List of SUN Courses and Requirements – A Detailed Guide

Stellenbosch University (SUN) is one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning. Located in the picturesque town of Stellenbosch in the Western Cape, SUN is renowned for its academic excellence, diverse student body, and research-driven approach to education. Offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, Stellenbosch University continues to be a popular choice for students seeking world-class education across various fields of study.

This article provides an overview of the courses offered by Stellenbosch University, the admission requirements for each program, and how to apply to this top South African institution.

1. About Stellenbosch University (SUN)

Founded in 1918, Stellenbosch University has grown into one of Africa’s leading universities, with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. It is a multi-campus university offering a wide variety of programs in fields such as the humanities, natural sciences, engineering, health sciences, and business. SUN is also renowned for its research output and its emphasis on critical thinking and societal impact.

The university has approximately 30,000 students and offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs. Its diverse academic offerings cater to a wide range of career aspirations, and the university’s collaborative approach to learning ensures that students receive a comprehensive, well-rounded education.

SUN Faculties:

• Faculty of AgriSciences
• Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
• Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Engineering
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Theology

Each faculty offers a variety of specialized programs that allow students to pursue their academic and professional interests.

2. List of SUN Courses

Stellenbosch University offers a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across different fields of study. Here is an overview of some of the key programs offered:

a. Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) The MBChB program is offered through the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, preparing students for a career in medicine. The program focuses on both theoretical knowledge and clinical experience.
   • Duration: 6 years
   • Key Modules: Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Biochemistry, Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Psychiatry, Medical Ethics
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English, 70% in Mathematics, 70% in Physical Science, and 70% in Life Sciences.
     • Additional selection criteria and an admission test may be required.
2. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) SUN offers a Bachelor of Engineering program with specializations in fields like Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Industrial Engineering. This program provides students with the necessary skills to excel in engineering careers.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Engineering Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electrical Systems, Structural Analysis, Materials Science
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English, 70% in Mathematics, and 70% in Physical Science.
     • Additional selection criteria may apply.
3. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) The BCom degree is one of the most popular programs at SUN, with specializations in Accounting, Economics, Marketing, and Management. This degree provides a solid foundation in business principles and prepares students for a variety of careers in the corporate world.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Accounting, Business Management, Marketing, Economics, Finance, Business Law
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and 50% in Mathematics.
     • Additional subjects such as Accounting, Economics, or Business Studies may be required depending on the specialization.
4. Bachelor of Arts (BA) The BA program at SUN offers students the flexibility to pursue studies in various humanities and social sciences disciplines. Students can specialize in fields such as Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, History, and Philosophy.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: History, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Philosophy, Language Studies
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and relevant subjects based on the chosen specialization.
5. Bachelor of Science (BSc) The BSc program offers various specializations in the natural sciences, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Environmental Science. It is ideal for students looking to pursue a career in scientific research or the tech industry.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Environmental Science, Computer Science
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English and 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science or Life Sciences, depending on the chosen specialization.
6. Bachelor of Education (BEd) Stellenbosch University offers a Bachelor of Education degree that equips students with the skills to become professional educators. The program allows students to specialize in Foundation Phase, Intermediate Phase, or Senior Phase teaching.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Educational Psychology, Curriculum Development, Teaching Methods, Classroom Management
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and relevant subjects based on the phase you wish to teach.
7. Bachelor of Law (LLB) The LLB program at Stellenbosch University is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of South African law, international law, and legal theory. This program is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in law.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Legal Research, International Law, Legal Writing
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English and relevant subjects.
8. Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences (BSc Agric) The BSc Agric degree is designed for students interested in the agricultural sciences. SUN offers specializations in areas such as Agricultural Economics, Plant and Soil Sciences, and Animal Science.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Agricultural Economics, Plant Biology, Animal Science, Soil Science, Agronomy
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English and 60% in Mathematics and Physical Science.

b. Postgraduate Programs

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) SUN’s MBA program, offered by the Business School, is a prestigious and internationally recognized qualification. It is designed for professionals looking to enhance their management and leadership skills.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Leadership, Business Strategy, Organizational Behavior, Marketing, Financial Management
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum of 60%.
     • At least 3 years of professional work experience, preferably in a managerial position.
2. Master of Science (MSc) The MSc program at SUN allows students to specialize in various scientific disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Physics. Students engage in advanced research in their chosen fields.
   • Duration: 2 years
   • Key Modules: Research Methodology, Advanced Topics in the Chosen Field
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree with at least 60%.
3. Master of Engineering (MEng) The MEng program is for students who wish to further their engineering education and specialize in fields such as Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, or Electrical Engineering.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Advanced Engineering Topics, Research Project, Engineering Management
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree in engineering with at least 60%.
4. Master of Laws (LLM) The LLM program at SUN provides students with an opportunity to specialize in various areas of law, such as Commercial Law, Human Rights Law, and Environmental Law.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Legal Research, Specialization in Chosen Area of Law
   • Admission Requirements:
     • An LLB degree or equivalent with at least 60%.

3. Admission Requirements for SUN Courses

The general admission requirements for undergraduate programs at Stellenbosch University include:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification.
• For specific programs like Medicine, Engineering, and Law, higher percentages in core subjects like Mathematics and Physical Science are required.
• For competitive programs, such as Medicine or Dentistry, additional selection processes or tests may apply.

For postgraduate programs, you typically need:

• A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BCom, LLB, BSc) with a minimum of 60%.
• Some programs may require professional experience, a research proposal, or other selection criteria.