UNISA Human Sciences Courses: Entry Requirements and Career Paths

Kholofelo Modise30 July , 2025

Whether you’re a recent matriculant, a working professional looking to upskill, or a public servant aiming to serve your community more effectively, the College of Human Sciences at UNISA offers a wide range of qualifications tailored to your ambitions. But with so many choices—from African Languages and Psychology to Social Work and Politics—it can feel overwhelming.

This guide will walk you through the qualifications, entry requirements, and career prospects for UNISA’s Human Sciences programmes. You’ll also learn how to make smart application choices, understand the NQF levels, and avoid common mistakes South African students make when choosing a course.

Understanding Human Sciences at UNISA

What Are Human Sciences?

Human Sciences explore how people think, behave, communicate, and interact within societies. At UNISA, this faculty includes fields such as:

Psychology
Social Work
Languages and Linguistics
Politics and International Relations
Archives and Records Management
Community Development
Anthropology and Sociology

These programmes combine theory with practical application, equipping you to solve real-world social challenges.

Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Human Sciences Qualification

Step 1: Understand ODeL and Whether UNISA Suits You

UNISA is a distance learning university (Open Distance e-Learning or ODeL), ideal for:

Working students
Stay-at-home parents
Students in rural provinces
Learners with part-time commitments

Pro Tip: Make sure you have consistent internet access and time management skills, as ODeL requires a lot of self-discipline.

Step 2: Match Your Interests to a Qualification

If you’re passionate about helping people or analysing society, fields like Social Work, Psychology, or Development Studies may be ideal.

UNISA Human Sciences Qualifications by NQF Level

Higher Certificates (NQF Level 5)

These one-year programmes are ideal if:

You don’t meet the admission requirements for a degree
You’re re-entering academic study after a long break

Examples:

Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management (98577)
Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (90011)

Entry Requirements:

National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Higher Certificate pass
30–40% in the language of teaching and learning (usually English)

Diplomas (NQF Level 6)

Example:

Diploma in Public Relations (90077)

Entry Requirements:

NSC with Diploma pass
Language and specific subject requirements may apply

Bachelor’s Degrees (NQF Level 7)

UNISA offers over 100 Bachelor of Arts (BA) combinations within the Human Sciences stream.

Examples:

BA in Psychology (90180)
BA in Community Development (98618)
BA in Creative Writing (99313)
BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (90079)

Entry Requirements:

NSC with Bachelor’s pass
Minimum of 50% in the language of learning and teaching
Additional programme-specific requirements may apply

Tip: You can apply for two qualifications. If unsure, pair your preferred BA degree with a related Higher Certificate (e.g., BA Psychology + Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work).

Popular Human Sciences Degrees and Career Paths

Careers: Social worker, Child Protection Officer
Accreditation: South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)
Minimum Requirements: NSC with a Bachelor’s pass; good academic standing

2. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (90180)

Careers: Counsellor, HR assistant, mental health support roles
Next Steps: You’ll need postgraduate studies to register as a psychologist

3. BA in International Relations (99302)

Careers: Diplomat, policy advisor, NGO project officer
Suitable for: Students interested in global affairs and diplomacy

4. Bachelor of Information Science (90188)

Careers: Librarian, archivist, digital knowledge manager
Good fit for: Analytical students with a passion for managing information

5. Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (98618)

Careers: Development facilitator, municipal outreach officer
Ideal for: Public servants and NGO workers aiming to improve communities

Funding and Support Options

Can You Get NSFAS for Human Sciences?

Yes. NSFAS covers many UNISA qualifications if you meet the criteria:

South African citizen
Studying an approved qualification
Household income under R350,000

Visit www.nsfas.org.za to apply for 2025 funding.

How to Apply for Human Sciences at UNISA (2025)

Visit www.unisa.ac.za
Register an account or log in via the myUnisa portal
Upload documents: certified ID, results, proof of address
Apply for up to two qualifications
Track your application online

Application Tip: Apply early—space in popular programmes like Social Work is limited.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applying for a degree without checking subject requirements
Missing the chance to apply for a Higher Certificate as a backup
Assuming a Higher Certificate guarantees entry into a BA — it doesn’t
Ignoring how self-discipline is essential for distance learning

Where to Get Help

UNISA Student Enquiries Line: 0800 00 1870
UNISA Ethics Hotline: 0800 075 278
Email for Support: [email protected]
Visit a UNISA campus: Pretoria Muckleneuk or Sunnyside, or regional offices across provinces

Also check: TUT Faculty of Arts and Design

Choosing a qualification in Human Sciences at UNISA can open doors to meaningful careers in government, NGOs, education, health, and corporate sectors. With a variety of entry points—from Higher Certificates to full BA degrees—there’s something for every South African learner, no matter where you’re starting from.

Ready to take the first step?
Explore courses and start your application at www.unisa.ac.za.

Disclaimer: Admission requirements and course availability are subject to change. Always refer to the latest UNISA prospectus or contact the university directly for the most accurate information.