University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Courses 2028

University of KwaZulu-Natal Courses 2028: Complete List of UKZN Courses and Programmes

If you are planning to study at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) in 2028, choosing the right course is one of the most important decisions you will make before submitting your application. UKZN offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications across fields such as engineering, medicine, health sciences, law, business, education, agriculture, computer science, humanities and social sciences. Continue to read more about UKZN Courses available for 2028.

UKZN’s academic structure is organised around four major colleges: the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES), College of Humanities, College of Health Sciences, and College of Law and Management Studies. The university’s official Student Academic Administration page currently provides a 2027 undergraduate prospectus, while individual colleges publish detailed programme information. Therefore, students preparing for 2028 should use the current programme information as a planning guide and confirm the final 2028 prospectus when it becomes available.

This guide provides an evergreen overview of University of KwaZulu-Natal courses for 2028, including popular degrees, faculties, health science programmes, engineering courses, education, law, business, humanities, agriculture and science programmes.

What Courses Does the University of KwaZulu-Natal Offer?

The University of KwaZulu-Natal offers undergraduate qualifications across a particularly broad range of academic and professional fields.

Depending on your interests and career goals, you can study areas including:

• Accounting
• Agriculture
• Agricultural Economics
• Agricultural Management
• Architecture
• Audiology
• Biological Sciences
• Business Administration
• Business Science
• Chemistry
• Computer Science
• Dentistry-related programmes
• Economics
• Education
• Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Finance
• Geography
• Health Sciences
• Information Systems
• Law
• Management
• Medicine
• Nursing
• Nutrition
• Occupational Therapy
• Optometry
• Pharmacy
• Physiotherapy
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Social Sciences
• Speech-Language Therapy
• Sports Science
• Statistics
• Theatre and Drama
• Tourism
• and many other disciplines.

The exact availability of programmes, campuses, admission requirements and qualification structures can change from one admission cycle to another. For this reason, prospective 2028 students should always check the official programme information before applying.

See: University of KwaZulu-Natal Admission Requirements

UKZN Courses by College

One of the easiest ways to understand the University’s course offerings is to group them according to its four colleges.

1. College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science

The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES) provides programmes in agriculture, engineering, mathematical sciences, natural sciences, environmental disciplines and related fields. UKZN describes the college as offering study opportunities in agriculture, engineering and science and directs prospective students to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO).

Agriculture Courses at UKZN

Students interested in agriculture can consider qualifications such as:

• Bachelor of Agriculture
• BSc Agriculture
• BSc Agriculture in Agricultural Economics
• Bachelor of Agricultural Management
• Agricultural Science-related programmes

Agriculture courses can lead to careers in agricultural production, agricultural management, agribusiness, research, environmental management and related industries.

The college’s published programme information has included Bachelor of Agriculture, BSc Agriculture, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Management among its undergraduate offerings.

2. UKZN Engineering Courses

Engineering remains one of the most popular areas of study at UKZN.

The School of Engineering states that it offers undergraduate qualifications through the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, with several engineering specialisation areas and pathways toward professional careers.

Depending on the admission cycle and qualification, engineering-related options include areas such as:

• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Electronic Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Agricultural Engineering
• Land Surveying
• Property development-related fields

Engineering programmes generally have significantly higher Mathematics and Physical Sciences requirements than many humanities and commerce programmes. Historical UKZN college requirements, for example, have listed BSc Engineering with a high points requirement together with strong Mathematics and Physical Science performance.

Important: Prospective engineering students should not rely on a general UKZN APS score. Engineering has specific subject requirements, and admission is competitive.

3. UKZN Science Courses

UKZN offers numerous science-related qualifications.

Possible study areas include:

• Biological Sciences
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Computer Science
• Environmental Science
• Geology-related fields
• Geographic Information Systems
• Earth Observation
• Life Sciences
• Agricultural Science

The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science provides undergraduate study opportunities across agriculture, engineering and the sciences.

