UNISA Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The University of South Africa (UNISA), the largest open distance learning institution in Africa, enrolls nearly one-third of South Africa’s higher education students, offering flexible, accessible programs for over 400,000 learners. Known for its commitment to empowering diverse students, UNISA provides a range of undergraduate qualifications that don’t require Mathematics, catering to those who excel in fields like humanities, education, and social sciences. Many programs accept Mathematical Literacy or have no math requirement, opening doors to careers in law, teaching, and communication. This guide details UNISA’s 2025 courses that don’t require Mathematics, including admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects, to help you choose a path that aligns with your strengths.

UNISA Courses That Don’t Require Maths

UNISA’s eight colleges—Accounting Sciences; Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; Economic and Management Sciences; Education; Human Sciences; Law; Science, Engineering and Technology; and Graduate School of Business Leadership—offer qualifications at various NQF levels, from higher certificates to bachelor’s degrees. Programs in the Colleges of Human Sciences, Education, Law, and Economic and Management Sciences are particularly rich in math-free options, emphasizing critical thinking, communication, and practical skills. Below, we outline these courses, based on UNISA’s 2025 application information and official sources.

Higher Certificate Programs

Higher certificates (NQF Level 5) are one-year qualifications that provide foundational skills and serve as a pathway to diplomas or degrees. Many don’t require Mathematics.

  • Higher Certificate in Law

    • Duration: 1 year

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with 30% in English (Home or First Additional Language), or a Senior Certificate (SC) with 50% in English (Standard Grade), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Introduces legal principles, research, and communication skills. Prepares students for further legal studies or entry-level roles.

    • Career Paths: Legal assistant, paralegal, or compliance officer.

    • Why Choose It?: An accessible entry into the legal field, ideal for students avoiding math.

  • Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management

    • Duration: 1 year

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with 30% in English, or SC with 50% in English (Standard Grade), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Covers document management, archiving, and digital records systems. Includes practical assignments.

    • Career Paths: Archivist, records manager, or information officer.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits organized students interested in information management, with no math barriers.

  • Higher Certificate in Education

    • Duration: 1 year

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with 30% in English, or SC with 50% in English (Standard Grade), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Provides foundational teaching skills, focusing on education theory and classroom practice. A stepping stone to BEd degrees.

    • Career Paths: Teaching assistant, education administrator, or pathway to teaching qualifications.

    • Why Choose It?: Perfect for aspiring educators, bypassing math requirements.

  • Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work

    • Duration: 1 year

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with 30% in English, or SC with 50% in English (Standard Grade), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Police clearance and two testimonials required.

    • Overview: Trains students to support social workers in community settings. Includes practical fieldwork.

    • Career Paths: Social auxiliary worker, community support worker, or pathway to social work degrees.

    • Why Choose It?: A meaningful program for those passionate about social support, free of math demands.

Diploma Programs

Diplomas (NQF Level 6) are two- to three-year qualifications that blend theory and practical training, often accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math.

  • Diploma in Public Relations

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 50% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, or a Higher Certificate.

    • Overview: Covers media relations, event planning, and corporate communication. Includes practical PR campaigns.

    • Career Paths: PR officer, media coordinator, or event manager.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits creative and communicative students, with no math prerequisites.

  • Diploma in Law

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 50% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, or a Higher Certificate.

    • Overview: Introduces legal systems, contract law, and administrative law. Prepares students for paralegal roles or further studies.

    • Career Paths: Paralegal, legal secretary, or compliance officer.

    • Why Choose It?: An accessible legal qualification for analytical students, avoiding math.

  • Diploma in Grade R Teaching

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 50% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Proof of employment as a Grade R teacher required.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for Grade R (Reception Year), focusing on early literacy and life skills. Includes classroom practice.

    • Career Paths: Grade R teacher, early childhood educator, or curriculum developer.

    • Why Choose It?: Ideal for those working with young children, with no math demands.

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Bachelor’s Degree Programs

Bachelor’s degrees (NQF Level 7) are three- to four-year qualifications offering in-depth study. Many in humanities, law, and education don’t require Mathematics.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human and Social Studies

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 50% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, or a relevant Higher Certificate or Diploma.

    • Overview: Offers majors like Sociology, Psychology, History, or Anthropology. Focuses on social issues and research.

