WITS Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), located in Johannesburg and founded in 1896, is one of South Africa’s premier research universities, enrolling over 37,000 students. With five faculties offering more than 3,400 courses, Wits is known for its academic excellence and commitment to social justice. For students who struggle with Mathematics or prefer fields emphasizing creativity, communication, or critical thinking, Wits offers a range of undergraduate programs that either accept Mathematical Literacy or require no math at all. This guide details Wits’s 2025 undergraduate courses that don’t require Mathematics, including admission requirements, program overviews, and career prospects, to help you navigate your academic journey confidently.

WITS Courses That Don’t Require Maths

Wits’s faculties—Commerce, Law and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Science—offer diverse undergraduate degrees, diplomas, and professional programs. The Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management provide the most math-free options, particularly in arts, law, education, and social sciences. Below, we outline these courses, based on Wits’s 2025 prospectus and official sources.

Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities, based on Wits’s East Campus in Braamfontein, is a leading African center for arts, social sciences, and education, offering programs that emphasize analytical and creative skills without Mathematics requirements.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein (East Campus)

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an Admission Point Score (APS) of 34–36, Level 5 (60–69%) in English Home Language or First Additional Language, and no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 [70%+] accepted). National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) in Academic Literacy (AL) and Quantitative Literacy (QL) required.

    • Overview: A flexible 360-credit degree with two majors from over 30 options, including Anthropology, History, Political Studies, Psychology, or Sociology. Students take 18 courses, blending majors, electives, and interdisciplinary studies, with access to Wits’s Wartenweiler Library for research.

    • Career Paths: Journalist, policy analyst, or researcher.

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

  • Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted), and a portfolio submission. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in game design, animation, and interactive media, with practical training at Wits School of Arts (WSoA) digital studios. Combines technical and creative skills for the gaming industry.

    • Career Paths: Game designer, animator, or digital content creator.

    • Why Choose It?: A cutting-edge program for creatives, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Dramatic Art

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted), and an audition. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Spans 480 credits in acting, directing, and theatre production, with performances at Wits Theatre. Emphasizes storytelling and stagecraft.

    • Career Paths: Actor, director, or theatre educator.

    • Why Choose It?: A professional program for performing arts enthusiasts, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Film and Television

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted), and a portfolio or essay. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in screenwriting, directing, and production, with hands-on projects in Wits’s film studios. Prepares students for South Africa’s growing film industry.

    • Career Paths: Filmmaker, screenwriter, or media producer.

    • Why Choose It?: A creative program for storytellers, with minimal math requirements.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted), and a portfolio. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Includes 480 credits in painting, sculpture, and digital art, with studio practice at WSoA. Focuses on contemporary African art perspectives.

    • Career Paths: Artist, curator, or art educator.

    • Why Choose It?: A studio-based program for visual creatives, avoiding math barriers.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Music

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted), and an audition. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in performance, composition, and musicology, with training in Wits’s music facilities. Offers classical, jazz, and African music streams.

    • Career Paths: Musician, composer, or music educator.

    • Why Choose It?: A professional program for music lovers, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase Teaching)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Parktown (Education Campus)

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 36–39, Level 5 in English, and Level 4 (50–59%) in Mathematics or Level 7 (80%+) in Mathematical Literacy. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades R–3 across 480 credits, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and life skills with school-based practice at Wits’s partner schools.

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

    • Why Choose It?: A rewarding career accepting Mathematical Literacy, addressing South Africa’s teacher shortage.

  • Bachelor of Education (Senior Phase and Further Education and Training)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Parktown

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 36–39, Level 5 in English, and Level 4 in Mathematics or Level 7 in Mathematical Literacy. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 7–12 in subjects like English, History, or Life Sciences across 480 credits, with extensive teaching practice.

    • Career Paths: High school teacher, education consultant, or curriculum specialist.

    • Why Choose It?: Focuses on humanities-based teaching, with minimal math requirements.

  • Bachelor of Social Work

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, and no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted). NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in social work theory, counseling, and community development, with field placements in Johannesburg’s social service agencies.

    • Career Paths: Social worker, counselor, or NGO coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: A meaningful career addressing social challenges, free of math prerequisites.

