Dlamini BlessingFor many South African students, the absence of Pure Mathematics in their matric subjects can feel like a closed door to university education. Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in the Eastern Cape offers numerous programmes across multiple faculties that do not require Mathematics for admission, making higher education accessible to students from diverse academic backgrounds .
WSU is one of South Africa’s comprehensive universities offering a wide range of academic and career-oriented programmes. With campuses spread across the Eastern Cape in Butterworth, Mthatha, Queenstown, and East London, WSU is known for its accessibility, inclusive education, and strong emphasis on producing work-ready graduates . The university caters to students from various educational backgrounds — including those with Mathematical Literacy — making it an ideal option for learners who don’t qualify for Maths-intensive programmes but still want quality higher education .
WSU Courses That Don’t Require Maths
The following courses at Walter Sisulu University are open to students who do not have Pure Mathematics. Many of these programmes do not require any mathematics at all for admission .
Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences
This faculty, located primarily at the Butterworth Campus, serves approximately 7,500 students and focuses on governance, administration, media, and business leadership . Programmes are designed to meet workforce needs across public administration, governance, human resource management, journalism, media studies, tourism, hospitality, and sport management .
Diploma in Public Management
This three-year diploma prepares students for careers in government departments, NGOs, and municipal management. It is ideal for students passionate about community service and working in public institutions .
Campus: Buffalo City Campus & Queenstown
Duration: 3 years
Career Opportunities: Government departments, NGOs, municipal management
Mathematics Requirement: None
Diploma in Policing
This three-year diploma is ideal for students aiming to join the law enforcement or security sectors. Graduates can work for SAPS, Metro Police, or security companies .
Campus: Queenstown Campus
Duration: 3 years
Career Opportunities: SAPS, Metro Police, security companies
Mathematics Requirement: None
Diploma in Tourism Management
This three-year diploma is great for students who are interested in the travel and hospitality sector. Graduates can work in travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, or tourism boards .
Campus: Buffalo City Campus
Duration: 3 years
Career Opportunities: Travel agencies, tour operators, hotels, tourism boards
Mathematics Requirement: None
Diploma in Public Relations Management
This three-year diploma is perfect for students who are passionate about communication, branding, and media relations. It teaches you how to shape public opinion, build a positive image for organizations, and handle media crises .
Campus: Buffalo City Campus
Duration: 3 years
Career Opportunities: Public Relations Officer, Communications Specialist, Media Liaison Officer, Corporate Affairs Officer, Event and Campaign Coordinator, Brand Reputation Manager
Mathematics Requirement: None
Diploma in Journalism
This three-year diploma equips you with skills to gather, report, and produce news for print, radio, television, and online media. It is ideal for curious and passionate individuals who want to tell real stories and inform the public .
Campus: Buffalo City Campus
Duration: 3 years
Career Opportunities: News Reporter, Broadcast Journalist, Feature Writer, Content Creator, Editor, Investigative Journalist, Digital Media Producer
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Administration
This three-year degree is designed for those who want to build a career in government, municipal structures, or public institutions. It provides a solid foundation in public sector management, policy development, and administrative skills .
Campus: Buffalo City Campus
Duration: 3 years
Career Opportunities: Public Administrator, Policy Analyst, Municipal Manager, Human Resource Officer, Administrative Officer, Government Relations Manager
Mathematics Requirement: None
Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences
This faculty is centred at the Mthatha Campus and plays a critical role in shaping professionals for governance, justice, culture, and social development. With close to 3,000 enrolled students, it represents one of the most socially impactful academic clusters at WSU .
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
This four-year degree is the professional qualification required to practice as an attorney or advocate in South Africa.
APS Requirement: 27
Senior Certificate: Matriculation Exemption
NSC (Degree): Minimum rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the designated list. An achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in English
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Social Work
This professional degree prepares students to become social workers, registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Psychology
This degree provides foundational knowledge in psychology, preparing students for further studies or careers in mental health and social services.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Social Science
This flexible degree offers majors in various social science disciplines, including sociology, anthropology, and development studies.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Faculty of Education
As the largest faculty at Walter Sisulu University, the Faculty of Education serves over 8,000 students and plays a central role in regional human capital development . Programmes are aligned with school system needs and include preparation for Foundation Phase teaching, Senior Phase and FET teaching, and technical and vocational education .
Bachelor of Education in Foundation Phase Teaching (Grades R-3)
This four-year degree trains students to teach at the early primary school level, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and life skills.
Mathematics Requirement: None (teaching-focused, not mathematics-intensive)
Bachelor of Education in Intermediate Phase Teaching (Grades 4-6)
This programme prepares teachers for the intermediate primary school phase.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Education in Senior Phase and FET Teaching (Grades 7-12)
This programme prepares teachers for high school level. Specialisations include languages, life orientation, and other humanities subjects.