    • Career Paths: Social researcher, policy analyst, or NGO coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: A flexible degree for students interested in human behavior, free of math requirements.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 20, 50% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, or a relevant Higher Certificate or Diploma.

    • Overview: Covers media studies, journalism, and corporate communication. Includes practical media projects.

    • Career Paths: Journalist, media producer, or communication specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: Perfect for creative communicators, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Bachelor of Social Work

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 21, 50% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Police clearance and two testimonials required.

    • Overview: Prepares students to address social challenges through counseling and advocacy. Includes extensive fieldwork.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, community developer, or counselor.

    • Why Choose It?: A rewarding career for those dedicated to social justice, with no math barriers.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 60% in English, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement, or a relevant Diploma or Bachelor’s degree.

    • Overview: Covers legal theory, constitutional law, and practical legal skills. Prepares students for legal practice.

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

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program for analytical minds, avoiding math demands.

  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 26, 50% in English, and 50% in Mathematical Literacy or 40% in Mathematics, or a relevant Higher Certificate or Diploma.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades R–3, focusing on literacy, life skills, and early education. Includes teaching practice.

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

    • Why Choose It?: A fulfilling career accepting Mathematical Literacy, addressing teacher shortages.

Summary Table: UNISA Courses Without Maths (2025)

Program

Type

Duration

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Higher Certificate in Law

Higher Certificate

1 year

NSC, 30% English, no math required

Legal assistant, paralegal

Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management

Higher Certificate

1 year

NSC, 30% English, no math required

Archivist, records manager

Higher Certificate in Education

Higher Certificate

1 year

NSC, 30% English, no math required

Teaching assistant, education administrator

Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work

Higher Certificate

1 year

NSC, 30% English, no math required

Social auxiliary worker, community support

Diploma in Public Relations

Diploma

3 years

NSC, APS 20, 50% English, no math required

PR officer, media coordinator

Diploma in Law

Diploma

3 years

NSC, APS 20, 50% English, no math required

Paralegal, legal secretary

Diploma in Grade R Teaching

Diploma

3 years

NSC, APS 20, 50% English, no math required

Grade R teacher, early childhood educator

BA in Human and Social Studies

Bachelor’s

3 years

NSC, APS 20, 50% English, no math required

Social researcher, policy analyst

BA in Communication Science

Bachelor’s

3 years

NSC, APS 20, 50% English, no math required

Journalist, communication specialist

Bachelor of Social Work

Bachelor’s

4 years

NSC, APS 21, 50% English, no math required

Social worker, counselor

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Bachelor’s

4 years

NSC, APS 30, 60% English, no math required

Lawyer, legal advisor

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Bachelor’s

4 years

NSC, APS 26, 50% English, 50% Math Literacy

Foundation phase teacher, curriculum developer
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Why Choose Math-Free Courses at UNISA?

Enrolling in UNISA programs that don’t require Mathematics offers several advantages:

  • Flexibility: UNISA’s open distance e-learning (ODeL) model allows students to study at their own pace, ideal for working professionals or those balancing commitments.

  • Inclusivity: Accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement makes education accessible to students with strengths in communication or creativity.

  • Career Opportunities: These programs lead to in-demand roles in education, law, social work, and media, with strong job prospects in South Africa.

  • Affordability: UNISA’s fees are lower than traditional universities, with NSFAS funding available for eligible students.

How to Apply to UNISA for 2025

UNISA’s application process is fully online, with a non-refundable fee of R135. Follow these steps for 2025 admission:

  1. Check Requirements: Review the APS, English, and Mathematical Literacy requirements for your chosen program at www.unisa.ac.za/qualifications.

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.unisa.ac.za/apply, create a profile, and select two qualifications (e.g., a degree and a higher certificate). Applications open August 1, 2024, and close October 31, 2024, for undergraduate programs.

  3. Upload Documents: Submit certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, academic transcripts (if applicable), and specific documents (e.g., police clearance for Social Work). Scans must be clear and separate.

  4. Pay Application Fee: Pay R135 via bank transfer or card, uploading proof of payment. Applications won’t process without payment.

  5. Track Application: Monitor your status via the UNISA portal. Outcomes are communicated by December 2024 via email or SMS.

  6. Accept Offer and Register: Accept your offer within 10 days and register for modules by January 31, 2025, using the myUNISA portal.