Students interested in science should carefully check whether their intended course requires Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences or another specific Grade 12 subject.

4. UKZN Computer Science and Information Technology Courses

Technology-related qualifications are increasingly popular among students interested in software, data, information systems and digital careers.

UKZN offers study options connected to areas such as:

• Computer Science
• Information Systems
• Information Technology
• Computing
• Data and quantitative disciplines

Computer-related courses may be offered through different academic structures, including science, commerce and education.

Students interested in becoming software developers, data analysts, systems specialists, IT professionals or technology managers should compare the curriculum carefully before selecting a qualification.

If your career goal is software development or a strongly technical computing career, pay particular attention to whether the programme is centred on Computer Science, Information Systems or another computing discipline.

5. UKZN Health Sciences Courses

The College of Health Sciences (CHS) is one of UKZN’s most prominent academic areas and offers a wide selection of professional health qualifications.

According to the College’s current undergraduate information, its programmes include:

These programmes and their durations are listed by the UKZN College of Health Sciences.

UKZN Medicine – MBChB

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) is one of the university’s most competitive professional qualifications.

The programme is listed as a six-year undergraduate qualification by the College of Health Sciences.

Students interested in Medicine should understand that satisfying minimum academic requirements does not necessarily guarantee selection because professional health programmes can have limited spaces and additional selection processes.

6. UKZN Nursing

UKZN offers a Bachelor of Nursing programme.

The university currently lists the Bachelor of Nursing as a four-year qualification. The programme is designed around problem-based and community-health-oriented education and leads toward professional nursing fields including general nursing, psychiatric nursing, midwifery and community health nursing.

For prospective 2028 applicants, Nursing requirements should be checked carefully because the programme has specific subject requirements.

The current UKZN programme information, for example, lists English, Life Orientation, Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy and Life Sciences requirements.

7. UKZN Pharmacy

The Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm) is another professional health qualification offered by UKZN.

The College of Health Sciences lists Pharmacy as a four-year undergraduate programme.

Students interested in becoming pharmacists should pay close attention to Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences and other programme-specific requirements when preparing their Grade 12 subjects.

8. UKZN Physiotherapy

UKZN offers a Bachelor of Physiotherapy, listed as a four-year undergraduate qualification by the College of Health Sciences.

Physiotherapy students study areas relating to human movement, rehabilitation and physical health and can pursue professional careers in hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation centres, sports environments and private practice, subject to the applicable professional registration requirements.

9. UKZN Law Courses

Students interested in becoming lawyers can apply for the Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

UKZN’s College of Law and Management Studies currently lists the full-time LLB as a four-year qualification. The university describes it as both an undergraduate degree and a professional qualification that provides an essential foundation for people who intend to practise law in South Africa.

The College also provides law-related modules covering areas such as:

• Introduction to Law
• Foundations of South African Law
• Criminal Law
• Family Law
• Law of Persons
• Legal Research
• Human Rights
• Commercial Law

The exact curriculum may be revised over time, so 2028 applicants should consult the latest programme information.

10. UKZN Commerce and Business Courses

UKZN’s College of Law and Management Studies (CLMS) offers several business and commerce qualifications.

Current undergraduate programme information includes:

• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) General
• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting
• Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting – Extended Curriculum
• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
• Bachelor of Business Science in Finance
• Bachelor of Business Science in Investment Science
• Bachelor of Business Science in Economics
• Bachelor of Laws (LLB)

The College also offers extended curriculum options for selected commerce qualifications.

Bachelor of Commerce – BCom

The BCom General degree is suitable for students interested in areas such as:

• Business
• Economics
• Management
• Marketing
• Information systems
• Finance
• Accounting

The programme structure allows students to build their academic interests through appropriate majors and modules.

BCom Accounting

Students interested in accounting can apply for the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting. UKZN also lists an extended curriculum version of this qualification.

Bachelor of Business Administration

The BBA is designed for students interested in business administration and management.

