WSU Courses That Don’t Require Maths (2025)

Posted on Author Dlamini Blessing

Walter Sisulu University (WSU), established in 2005 through the merger of Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon, and the University of Transkei, is a comprehensive public university in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. With over 30,000 students across its Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City (East London), and Komani campuses, WSU is committed to rural development, urban renewal, and inclusive education. For students who didn’t excel in Mathematics or prefer fields emphasizing creativity, communication, or social impact, WSU offers undergraduate programs that either accept Mathematical Literacy or require no math at all. This guide explores WSU’s 2025 undergraduate courses that don’t require Mathematics, detailing admission requirements, program structures, and career prospects to help you choose a path that aligns with your strengths and goals.

WSU Courses That Don’t Require Maths

WSU’s six faculties—Economic and Financial Sciences; Education; Health Sciences; Law, Humanities and Social Sciences; Natural Sciences; and Engineering and Technology—offer over 170 accredited undergraduate programs, including degrees, diplomas, and certificates. The Faculty of Education and Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences provide the most math-free options, with programs accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement. Below, we detail these courses, based on WSU’s 2025 prospectus and official sources.

Faculty of Education

The Faculty of Education, primarily based at the Komani campus with a delivery site in Mthatha, is WSU’s largest faculty, serving over 8,000 students. It offers 17 programs, including undergraduate qualifications that prepare teachers for various school phases, many of which accept Mathematical Literacy or require no math.

  • Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Komani, Mthatha

    • Admission Requirements: National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a bachelor’s pass, Admission Point Score (APS) of 28 (excluding Life Orientation), Level 4 (50–59%) in English (Home or First Additional Language), Level 4 in an African language (e.g., isiXhosa), and Level 3 (40–49%) in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4 with 50% in English and 40% in Mathematical Literacy accepted. National Benchmark Tests (NBTs) in Academic Literacy (AL) may be required.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in literacy, numeracy, life skills, and multilingual education for grades R–3, with practical teaching in WSU’s partner schools. Focuses on early childhood development and inclusive education.

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

    • Why Choose It?: Addresses South Africa’s teacher shortage with a focus on young learners, accepting Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (Humanities)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Komani, Mthatha

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28, Level 4 in English, Level 4 in an African language or another recognized language, and Level 3 in Mathematics or Level 4 in Mathematical Literacy. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 7–12 in subjects like History, Geography, or Languages across 480 credits, with extensive school-based practice. Emphasizes humanities-based pedagogy.

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

    • Why Choose It?: Prepares educators for humanities subjects, with minimal math requirements.

  • Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (Consumer and Management Sciences)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Komani, Mthatha

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28, Level 4 in English, Level 4 in Consumer Studies, Level 4 in Hospitality Studies or Tourism, Level 4 in isiXhosa, isiZulu, Afrikaans, or Sotho, and Level 3 in any two other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: Prepares teachers for grades 7–12 in Consumer Studies or Tourism across 480 credits, with practical training in classroom and industry settings.

    • Career Paths: Consumer studies teacher, tourism educator, or hospitality trainer.

    • Why Choose It?: A unique program for consumer-focused education, free of math demands.

  • Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and Further Education and Training Teaching (Creative Arts)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Komani, Mthatha

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28, Level 4 in English, Level 4 in Dramatic Arts, Visual Arts, or Music, and Level 3 in any two other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English and a portfolio or audition accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: Trains teachers for grades 7–12 in Creative Arts across 480 credits, with studio and performance-based training at WSU’s arts facilities.

    • Career Paths: Arts teacher, cultural educator, or community arts coordinator.

    • Why Choose It?: A creative teaching program for artistic students, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Diploma in Adult Education and Community Training

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Komani

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 22, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in any four other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. Mature Age Exemption for candidates over 23 with relevant experience.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in adult literacy, community development, and vocational training, with field projects in Eastern Cape communities.

    • Career Paths: Adult educator, community trainer, or NGO facilitator.

    • Why Choose It?: A practical program for community upliftment, free of math demands.

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Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

This faculty, spread across Mthatha, Butterworth, and Buffalo City campuses, offers programs in law, social sciences, and humanities, many of which don’t require Mathematics or accept Mathematical Literacy.

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA)

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Mthatha, Buffalo City

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in any four other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: A flexible 360-credit degree with majors like Anthropology, Criminology, History, Political Science, or Sociology. Students select two majors, focusing on African and regional issues.