Mathematics Requirement: None for humanities streams
Higher Certificate in Education
This one-year programme serves as a pathway into the Bachelor of Education degree for students who do not meet direct entry requirements .
Mathematics Requirement: None
Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences
Located at the Mthatha Campus, this faculty enrolls approximately 3,000 students annually and offers pathways into commerce, finance, and accounting professions . However, note that some programmes in this faculty do require Mathematics.
National Higher Certificate in Accountancy (NHC)
This programme serves as an entry point into accounting studies for students who may not meet the requirements for the Bachelor of Accounting. It is available as an Extended Curriculum Programme for students needing additional academic support .
Campus: College Street, Potsdam, Imbika, Zamakulungisa, Queenstown
NSC (Degree/Diploma/Higher Certificate): Minimum rating of 3 in 4 recognised subjects
Mathematics Requirement: None specified (Mathematical Literacy may be accepted)
Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting
This one-year course is ideal for learners who want to gain basic knowledge of business, accounting, and economics and later articulate into a diploma .
Campus: Buffalo City Campus
Duration: 1 year
Mathematics Requirement: None
Higher Certificate Programmes (APS 18-21)
Higher certificates are NQF Level 5 qualifications that typically take one year to complete. They are the most accessible entry point at WSU for students who may not meet diploma or degree requirements. Upon successful completion, Higher Certificates can serve as stepping stones to diploma or degree programmes .
Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting
Campus: Buffalo City Campus
Duration: 1 year
Mathematics Requirement: None
Career Pathway: Articulation into diploma programmes in business and economics
Higher Certificate in Accountancy (ECP)
Campus: College Street, Potsdam, Imbika, Zamakulungisa, Queenstown
Duration: 1 year (Extended Curriculum option available)
Mathematics Requirement: None specified
Diploma Programmes Without Maths (APS 20-24)
Diploma programmes are three-year qualifications that prepare students directly for the workforce. Several diplomas at WSU have no mathematics requirements.
Diploma in Public Management
Diploma in Policing
Diploma in Tourism Management
Diploma in Public Relations Management
Diploma in Journalism
Diploma in Sport Management
APS Requirement: 23
Senior Certificate: English HG-E; another language at HG-E
NSC (Degree/Diploma): Minimum rating of 4 (50-59%) for English, Mathematical Literacy or 3 (40-49%) for Mathematics
Additional Requirements: Certified report from school or club detailing sporting ability and achievement for the year of application is essential; interview may be held
Diploma in Small Business Management
NSC (Degree/Diploma): Minimum rating of 3 (40-49%) for English as a home language or first additional language level. Achievement rating of at least 3 (40-49%) for Mathematical Literacy or Literacy
Additional Requirements: An interview may be conducted for development intervention purposes
Bachelor’s Degree Programmes Without Maths (APS 24-30)
Bachelor’s degrees typically take three to four years to complete and serve as gateways to professional careers or postgraduate study.
Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin)
APS: Not specified but generally 24+
Senior Certificate: Matriculation Exemption
NSC (Degree): Minimum rating of 4 in English. Minimum rating of 4 in any two recognised subjects and 3 in any other subjects
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Laws (LLB)
APS: 27
Senior Certificate: Matriculation Exemption
NSC (Degree): Minimum rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in four subjects chosen from the designated list. An achievement rating of 4 (50-59%) or better in English
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
This flexible degree offers majors in languages, history, sociology, psychology, and other humanities disciplines.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Social Work
Professional degree preparing students for social work registration.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Psychology
Foundation degree in psychological studies.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Foundation Phase
Four-year teaching degree for Grades R-3.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Intermediate Phase
Teaching degree for Grades 4-6.
Mathematics Requirement: None
Bachelor of Education (BEd) in Senior Phase and FET
Teaching degree for Grades 7-12 (humanities streams).
Mathematics Requirement: None
Important Note on Programmes That Do Require Mathematics
For clarity, it is equally important to know which WSU courses may require Mathematics. Students without Pure Mathematics should be aware that the following programmes typically have mathematics requirements :
Bachelor of Accounting (B Acc) – Requires Mathematics (APS 28, minimum rating of 4 in Mathematics)
Bachelor of Accounting Science (B Compt) – Requires Mathematics (APS 32, minimum rating of 5 in Mathematics)
BCom (General) – Requires Mathematics (APS 28, minimum rating of 4 in Mathematics)
BCom (Economics) – Requires Mathematics (APS 28, minimum rating of 4 in Mathematics)
National Diploma: Tourism Management – May require Mathematical Literacy minimum rating of 4
However, many of the university’s most popular programmes in Law, Humanities, Education, Public Management, Policing, Journalism, and Public Relations have no mathematics requirements at all .
