Undergraduate

Explore our undergraduate programmes.

Undergraduate Programmes

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AgriSciences

10 programmes

Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci)

Do you have a passion for computers, math, and discovering answers through data analysis? The Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci) programme will give you a thorough grounding in all aspects of the data lifecycle, including data collection, processing, analysis, and visualisation. Also, to better prepare you for industry, you choose one of eight focus areas (or streams). This ensures that you either develop expertise for applying data science in a specific area, or specialise in a certain aspect of data science. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, statistical learning, deep learning, big data - these are all concepts at the core of the discipline called Data Science. Work across nearly all domains is becoming more data-driven. Graduates from this programme should be sought-after in a multitude of environments facing the challenges posed by the large quantities of data being generated and collected almost everywhere. The BDatSci programme consists of a set of core compulsory modules on all year levels. The core modules lay the foundation for studies in the field of data science, while your choice of focal area (or stream) largely determines the other modules. Four faculties collaborate to offer this four-year programme, namely AgriSciences, Arts and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, and Science. You will register for the BDatSci in the faculty that offers the focal area of your choice. The faculty where you are registered will award the degree. Statistical Genetics (Faculty of AgriSciences) uses statistical methods to make inferences of genetic data in fields such as population quantitative genetics (for example by plant breeders and conservation geneticists) and genetic epidemiology (which studies the effects of genes on diseases).

BAgric in Agribusiness Management

Students choosing this three-year programme in agribusiness management may follow careers as production, marketing, purchasing and general managers of businesses which supply agricultural inputs, or are involved with agricultural processing, and imports and exports. Working as an agricultural economist at commercial banks and other financial organisations is also an option. Such work may include viability studies and drawing up and evaluating business plans and cash flow plans.

BAgric in Agricultural Production and Management: Elsenburg

The BAgric in applied agricultural production and management is practice-oriented. At the same time, it provides the necessary scientific depth to fulfil in the needs and challenges of modern agriculture. The emphasis is on the economical and technical management of commercial farming and agriculture-related production systems. Stellenbosch University offers the programme in collaboration with Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. Students reside on the Elsenburg campus where they receive all their training. or more information, visit Elsenburg's website or phone 021 808 5451.

BSc in Conservation Ecology

Would you like to address the world's conservation issues as part of your work one day? This unique programme, with an emphasis on socio-ecological systems, equips you to work at solving conservation challenges. The areas in which you may choose a career are: environmental impact assessment and monitoring (terrestrial and freshwater), restoration ecology, game farm management, ecotourism, community-based natural resource management and environment-oriented, sustainable production in agriculture and forestry (including organic plant management), conservation planning, and conservation biology research.

BSc in Food Science

If you have the ability to solve problems and are creative, and have a strong interest in the science of food, this is the programme for you! This four-year programme trains students to convert raw materials into the innovative, safe, wholesome and tasty food products that are available in supermarkets. You will learn to apply the knowledge of the fundamental sciences such as chemistry, biochemistry, physics, mathematics and microbiology to food processing, preservation, packaging and product development. During this programme close contact is maintained with the South African food industry through regular factory visits and compulsory industry training. This will expose you to a wide variety of aspects of food science. Students who have obtained the BSc Food Sc degree may be appointed as innovative product developers or as managers in various divisions of food companies, such as production, product development, quality control, research and development, and technical areas. They can also be researchers in tertiary and research institutions or entrepreneurs and, once sufficiently experienced, consultants to the food industry. Stellenbosch University's food scientists are sought-after worldwide.

BSc in Forestry (Forestry and Wood Sciences) (BScFor)

Forestry and Natural Resource Sciences: This field of study deals with forests, plantations, woodlands and other tree-based land use systems. The programme introduces you to the entire forest and forest products value chain, including the growing and harvesting of timber, socio-economics, management and conservation ecology. In your first year you start off with modules in Biology, Chemistry, Geo-environmental Science, Computer Skills and Mathematics, as well as a module in Forest Science. From the second year you study the basic applied natural sciences, such as Soil Science and Biometry and in your third and fourth year, you take several Forest Science modules, which culminate in an assignment where you are required to design a comprehensive forest management plan. Wood and Wood Products Sciences: This field is a combination of wood products science and engineering modules Knowledge of wood products science is combined with modules such as Strength of Materials, Quality Management, Industrial Ergonomics, Environmental Engineering and Enterprise Design to create a degree which delivers sought-after leaders in the forest products environment. Ample bursaries are available - a high percentage of our students obtained full bursaries for their undergraduate studies! Besides, students who complete this programme usually do not have any problems in obtaining work. They usually pursue careers as managers, but they could also become consultants, contractors, entrepreneurs, extension officers, environment planners and researchers.