Bachelor of Business Science

UKZN currently lists Business Science qualifications specialising in:

• Economics
• Finance
• Investment Science

The Finance and Investment Science programmes are listed as four-year qualifications.

11. UKZN Humanities Courses

The College of Humanities is one of UKZN’s broadest academic colleges.

UKZN states that Humanities offers undergraduate programmes in the humanities, arts, development and social sciences. The programmes are offered primarily across the Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses, although not every programme or subject is available at both campuses.

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The BA allows students to combine majors from areas such as:

• English Studies
• History
• Political Science
• Philosophy
• Linguistics
• French
• isiZulu
• Media and Cultural Studies
• Drama and Performance
• Fine Art
• Music
• Religion
• Cultural and Heritage Studies

UKZN’s Humanities information provides a broad list of BA major options across its campuses.

Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc)

The BSocSc provides opportunities to study areas including:

• Anthropology
• Geography
• Sociology
• Political Science
• History
• Industrial, Organisational and Labour Studies
• Economic History

The College also offers structured social science degrees in specialised fields.

12. UKZN Education Courses

Students who want to become teachers can consider the Bachelor of Education (BEd).

UKZN offers BEd specialisations across different teaching phases, including:

• Foundation Phase
• Intermediate Phase
• Senior Phase
• Further Education and Training (FET)

The School of Education describes the BEd as a four-year programme integrating academic and professional teacher education.

Depending on the specialisation, students can focus on subjects such as:

• Mathematics
• English
• isiZulu
• Physical Sciences
• Life Sciences
• History
• Geography
• Accounting
• Information Systems
• Technology
• Life Orientation

The university’s current information also makes clear that requirements can differ between BEd specialisations.

13. UKZN Architecture Course

The Bachelor of Architectural Studies (BAS) is a three-year programme offered through UKZN’s School of Engineering.

The university describes the programme as providing an academic and practical foundation for architectural practice, including preparation for further architectural study and professional development.

Architecture has additional admission considerations. UKZN’s current Architecture information states that applicants need a minimum total of 30 points excluding Life Orientation, together with Mathematics at Level 5, and the programme also has portfolio requirements.

This means applicants should begin preparing their portfolio well before the application deadline.

How Long Are UKZN Courses?

The duration depends on the qualification.

Examples from UKZN’s current programme information include:

• BA/BSocSc: generally 3 years for general degrees
• BCom: 3 years
• BCom Accounting: 3 years
• BCom Accounting Extended: 4 years
• LLB: 4 years
• BEd: 4 years
• BPharm: 4 years
• Physiotherapy: 4 years
• Nursing: 4 years
• BAS: 3 years
• MBChB: 6 years

These are examples rather than a guarantee that every programme will retain the same duration for 2028. UKZN notes that most undergraduate Humanities degrees are three years, although some take four years.

Does UKZN Offer Extended Programmes?

Yes. UKZN provides alternative access and extended academic support in selected fields.

For example, the university’s academic support information identifies an extended BSc curriculum for certain applicants from disadvantaged educational backgrounds. The programme spreads first-year study over two years and has its own admission criteria.

The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science also identifies academic support programmes intended to assist students whose academic potential may not have been fully reflected because of disadvantaged educational circumstances.

Extended programmes are therefore worth investigating if you narrowly miss the mainstream requirements, but applicants should never assume that an extended option exists for every UKZN course.

How to Choose the Right UKZN Course for 2028

Choosing a university course should involve more than selecting a programme because it is popular.

Consider the following:

1. Start with your career goal

Think about the occupation or professional field you eventually want to enter.

2. Check your Grade 12 subjects

Some qualifications require specific subjects.

For example, Architecture requires Mathematics rather than Mathematical Literacy according to current programme information.

3. Calculate your APS

Compare your expected APS with the programme’s published requirements.

4. Check the campus

UKZN programmes are distributed across different campuses. Not every programme is offered everywhere.

