UP Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The University of Pretoria (UP), one of South Africa’s leading research universities, is home to over 50,000 students across nine faculties in Pretoria. Founded in 1908, UP is renowned for its academic excellence and vibrant campus life, offering a wide range of undergraduate programs. For students who didn’t take Mathematics or prefer to avoid math-intensive courses, UP provides accessible pathways in humanities, law, education, and theology that either accept Mathematical Literacy or have no math requirement. This guide explores UP’s 2025 undergraduate courses that don’t require Mathematics, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you choose a program that aligns with your passions and goals.

UP Courses That Don’t Require Maths

UP’s faculties—Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Theology and Religion, and Veterinary Science—offer diverse undergraduate programs. Many courses in the Faculties of Humanities, Law, Education, and Theology and Religion focus on critical thinking, communication, and practical skills, requiring no Mathematics or accepting Mathematical Literacy. Below, we outline these programs, based on UP’s 2025 admission requirements and official sources.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities, one of UP’s most diverse, offers programs in languages, social sciences, and arts that don’t require Mathematics, emphasizing creativity and analysis.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 28, 5 (60–69%) in English or Afrikaans (Home or First Additional Language), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Offers majors like Psychology, Sociology, Political Sciences, English, or African Languages. Students engage in research, critical thinking, and cultural studies.

    • Career Paths: Policy analyst, journalist, counselor, or corporate communicator.

    • Why Choose It?: A flexible degree for students passionate about human behavior and culture, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Social Work

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Prepares students to support communities through counseling and social services. Includes extensive fieldwork in community settings.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, community developer, or NGO coordinator.

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

  • Bachelor of Arts in Languages

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English or Afrikaans, 4 (50–59%) in another language (e.g., French, German, Sepedi), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Focuses on advanced language study, translation, and intercultural communication. Includes practical language projects.

    • Career Paths: Translator, language teacher, or diplomat.

    • Why Choose It?: Ideal for language enthusiasts seeking global careers without math barriers.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Visual Studies

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement. Portfolio submission recommended.

    • Overview: Explores visual culture, art history, and media studies. Includes practical projects in curating and visual analysis.

    • Career Paths: Curator, art critic, or media consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits creative students interested in visual arts, bypassing math requirements.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Audiology

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Trains students to diagnose and treat hearing disorders. Includes clinical practice in audiology labs.

    • Career Paths: Audiologist, hearing aid specialist, or clinical researcher.

    • Why Choose It?: A health-focused program for compassionate students, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Prepares students to treat communication disorders. Includes hands-on clinical training.

    • Career Paths: Speech therapist, clinical educator, or rehabilitation specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: A fulfilling career helping others communicate, with no math prerequisites.

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Faculty of Law

The Faculty of Law at UP is renowned for its rigorous programs that focus on analytical and argumentative skills, with no Mathematics requirement for most offerings.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 32, 5 in English (Home Language) or 6 (70–79%) in English (First Additional Language), and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Covers constitutional law, criminal law, and legal practice. Includes moot court and practical legal projects.

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

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

  • Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 30, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Combines legal studies with humanities subjects like psychology or political science. A pathway to the LLB.

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

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

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education trains teachers for South Africa’s classrooms, with programs that allow specialization in non-mathematical subjects, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Groenkloof

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics.

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

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

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

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase Teaching (Languages and Social Sciences)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Groenkloof

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 4–6 in languages (e.g., English, Afrikaans) and social sciences. Includes school-based placements.

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

    • Why Choose It?: Allows focus on non-mathematical subjects, with flexible math options.

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training (Languages and Life Orientation)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Groenkloof

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and 4 in Mathematical Literacy or 3 in Mathematics.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades 7–12 in subjects like English, Afrikaans, or Life Orientation. Emphasizes practical teaching experience.

    • Career Paths: High school teacher, curriculum specialist, or guidance counselor.

    • Why Choose It?: Offers specialization in humanities-focused teaching, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

Faculty of Theology and Religion

This faculty fosters spiritual and ethical development, offering programs that don’t require Mathematics, focusing on theology and community engagement.

  • Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Covers biblical studies, ethics, and pastoral counseling. Includes community-based practical work.

    • Career Paths: Religious leader, counselor, or community worker.

    • Why Choose It?: Suits students interested in spirituality and social impact, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Hatfield

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 28, 5 in English or Afrikaans, and no Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy requirement.

    • Overview: Prepares students for ministry through theological studies and practical training. Includes church-based placements.

    • Career Paths: Minister, theologian, or ethics consultant.

    • Why Choose It?: A comprehensive program for religious leadership, bypassing math requirements.

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Summary Table: UP Courses Without Maths (2025)

Program

Faculty

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Humanities

3 years

Hatfield

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Journalist, policy analyst

Bachelor of Social Work

Humanities

4 years

Hatfield

APS 30, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Social worker, counselor

BA in Languages

Humanities

3 years

Hatfield

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, 4 another language, no math required

Translator, diplomat

BA in Visual Studies

Humanities

3 years

Hatfield

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Curator, media consultant

BA in Audiology

Humanities

4 years

Hatfield

APS 30, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Audiologist, clinical researcher

BA in Speech-Language Pathology

Humanities

4 years

Hatfield

APS 30, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Speech therapist, rehabilitation specialist

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Law

4 years

Hatfield

APS 32, 5 English (Home) or 6 (FAL), no math required

Lawyer, legal advisor

BA in Law

Law

3 years

Hatfield

APS 30, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Paralegal, legal consultant

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Education

4 years

Groenkloof

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, 4 Math Literacy or 3 Math

Foundation phase teacher, early childhood educator

BEd Intermediate Phase (Languages and Social Sciences)

Education

4 years

Groenkloof

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, 4 Math Literacy or 3 Math

Intermediate phase teacher, school administrator

BEd Senior Phase and FET (Languages and Life Orientation)

Education

4 years

Groenkloof

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, 4 Math Literacy or 3 Math

High school teacher, guidance counselor

Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

Theology and Religion

3 years

Hatfield

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Religious leader, counselor

Bachelor of Divinity (BDiv)

Theology and Religion

4 years

Hatfield

APS 28, 5 English/Afrikaans, no math required

Minister, theologian

Why Choose Math-Free Courses at UP?