    • Career Paths: Community developer, policy analyst, or researcher.

    • Why Choose It?: A versatile degree for students interested in societal dynamics, free of math barriers.

  • Bachelor of Social Sciences

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Mthatha, Buffalo City

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 28, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in any four other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in AL may be required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in Psychology, Sociology, or Political Studies, with research projects addressing Eastern Cape’s social challenges.

    • Career Paths: Social researcher, counselor, or policy advisor.

    • Why Choose It?: A social impact-focused degree, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Bachelor of Social Work

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Mthatha, Buffalo City

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 30, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in any four other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. NBTs in AL required. Selection includes an interview.

    • Overview: Covers 480 credits in social work theory, counseling, and community development, with field placements in rural and urban Eastern Cape settings.

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

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

  • Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

    • Duration: 4 years

    • Campus: Mthatha

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a bachelor’s pass, APS of 32, Level 5 (60–69%) in English, and Level 3 in any four other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 60% in English accepted. NBTs in AL required. Selection includes a screening process.

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

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

    • Why Choose It?: A prestigious program for analytical students, bypassing math prerequisites.

  • Diploma in Public Relations Management

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Buffalo City

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 24, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in any four other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in media relations, event planning, and corporate communication, with practical projects in WSU’s PR labs.

    • Career Paths: PR specialist, event coordinator, or communications officer.

    • Why Choose It?: A dynamic program for communicators, free of math demands.

  • Diploma in Journalism

    • Duration: 3 years

    • Campus: Buffalo City

    • Admission Requirements: NSC with a diploma pass, APS of 24, Level 4 in English, and Level 3 in any four other subjects. No Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy required. NCV Level 4 with 50% in English accepted. Portfolio or writing sample required.

    • Overview: Covers 360 credits in reporting, multimedia journalism, and media ethics, with training in WSU’s newsroom and community radio.

    • Career Paths: Journalist, media producer, or content creator.

    • Why Choose It?: A creative program for storytellers, bypassing math barriers.

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Summary Table: WSU Courses Without Maths (2025)

Program

Faculty

Duration

Campus

Key Admission Requirements

Career Prospects

BEd Foundation Phase Teaching

Education

4 years

Komani, Mthatha

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 4 African language, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, NBTs

Foundation phase teacher

BEd Senior Phase and FET (Humanities)

Education

4 years

Komani, Mthatha

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 4 language, Level 3 Math or Level 4 Math Literacy, NBTs

High school teacher

BEd Senior Phase and FET (Consumer and Management Sciences)

Education

4 years

Komani, Mthatha

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 4 Consumer Studies, no math required, NBTs

Consumer studies teacher

BEd Senior Phase and FET (Creative Arts)

Education

4 years

Komani, Mthatha

APS 28, Level 4 English, Level 4 Arts, no math required, NBTs

Arts teacher

Diploma in Adult Education and Community Training

Education

3 years

Komani

APS 22, Level 4 English, no math required

Adult educator

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

3 years

Mthatha, Buffalo City

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, NBTs

Policy analyst, researcher

Bachelor of Social Sciences

Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

3 years

Mthatha, Buffalo City

APS 28, Level 4 English, no math required, NBTs

Social researcher, counselor

Bachelor of Social Work

Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

4 years

Mthatha, Buffalo City

APS 30, Level 4 English, no math required, NBTs, interview

Social worker, counselor

Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

4 years

Mthatha

APS 32, Level 5 English, no math required, NBTs, screening

Lawyer, legal advisor

Diploma in Public Relations Management

Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

3 years

Buffalo City

APS 24, Level 4 English, no math required

PR specialist

Diploma in Journalism

Law, Humanities and Social Sciences

3 years

Buffalo City

APS 24, Level 4 English, no math required, portfolio

Journalist, content creator

Why Choose Math-Free Courses at WSU?

Pursuing WSU programs that don’t require Mathematics offers several advantages:

  • Inclusivity: Accepting Mathematical Literacy or no math requirement ensures access for students with diverse academic backgrounds, particularly in rural Eastern Cape.

  • Career Focus: Programs emphasize practical, industry-aligned skills, preparing graduates for fields like education, social work, and media.

  • Regional Impact: WSU’s focus on rural development aligns programs like Social Work and Adult Education with Eastern Cape’s community needs.

  • Supportive Environment: WSU’s smaller class sizes and community engagement initiatives foster personalized learning.