BScAgric in Agricultural Economics

This four-year programme develops skilled agricultural economists and agricultural managers who have a thorough understanding of agricultural economics and agricultural management techniques for the public and private sectors. The programme offers the following fields of study: agricultural economic analysis, agricultural economic analysis and management, agricultural economic analysis and management with food science, and agricultural economics and food science (food-processing management).

BScAgric in Animal Production Systems

This programme integrates knowledge of the ecology, biochemistry, physiology, nutrition, breeding, production and product quality of animal production systems. It also covers the management of animal production systems in an environmentally friendly and economically effective way, to ensure increased production and production efficiency. In the broad area of animal production systems you may choose a field of study from the following: animal sciences alone or in combination with agricultural economics, agronomy, aquaculture or conservation ecology. The study of one of these fields prepares you for a career as a consultant, entrepreneur, technician, adviser, production manager in animal sciences and related industries (such as animal nutrition, meat science, animal reproduction, animal physiology, animal breeding, etc.) or in the aquaculture industry, or as a livestock or game farmer.

BScAgric in Plant and Soil Science

This four-year programme in plant and soil sciences covers training in producing agronomic and vegetable crops, pastures, aromatic plants, deciduous fruit, citrus, cutflowers and grapevines. For each crop, knowledge of the following is integrated into a meaningful whole: agricultural economics, biochemistry, biometry, crop production, entomology, genetics, nematology, plant pathology and soil science.

BScAgric in Viticulture and Oenology

This programme covers the field of wine production systems and equips you with knowledge of the grapevine, its structure and its scientific manipulation. In this way you are trained to develop, in harmony with the environment, sustainable vineyards that may be used to produce unique wines. You also acquire thorough knowledge of the chemical and biological processes involved in the production of wine and brandy products. Students spend a significant portion of the programme on in-service learning and internships. This gives them work experience, exposure to the industry and knowledge of their chosen professional working environment early on. Students who have qualified in this field are equipped for a career in the wine industry and related areas for example as winemakers, viticulturists, grapevine breeders, wine analysts, production managers, marketers, technicians, consultants or entrepreneurs.

Arts and Social Sciences

16 programmes

Advanced Diploma in Practical Music

The one-year Advanced Diploma programme in Practical Music offers specialised performance training in music equipping you to teach your main instrument. Practical instruction is given in piano, organ and all modern orchestral instruments, as well as in singing, harpsichord, guitar, choir conducting and recorder. Ample opportunities are available for music-making in such groups as the US Symphony Orchestra, the US Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the US Jazz Band, the US Brass Ensemble, various choirs and many smaller ensembles. Possible careers that this programme may prepare you for, are performing artist, accompanist, music teacher or conductor. Further studies might allow admission to BMus with specialisation in Music Education, Musical Performance in Chamber Music or Accompaniment, Solo Singing or Solo Performance, Musicology, Composition, Music Technology, Church Music, Ethnomusicology or Choir Conducting.

BA (Law)

BA (Law) does not by itself qualify you to practise as a legal practitioner - to practise you require an LLB degree in addition. The three-year BA (Law) programme provides a twofold benefit, however: It enriches your understanding of human behaviour and social issues, while it lays an excellent foundation for a more advanced study of law. In fact, students who hold the BA (Law) degree will be exempted from the first two years of the four-year LLB programme. These students may join the LLB programme for its last two years, and can obtain the LLB degree after two years should they wish to pursue a career as a legal practitioner.

BA in Development and the Environment

The programme imparts basic knowledge about how communities work, about the processes of economic development and the natural environment and understanding the nature and results of interaction among communities, socio-economic development processes and the natural environment.

BA in Drama and Theatre Studies

The training in this three-year programme results in well-informed, creative and well-equipped theatre practitioners and scholars, who can make a meaningful contribution to the theatre industry and related fields.

BA in Human Resource Management

This three-year programme prepares you for a career in managing human resources in organisations – a competency of which South Africa has a particular need. You will learn to: understand people's behaviour, in particular in a working environment; improve the working and living conditions of people; understand the South African working environment and to identify career opportunities; communicate clearly and meaningfully with people; undertake planning, recruitment and selection of human resources professionally; and deal with problems in labour relations.

BA in Humanities

The BA in Humanities is a three-year programme that teaches you to be academically versatile and flexible, and to solve or deal with current problems in South Africa in a wide variety of professions. Further training will prepare you for professions such as teacher (Postgraduate Certificate of Education), psychologist (postgraduate studies in Psychology), language practitioner (Honours and MA in Translation), journalist (BPhil in Journalism) and town planner.