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

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

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

  • Practical Training: UP emphasizes hands-on learning through fieldwork, clinical practice, and teaching placements, ensuring job-readiness.

  • Global Reputation: UP ranks among Africa’s top universities, with over 200,000 alumni and international partnerships enhancing graduate prospects.

How to Apply to UP for 2025

UP’s application process is fully online, with a non-refundable fee of R300 for South African citizens. Applications for 2025 are closed, but 2026 applications open April 1, 2025, and close June 30, 2025, for most programs. Follow these steps for 2026:

  1. Check Requirements: Review APS, language, and Mathematical Literacy requirements in the 2025 prospectus at www.up.ac.za.

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.up.ac.za, click “Apply,” and select “Start a new application.” Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and academic transcripts if applicable.

  3. Pay Application Fee: Pay R300 via bank transfer or card. Fee waivers are available for households earning R150,000 or less annually.

  4. Track Application: Monitor your status at www.up.ac.za under “Application Status.” Outcomes are sent by November 2025 for non-Grade 12 applicants or January 2026 for Grade 12 applicants.

  5. Accept Offer and Register: Accept offers within 10 days and register by January 31, 2026, paying a deposit unless covered by funding.

Note: Programs like LLB and Social Work are competitive. Contact UP’s Student Service Centre at +27 (0)12 420 3111 or [email protected] for assistance.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

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

  • Education: With a projected teacher shortage of 400,000 by 2030, BEd graduates earn R150,000–R300,000 annually in schools or educational NGOs.

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

  • Law: LLB graduates earn R300,000–R600,000 as lawyers or advisors, with opportunities in legal firms and corporate sectors.

  • Humanities: BA graduates earn R100,000–R250,000 in media, policy, or communication roles, with psychology majors pursuing further studies for clinical practice.

  • Health and Theology: Audiologists and speech therapists earn R200,000–R350,000, while theologians earn R100,000–R200,000 in religious or community roles.

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UP’s partnerships with industries and schools, plus career fairs, ensure over 80% of graduates find employment within a year, per university reports.

Tips for Success in UP’s Math-Free Courses

To thrive at UP, try these practical strategies:

  • Maximize Practical Experience: Engage fully in fieldwork for Social Work or teaching practice for BEd programs to build workplace confidence.

  • Build Communication Skills: Programs like LLB and BA rely on strong verbal and written abilities. Join UP’s debate or media societies.

  • Use Campus Resources: Access UP’s libraries, career services, and online platforms like ClickUP for academic support.

  • Network Actively: Attend open days (e.g., April 2025) or alumni events to connect with professionals in your field.

  • Stay Organized: Use planners to balance coursework, practicals, and deadlines, especially in four-year programs like LLB.

UP’s Unique Learning Environment

UP’s transdisciplinary approach integrates real-world problem-solving across faculties, enriching programs like Humanities and Law with global perspectives. The Hatfield campus, a hub for most math-free programs, features state-of-the-art lecture halls, libraries, and residences for 29% of students. The Groenkloof campus, dedicated to Education, offers teaching labs and community engagement opportunities.

UP’s UP Voice initiative and cultural societies, like the Tuks Drama Society, provide platforms for students to showcase talents. With students from over 70 countries, UP’s diverse community fosters inclusivity, particularly in programs like Languages and Theology. The university’s research output, ranking among South Africa’s top, enhances learning through cutting-edge facilities.

Financial Aid and Support at UP

UP offers funding options to make education accessible:

  • NSFAS Bursaries: Covers tuition, accommodation, and living costs for students with household incomes below R350,000 annually. Apply by November 30, 2025, via www.nsfas.org.za.

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

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact UP’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)12 420 3111.

Apply for funding early, as spaces are limited. UP provides counseling, career guidance, and academic workshops through the Student Service Centre and online platforms.

FAQ: Common Questions About UP Courses Without Maths

1. Can I study at UP without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like BA, LLB, Social Work, and Theology don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, needing only an NSC with the specified APS and language proficiency. Others, like BEd, accept Mathematical Literacy. Check www.up.ac.za for details.

2. What are the job prospects for UP’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter fields like teaching (R150,000–R300,000), social work (R120,000–R250,000), law (R300,000–R600,000), and humanities (R100,000–R250,000). Over 80% of UP graduates find employment within a year, supported by practical training and industry links.

3. Are there short courses at UP that don’t require Maths?
Yes, UP offers Short Learning Programmes in humanities, law, and education, such as Creative Writing or Leadership Development, typically requiring only a Grade 12 certificate. Contact [email protected] for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

The University of Pretoria offers a wealth of undergraduate courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, catering to students with strengths in humanities, law, education, and theology. From advocating in courtrooms to teaching young learners or supporting communities, UP’s programs provide practical training and lead to rewarding careers. With modern campuses, robust financial aid, and a global reputation, UP is an inspiring choice. Visit www.up.ac.za, prepare for the 2026 application cycle opening April 1, 2025, and take the first step toward a bright future at this dynamic institution.