Note: Apply early, as some qualifications have limited spaces. Late applications (January 15–February 28, 2025) are available for select programs like Short Learning Programmes. Contact UNISA’s Admissions Office at 0800 00 1870 or [email protected] for assistance.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

UNISA’s math-free programs align with South Africa’s workforce needs, offering strong employability:

  • Education: With a projected need for 400,000 teachers by 2030, BEd and Diploma in Grade R graduates are highly sought after, earning R150,000–R300,000 annually.

  • Social Work: Social workers and auxiliary workers earn R120,000–R250,000, with demand in NGOs, healthcare, and government addressing social challenges.

  • Law: LLB graduates can earn R300,000–R600,000 as lawyers, while paralegals earn R100,000–R200,000 in legal firms or corporate settings.

  • Communication and Media: PR officers and journalists earn R120,000–R300,000, with opportunities in media houses and corporate sectors.

  • Archives and Records Management: Archivists earn R100,000–R200,000, with demand in government and corporate archives.

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UNISA’s ODeL model and partnerships with industries enhance job placement through practical training and professional networks.

Tips for Success in UNISA’s Math-Free Courses

To thrive in UNISA’s distance learning environment, try these strategies:

  • Master Time Management: Use planners to balance study, work, and personal life, as ODeL requires self-discipline.

  • Engage with myUNISA: Access study materials, submit assignments, and join discussion forums via the myUNISA portal.

  • Build Communication Skills: Programs like Communication Science and Public Relations rely on strong writing and speaking. Practice through UNISA’s online workshops.

  • Seek Support: Use UNISA’s counseling, tutoring, and career services, available via 0800 00 1870 or myUNISA.

  • Prepare for Practical Components: For Social Work or Grade R Teaching, complete fieldwork diligently, networking with professionals.

Exploring UNISA’s Unique Learning Environment

UNISA’s ODeL model is designed for flexibility, allowing students to study from anywhere using the myUNISA portal for lectures, assignments, and exams. With no physical classes, students access digital resources, e-books, and recorded tutorials, supported by regional centres in cities like Pretoria, Cape Town, and Durban for in-person assistance.

UNISA’s global reach attracts students from over 130 countries, fostering a diverse learning community. The university’s focus on African epistemology, as noted in its vision to be “the African university shaping futures,” enriches programs like Human and Social Studies with local and global perspectives. Students can join virtual clubs or forums to connect with peers, enhancing their experience.

Financial Aid and Support at UNISA

UNISA offers funding options to ensure affordability:

  • NSFAS Bursaries: Covers tuition, accommodation, and materials for students with household incomes below R350,000 annually. Apply by November 30, 2024, via www.nsfas.org.za.

  • UNISA Bursaries: Merit- and need-based funding is available. Check www.unisa.ac.za for 2025 deadlines.

  • Private Funding: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact UNISA’s Financial Aid Office at 0800 00 1870.

Apply for funding early, as spaces are limited. UNISA’s student support includes academic advising, mental health services, and career counseling, accessible via myUNISA or regional centres.

FAQ: Common Questions About UNISA Courses Without Maths

1. Can I study at UNISA without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like Higher Certificate in Law, BA in Communication Science, and Diploma in Public Relations don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, needing only an NSC with the specified APS and English proficiency. Some, like BEd Foundation Phase Teaching, accept Mathematical Literacy. Check www.unisa.ac.za for specifics.

2. What are the job prospects for UNISA’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter high-demand fields like teaching (R150,000–R300,000), social work (R120,000–R250,000), law (R100,000–R600,000), and communication (R120,000–R300,000). Over 80% of UNISA graduates find employment within a year, per university reports.

3. Are there short courses at UNISA that don’t require Maths?
Yes, Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) like Introduction to Creative Writing and Practical Guidelines in Building Stakeholder Relations don’t require Mathematics, typically needing only a Grade 12 certificate. Check www.unisa.ac.za for 2025 offerings and deadlines.

Conclusion

UNISA’s math-free courses for 2025 offer accessible, flexible pathways for students who shine in humanities, education, law, or communication. From higher certificates to bachelor’s degrees, these programs provide practical training and lead to rewarding careers in high-demand sectors. With affordable fees, NSFAS support, and a robust ODeL platform, UNISA empowers learners to achieve their goals. Visit www.unisa.ac.za, apply by October 31, 2024, and take the first step toward a bright future at Africa’s leading distance learning university.