BA in International Studies

Within three years, this programme provides you with a broad insight into the complexity of political, cultural and economic interaction across national boundaries. In this way you are sensitised to the role of identity issues in the international arena and prepared to be an informed and critical world citizen. This training opens up a range of possible career opportunities, for example in the diplomatic service; the international offices of the Departments of Labour, Commerce and Industry, and Defence; the International Division of Parliament; the National Intelligence Agency; the tourism industry; international telecommunications; international journalism; international research institutions; public liaison work; regional and country-wide institutions that promote commerce and investment (e.g. WESGRO); the head offices and regional offices of international organisations such as the UN, AU and the World Trade Organisation, Amnesty International and the World Economic Forum; international aid organisations such as Save the Children and OXFAM; multinational concerns; and the export and import industries. This BA degree is also a stepping stone to postgraduate qualifications in Political Science and International Studies, which too may be required by some of the institutions listed.

BA in Language and Culture

The BA in Language and Culture prepares you for the world of tomorrow – a world of diversity and multilingualism. In this world only one language, or even two, will not be sufficient to carve a career across traditional linguistic and national borders. The possibilities are endless and include careers in the media and journalism, the diplomatic service, the editing and book industry, teaching, tourism, the world of music and theatre, public relations, communication and other careers that may not even exist yet. The limits of your language determine the limits of your world. Don't limit your world!

BA in Music

The BA in Music programme offers academic and performance training in music consisting of practical instruction in piano and all modern orchestral instruments, as well as in singing, the harpsichord, guitar, organ, choir conducting and recorder. Ample opportunities are available for music-making in such groups as the Stellenbosch University Symphony Orchestra, the Collegium Musicum, the Stellenbosch Symphonic Winds, Konsubrass, choirs and many smaller ensembles.

BA in Political, Philosophical and Economic Studies (PPE)

If you have an interest in philosophy, politics, economics (PPE) and the ideas that influence political economy, this is the programme for you! PPE is an internationally acclaimed qualification, made famous by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Stellenbosch University was the first university in South Africa to offer this programme, and it is currently one of only three universities in the country where you can receive the PPE-qualification. This three-year programme develops your skills in critical and creative thinking and equips you with knowledge of philosophy, and of political and economic systems. You also learn more about social research, economic phenomena and trends, political and economic policy analysis and how to judge controversial moral-ethical issues. The programme is aimed at people who are interested in careers in management, the civil service, journalism, the diplomatic service and academia. In addition, the PPE qualification offers you a wide variety of work opportunities, especially in the private sector.

Economic and Management Sciences

13 programmes

BAcc

The BAcc programme is highly regarded and remains one of the most sought-after undergraduate training programmes if you aim to become a professional accountant one day. As a chartered accountant, you will be equipped to audit companies' financial statements, a function that enjoys statutory protection. 'Statutory protection' means there is a law that stipulates that certain companies' books must be audited and that only specific professions may do so. You will also be in demand for various other positions such as financial manager, management accountant or taxation expert.

BAccLLB

The BAcc LLB offers students the opportunity to complete the curriculums of the LLB and the BAcc programmes in an integrated fashion in just five years. Students taking these programmes concurrently are taught both the essentials of jurisprudence and the foundations of financial accounting, management accounting, taxation and auditing. Through further career-oriented training, these students may qualify as chartered accountants and/or as legal practitioners. The BAcc LLB is an interfaculty programme, which means that you take modules from the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci)

BCom (Actuarial Science)

This programme is the first step in the training of actuaries. One can describe Actuaries as independent professionals who are experts in analysing and modelling situations involving financial risk and contingent events. They are capable of assessing the risks involved and communicating what the results mean in financial terms. Their work directly involves managing assets and liabilities (such as investments and loans) and associated risks.

BCom (Economic Sciences)

This programme focuses almost exclusively on fields of study in economics. Because of the importance of statistics for high-level economic analysis, this programme requires Statistics or Mathematical Statistics. Students who intend following a career, for instance, as an economic or financial analyst or consultant, should register for this programme.

BCom (Financial Accounting)

This programme is aimed at students who wish to attain the chartered accountancy (CA) qualification but who have not studied BAcc. On the successful completion of this programme, students may do a bridging year, after which they may apply for admission to the BAccHons programme. Students also have another option. Directly after graduating with a BCom (Financial Accounting) degree, they may enrol for BComHons (Management Accounting). This programme focuses on preparing students for attaining the qualification of chartered management accountant (CIMA). For further information about the training of chartered accountants and chartered management accountants, see BAcc and BCom (Management Accounting), respectively.

