Which courses are available at CUT?

The Central University of Technology (CUT) in South Africa offers a variety of programs designed to equip students with industry-relevant skills. This guide provides an overview of the undergraduate and postgraduate courses available at CUT, along with the minimum requirements and other helpful information for prospective students.

Overview of CUT Programs

CUT’s programs are organized by qualification type and NQF level:

  • NQF Level 5: Higher Certificate (1 year, full-time)
  • NQF Level 6: Diploma (2 years, full-time)
  • NQF Level 7: Bachelor’s Degree (3 years, full-time)
  • NQF Level 8: Bachelor’s Degree with Honours or Advanced Diploma (1 year, full-time)

The university has four main faculties:

  1. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology
  2. Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences
  3. Faculty of Humanities
  4. Faculty of Management Sciences

Each faculty offers a range of programs across various fields of study. Below, we explore the courses offered in each faculty.

1. Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment, and Information Technology

This faculty is ideal for students interested in technical and engineering disciplines.

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Civil Engineering (Bachelor, NQF 7)
  • Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor, NQF 7)
  • Electrical Engineering (Bachelor, NQF 7)
  • Computer Networking (Diploma, NQF 6)
  • Renewable Energy Technologies (Bachelor, NQF 7)
  • Construction Management (Bachelor, NQF 7)

Postgraduate Programs:

  • Civil Engineering (Master’s and Doctorate)
  • Mechanical Engineering (Master’s and Doctorate)
  • Quantity Surveying (Master’s)
  • Urban Development (Master’s)

2. Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences

This faculty covers health sciences and environmental management for students interested in healthcare or environmental sectors.

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Dental Assisting (Diploma, NQF 6)
  • Medical Laboratory Sciences (Bachelor, NQF 8)
  • Environmental Health (Bachelor, NQF 7)
  • Somatology (Bachelor, NQF 8)

Postgraduate Programs:

  • Agricultural Management (Master’s and Doctorate)
  • Radiography in Diagnostics (Master’s)

3. Faculty of Humanities

The Humanities faculty is perfect for those aiming for careers in education, language studies, and the arts.

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Foundation Phase Teaching (Bachelor, NQF 7)
  • Language Practice and Media Studies (Bachelor, NQF 7)
  • Design and Studio Art (Diploma, NQF 6)
  • Technology Education (Bachelor, NQF 7)

Postgraduate Programs:

  • Master of Education
  • Language Practice (Master’s and Doctorate)
  • Media Studies (Doctorate)

4. Faculty of Management Sciences

The Management Sciences faculty provides programs for students interested in business, management, and hospitality.

Undergraduate Programs:

  • Human Resources Management (Diploma, NQF 6)
  • Marketing (Diploma, NQF 6)
  • Public Management (Diploma, NQF 6)
  • Hospitality Management (Bachelor, NQF 8)

Postgraduate Programs:

  • Applied Management (Master’s and Doctorate)
  • Entrepreneurial Management (Doctorate)
  • Tourism Management (Master’s and Doctorate)

Admission Requirements

To enroll in most undergraduate programs at CUT, students need a minimum APS (Admission Point Score) of 27. Some courses require higher scores, especially in math and sciences. Here’s a quick breakdown of key requirements:

  • Bachelor’s Programs: Typically need an APS of 27-32, depending on the program.
  • Diploma Programs: Generally require a minimum APS of 27.
  • Higher Certificate Programs: Require a minimum APS of 24, with the possibility of selection tests for scores below the minimum.

How to Choose the Right Program

When considering a program, look at the following:

  1. NQF Level: Higher-level programs lead to advanced degrees and more career opportunities.
  2. APS Requirements: Make sure your high school scores align with the program’s minimum APS.
  3. Subjects Required: Certain programs require specific subjects like Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or English at a certain level.

Final Thoughts

With a diverse range of programs, CUT is a great place to pursue an education aligned with industry needs in South Africa. Whether you’re interested in engineering, healthcare, education, or business, CUT offers multiple pathways to help you build a successful career.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.