Quick Reference Table by Qualification
| Qualification | Faculty | Duration | Mathematics Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Certificate in Versatile Broadcasting | Management | 1 year | None |
| Diploma in Public Management | Management | 3 years | None |
| Diploma in Policing | Management | 3 years | None |
| Diploma in Tourism Management | Management | 3 years | None |
| Diploma in Public Relations Management | Management | 3 years | None |
| Diploma in Journalism | Management | 3 years | None |
| Diploma in Sport Management | Management | 3 years | Maths Lit accepted |
| Diploma in Small Business Management | Management | 3 years | Maths Lit accepted |
| Bachelor of Administration | Management | 3 years | None |
| Bachelor of Laws (LLB) | Law | 4 years | None |
| Bachelor of Social Work | Humanities | 4 years | None |
| Bachelor of Psychology | Humanities | 3 years | None |
| B.Ed. Foundation Phase | Education | 4 years | None |
| B.Ed. Intermediate Phase | Education | 4 years | None |
| B.Ed. Senior Phase & FET (Humanities) | Education | 4 years | None |
Source: WSU prospectus and programme information
Application Tips for Students Without Pure Mathematics
Verify Your Specific Requirements
While this guide provides general requirements, always check the official WSU prospectus for your specific programme, as requirements can change annually .
Calculate Your APS Correctly
WSU calculates APS using your six best subjects, excluding Life Orientation unless otherwise stated . The typical APS ranges are: Higher Certificate 18-21, Diploma 20-24, Bachelor’s Degree 24-30 .
English is Mandatory
All programmes require English at a minimum level. For degree programmes, a rating of 4 (50-59%) in English is typically required .
Meeting Minimums Does Not Guarantee Admission
WSU admission is competitive, especially for high-demand courses. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place. Apply early .
Apply Early
No Application Fee
WSU’s online application platform is generally a free service for applicants .
Prepare Your Documents
When applying, you will need certified copies (not older than three months) of your South African ID or passport, your latest Grade 11 or Grade 12 results, and proof of residence .
How to Apply
Applications to Walter Sisulu University are submitted online through the official WSU application portal at ie.wsu.ac.za .
Application Steps:
Step 1: Visit the WSU website at www.wsu.ac.za and navigate to the Study With Us section
Step 2: Click on the application link to access the online portal
Step 3: Create an account with your email address and a password. Save your reference number
Step 4: Complete the online application form with your personal and academic details
Step 5: Upload certified copies of all required documents
Step 6: Submit your application and save your reference number
After submitting, you will receive a confirmation email. You can check your application status on the WSU status portal at status.wsu.ac.za using your reference number or ID number .
For any queries, contact the admissions office through the WSU website or the Registrar’s office .
Understanding the Maths Requirement at WSU
WSU, like most South African universities, treats Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy differently for admission purposes. For the majority of programmes in the Humanities, Law, Education, and Social Sciences, Mathematics is not required as an admission subject .
It is important to note that WSU offers courses that don’t require Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at all for admission . This means that having Mathematics on your matric certificate is not a barrier to studying at WSU for many programmes.
General Admission Requirements at WSU
Before applying, you must meet WSU’s minimum statutory requirements for your chosen qualification level :
For a Higher Certificate: Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching (English) .
For a Diploma: Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in English, plus 40-49% or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects .
For a Bachelor’s Degree: Pass the NSC with a minimum of 30% in English, plus 50-59% or better in four recognised 20-credit subjects, with a degree endorsement .
Life Orientation is generally excluded from the calculation unless otherwise stated .
Conclusion
Walter Sisulu University offers genuine opportunities for students who did not take Pure Mathematics in high school. From the Management and Public Administration programmes to Law, Humanities, and Education, there are multiple accredited pathways to meaningful careers.
The Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences provides the widest range of options, including diplomas in Public Management, Policing, Tourism Management, Public Relations Management, Journalism, and Sport Management, as well as the Bachelor of Administration degree . The Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences offers the LLB, Social Work, Psychology, and Social Science degrees . The Faculty of Education offers teaching qualifications across all phases . And Higher Certificate programmes provide accessible entry points with no mathematics requirements .
However, it is crucial to note that mainstream Accounting and BCom programmes at WSU may require Pure Mathematics . Students interested in these fields should either upgrade their Mathematics qualification or consider the National Higher Certificate in Accountancy as an alternative pathway.
The key is to identify which programme aligns with your interests and strengths, then ensure you meet the specific English and APS requirements for that course. With no application fee and a commitment to accessible education, WSU is an excellent choice for students who want to succeed without Pure Mathematics.