BCom (Industrial Psychology)

This programme trains you for a career in the management of human resources in organisations. After completing your BCom (Industrial Psychology), also obtain a BComHons (Industrial Psychology). Follow this up with the six-month BPsych Equivalence programme, and then pass the professional board examination. You then qualify for statutory registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a psychometrist (independent practice). You may be eligible for statutory registration as industrial psychologist with the HPCSA by completing the MCom (Industrial Psychology) programme, an internship of twelve months and sitting successfully for the professional board examination for industrial psychologists.

BCom (International Business)

This four-year programme is a pioneer in undergraduate business education, Our students will profit from an enriched experience through interaction with international students and the global marketplace, equipping them to be role players in the international knowledge economy.

BCom (Law)

BCom (Law) does not by itself qualify you to practise as a legal practitioner - to practise you require an LLB degree as well. The three-year BCom (Law) programme does, however, provide a sound background in the economic sciences that prepares you for a career in the business sector or in commercial law, and it also lays a sound basis for a more advanced study of law. In fact, students who hold the BCom (Law) degree will be exempted from the first two years of the four-year LLB programme. These students may join the LLB programme for its last two years, and can obtain the LLB degree after two years should they wish to pursue a career as a legal practitioner.

BCom (Management Accounting)

This programme helps you to qualify one day as a chartered management accountant. With this qualification, you can become a management accountant or a financial manager. As a management accountant, you will be involved in, for instance, costing studies for the development of new products and you will participate in decisions taken on new investment opportunities.

Education

3 programmes

BEd (Foundation Phase Education)

This programme trains teachers for the Foundation Phase (grades R to 3) to prepare learners to meet the distinctive requirements of our time. Postgraduate Studies: See the Education yearbook on the website www.su.ac.za.

BEd (Intermediate Phase Education)

This programme trains teachers for the Intermediate Phase (grades 4 to 7) to prepare learners to meet the distinctive requirements of our time. Postgraduate Studies: See the Education yearbook on the website www.su.ac.za.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

If you want to become a high school teacher, you first need to obtain a degree from one of the other faculties and thereafter enrol for our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). For the PGCE teaching modules and their requirements, see the Faculty of Education yearbook on the website www.su.ac.za. The Faculty encourages you strongly to take at least two teaching modules.

Engineering

7 programmes

BEng (Chemical)

Chemical engineering involves the large-scale operation of processes by which various consumer products are produced, such as chemicals, pharmaceutical products, fertilisers, fuels, metals and other materials. Chemical engineers are also involved where effluents and waste materials are processed and recycled. These processes range from simple physical separations, such as distillation, evaporation, drying or filtration, to complex chemical synthesis.

BEng (Civil)

Civil engineers are responsible for large, permanent works such as irrigation systems, bridges, dams, harbours, canals, airports, roads and streets, pipelines, sewerage systems, railways, structures of various kinds and structure foundations, storm-water systems, tunnels, towers, water supply systems, and various kinds of heavy construction work. Through their work they re-create, improve and conserve the environment, and provide the facilities required for efficient community life.

BEng (Electrical and Electronic)

Electrical engineers are responsible for the generation, transmission and conversion of electrical energy (including renewable energy sources) in industries such as electricity supply, factories, chemical plants, mines, municipalities, railways, and harbours. Electronic engineers specialise in the control of electrical and mechanical robotic systems, particularly embedded controllers; the collection, processing and dissemination of information by computer and communication networks, such as cell phone networks, Wi-Fi and mobile data networks; and the design of computers and large software systems.

BEng (Electrical and Electronic) (Data Engineering)

Data Engineering contains all the tasks required to make data available for analysis, knowledge discovery and decision-making processes. The most important task of the data engineer is to develop and maintain an organization's data pipeline systems, and implement algorithms to transform data into a usable format for analysis. The tasks of a data engineer include data collection, data storage, data synchronization, data transformation, data cleaning, data management, and data model development.

BEng (Industrial)

Industrial engineers' daily tasks involve a great variety of creative activities, especially in modern manufacturing and service industries. The main branches of industrial engineering are manufacturing technology and operational systems design. It involves facets that are important in the modern industrial and service environments, such as quality assurance, robotics, engineering economics, operations research, industrial ergonomics and information technology.

BEng (Mechanical)

Mechanical engineering is characterised by the motion and transfer of energy, for example in vehicles, aeroplanes, vessels, missiles, cooling systems, power stations and engines, but also includes machines used in all branches of the economy, such as process plants and manufacturing industries.

