University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Admission or Entry Requirement
| Undergraduate programmes |
| 1. National Senior Certificate or Senior Certificate |
1.1 Applicants to undergraduate degree programmes must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate for Degree Studies (NSC-Deg) or a Senior Certificate with endorsement.
1.2 Applicants to undergraduate diploma programmes must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate for Diploma studies (NSC-Dip) or Senior Certificate.
| Postgraduate Diplomas (NQF 8) |
| Requirements |
- An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a) OR
- Attained a level of competence as defined by rule GR7 (b)
- A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za.
- Some Schools/College may accept and Advanced Diploma for entry into a Postgraduate Diploma if HEQF (Higher Education Qualification Framework) requirements are met.
Duration
- A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with permission of Senate all modules shall be completed at the University.
Curriculum
- The curriculum will contain advanced reflection, practice and research methods in the area of specialization and may include a sustained research project in accordance with College rules approved by Senate.
| Bachelor of Honours Degrees (NQF 8) |
| Requirements |
- An appropriate Bachelor’s degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a) OR
- Attained a level of competence as defined by Rule GR7 (b)
- A school/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za.
Duration
- A minimum of at least two consecutive semesters. Except with permission of Senate all modules shall be completed at the University.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the Honours degree shall include a prescribed research project as one of the modules wich shall account for a minimum of 25% of the credits for the degree.
| Masters by Coursework and Masters by Research (NQF9) |
| Requirements |
- A relevant prerequisite degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (a) OR
- Attained a level of competence as defined by rule GR7 (b)
- A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission to study. Consult College Handbooks on www.ukzn.ac.za
Duration
Coursework
- A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part time) before the degree may be conferred.
- With permission and in terms of College regulations, periods of attendance at graduate level at another institution or in another College may be accepted. (Consult with relevant School).
Research
- A minimum of two consecutive semesters (full time) or 4 consecutive semesters (part time) before the degree may be conferred.
Curriculum
Coursework
- Candidates shall complete all modules of which one will be a dissertation on a research topic to be approved by Senate. The dissertation module will normally comprise 33-50% of the credit value of the degree.
Research
- Candidates shall be required to pursue an appropriate programme of research on a subject on a subject falling within the scope of the studies presented at the University. Students must also adhere to possible other conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.
| Doctor of philosophy or supervised Doctor degrees by research (NQF 10) |
| Requirements |
- A relevant prerequisite degree OR
- Admission to the status of that degree in terms of Rule GR7 (b)
- A School/College may prescribe further criteria for admission on www.ukzn.ac.za.
Duration
- A minimum of four consecutive semesters (full time) or eight consecutive semester (part time) before the degree may be conferred.
Curriculum
- Students will be required to pursue an approved programme of research on a subject falling within the scope of studies at the University. Such a programme shall make a distinct contribution to the knowledge or understanding of the subject and afford evidence of originality shown either by the discovery of new facts and by the exercise of independent critical power. Students must also adhere to other possible conditions prescribed by Colleges/Schools.
| 2. Medium of Instruction |
The medium of instruction at UKZN is English, and UKZN requires a pass in English (Home Language or First Additional Language (FAL)) at Level 4 (50% or above) but note that the College of Law requires a pass in English Home language at Level 5 or English as FAL on Level 6. For admission to Diplomas or Alternative Access programmes a lower performance in English may be acceptable. In the Senior Certificate a pass for English at First or Second Language HG E is required.
| 3. Life Orientation |
UKZN degree programmes require a pass in Life orientation at Level 4. Access Programmes may consider a pass at Level 3.
| 4. Minimum Composite Academic Performance Score |
(NSC-Deg and Senior Certificate)
Each programme has determined a minimum composite Academic Performance Score required for admission to the programme. This is however the minimum score required for consideration and learners just meeting this minimum cannot be assured of admission. Applicants to programmes are ranked according to APS and selection is done from the top down until the number of places available in the specific programme is filled. Competition for places is high and it is unlikely that applicants not meeting the APS for a specific programme will be considered.
| 5. Subject requirements and Levels of Performance |
In addition subject requirements and minimum Levels of performance in specific subjects are set for admission to UKZN programmes. Applicants who did not include the correct subjects in their NSC-Deg or who did not obtain the required level of performance in specific subjects required for admission to a programme, will not be considered.