The University of Fort Hare (UFH), located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, is one of the country’s oldest and most respected institutions, established in 1916. Known for its rich history and commitment to African leadership, UFH offers a range of programs that cater to diverse interests, including several that don’t require Mathematics as a prerequisite. For students who excelled in Mathematical Literacy or avoided pure Mathematics in high school, UFH provides accessible pathways to rewarding careers in fields like education, social sciences, and law. This guide explores UFH’s 2025 courses that don’t require Mathematics, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you make an informed decision.
University of Fort Hare Courses That Don’t Require Maths
UFH, with campuses in Alice, East London, and Bhisho, offers programs across six faculties: Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, Law, Management and Commerce, Science and Agriculture, and Health Sciences. Several undergraduate programs, particularly in the Faculties of Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, and Law, accept Mathematical Literacy or have low Mathematics requirements, making them ideal for students who prefer to focus on non-mathematical skills. Below, we outline these courses, their admission criteria, and their career potential.
Faculty of Education
UFH’s Faculty of Education is renowned for producing skilled, socially conscious teachers. Its programs emphasize pedagogy, language, and social sciences, with flexible entry requirements that accommodate Mathematical Literacy.
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Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: East London
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Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 4 (50–59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language), 4 (50–59%) in Mathematical Literacy or 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics, and an Admission Point Score (APS) of 28 (29 with Mathematics). Four other subjects (excluding Life Orientation) must score 4 (50–59%).
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Overview: Prepares students to teach grades R–3, focusing on literacy, life skills, and early childhood development. Includes practical teaching experience in schools.
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Career Paths: Foundation phase teacher, early childhood educator, or curriculum developer.
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Why Choose It?: Ideal for those who love nurturing young learners and want a math-light curriculum.
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Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: East London
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Admission Requirements: NSC with 4 in English, 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics, and an APS of 28 (29 with Mathematics). Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Trains teachers for grades 4–6, covering subjects like languages, social sciences, and life skills. Emphasizes child development and curriculum design.
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Career Paths: Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator, or education consultant.
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Why Choose It?: Offers flexibility to teach non-mathematical subjects, with a focus on holistic student growth.
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Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (FET) Teaching (Non-Mathematical Specializations)
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: East London
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Admission Requirements: NSC with 4 in English, 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics, and an APS of 28 (29 with Mathematics). Four other subjects must score 4. Specializations in languages, history, or geography are recommended.
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Overview: Prepares teachers for grades 7–12 in subjects like English, History, or Life Orientation. Includes extensive classroom practice.
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Career Paths: High school teacher, education policy analyst, or curriculum specialist.
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Why Choose It?: Allows specialization in humanities-focused subjects, bypassing math-heavy content.
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Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
This faculty offers dynamic programs that develop critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness, perfect for students who thrive in qualitative fields rather than quantitative ones.
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Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology, Anthropology, or History)
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Alice, East London
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Admission Requirements: NSC with 4 in English, 3 in Mathematical Literacy or 2 (30–39%) in Mathematics, and an APS of 30. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Covers social theories, cultural studies, and historical analysis. Students can specialize in Sociology, Anthropology, or History, focusing on qualitative research methods.
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Career Paths: Social researcher, community development officer, or policy analyst.
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Why Choose It?: Emphasizes understanding human behavior and societal trends without requiring advanced math.
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Bachelor of Arts (Communication, Fine Arts, or English)
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Duration: 3 years
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Campus: Alice, East London
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Admission Requirements: NSC with 4 in English, 3 in Mathematical Literacy or 2 in Mathematics, and an APS of 30. Four other subjects must score 4. Fine Arts requires a portfolio.
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Overview: Offers specializations in media, visual arts, or literature. Students develop skills in creative expression, writing, and critical analysis.
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Career Paths: Journalist, graphic artist, content creator, or arts administrator.
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Why Choose It?: Ideal for creative and analytical minds who want to avoid mathematical coursework.
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Bachelor of Social Work
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: Alice
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Admission Requirements: NSC with 4 in English, 3 in Mathematical Literacy or 2 in Mathematics, and an APS of 30. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Trains students in social work practices, including counseling, community development, and advocacy. Includes fieldwork placements.
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Career Paths: Social worker, counselor, or NGO coordinator.
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Why Choose It?: A rewarding career helping communities, with a focus on interpersonal skills rather than math.
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Faculty of Law (Nelson R. Mandela School of Law)
UFH’s Faculty of Law offers programs that prioritize legal reasoning and ethics, with flexible entry requirements for students with Mathematical Literacy.
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Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
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Duration: 4 years
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Campus: East London
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Admission Requirements: NSC with 4 in English, 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics, and an APS of 34. Four other subjects must score 4.
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Overview: Covers constitutional, criminal, and civil law, with a focus on legal research and argumentation. Includes practical legal training.
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Career Paths: Lawyer, legal advisor, or prosecutor.
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Why Choose It?: Suits those with strong analytical and communication skills, requiring no advanced math.
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Diploma in Local Government Law and Administration
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Duration: 2 years
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Campus: East London
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Admission Requirements: NSC with 3 in English, 3 in Mathematical Literacy or 2 in Mathematics, and an APS of 25. Four other subjects must score 3.
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Overview: Focuses on municipal governance, legal frameworks, and public administration. Includes practical case studies.
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Career Paths: Municipal administrator, policy officer, or community liaison.
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Why Choose It?: A shorter program for those interested in public service, with minimal math requirements.