BEng (Mechatronic)

Mechatronic engineering is a combination of precision mechanical engineering, electronics and computer systems. A typical mechatronic system is characterised by close integration of mechanical components, electronic sensors, mechanical and electrical actuators and computer controllers. Examples of mechatronic systems include electronic engine control systems, robot systems and automated assembly lines.

Law

5 programmes

BA (Law)

BAccLLB

BCom (Law)

LLB (four-year)

The LLB programme aims to give you a sound grasp of all branches of jurisprudence essential for a career as a legal practitioner and various other associated careers. Before they will formally be admitted to the profession of legal practitioner, however, LLB graduates must also undergo the prescribed vocational training and pass the entrance examination set by the profession.

LLB (three-year)

This three-year programme was first introduced in 1999 for postgraduate students who obtained their first Bachelor's degree in a field other than law, and who passed the final year with an aggregate of at least 60%. The programme introduces students to all branches of jurisprudence essential for a career as a legal practitioner and various other associated careers. Just like the four-year LLB degree, this qualification enables you to follow a career as a legal practitioner after undergoing the prescribed vocational training and passing the entrance examination set by the profession.

Medicine and Health Sciences

6 programmes

Bachelor of Nursing

The Bachelor of Nursing programme educates and guides students in becoming a Professional Nurse and Midwife. Through learning experiences on campus, within communities and in various healthcare facilities, students will develop the behaviours, skills and capabilities they need to become leaders who value diversity, and who bring careful thought and innovation to their caring practice in nursing. You will become able to craft a person-centred, holistic, contemporary, evidence-informed and resource-sensitive caring practice to support the healthcare and wellbeing of individuals, groups and communities. Nursing caring practice ranges from seemingly simple essential care activities through to complex, sometimes highly technical, care activities – whatever is necessary to support people to meet their self-care needs, stay or become healthy, and experience well-being. Nurses work with their healthcare colleagues across many different contexts to provide safe, quality person-centred care to people, families and communities who have multiple and varied self-care needs across the lifespan.The training of nurses and midwivesThis is a four-year programme offered on the Tygerberg campus and its associated distributed clinical training platforms. The clinical practice context is very diverse, ranging from the public sector health care service settings to the private health care sector, including relevant learning experience in schools, social services, rehabilitation facilities, and non-governmental and non-profit organisations. The curriculum encompasses the study of the Nursing and Midwifery discipline theory and practice across the four years. This discipline-specific learning is complemented by modules in Anatomy, Physiology, Biophysics and Biochemistry, Psychosocial Aspects of Care, Research Methodology, Microbiology and Pharmacology. This is followed by one year of community service after which you will be eligible to register with the South African Nursing Council as a Professional Nurse and Midwife. For further information on the curriculum, see our <a href="https://files.su.ac.za/public/registrars-division/documents/2026-02/2026-fmhs-yearbook.pdf">Calendar</a>.Career opportunitiesThere are many work opportunities in healthcare once you are registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Nurses and Midwives work in the public, private and non-governmental healthcare services as well as other health-related industries and academic environments. These opportunities include working in district health services, clinics, community or school health, hospitals, frail care, correctional facility healthcare and private practice, to name a few. This degree provides the foundation from which you can then study further to become a specialist nurse in disciplines such as primary health care, occupational health, operating room nursing, emergency nursing, critical care nursing, paediatric and neonatal nursing, healthcare service management, nursing education, palliative care, oncology or advanced psychiatry. Apart from the specialist programmes, the Bachelor’s degree also provides further opportunities such as pursuing Master’s and PhD degrees. See the <a href="https://www.su.ac.za/en/programmes/postgraduate">postgraduate prospectus</a> for further information in this regard.

