List of UFS Courses and Requirements – A Detailed Guide

The University of the Free State (UFS) is a prestigious public university located in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Established in 1904, UFS has grown to become one of the leading higher education institutions in the country, offering a wide range of academic programs across diverse fields of study. Known for its excellent academic standards, research-driven approach, and inclusive learning environment, UFS provides students with a platform to develop their skills, knowledge, and leadership potential.

In this article, we will provide a detailed list of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered at UFS, the specific admission requirements for each program, and how prospective students can apply.

1. About the University of the Free State (UFS)

The University of the Free State is located in Bloemfontein, the judicial capital of South Africa. UFS is a dynamic institution that fosters academic excellence, diversity, and critical thinking. With a strong emphasis on research and community engagement, UFS is committed to empowering students to contribute to both national and global development.

UFS operates across three campuses:

• Bloemfontein Campus (main campus)
• Qwaqwa Campus (located in the Eastern Free State)
• South Campus (offers specialized programs)

With a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, UFS caters to the needs of students from various academic backgrounds, offering programs in areas such as education, business, law, health sciences, agriculture, and the humanities.

UFS Faculties:

• Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
• Faculty of Theology
• Faculty of Engineering

2. List of UFS Courses

The University of the Free State offers a wide array of programs at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Below is a detailed overview of the courses available:

a. Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) The MBChB program at UFS is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in medicine. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical training in clinical settings.
   • Duration: 6 years
   • Key Modules: Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Surgery, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Psychiatry
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 70% in Mathematics, 70% in Physical Science, and 70% in Life Sciences.
     • 50% in English.
     • An entrance exam and/or interview may be required.
2. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) The BCom degree offers a wide range of specializations such as Accounting, Economics, Marketing, and Management. It equips students with the skills required for careers in the business world.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Accounting, Business Management, Marketing, Economics, Statistics, Finance
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and 60% in Mathematics.
3. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) UFS offers a BEng program that covers various engineering disciplines, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering. This program focuses on technical and practical skills, preparing students for the engineering industry.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Engineering Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Electronics, Structural Engineering
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 70% in Mathematics and 70% in Physical Science.
4. Bachelor of Laws (LLB) The LLB program at UFS provides a solid foundation in South African law, preparing students for careers as legal professionals in fields such as criminal law, corporate law, and international law.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Property Law, Commercial Law, Contract Law, Legal Research
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English and 50% in other relevant subjects, such as Business Studies or History.
5. Bachelor of Arts (BA) The BA program at UFS allows students to specialize in various disciplines within the humanities, including Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, and Philosophy. It provides students with a broad education in social sciences and the arts.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, History, Media Studies, Philosophy
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and other relevant subjects.
6. Bachelor of Education (BEd) The BEd program at UFS prepares students for careers in education, offering specializations in Early Childhood Education, Senior Phase Education, and Further Education and Training (FET).
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Educational Psychology, Teaching Methods, Curriculum Development, Classroom Management, Sociology of Education
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and other relevant subjects.
7. Bachelor of Science (BSc) The BSc program at UFS offers specializations in disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Environmental Science. Students gain in-depth knowledge of scientific principles and research techniques.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Environmental Science
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in Mathematics and 60% in Physical Science or Life Sciences.
8. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) The BSW program prepares students for careers as social workers, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to work in various social services fields.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Social Work Theory, Psychology, Sociology, Case Management, Human Behavior, Counseling
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and relevant subjects.

b. Postgraduate Programs

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) The MBA program at UFS is designed for professionals seeking to develop advanced business and management skills. It provides a deep understanding of business strategy, leadership, and global markets.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Business Strategy, Leadership, Operations Management, Marketing, Finance, Corporate Governance
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree with at least 60%.
     • A minimum of 3-5 years of professional work experience.
2. Master of Engineering (MEng) The MEng program is available in various engineering disciplines, offering advanced technical knowledge and research opportunities. This program is designed for students wishing to specialize further in their engineering fields.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Advanced Engineering Topics, Research, Thesis
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BEng) with at least 60% in the chosen field.
3. Master of Science (MSc) The MSc program offers students the opportunity to conduct research in various fields of science, including Environmental Science, Biology, and Chemistry.
   • Duration: 2 years
   • Key Modules: Research Methodology, Specialized Topics, Thesis
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BSc) with at least 60%.
4. Master of Education (MEd) The MEd program at UFS offers advanced studies in Education, with specializations in Educational Leadership, Curriculum Development, and Educational Psychology.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Educational Research, Curriculum Design, Leadership in Education, Educational Psychology
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BEd or equivalent) with at least 60%.
5. Master of Laws (LLM) The LLM program provides specialized legal education in areas such as International Law, Commercial Law, and Constitutional Law.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Legal Research, Specialization in Chosen Area of Law, Dissertation
   • Admission Requirements:
     • An LLB degree or equivalent with at least 60%.

3. Admission Requirements for UFS Courses

To be admitted to an undergraduate program at the University of the Free State, students need to meet the following general requirements:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification, with the necessary subject combinations and minimum grades as specified for each program.
• For competitive programs such as Medicine, Engineering, and some Science programs, higher marks in Mathematics and Physical Science or Life Sciences are required.
• Some programs, such as Fine Arts or Journalism, may require additional assessments, such as portfolios or interviews.

For postgraduate programs, candidates generally need:

• A relevant undergraduate degree with at least 60% or higher.
• In some cases, professional work experience, research proposals, or additional assessments may be required.

1. How to Apply for UFS Courses

To apply for a program at UFS, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Official UFS Website: Browse the programs available and review the specific admission requirements for each course.
2. Create an Application Account: Register for an account on the UFS online application portal.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill out the form with your personal details and academic history.
4. Upload Required Documents: Submit your National Senior Certificate (NSC), ID, and any other necessary documents.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Complete the application fee payment online.
6. Submit Your Application: Review your application and submit it online.
7. Track Your Application: Use the portal to check the status of your application.

For more information or to apply, visit the official UFS website: www.ufs.ac.za.