for admission. This three-year degree prepares you for careers in education, research, public service, and the corporate sector .
BA with Specialisation in Development Studies
This programme focuses on understanding poverty, inequality, and social change. Students learn about development theories, policy analysis, and community empowerment. No Mathematics is required. Graduates often work for NGOs, government departments, or international development organisations .
BA with Specialisation in Linguistics
If you are fascinated by how language works, this programme explores phonetics, syntax, sociolinguistics, and language acquisition. It is a purely academic study of language structure and evolution, requiring no Mathematics. Careers include research, speech therapy assistance, translation, and language consulting .
BA with Specialisation in Linguistics and Language Practice
This programme combines linguistic theory with practical language skills such as translation, editing, and proofreading. It is ideal for students who want to work in publishing, corporate communication, or as professional translators. No Mathematics is required .
BA with Specialisation in Strategic Communication
This degree focuses on corporate communication, public relations, media relations, and crisis communication. It prepares students for careers in marketing, PR agencies, and corporate communications departments. Mathematics is not a requirement .
BA in Community Development and Leadership
Designed for students who want to lead social change and work with disadvantaged communities, this programme includes practical fieldwork and leadership training. No Mathematics is required. Graduates work in community organisations, social justice NGOs, and local government .
Bachelor of Social Work
This four-year professional degree prepares students to become social workers. The curriculum covers social work theory, counselling, community development, and social justice. Mathematics is not required. Graduates must register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions and work in welfare organisations, hospitals, schools, or government departments .
Diploma in Public Relations and Communication
This three-year diploma is practical and career-focused, teaching media writing, event management, social media management, and PR strategies. It is ideal for students who want to enter the workforce directly after graduation. No Mathematics is required .
Extended Diploma in Public Relations and Communication
This is the same qualification as above but with an extended curriculum that offers additional academic support. It is designed for students who meet the minimum requirements but may benefit from a slower pace of study. No Mathematics is required .
BEd in Senior and FET Phase (Afrikaans)
This teaching degree prepares students to teach Afrikaans to learners from Grade 7 to Grade 12. Mathematics is not a compulsory requirement. Applicants need a strong background in Afrikaans and language-related subjects. This is a professional teaching qualification that leads to SACE registration .
BEd in Senior and FET Phase with specialisation in Life Orientation and Psychology
This programme trains teachers to instruct Life Orientation and Psychology at high school level. Mathematics is not required. Graduates can teach in public or private schools or pursue further studies in educational psychology .
BEd in Senior and FET Phase with specialisation in Language Education
Focusing on language teaching strategies, linguistics, and curriculum development, this degree does not require Mathematics. It is ideal for students passionate about teaching English or other languages .
2. Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA)
The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture offers several creative programmes that do not require Pure Mathematics. The only exceptions are the Bachelor of Architecture and the Diploma in Architecture, which do require Mathematics . All other FADA courses accept students without Mathematics.
BA in Communication Design
This degree focuses on visual communication, graphic design, and digital media. Students learn to create visual content for print and digital platforms. No Mathematics is required, but a portfolio may be needed for admission .
BA in Digital Media Design
This programme covers interactive media, web design, animation, and user experience design. It is ideal for students interested in the digital creative industries. Mathematics is not a requirement .
BA in Industrial Design
Industrial designers create products ranging from furniture to electronics. This programme combines creativity with practical design skills. Mathematics is not required, unlike many engineering-focused design programmes at other universities .
BA in Interior Design
Students learn to design functional and aesthetic interior spaces for homes, offices, and public buildings. No Mathematics is required. Graduates work in interior design firms, architectural practices, or start their own businesses .
BA in Fashion Design
This degree covers fashion illustration, pattern making, garment construction, and fashion business. Mathematics is not required, though creativity and a strong portfolio are essential .
BA in Visual Art
Focusing on fine art practices including drawing, painting, sculpture, and digital art, this programme does not require Mathematics. Graduates often become practising artists, art teachers, or work in galleries and museums .