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy is a dynamic and rewarding profession. This programme equips you with the knowledge and skills to assess and design effective interventions for persons of all age groups with developmental delays, with differential diagnoses and with functional deficits. Activity is used as the treatment method. The intervention programmes are designed for application in home environments and in community settings with the aim of enabling the persons to attain optimal occupational performance. These programmes prevent functional disability, rehabilitate patients, and promote their overall health.As an occupational therapist, you will approach a patient holistically and, taking into consideration physical, psychological, social and emotional aspects, address all areas of the patient’s occupational performance − this includes self-care tasks, and work- and leisure-time activities. With regard to children, whose main occupation is play, treatment programmes are based on play and school-related activities.Indirect occupational therapy services include the guidance you will give to teachers, employers, family members and caregivers to enable them to assist patients to achieve optimal occupational performance, and the management of activity programmes presented to groups of people in facilities and in the community to enhance healthy lifestyles.The training of occupational therapistsThis is a four-year programme. The first year of the programme is presented mainly at the Stellenbosch Campus and the rest of the programme at the Tygerberg Campus. The programme comprises a study of Occupational Therapy (theory and practice), Psychology, Sociology, Special Physics, Industrial Psychology, Biology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology for Allied Health Sciences, and Research Methodology in Occupational Therapy.On completion of the programme you are required to do a year of community service, after which you will be eligible for registration as an Occupational Therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa.As a trained occupational therapist, you may find employment opportunities in a number of different environments. These include hospitals, private practice, community clinics, industries, schools for children with a wide range of special needs, rehabilitation centres and special units (e.g. spinal unit) and insurance companies.For further information on the curriculum, see our <a href="https://files.su.ac.za/public/registrars-division/documents/2026-02/2026-fmhs-yearbook.pdf">Calendar</a>. This qualification may be followed up with a Master of Occupational Therapy and a PhD.

Bachelor of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy

The Bachelor of Speech-Language Therapy programme trains speech-language therapists in the relevant knowledge and skills for the management of persons with communication disorders. You are equipped to perform the following professional functions:<ul><li>prevention, identification, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of communication disorders;</li><li>client- and family-centred counselling;</li><li>education and training of other professionals or relevant lay persons;</li><li>consultation and research in the field of communication disorders; and</li><li>management of programmes provided by speech-language therapists to patients with communication disorders in health, education and private contexts.</li></ul>In order to perform the above-mentioned functions optimally in the multilingual South African context, therapists are expected to be competent in at least two languages, as well as Sign Language.The training of speech-language therapistsThe curriculum spans four years and covers the complete range of speech, language, voice and hearing, fluency, feeding and swallowing disorders that are encountered in the field of communication pathology. The hearing therapy content includes aspects of the practice of audiology such as basic pre-tone and speech audiometry, immittance audiometry and rehabilitation.With respect to hearing disorders, the emphasis in training is on management and rehabilitation of persons with hearing loss. Students are also trained in basic Sign Language to support rehabilitation.The first two years of the programme are offered at the Stellenbosch Campus, but students spend at least one day per week on the Tygerberg Campus. The Division of Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy arranges bus transportation for this purpose. The third and fourth years of the programme are presented at the Tygerberg Campus. You will complete your clinical training at approved sites in the Western Cape.Majors: Speech Pathology, Clinical Speech Pathology, Psychology and General Linguistics.Other modules: Anatomy, Neuroanatomy and Clinical Neurology, which are continually adjusted to meet the needs of the profession. Xhosa or Afrikaans Language Acquisition (as determined by language proficiency tests) is a compulsory first-year subject to introduce the structure and system of the language to students. Clinical modules will provide you with opportunities to acquire relevant clinical skills for application in specific contexts under the supervision of qualified therapists. Clinical training takes place in hospitals, schools, community health centres and clinics. We place a high premium is placed on excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Your proficiency in Xhosa is developed further in the second, third and fourth year to enable you to communicate with patients and caregivers in clinical settings.For further information on the curriculum, see our <a href="https://files.su.ac.za/public/registrars-division/documents/2026-02/2026-fmhs-yearbook.pdf">Calendar</a>. This qualification may be followed up with a Master of Speech-Language Therapy and a PhD.Upon completion of the programme you are required to do a year of community service, after which you will be eligible for registration as a speech-language therapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).As a speech-language therapist, you have an opportunity to practise in the public, private and non-government sectors as well as in academic institutions. Graduates may register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa and obtain work in hospitals, clinics, schools, private practices and academia.