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Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management

This faculty, based on West Campus, equips students with skills in law, business, and governance, offering programs that either don’t require Mathematics or accept Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB, Four-Year Program)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein (West Campus)

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 40–45, Level 6 (70–79%) in English, and Level 4 (50–59%) in Mathematics or Level 6 (70%+) in Mathematical Literacy. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in constitutional, criminal, and commercial law, with practical training at Wits’s Law Clinic serving disadvantaged communities.

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

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program accepting Mathematical Literacy for aspiring legal professionals.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Law (BA Law)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 34–36, Level 5 in English, and no Mathematics requirement (Mathematical Literacy Level 6 accepted). NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Combines 360 credits in legal studies with humanities majors like Political Studies or Psychology, serving as a standalone degree or pathway to the two-year LLB.

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

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

  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Braamfontein

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with an APS of 38–43, Level 5 in English, and Level 4 in Mathematics or Level 6 in Mathematical Literacy. NBTs in AL and QL required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in political theory, philosophy, and economics, with interdisciplinary case studies preparing students for policy and governance roles.

    • Career Paths: Policy advisor, diplomat, or analyst.

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program accepting Mathematical Literacy for critical thinkers.

Summary Table: WITS Courses Without Maths (2025)

Program

Faculty

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Humanities

3 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), NBTs

Journalist, policy analyst

BA in Digital Arts

Humanities

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), portfolio, NBTs

Game designer, animator

BA in Dramatic Art

Humanities

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), audition, NBTs

Actor, director

BA in Film and Television

Humanities

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), portfolio/essay, NBTs

Filmmaker, screenwriter

BA in Fine Arts

Humanities

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), portfolio, NBTs

Artist, curator

BA in Music

Humanities

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), audition, NBTs

Musician, composer

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Humanities

4 years

Parktown

APS 36–39, Level 5 English, Level 4 Math or Level 7 Math Literacy, NBTs

Foundation phase teacher

BEd Senior Phase and FET

Humanities

4 years

Parktown

APS 36–39, Level 5 English, Level 4 Math or Level 7 Math Literacy, NBTs

High school teacher

Bachelor of Social Work

Humanities

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), NBTs

Social worker, counselor

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Commerce, Law and Management

4 years

Braamfontein

APS 40–45, Level 6 English, Level 4 Math or Level 6 Math Literacy, NBTs

Lawyer, magistrate

BA in Law

Commerce, Law and Management

3 years

Braamfontein

APS 34–36, Level 5 English, no math required (Math Lit Level 6), NBTs

Paralegal, legal consultant

BCom in PPE

Commerce, Law and Management

3 years

Braamfontein

APS 38–43, Level 5 English, Level 4 Math or Level 6 Math Literacy, NBTs

Policy advisor, diplomat
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Why Choose Math-Free Courses at Wits?

Enrolling in Wits programs that don’t require Mathematics offers compelling benefits:

  • Inclusivity: Accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement makes higher education accessible to students with strengths in other areas.

  • Career Opportunities: Programs lead to high-demand fields like law, education, media, and arts, valued for communication and analytical skills in South Africa and globally.

  • Practical Learning: Wits emphasizes hands-on training through studios, law clinics, and teaching practice, ensuring graduates are job-ready.

  • Global Reputation: Wits’s 4.5% acceptance rate and QS rankings reflect its prestige, with alumni like Nelson Mandela shaping history.

How to Apply to Wits for 2025

Wits’s application process is fully online, with a R100 fee for South African citizens (R700 for international applicants). Applications for 2025 closed on September 30, 2024, but for 2026, applications open March 1, 2025. Follow these steps for 2026:

  1. Check Requirements: Review APS, subject, and NBT requirements in the Wits 2025 prospectus at www.wits.ac.za.

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.wits.ac.za, select “Apply,” and submit up to two program choices. Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and NBT proof.

  3. Write NBTs: Register for Academic Literacy and Quantitative Literacy tests by October 2025 via www.nbt.ac.za, required for most programs.

  4. Pay Application Fee: Pay R100 via EFT or credit card, using your person number as reference.

  5. Track Application: Monitor your status at https://self-service.wits.ac.za. Outcomes are emailed by November 2025 for non-Grade 12 applicants or January 2026 for Grade 12 applicants.

  6. Accept Offer and Register: Accept offers within 10 days and register by January 31, 2026, paying a deposit (deducted from tuition).