Diploma in Fashion Production
A more practical, career-focused qualification than the degree, this diploma teaches garment production, quality control, and fashion manufacturing. No Mathematics is required. Graduates can work in clothing factories, as pattern makers, or start their own clothing lines .
Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture
This programme teaches jewellery design, metalwork, and gemstone setting. It does not require Mathematics. Graduates can work for jewellery manufacturers or establish their own brands .
3. Faculty of Law
Within the UJ Law Faculty, most courses do not require Pure Mathematics. The only exception is the BCom Law degree, which does require Mathematics. The following law courses are open to students without Mathematics .
BA in Law
This degree combines law with humanities subjects. It is an excellent pathway to the LLB for students who prefer a broader liberal arts education before specialising in law. No Mathematics is required. Graduates can proceed to the LLB and become attorneys, advocates, or legal advisors .
LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
The LLB is the professional law degree required to practice as an attorney or advocate in South Africa. UJ does not require Mathematics for admission to the LLB. This is a four-year degree that covers all core areas of South African law. Careers include legal practice, corporate legal advising, and public prosecution .
4. College of Business and Economics (CBE)
While many business programmes require Mathematics, the College of Business and Economics offers several diplomas and extended degrees that accept Mathematical Literacy or have lower mathematics requirements .
Diploma in Accountancy
This diploma is a more accessible alternative to the BCom in Accounting, which requires Pure Mathematics. The diploma accepts Mathematical Literacy and prepares students for careers as accounting technicians or bookkeepers .
Diploma in Business Information Technology
This programme combines business management with information technology. It does not require Pure Mathematics and accepts Mathematical Literacy. Graduates work in IT project management, business analysis, or systems support .
Diploma in Financial Services Operations
Focusing on the operational side of banking, insurance, and investment services, this diploma does not require Mathematics. It is ideal for students who want to work in the financial services sector without studying advanced mathematics .
Diploma in Logistics
Supply chain and logistics management is a growing field in South Africa. This diploma accepts Mathematical Literacy and prepares students for careers in warehousing, transportation, and supply chain coordination .
Diploma in Marketing
Marketing focuses on consumer behaviour, branding, and communication strategies rather than mathematics. This diploma accepts Mathematical Literacy and leads to careers in advertising, brand management, and digital marketing .
Diploma in People Management
This is essentially a diploma in human resources management. It covers recruitment, training, employee relations, and labour law. No Mathematics is required. Graduates work as HR officers, recruiters, or training coordinators .
Diploma in Retail Business Management
Focused on the retail sector, this programme covers store operations, merchandising, and customer service. It accepts Mathematical Literacy and prepares students for careers in retail management .
Diploma in Small Business Management
Ideal for students who want to start their own businesses, this programme covers entrepreneurship, business planning, and basic financial management. No advanced Mathematics is required .
Diploma in Tourism Management
South Africa’s tourism industry offers many opportunities. This diploma covers travel operations, hospitality management, and destination marketing. It does not require Mathematics and accepts Mathematical Literacy .
Diploma in Transportation Management
Similar to Logistics, this programme focuses on the movement of goods and people. It accepts Mathematical Literacy and leads to careers in freight forwarding, public transport management, or shipping .
Extended BCom Degrees
For students who want to pursue a BCom degree but did not meet the standard APS or Mathematics requirements, UJ offers extended BCom programmes. These four-year degrees include foundational modules that provide extra academic support. Extended BCom options are available in fields such as Business Management, Economics, and Finance. They accept Mathematical Literacy with a higher APS requirement than Pure Mathematics .
5. Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE)
Most engineering courses require Pure Mathematics. However, there are two diploma programmes within FEBE that do not require Mathematics and instead accept Mathematical Literacy .
Diploma in Management Services
This programme focuses on improving organisational efficiency, workflow design, and project management. It is less mathematically intensive than traditional engineering programmes. Mathematical Literacy is accepted for admission .
Diploma in Operations Management
Operations management involves overseeing production processes, quality control, and supply chain efficiency. This diploma accepts Mathematical Literacy and is a good option for students interested in manufacturing or service operations .