BSc in Dietetics

The programme BSc in Dietetics aims to produce dietitians who have the scientific knowledge, skills and attitudes to function independently in the areas of therapeutic nutrition, community nutrition and foodservice management.The training of dietitiansAs a student of this programme, your studies will span four years, and you will be trained on the Tygerberg Campus from the first year. See our <a href="https://files.su.ac.za/public/registrars-division/documents/2026-02/2026-fmhs-yearbook.pdf">Calendar</a> for the curriculum.First-year: Chemistry for Health Sciences, Life-forms and Functions of Clinical Importance, Anatomy, Nutrition, Foods, Medical Microbiology, Physiological Biochemistry, Anatomy and Health in Context.Second-year: Physiology, Anatomy, Food Production and Systems, Applied Food Science, Therapeutic Nutrition, Nutrition during the Life Cycle, Psychology for Health Sciences, Community Nutrition, Ethics and Human Rights, Nutritional Status Assessment, and Practical Training.Third-year: Therapeutic Nutrition, Community Nutrition, Management Principles, Research Methodology, Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Ethics and Human Rights, and Practical Training.Fourth-year: Food Service Management, Therapeutic Nutrition, Community Nutrition, 34-week internship (which includes a minimum of six weeks at the Ukwanda Rural Clinical School) and a research project.Upon completion of this four-year programme you are required to do a year of community service, after which you will be eligible for registration as a dietitian with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).On graduation, you will have a wide spectrum of career choices in areas such as therapeutic dietetics, community nutrition, and the food and pharmaceutical industry. You may also work as a researcher, a lecturer in academia or a nutrition consultant in private practice. For more information about career fields within Dietetics, visit the <a href="http://www.adsa.org.za/">website</a> of the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA).

BSc in Physiotherapy

The aim of the BSc in Physiotherapy programme is to produce a health care professional who is dedicated to working with people and who can maximise their client’s ability to move and function throughout their lifespan. Physiotherapists work in the health spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment or intervention and rehabilitation, and work in many areas including cardiorespiratory functioning, orthopaedics, neurology, paediatrics, women’s health, the elderly and sports. Physiotherapists work both independently and within teams to achieve the goals mentioned above.The training of physiotherapistsThis is a four-year programme covering the following modules:<ul><li>Life-forms and Functions of Clinical Importance;</li><li>Chemistry for Health Sciences;</li><li>Personal and Professional Development; Health in Context;</li><li>Special Physics;</li><li>Anatomy;</li><li>Physiology;</li><li>Pathology;</li><li>Anatomical Pathology;</li><li>Psychology;</li><li>Physiotherapy Science;</li><li>Applied Physiotherapy;</li><li>Clinical Physiotherapy;</li><li>Research Methodology; and</li><li>Physiotherapy Practice Management.</li></ul> See our <a href="https://files.su.ac.za/public/registrars-division/documents/2026-02/2026-fmhs-yearbook.pdf">Calendar</a> for the curriculum.On completion of the programme you are required to do a year of community service, after which you will be eligible for registration as a physiotherapist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).Your career in physiotherapy may find expression in a wide variety of environments, including hospitals, private practice, community clinics, industry, schools for children with special education needs, rehabilitation centres and sports clubs.

MBChB

The aim of the MBChB is to produce graduated doctors who have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to optimally utilise the opportunities available during the two-year internship to function autonomously in the primary health care sector after that, and who have acquired the ability and insight to develop further personally and professionally.The training of medical doctorsThe six-year training is followed by two years of internship and thereafter a year of community service. Hereafter you will be eligible for registration as an Independent Medical Practitioner with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).A wide range of employment opportunities exists, for instance in private practice, in hospitals or other medical institutions, in various government or non-governmental organisations, in research, in academic medicine or in the private sector with, for example, insurance companies or the pharmaceutical industry.Postgraduate studies for a career in research or for specialisation in any clinical discipline are further attractive options. For our postgraduate offering, see <a href="https://www.su.ac.za/en/programmes/postgraduate">here</a>.For further information on the curriculum, see our <a href="https://files.su.ac.za/public/registrars-division/documents/2026-02/2026-fmhs-yearbook.pdf">Calendar</a>.

Science

12 programmes

Bachelor of Data Science (BDatSci)

BSc Biodiversity and Ecology

This BSc degree programme offers broad training in Botany and Zoology. It focusses on the diversity, origin and function of organisms in relation to their environment. It provides a conceptual understanding of ecology, evolution, animal and plant forms and functions, biological changes on a global scale (climate change, invasive species, pollution and anthropogenic factors) and remediation practices (applications). Both terrestrial and marine concepts are covered. The programme also provides appropriate generic and scientific skills, for instance oral and written communication, numerical and statistical techniques, research methodology, problem solving, evaluating and synthesising scientific information, and also computer skills.

BSc Chemistry

The BSc in Chemistry programme offers four streams of which you choose one: Chemistry and Polymer Science Chemical Biology Applied and Sustainable Chemistry Chemistry with Chemical Engineering The four streams are almost identical in the first year, except that Biology is a compulsory first-year subject for the Chemical Biology stream.

BSc Computer Science

The BSc in Computer Science programme will equip you with extensive knowledge of computer science, including programming, computer systems, databases, networks, operating systems, concurrent programming. This will enable you to study further and pursue a career in the industry as a programmer or in various other software-, data-, and technology-related roles. With a degree in Computer Science, you have an international qualification enabling you to find work with or do research for national or international companies. Many different companies require technical specialists, ranging from companies that develop mobile solutions for cell phones to financial institutions that need to guarantee security. Suppose you have an interest in the business world. In that case, you can start a business providing computer solutions or work as an independent consultant or contractor.

