List of UKZN Courses and Requirements – A Detailed Guide
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a prestigious public university located in Durban, South Africa. Renowned for its world-class research, innovation, and diverse academic offerings, UKZN is committed to providing high-quality education across various disciplines. With a strong emphasis on empowering students to become global citizens, UKZN offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
In this article, we will take a detailed look at the courses offered at UKZN, the admission requirements for each program, and how prospective students can apply to join this esteemed institution.
1. About the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
The University of KwaZulu-Natal was formed in 2004 through the merger of the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville. UKZN has since grown into a leading South African university with a strong academic reputation both nationally and internationally. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties.
UKZN is dedicated to producing graduates who are not only academically competent but also possess the skills, values, and global perspective needed to succeed in today’s interconnected world. With campuses in Durban, Pietermaritzburg, and Westville, UKZN serves students from all walks of life, providing them with opportunities to contribute to the development of the region and the world.
UKZN Faculties:
- Faculty of Humanities, Development, and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science and Agriculture
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- School of Management, IT, and Governance
2. List of UKZN Courses
UKZN offers an extensive range of courses across undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Below is an overview of some of the most popular programs:
a. Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) UKZN offers a highly respected MBChB program that trains students to become medical professionals. The program integrates academic learning with practical, hands-on experience in hospitals and clinics.
- Duration: 6 years
- Key Modules: Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics, Psychiatry, Clinical Medicine
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 70% in Mathematics, 70% in Physical Science, 70% in Life Sciences, and 50% in English.
- An entrance exam and/or interview may be required.
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) UKZN offers various specializations in its BCom program, including Accounting, Economics, Marketing, and Management. This program is ideal for students seeking careers in business and economics.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Marketing, Finance, Business Law
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and 60% in Mathematics.
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) UKZN offers an engineering program with several disciplines, including Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Chemical Engineering. The program focuses on developing technical and practical skills.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Engineering Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electrical Engineering, Structural Engineering
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 70% in Mathematics and 70% in Physical Science.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) The LLB program at UKZN offers comprehensive training in South African law and legal principles, preparing students for careers in the legal profession.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, International Law, Property Law, Legal Research
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English and 50% in other relevant subjects such as History or Business Studies.
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) UKZN offers a range of specializations in the BSc program, including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Computer Science, and Physics.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Computer Science
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Science or Life Sciences.
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) UKZN’s BEd program is designed to produce skilled and knowledgeable teachers. It offers specializations in Early Childhood Education, Senior and Further Education, and Educational Management.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Educational Psychology, Teaching Methods, Classroom Management, Curriculum Development, Assessment
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and other relevant subjects.
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) The BA program at UKZN allows students to specialize in a wide range of subjects, including English, Psychology, Sociology, History, Philosophy, and Political Science.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, English, Political Science, History
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and other relevant subjects.
- Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences (BSc Agric) UKZN’s BSc Agric program prepares students for careers in agriculture, with specializations in fields like Animal Science, Crop Production, and Soil Science.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Animal Science, Crop Production, Soil Science, Agricultural Economics, Environmental Science
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Science or Life Sciences.
b. Postgraduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) UKZN offers a globally recognized MBA program aimed at professionals seeking to advance their careers in business leadership and management.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Strategic Management, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Finance, Leadership, Entrepreneurship
- Admission Requirements:
- A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BCom) with at least 60%.
- A minimum of 3-5 years of work experience in a managerial or leadership role.
- Master of Engineering (MEng) The MEng program at UKZN offers students the opportunity to specialize in various branches of engineering, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Advanced Engineering Topics, Research, Thesis
- Admission Requirements:
- A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BEng) with at least 60%.
- Master of Science (MSc) UKZN offers MSc programs in various fields of science, including Environmental Science, Biology, and Chemistry. The program is research-based and culminates in the completion of a dissertation.
- Duration: 2 years
- Key Modules: Research Methodology, Specialized Topics, Thesis
- Admission Requirements:
- A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BSc) with at least 60%.
- Master of Education (MEd) The MEd program at UKZN offers specializations in fields such as Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, and Educational Psychology.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Research in Education, Curriculum Design, Educational Leadership
- Admission Requirements:
- A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BEd or equivalent) with at least 60%.
- Master of Laws (LLM) The LLM program allows students to specialize in various branches of law, including International Law, Constitutional Law, and Commercial Law.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Legal Research, Specialization in Chosen Area of Law, Dissertation
- Admission Requirements:
- An LLB degree or equivalent qualification with at least 60%.
3. Admission Requirements for UKZN Courses
The general admission requirements for undergraduate programs at UKZN include:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with the necessary subject combinations and minimum grades specified for each program.
- For competitive programs, such as Medicine, Engineering, and certain Science courses, higher grades in Mathematics, Physical Science, and other relevant subjects are required.
- Some programs may require additional assessments such as portfolios, interviews, or entrance exams.
For postgraduate programs, candidates generally need:
- A relevant undergraduate degree with at least 60%.
- Depending on the program, additional documentation such as a research proposal, work experience, or an interview may be required.
4. How to Apply for UKZN Courses
To apply for a program at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, follow these steps:
- Visit the UKZN Official Website: Browse the courses and review the specific admission requirements for each program.
- Create an Application Account: Register for an application account on the UKZN online portal.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form
with your personal details, academic history, and program choices. 4. Upload Required Documents: Submit your National Senior Certificate (NSC), ID proof, and any additional documents as required. 5. Pay the Application Fee: Complete the online payment for the application fee. 6. Submit Your Application: Review and submit your application online. 7. Track Your Application Status: Use the portal to check the progress of your application.
For more details or to apply, visit the official UKZN website: www.ukzn.ac.za.