6. Faculty of Health Sciences
Most Health Sciences programmes such as Nursing, Optometry, Environmental Health, and Radiography require Pure Mathematics. However, there are a few exceptions .
Bachelor of Biokinetics
Biokinetics involves exercise rehabilitation for individuals with chronic diseases or injuries. This degree does not require Pure Mathematics. Graduates work in sports medicine clinics, rehabilitation centres, or private practice .
Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Sciences
This programme covers sports science, exercise physiology, and coaching. It does not require Pure Mathematics. Graduates work as sport scientists, strength and conditioning coaches, or in sports administration .
Diploma in Sport Management
A more practical qualification focused on the business side of sport, this diploma covers event management, sports marketing, and facility management. It accepts Mathematical Literacy .
Extended Diplomas in Science
While the Faculty of Science generally requires Pure Mathematics for degree programmes, UJ offers extended diplomas in science fields that do not require Pure Mathematics. These are designed for students who want to enter laboratory or technical careers .
Extended Diploma in Analytical Chemistry
This programme trains students to work in laboratories, testing quality control, and chemical analysis. It does not require Pure Mathematics. Graduates work in food testing labs, pharmaceutical companies, or environmental monitoring .
Extended Diploma in Biotechnology
Biotechnology involves using living organisms to develop products. This extended diploma does not require Pure Mathematics and prepares students for careers in laboratories, research support, or production facilities .
| Faculty | Courses Available | Mathematics Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Humanities | BA degrees, Social Work, PR Diploma, BEd programmes | No – Maths Lit accepted or not required |
| Art, Design & Architecture | BA in Design, Fashion, Visual Art, Jewellery Diploma | No (except Architecture degrees) |
| Law | BA Law, LLB | No |
| Business & Economics | Various Diplomas, Extended BCom degrees | No – Maths Lit accepted |
| Engineering (FEBE) | Management Services, Operations Management Diplomas | No – Maths Lit accepted |
| Health Sciences | Biokinetics, Sport Science, Sport Management | No |
| Science | Extended Diplomas (Chemistry, Biotechnology) | No – Pure Maths not required |
Important Note on Mathematics vs Mathematical Literacy
Before diving into the course list, it is crucial to understand how UJ treats Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. If you have Pure Mathematics, the required APS score is generally lower than if you have Mathematical Literacy. This is because Pure Mathematics carries more academic weight. For example, a course might require an APS of 20 with Pure Maths but 23 with Maths Lit .
However, for the courses listed below, Pure Mathematics is not a compulsory requirement. Many accept Mathematical Literacy, and some have no maths requirement at all. Always check the specific requirements for your chosen programme in the official UJ prospectus.
What About APS Requirements?
While Mathematics may not be required, you still need to meet the minimum Admission Point Score for your chosen programme. APS requirements vary by course .
– Diploma programmes generally require an APS between 18 and 24.
– Degree programmes generally require an APS between 23 and 30.
– Extended programmes often have lower APS requirements than their standard counterparts.
Always check the specific APS requirement for your chosen course in the official UJ prospectus, as these can change from year to year.
How to Apply
UJ manages applications through its online application system. Late applications for some programmes may still be open, but these are strictly subject to space availability . The general application deadline is 30 September for the following academic year .
When applying, you will need your Grade 12 examination number or South African ID number. The system will check whether you qualify for programmes with available space. UJ warns applicants against using unofficial agents or third-party services. All applications must be made directly through the university’s official platforms .
Conclusion
Not having Pure Mathematics does not lock you out of university study at the University of Johannesburg. From the creative programmes in FADA to the humanities degrees, law qualifications, business diplomas, and even some science and health courses, UJ offers multiple pathways for students whose strengths lie outside of mathematics.
The key is to identify which faculty and programme align with your interests and career goals, then check the specific admission requirements including APS and subject prerequisites. If your APS is on the lower side, extended degree programmes and diplomas offer accessible entry points with additional academic support.
With careful research and early application, you can build a successful university career at UJ without ever needing to touch Pure Mathematics again.