Dlamini BlessingIf you are considering applying to the University of Pretoria (UP) but Mathematics is not your strongest subject, you still have several options. While UP is known for its strong focus on science and commerce programmes that require Mathematics, the Faculty of Humanities offers a range of degrees that accept students with lower-level Mathematics or, in some cases, no Mathematics requirement at all.
This guide outlines the courses available to students without high-level Pure Mathematics, based on the official UP admission requirements.
UP Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2026)
Programmes with Lower Mathematics Requirements
1. BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE)
- Programme Code: 01130017
- Duration: 3 years
- Faculty: Humanities
- Department: Philosophy
Standard Requirements:
- English: Level 5 (60–69%)
- Mathematics: Level 5 (60–69%)
- APS: 32
Alternative Pathway:
Students with APS 32, Maths Level 4 (50–59%), and English Level 5 can register for another programme in year one. If they pass STK 113 and STK 123 (Statistics) with ≥60%, they may transfer internally to PPE in year two.
Overview: Combines political science, philosophy, and economics.
Careers: Policy making, journalism, diplomacy, public administration, consulting.
2. General BA Programmes
Flexible subject requirements; many specialisations do not require Maths.
Specialisations (No Maths Requirement):
- BA Fine Arts (portfolio required)
- BA Information Design (portfolio required)
- BA Visual Studies
- BA Languages
- BA Audiology / Speech-Language Pathology (Life Sciences beneficial)
- BA Drama (audition/portfolio required)
- BMus Music (audition required)
- BPolSc International Studies / Political Studies
- BSocSc Heritage & Cultural Tourism
- BSocSc Industrial Sociology & Labour Studies
- BSW Social Work (English + Life Orientation important)
General Requirements:
- English Level 5 minimum
- APS varies (competitive programmes require 32+)
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
- Duration: 4 years
- Faculty: Law
- Maths Requirement: Not strictly required
- Key Requirement: Strong English and analytical skills
Highly competitive; preference for strong Humanities background. Transfer possible via BA Law or BCom Law.
Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Foundation Phase: Mathematical Literacy may be accepted
- Intermediate Phase: Mathematical Literacy may be accepted
- Senior/FET Phase: Pure Mathematics required for Maths/Science specialisations; not required for Languages, Social Sciences, Arts.
Important: Mathematics vs Mathematical Literacy at UP
| Subject Type | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pure Mathematics | Some Humanities programmes accept Level 5 (60–69%) or Level 4 (50–59%). A few accept Level 3 (40–49%). |
| Mathematical Literacy | Generally not accepted for degree admission. A few Humanities programmes may consider it; extended/foundation pathways may offer alternatives. |
Note: UP favours Pure Mathematics. Applicants with Mathematical Literacy should contact admissions to explore options.
Programmes That Require Mathematics
| Faculty | Programmes |
|---|---|
| Natural & Agricultural Sciences | All BSc programmes |
| Engineering, Built Environment & IT | All BEng programmes, BSc Architecture, Construction Management |
| Economic & Management Sciences | All BCom programmes |
| Health Sciences | MBChB, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Radiography, etc. |
| Veterinary Science | BVSc, BVetNurs |
Application Information (2026)
- Open: 1 April 2025
- Close: 30 June 2025 (no late applications)
- Final Notifications: September 2025
APS Calculation: Six best 20-credit subjects. Life Orientation excluded. Max APS = 42.
| NSC % | APS Points |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | 7 |
| 80–89% | 6 |
| 70–79% | 5 |
| 60–69% | 4 |
| 50–59% | 3 |
| 40–49% | 2 |
| 30–39% | 1 |
FAQs
- Does UP accept Mathematical Literacy? Rarely; Pure Maths preferred.
- Lowest Maths requirement? PPE alternative pathway allows Level 4.
- Law without Maths? Yes, but competitive.
- Education without Maths? Yes, for Foundation/Intermediate Phase.
- APS for Humanities? Competitive programmes require APS 32+.
- Maths Level 3? Difficult; consider extended/foundation pathways.
Summary Table: Programmes Without High Maths Requirements
| Programme | Faculty | Maths Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA PPE | Humanities | Level 5 standard; Level 4 with transfer | Alternative pathway |
| BA General | Humanities | Not required | Various majors |
| BA Fine Arts, Drama, Music | Humanities | Not required | Portfolio/audition required |
| BA Languages | Humanities | Not required | Strong language results |
| BSocSc Industrial Sociology | Humanities | Not required | Social sciences focus |
| BA Audiology / Speech-Language Pathology | Humanities | Not required | Life Sciences beneficial |
| BSW Social Work | Humanities | Not required | Strong English |
| LLB Law | Law | Not required | Highly competitive |
| BEd Foundation/Intermediate Phase | Education | Maths Literacy may be accepted | Specialisation dependent |
Conclusion
The University of Pretoria offers several pathways for students without high-level Pure Mathematics. The BA PPE provides a unique alternative transfer route for students with Maths Level 4. The Faculty of Humanities has multiple BA and BSocSc programmes with no Maths requirement, while Law and Education also provide viable options depending on specialisation.
Key Recommendations:
- Apply early (deadline: 30 June 2025).
- Focus on strong English and Humanities results.
- If aiming for PPE with Maths Level 4, plan to take STK 113 and STK 123.
- Contact admissions if you have Mathematical Literacy or Maths Level 3.
*Note: All information is current as of March 2026 based on official UP yearbooks and faculty brochures. Admission requirements are subject to change. Please verify details on the official University of Pretoria website or in the latest prospectus before applying .*