Note: Programs like LLB and Digital Arts are competitive, requiring portfolios or auditions. Contact Wits’s Student Enrolment Centre at +27 (0)11 717 1888 or [email protected] for support.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

Wits’s math-free programs align with South Africa’s workforce needs, offering strong employment prospects:

  • Education: BEd graduates earn R150,000–R300,000 annually, with a projected teacher shortage of 400,000 by 2030, especially in foundation phase.

  • Arts and Media: Digital Arts, Film, and Music graduates earn R80,000–R250,000 as designers, filmmakers, or musicians, with demand in South Africa’s creative economy.

  • Social Sciences: BA and Social Work graduates earn R100,000–R300,000 in NGOs, government, or research, addressing social challenges in urban and rural areas.

  • Law: LLB and BA Law graduates earn R200,000–R600,000 as lawyers, paralegals, or advisors, with opportunities in Johannesburg’s legal hub.

  • Policy and Governance: PPE graduates earn R150,000–R400,000 in policy, diplomacy, or consulting, with demand in public and private sectors.

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Wits’s partnerships with hospitals, law firms, and media houses, plus the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU), ensure over 80% of graduates find employment within a year, per university reports.

Tips for Success in Wits’s Math-Free Courses

To thrive at Wits, consider these practical strategies:

  • Engage in Practical Components: Maximize studio work, teaching practice, or law clinic experience to build professional skills.

  • Hone Communication Skills: Programs like Film and Social Work rely on strong verbal abilities. Join Wits’s radio or debate societies.

  • Leverage Resources: Use Wartenweiler Library, CCDU, and online portals for academic and career support.

  • Network Actively: Attend Wits’s career fairs or alumni events to connect with industry professionals.

  • Stay Organized: Use planners to manage assignments and practicals, especially in four-year programs like LLB.

Wits’s Unique Learning Environment

Wits’s social justice focus, rooted in its anti-apartheid history, shapes programs like Social Work and Law, emphasizing community impact. The Braamfontein campuses (East and West) span 400 acres, featuring state-of-the-art studios, law clinics, and 17 residences housing 20% of students. The Parktown Education Campus supports teacher training with partner schools.

Wits’s research excellence, with 381 NRF-rated researchers, enhances teaching quality across humanities and law. With 10% international students from 85 nationalities, Wits fosters a cosmopolitan community, enriching programs like PPE. Student life includes over 100 clubs, sports, and events like the Wits Arts and Literature Experience (WALE), creating a vibrant campus culture.

Financial Aid and Support at Wits

Wits offers funding options to ensure affordability:

  • 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.

  • Wits Bursaries: Merit- and need-based funding, including the Natie Kirsh endowment for “missing middle” students. Check www.wits.ac.za for 2025 deadlines.

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact Wits’s Financial Aid and Scholarships Office (FASO) at +27 (0)11 717 1080.

Apply for funding early, as spaces are limited. Wits provides counseling, career advising, and academic support through CCDU and the Wits Language School for English proficiency.

FAQ: Common Questions About WITS Courses Without Maths

1. Can I study at Wits without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like BA, BA Law, Digital Arts, and Social Work don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, needing only an NSC with the specified APS, English proficiency, and NBTs. Education, LLB, and PPE accept Mathematical Literacy. Check www.wits.ac.za for details.

2. What are the job prospects for Wits’s math-free courses?
Graduates enter fields like teaching (R150,000–R300,000), arts and media (R80,000–R250,000), social sciences (R100,000–R300,000), law (R200,000–R600,000), and policy (R150,000–R400,000). Over 80% find employment within a year, supported by Wits’s industry links.

3. Are there short courses at Wits that don’t require Maths?
Yes, Wits Plus and Wits School of Governance offer Short Learning Programmes in humanities, governance, and communication, typically requiring only a Grade 12 certificate. Contact [email protected] for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

The University of the Witwatersrand offers a diverse array of undergraduate courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, catering to students with talents in arts, education, law, and social sciences. From crafting films to shaping young minds or advocating for justice, Wits’s programs provide rigorous, practical training for rewarding careers. With accessible applications, robust financial aid, and a vibrant campus in Johannesburg, Wits is a top choice. Visit www.wits.ac.za, prepare for the 2026 application cycle opening March 1, 2025, and take the first step toward a transformative education at this iconic institution.