List of Rhodes University Courses and Requirements – A Detailed Guide
Rhodes University, located in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa, is one of the country’s most prestigious institutions of higher learning. With a strong emphasis on academic excellence, research, and community engagement, Rhodes has built a stellar reputation for providing quality education across a wide range of disciplines. Offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs, the university is particularly known for its focus on the humanities, social sciences, law, and business.
In this comprehensive guide, we will outline the courses offered at Rhodes University, the admission requirements for each program, and provide insight into how prospective students can apply.
1. About Rhodes University
Founded in 1904, Rhodes University is a public research university that has earned global recognition for its commitment to offering a holistic education. It is South Africa’s oldest university to specialize in the liberal arts and humanities and is known for its world-class research output. With a student population of about 8,000, Rhodes is a smaller university that prides itself on its close-knit, personalized learning environment.
The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and it is a popular choice for students seeking academic excellence, especially in the arts, social sciences, law, and commerce.
Rhodes University is also known for its commitment to social justice, producing graduates who contribute positively to the development of South Africa and beyond.
Rhodes University Faculties:
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Commerce
- Faculty of Science
- Faculty of Education
2. List of Rhodes University Courses
Rhodes University offers numerous undergraduate and postgraduate programs across different faculties. Here’s an overview of some of the key courses available at the university:
a. Undergraduate Programs
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) The BA program is one of Rhodes University’s most popular degrees, offering students the opportunity to study subjects in the humanities, social sciences, and languages. Students can specialize in subjects such as English, History, Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, and Philosophy.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Sociology, Psychology, History, Political Science, Philosophy, Literature, Gender Studies, Media Studies
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English.
- The choice of subjects may depend on the specialization chosen.
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) The BCom program prepares students for careers in business, management, economics, and accounting. Specializations include Accounting, Economics, Management, and Marketing.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Financial Accounting, Business Management, Marketing, Economics, Organizational Behavior, Business Ethics
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English, 60% in Mathematics, and a strong background in subjects like Accounting or Economics.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) Rhodes University offers a four-year LLB program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of South African law and prepares them for a legal career. The LLB program is highly respected and considered one of the top legal education programs in South Africa.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Legal Writing, International Law, Property Law, Environmental Law
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English.
- A strong academic background in subjects like History or Business Studies may be advantageous.
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) The BSc program at Rhodes offers various specializations in the natural sciences. Students can specialize in fields such as Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Studies, Statistics, Computer Science
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English, 60% in Mathematics, and 60% in Physical Science or Life Sciences depending on the specialization.
- Bachelor of Education (BEd) The BEd program at Rhodes University prepares students to become professional teachers. The program focuses on teaching methods, educational psychology, curriculum development, and the social context of education.
- Duration: 4 years
- Key Modules: Educational Psychology, Teaching Methodologies, Classroom Management, Curriculum Development, Sociology of Education
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and relevant subjects such as Life Orientation or Mathematics, depending on the specialization.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) The BFA program at Rhodes is ideal for students interested in pursuing careers in the visual arts, theater, music, and design. The program focuses on creativity, artistic techniques, and the theory behind the arts.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Music, Drama, Art History, Visual Culture
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English.
- A portfolio of artwork may be required for applicants.
- Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) The BSocSci program is designed for students interested in exploring human behavior, society, and culture. The program includes specializations such as Sociology, Anthropology, Psychology, and Political Science.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, Political Science, Human Geography
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English.
- Additional subjects, such as History or Geography, may be required based on the chosen specialization.
- Bachelor of Journalism (BJourn) The BJourn program is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career in media, journalism, or communications. The program combines theoretical coursework with practical media skills development.
- Duration: 3 years
- Key Modules: Media Studies, Journalism Ethics, Reporting, News Writing, Multimedia Journalism, Digital Communication
- Admission Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English.
b. Postgraduate Programs
- Master of Business Administration (MBA) Rhodes offers an MBA program aimed at professionals looking to enhance their management and leadership skills. The program is designed to develop strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and leadership capabilities.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Leadership, Business Strategy, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, Financial Management
- Admission Requirements:
- A relevant undergraduate degree with at least 60%.
- A minimum of 3 years of work experience in a managerial or leadership role is required.
- Master of Science (MSc) Rhodes University offers MSc programs in fields such as Biology, Environmental Science, and Computer Science. These programs are research-based and allow students to specialize in their chosen field.
- Duration: 2 years
- Key Modules: Research Methodology, Advanced Topics in the Chosen Field
- Admission Requirements:
- A relevant undergraduate degree with at least 60% in the chosen field of study.
- Master of Laws (LLM) The LLM program at Rhodes is designed for law graduates who wish to specialize in areas such as Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, or Environmental Law.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Specialization in chosen area of law, Legal Research
- Admission Requirements:
- An LLB degree or equivalent qualification with at least 60%.
- Master of Education (MEd) The MEd program offers advanced studies in education, with specializations in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, and Educational Psychology.
- Duration: 1-2 years
- Key Modules: Educational Research, Leadership in Education, Curriculum Design, Educational Psychology
- Admission Requirements:
- A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BEd or similar) with at least 60%.
3. Admission Requirements for Rhodes University Courses
The general admission requirements for undergraduate programs at Rhodes University include:
- A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with specific subject requirements.
- For competitive programs, such as Law, Engineering, or Medicine, higher marks in core subjects such as Mathematics and Physical Science may be required.
- Some programs, such as Fine Arts and Journalism, may require a portfolio or additional entrance assessments.
For postgraduate programs, candidates typically need:
- A relevant undergraduate degree with at least 60%.
- Additional requirements, such as professional work experience, research proposals, or selection interviews, may apply.
4. How to Apply for Rhodes University Courses
To apply to Rhodes University, follow these steps:
- Visit the Rhodes University Official Website: Review the courses and the specific admission requirements for each program.
- Create an Online Application Account: Register on the Rhodes University online application portal.
- Complete the Application Form: Provide all necessary personal and academic details.
- Upload Documents: Submit required documents such as your NSC results, identification, and any additional requirements.
- Pay the Application Fee: Make the required payment
for the application fee. 6. Submit the Application: After reviewing your application, submit it online. 7. Check Application Status: Monitor the progress of your application through the university’s portal.
For more details or to apply online, visit Rhodes University’s official website: www.ru.ac.za.