How to Apply to WSU for 2025

WSU’s application process is fully online and free for all applicants. Applications for 2025 closed on October 31, 2024, but late applications are accepted from January 20 to March 31, 2025, for programs with available spaces. For 2026, applications open June 2, 2025, and close October 31, 2025. Follow these steps for 2026:

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

  2. Apply Online: Visit www.wsu.ac.za, select “Apply,” and complete the form with two program choices. Upload certified copies of your ID, NSC or Grade 11 results, and NBT proof (if required).

  3. Write NBTs: Register for Academic Literacy tests by October 2025 via www.nbt.ac.za for programs requiring them.

  4. Track Application: Monitor your status at http://status.wsu.ac.za using your student number. Outcomes are emailed 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 (deducted from tuition).

Note: Competitive programs like LLB and Social Work require interviews or screening. Contact WSU’s Admissions Office at +27 (0)47 502 2448 or [email protected] for support.

Career Prospects and Industry Demand

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

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

  • Social Sciences: BA and Social Work graduates earn R100,000–R250,000 in NGOs, government, or community development, addressing Eastern Cape’s rural challenges.

  • Law: LLB graduates earn R200,000–R600,000 as lawyers or advisors, with opportunities in Mthatha’s legal sector and WSU’s Legal Aid Clinic.

  • Media and Communication: Journalism and PR graduates earn R80,000–R200,000 as journalists or communicators, with demand in community media.

  • Community Training: Adult Education graduates earn R80,000–R150,000 in NGOs or government, supporting lifelong learning in rural areas.

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

Tips for Success in WSU’s Math-Free Courses

To excel at WSU, consider these strategies:

  • Engage in Practical Work: Fully participate in teaching practice, field placements, or media projects to build professional skills.

  • Develop Communication Skills: Programs like Journalism and Social Work rely on strong verbal abilities. Join WSU’s radio or cultural societies.

  • Use Campus Resources: Access libraries, career services, and community engagement units via WSU’s My WSU Dashboard.

  • Network Actively: Attend WSU’s open days (e.g., May 2025) or industry talks to connect with Eastern Cape employers.

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

WSU’s Unique Learning Environment

WSU’s rural development focus, rooted in its Eastern Cape location, shapes programs like Social Work and Education, addressing local challenges like poverty and education access. Its four campuses offer modern facilities, including lecture halls, media labs, and residences for 40% of students. The Komani campus, home to the Faculty of Education, features teaching labs, while Mthatha’s Legal Aid Clinic supports LLB students.

WSU’s community engagement, through initiatives like the Siyakhana Food Security Campaign, integrates practical learning into programs like Adult Education. With 5% international students, WSU fosters diversity, enriching programs like BA. Student life includes over 50 societies, sports, and events like the WSU Cultural Festival, creating a vibrant campus experience. WSU’s 5th-place ranking in South Africa’s 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings reflects its commitment to sustainable development.

Financial Aid and Support at WSU

WSU 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.

  • WSU Bursaries: Merit- and need-based funding, including support for “missing middle” students. Check www.wsu.ac.za for 2025 deadlines.

  • Private Loans: Providers like Fundi offer loans. Contact WSU’s Financial Aid Office at +27 (0)47 502 2100.

Apply for funding early, as spaces are limited. WSU provides counseling, career advising, and academic support through Student Support Services and online platforms like My WSU Dashboard.

FAQ: Common Questions About WSU Courses Without Maths

1. Can I study at WSU without Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, programs like BA, Social Work, LLB, Diploma in Journalism, and BEd in Creative Arts or Consumer Sciences don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy, needing only an NSC with the specified APS and English proficiency. Education programs often accept Mathematical Literacy. Check www.wsu.ac.za for details.

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

3. Are there short courses at WSU that don’t require Maths?
Yes, WSU offers Short Learning Programmes in areas like community development and communication, typically requiring only a Grade 12 certificate. Contact [email protected] for 2025 offerings.

Conclusion

Walter Sisulu University offers a diverse range of undergraduate courses for 2025 that don’t require Mathematics, catering to students with talents in education, humanities, law, and communication. From shaping young minds to advocating for justice or telling stories through media, WSU’s programs provide practical, career-focused training rooted in Eastern Cape’s development needs. With free applications, robust financial aid, and a supportive campus environment, WSU is an inspiring choice. Visit www.wsu.ac.za, prepare for the 2026 application cycle opening June 2, 2025, and take the first step toward a rewarding career at this impactful institution.