NMU Courses

Nelson Mandela University (NMU), a prestigious higher education institution in South Africa, offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across its seven faculties. With campuses in Port Elizabeth and George, NMU caters to diverse interests, from the sciences to the arts. This post provides an overview of NMU’s course offerings, guiding you in selecting the best program to suit your academic and career goals.

1. Faculty of Science

NMU’s Faculty of Science is a hub for students passionate about the natural and applied sciences. This faculty provides a variety of diploma and degree programs that equip students with the skills required for scientific inquiry and research.

  • Diplomas:
    • Agricultural Management
    • Analytical Chemistry
    • Game Ranch Management
    • Chemical Process Technology
  • Bachelor’s Degrees:
    • BSc in Biological Sciences
    • BSc in Environmental Sciences
    • BSc in Geosciences (Geology & Geography)
    • BSc in Computer Science
    • BSc in Physical Science & Mathematics

Specialization Areas: Chemistry, Biochemistry, Botany, Zoology, Microbiology, and Game Ranch Management.

2. Faculty of Humanities

The Faculty of Humanities at NMU offers courses that foster critical thinking and communication skills, ideal for those interested in culture, society, and human behavior.

  • Diplomas:
    • Public Relations Management
    • Public Management
  • Bachelor’s Degrees:
    • Bachelor of Visual Art (BVA)
    • Bachelor of Music (BMus)
    • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media, Communication & Culture
    • BA in Human Resource Management

Key Disciplines: Psychology, Sociology, Media Studies, Political Studies, and Public Management.

3. Faculty of Law

The NMU Faculty of Law provides a rigorous curriculum for students interested in legal studies, law enforcement, and justice administration.

  • Higher Certificates:
    • Criminal Justice
  • Diplomas:
    • Law Enforcement
  • Bachelor’s Degrees:
    • LLB (Bachelor of Laws)
    • BA in Law
    • BCom in Law

Special Focus: Public Law, Criminal Law, Procedural Law, and Mercantile Law.

4. Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences

This faculty is designed for future business leaders, offering a broad range of programs in business management, accounting, marketing, and economics.

  • Higher Certificates:
    • Business Studies
    • Accountancy
  • Diplomas:
    • Accountancy
    • Human Resource Management
    • Logistics Management
    • Tourism Management
  • Bachelor of Commerce (BCom):
    • BCom in Accounting
    • BCom in Marketing & Business Management
    • BCom in Financial Planning

Special Programs: BCom in Logistics & Transport Economics, BCom in Food Service Management, BCom in Hospitality Management.

5. Faculty of Education

For those passionate about teaching and educational development, NMU’s Faculty of Education offers specialized programs to prepare educators for different learning stages.

  • Bachelor of Education (BEd):
    • Foundation Phase
    • Intermediate Phase
    • Senior Phase and Further Education & Training
  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE):
    • Further Education and Training (FET)

6. Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology

NMU’s engineering faculty is renowned for its innovation-driven courses that are designed to meet the demands of the modern world. The programs blend theory and practical skills, making NMU a top choice for aspiring engineers.

  • Higher Certificates:
    • Mechatronic Engineering
    • Renewable Energy Engineering
  • Diplomas:
    • Operations Management
    • Architectural Technology
    • Information Technology: Software Development
  • Bachelor’s Degrees:
    • Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) in Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Marine Engineering

Areas of Focus: Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, and Marine Engineering.

7. Faculty of Health Sciences

The Faculty of Health Sciences offers programs for those interested in healthcare, providing opportunities for careers in nursing, medical laboratory sciences, emergency medical care, and more.

  • Diplomas:
    • Sport Management
  • Bachelor’s Degrees:
    • Bachelor of Nursing
    • Bachelor of Environmental Health
    • Bachelor of Dietetics
    • Bachelor of Radiography

Special Programs: Emergency Medical Care, Pharmacy, and Medical Laboratory Science.

NMU George Campus Courses

The George Campus offers specialized programs in forestry, agriculture, and nature conservation, with both diploma and advanced diploma options.

  • Higher Certificates:
    • Veldfire Management
    • IT (User Support Services)
  • Diplomas:
    • Forestry
    • Nature Conservation
    • Wood Technology

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.