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Summary Table: UFH Courses Without Maths (2025)
Program |
Faculty |
Duration |
Campus |
Key Admission Requirements |
Career Prospects |
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BEd Foundation Phase Teaching |
Education |
4 years |
East London |
4 English, 4 Math Literacy, APS 28 |
Foundation phase teacher, curriculum developer |
BEd Intermediate Phase Teaching |
Education |
4 years |
East London |
4 English, 4 Math Literacy, APS 28 |
Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator |
BEd Senior Phase and FET (Non-Math Subjects) |
Education |
4 years |
East London |
4 English, 4 Math Literacy, APS 28 |
High school teacher, education consultant |
Bachelor of Social Science (Sociology, etc.) |
Social Sciences and Humanities |
3 years |
Alice, East London |
4 English, 3 Math Literacy, APS 30 |
Social researcher, policy analyst |
Bachelor of Arts (Communication, etc.) |
Social Sciences and Humanities |
3 years |
Alice, East London |
4 English, 3 Math Literacy, APS 30 |
Journalist, graphic artist, content creator |
Bachelor of Social Work |
Social Sciences and Humanities |
4 years |
Alice |
4 English, 3 Math Literacy, APS 30 |
Social worker, counselor, NGO coordinator |
Bachelor of Laws (LLB) |
Law |
4 years |
East London |
4 English, 4 Math Literacy, APS 34 |
Lawyer, legal advisor, prosecutor |
Diploma in Local Government Law and Admin |
Law |
2 years |
East London |
3 English, 3 Math Literacy, APS 25 |
Municipal administrator, policy officer |
Why Choose Math-Free Courses at UFH?
Opting for UFH programs that don’t require Mathematics offers several advantages for students who excel in other areas:
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Inclusivity: Accepting Mathematical Literacy makes higher education accessible to students who didn’t take pure Mathematics, broadening opportunities.
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Diverse Career Options: These programs lead to careers in education, social work, law, and media, which are in demand in South Africa and beyond.
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Practical Focus: UFH emphasizes hands-on learning through teaching practice, fieldwork, and legal clinics, ensuring graduates are job-ready.
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Historical Legacy: Studying at UFH, an institution that educated leaders like Nelson Mandela, adds prestige and inspiration to your academic journey.
How to Apply to UFH for 2025
UFH’s application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps to secure your spot for 2025:
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Review Requirements: Check the APS, English, and Mathematical Literacy requirements for your chosen program on UFH’s website or prospectus.
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Apply Online: Visit www.ufh.ac.za/apply and complete the online application form, available from April to September 30, 2024. Upload certified copies of your NSC results, ID, and proof of payment for the R120 application fee.
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Submit Additional Documents: For programs like Fine Arts, include a portfolio. International students need SAQA-evaluated qualifications.
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Track Your Application: Use UFH’s online portal to monitor your status. Successful applicants receive offers by late 2024.
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Register and Pay: Accepted students register in January 2025, paying a deposit to confirm their place.
Tip: Apply early to avoid missing deadlines, as popular programs like the LLB have limited spaces. Check for financial aid options on UFH’s Financial Aid Office page if needed.
Career Prospects and Industry Relevance
UFH’s math-free programs align with South Africa’s economic and social needs, offering strong job prospects:
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Education: South Africa faces a teacher shortage, with over 400,000 educators needed by 2030. UFH’s BEd programs prepare graduates for stable teaching roles, with starting salaries of R200,000–R300,000 annually.
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Social Sciences and Humanities: Social Science and Arts graduates find roles in research, media, and community development, earning R150,000–R250,000 at entry level.
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Social Work: With growing demand for social services, social workers are employed in NGOs, government, and healthcare, with salaries starting at R180,000.
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Law: LLB graduates enter legal practice, corporate advising, or public prosecution, with starting salaries of R250,000–R400,000. The Diploma in Local Government Law supports roles in municipal governance, a critical need in South Africa.
UFH’s partnerships with schools, NGOs, and government agencies enhance employability through practical training and networking opportunities.
Tips for Success in UFH’s Math-Free Programs
To thrive in these programs, consider these practical strategies:
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Develop Communication Skills: Programs like Social Work and Journalism rely on strong verbal and written skills. Join UFH’s debate or media clubs to practice.
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Engage in Practical Training: Maximize fieldwork opportunities, such as teaching practice or legal clinics, to build real-world experience.
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Build a Portfolio: For Fine Arts or Communication, maintain a professional portfolio to showcase your work to potential employers.
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Network Actively: Attend UFH’s career fairs, open days, or alumni events to connect with industry professionals.
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Stay Organized: Balance coursework and practical components by using planners and meeting deadlines.
FAQ: Common Questions About UFH Courses Without Maths
1. Can I study at UFH if I only have Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like the Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Social Science, and LLB accept Mathematical Literacy with a minimum of 4 (50–59%) or 3 (40–49%), depending on the course. Always check specific requirements on UFH’s website.
2. What are the job prospects for UFH’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter high-demand fields like teaching, social work, journalism, and law. For example, teachers are needed nationwide, and LLB graduates can pursue legal careers with competitive salaries.
3. Are there short programs at UFH that don’t require Maths?
Yes, the Diploma in Local Government Law and Administration (2 years) and certain certificate courses accept Mathematical Literacy and have lower APS requirements, offering quick entry into the workforce.
Conclusion
The University of Fort Hare offers a wealth of opportunities for students who want to avoid Mathematics, with programs in education, social sciences, humanities, and law that prioritize critical thinking, communication, and practical skills. Whether you aspire to teach young learners, advocate for justice, or shape communities through social work, UFH’s courses provide accessible pathways to meaningful careers. With its historic legacy and commitment to African excellence, UFH is an inspiring choice for 2025. Visit the university’s website to explore these programs and start your application today.