BSc Earth Science

The BSc in Earth Science offers two streams of which you choose one: Applied Earth Science Geo-environmental Science The choice of streams offer you more diverse career opportunities. Therefore, the first year of both streams are identical, but from the second year some of the modules differ

BSc GeoInformatics

Applied scientific professions, such as those in environmental consultancy, the mining sector and engineering firms, increasingly use geographic information technology to record digitally, manipulate, analyse, model and map spatial information. The BSc in GeoInformatics programme is concerned with the theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of geo-informatics. The second and third year focus on the subject Geographical Information Technology and Computer Science or Socio-Informatics and are supplemented with applicable elective modules. In this way you are equipped with knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis of geoinformatics in terms of spatial information, computer skills, geographic information technology and mapping skills that will enable you to develop and apply geographic information systems (GIS), earth observation (remote sensing) and global positioning systems (GPS) effectively. As a GIS specialist and information expert you can pursue a career in the following fields or with one of the following institutions: environmental consultancies; planning and engineering firms; software development firms; computer consultancies; all levels of government involved in resource and infrastructure management; agencies involved in the development of natural resources; or in programmes for human development; mining and mineral exploration; marketing; utility companies; and service providers. You will also be able to work for tertiary institutions as a lecturer and/or researcher.

BSc Human Life Sciences

The BSc degree in Life Sciences programme forms the basis of your training in a field that is physiology-oriented with the emphasis on the functioning of the body at different levels. The programme offers two streams, of which you choose one: Biology Biology with Psychology Stream: Biology Physiology, in combination with Biochemistry and Genetics, forms the broad disciplinary basis of this stream, where you study physiological systems and organs down to molecular level. Experimental and specific scientific skills are developed which open up career opportunities in experimental and applied physiology services in the private and public sectors and in the academic environment. This stream leads to an honours programme in Physiological Sciences and also, if applicable elective modules are taken, to honours programmes in Genetics, Biochemistry or Anatomy. Stream: Biology with Psychology In this stream, which is based on Physiology in combination with Psychology, you study the interaction between the psychological and physiological processes of human beings. You also acquire skills in laboratory and experimental techniques, the verification of physiological parameters and the evaluation of psychological functioning. This training opens career opportunities in the private and community sectors and in the academic environment. This stream leads to an honours programme in Psychology, Physiological Sciences or in Genetics.

BSc Mathematical Sciences

The BSc in Mathematical Sciences allows students scope in choosing a stream according to their interest. In the first year, all streams have Mathematics as a compulsory subject. However, the stream you choose will determine the compulsory major in your third year and your other subjects. These might include subjects offered by other faculties, such as Economics, Operations Research and Music Technology.

BSc Molecular Biology and Biotechnology

This BSc degree programme lays the foundation for a career as a molecular cell biologist and biotechnologist in the private or public sector, or in the academic environment. Microbiologists, biochemists, geneticists and biotechnologists are like detectives, who unravel the exact functioning of microscopic cells, such as human cells, yeasts, bacteria, fungi and viruses and the applications on human, plant or animal level. They then apply this knowledge to develop disease-free plants, new medicines or tests for diseases, or to determine which enzymes or bacteria can be useful in industry such as the mining sector, or in the development of biofuel. Their knowledge is also applied in waste water management and the water treatment sector. The programme gives you the background knowledge to understand the functioning of any living organism at the molecular level. Together with this theoretical training you do a lot of laboratory work, developing your experimental and specific scientific skills. Depending on your undergraduate subject combination, this stream leads to an honours programme in Biochemistry, Genetics, Plant Biotechnology or Microbiology.

BSc Physics

This programme provides training to develop well-rounded physicists with the technical and specific scientific skills required to make a unique contribution in research and development environments where physics-related problems are investigated, and who can undertake more intensive research and postgraduate studies in physics, or who can work in the teaching profession, or in tertiary education in science and technology. This programme offers three streams of which you choose one: Laser Physics (Physical), Laser Physics (Biological) Theoretical Physics

Theology

2 programmes

BDiv (Bachelor of Divinity)

The four-year BDiv programme offers undergraduate training in church ministry, specifically church ministers.

BTh (Bachelor of Theology)

The BTh degree is a three-year programme, which trains students particularly as youth workers, service workers, counsellors and community workers.