5. Check additional requirements

Some courses may require:

• Auditions
• Portfolios
• Interviews
• Specific subject combinations
• Selection tests
• Additional documentation

Music programmes, for example, can involve auditions, while Architecture has portfolio requirements.

6. Consider programme duration

A three-year BCom is different from a six-year MBChB in terms of time commitment and professional pathway.

How to Apply for UKZN Courses in 2028

UKZN directs prospective undergraduate students to apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) for many of its undergraduate programmes. The College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science, for example, explicitly directs prospective students to apply via CAO, while the School of Education also states that applications are made through the CAO.

A typical application process involves:

1. Researching available UKZN courses.
2. Selecting your preferred qualification.
3. Checking the programme’s admission requirements.
4. Checking the relevant CAO code.
5. Preparing your academic results and supporting documents.
6. Submitting your application through the appropriate application channel.
7. Monitoring your application and responding to requests from the university or CAO.

Applicants should always check the current application cycle because closing dates and application procedures can change.

Are UKZN Courses Available on Every Campus?

No.

UKZN operates across several campuses, and course availability varies.

For example, Humanities states that programmes in Humanities, Arts, Development and Social Sciences are offered at Howard College and Pietermaritzburg, while Education is offered at Edgewood and Pietermaritzburg. Not every programme or subject is available on every campus.

Health Sciences programmes also have their own campus arrangements.

Therefore, when researching UKZN courses for 2028, always check both the programme and the campus.

Does UKZN Offer Online Courses?

UKZN has online and digital learning resources, but prospective students should distinguish between an individual online module/course and a qualification formally offered as an online degree.

The mode of delivery varies by programme. Students seeking a fully online qualification should therefore check the specific 2028 programme information rather than assuming that every UKZN course is available online.

Frequently Asked Questions About University of KwaZulu-Natal Courses

What are the most popular courses at UKZN?

Popular areas include Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Engineering, Law, Accounting, Business, Computer Science, Education and various Humanities and Social Science programmes. Popularity does not necessarily mean that these are the best courses for every student.

Does UKZN offer Medicine?

Yes. UKZN’s College of Health Sciences offers the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB), listed as a six-year undergraduate programme.

Does UKZN offer Nursing?

Yes. The Bachelor of Nursing is listed as a four-year programme.

Does UKZN offer Law?

Yes. UKZN offers a four-year Bachelor of Laws (LLB).

Does UKZN offer Engineering?

Yes. The School of Engineering offers several engineering study pathways through the College of Agriculture, Engineering and Science.

Does UKZN offer Education?

Yes. UKZN offers Bachelor of Education programmes covering different teaching phases and subject combinations.

Does UKZN offer Accounting?

Yes. The College of Law and Management Studies offers both the Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and an extended curriculum version.

How many courses does UKZN offer?

UKZN offers a large number of qualifications and subject combinations across its four colleges. The exact list changes as programmes are reviewed, renamed, introduced or discontinued. For that reason, the official prospectus for the relevant admission year should be treated as the definitive list.

Final Thoughts on University of KwaZulu-Natal Courses 2028

The University of KwaZulu-Natal courses for 2028 cover an extensive range of academic and professional fields. Whether you want to become a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, engineer, lawyer, accountant, teacher, architect, scientist, business professional or social scientist, UKZN has programmes that may align with your career plans.

However, choosing a course should not be based solely on its popularity. You should compare the admission requirements, Grade 12 subjects, APS requirements, programme duration, campus, career opportunities and any additional selection requirements before applying.

Because the official UKZN Student Academic Administration page currently lists the 2027 undergraduate prospectus, the final 2028 course list and requirements should be confirmed against UKZN’s official 2028 prospectus when released.

For the most reliable information, prospective students should consult UKZN’s official programme pages and the relevant college rather than relying on outdated third-party course lists. This is particularly important for competitive programmes such as Medicine, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Pharmacy and Architecture, where requirements and selection procedures can be programme-specific.