{"id":19409,"date":"2025-07-30T16:43:13","date_gmt":"2025-07-30T14:43:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=19409"},"modified":"2026-03-12T10:08:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T08:08:27","slug":"unisa-human-sciences-courses-entry-requirements-and-career-paths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/unisa-human-sciences-courses-entry-requirements-and-career-paths\/","title":{"rendered":"UNISA Human Sciences Courses: Entry Requirements and Career Paths"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Whether you&#8217;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\u2014from African Languages and Psychology to Social Work and Politics\u2014it can feel overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This guide will walk you through the qualifications, entry requirements, and career prospects for UNISA\u2019s Human Sciences programmes. You\u2019ll also learn how to make smart application choices, understand the NQF levels, and avoid common mistakes South African students make when choosing a course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-human-sciences-at-unisa\">Understanding Human Sciences at UNISA<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-human-sciences\">What Are Human Sciences?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Human Sciences explore how people think, behave, communicate, and interact within societies. At UNISA, this faculty includes fields such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Psychology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Social Work<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Languages and Linguistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Politics and International Relations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Archives and Records Management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Community Development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anthropology and Sociology<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These programmes combine theory with practical application, equipping you to solve real-world social challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1226358615\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-by-step-how-to-choose-the-right-human-sciences-qualification\">Step-by-Step: How to Choose the Right Human Sciences Qualification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-understand-odel-and-whether-unisa-suits-you\">Step 1: Understand ODeL and Whether UNISA Suits You<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>UNISA is a distance learning university (Open Distance e-Learning or ODeL), ideal for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Working students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay-at-home parents<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Students in rural provinces<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Learners with part-time commitments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Pro Tip:<\/strong> Make sure you have consistent internet access and time management skills, as ODeL requires a lot of self-discipline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-match-your-interests-to-a-qualification\">Step 2: Match Your Interests to a Qualification<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re passionate about helping people or analysing society, fields like <strong>Social Work<\/strong>, <strong>Psychology<\/strong>, or <strong>Development Studies<\/strong> may be ideal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-unisa-human-sciences-qualifications-by-nqf-level\">UNISA Human Sciences Qualifications by NQF Level<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-higher-certificates-nqf-level-5\">Higher Certificates (NQF Level 5)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>These one-year programmes are ideal if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You don\u2019t meet the admission requirements for a degree<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re re-entering academic study after a long break<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Higher Certificate in Archives and Records Management (98577)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher Certificate in Social Auxiliary Work (90011)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Entry Requirements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Higher Certificate pass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>30\u201340% in the language of teaching and learning (usually English)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-diplomas-nqf-level-6\">Diplomas (NQF Level 6)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Diploma in Public Relations (90077)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Entry Requirements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NSC with Diploma pass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language and specific subject requirements may apply<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bachelor-s-degrees-nqf-level-7\">Bachelor\u2019s Degrees (NQF Level 7)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>UNISA offers over 100 Bachelor of Arts (BA) combinations within the Human Sciences stream.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Examples:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>BA in Psychology (90180)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BA in Community Development (98618)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BA in Creative Writing (99313)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics (90079)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Entry Requirements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>NSC with Bachelor\u2019s pass<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Minimum of 50% in the language of learning and teaching<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Additional programme-specific requirements may apply<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> 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).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3661515071\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-popular-human-sciences-degrees-and-career-paths\">Popular Human Sciences Degrees and Career Paths<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-bachelor-of-social-work-90088\">1. Bachelor of Social Work (90088)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Social worker, Child Protection Officer<br><strong>Accreditation:<\/strong> South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP)<br><strong>Minimum Requirements:<\/strong> NSC with a Bachelor&#8217;s pass; good academic standing<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-bachelor-of-arts-in-psychology-90180\">2. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (90180)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Counsellor, HR assistant, mental health support roles<br><strong>Next Steps:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need postgraduate studies to register as a psychologist<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-ba-in-international-relations-99302\">3. BA in International Relations (99302)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Diplomat, policy advisor, NGO project officer<br><strong>Suitable for:<\/strong> Students interested in global affairs and diplomacy<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-bachelor-of-information-science-90188\">4. Bachelor of Information Science (90188)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Librarian, archivist, digital knowledge manager<br><strong>Good fit for:<\/strong> Analytical students with a passion for managing information<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-bachelor-of-arts-in-community-development-98618\">5. Bachelor of Arts in Community Development (98618)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Careers:<\/strong> Development facilitator, municipal outreach officer<br><strong>Ideal for:<\/strong> Public servants and NGO workers aiming to improve communities<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read more: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasi-ispani.co.za\/how-to-use-the-aps-calculator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How to Use the APS Calculator for 2026 Applications<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-funding-and-support-options\">Funding and Support Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-can-you-get-nsfas-for-human-sciences\">Can You Get NSFAS for Human Sciences?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. NSFAS covers many UNISA qualifications if you meet the criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>South African citizen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Studying an approved qualification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Household income under R350,000<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit <a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nsfas.org.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">www.nsfas.org.za<\/a> to apply for 2025 funding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1176739891\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-to-apply-for-human-sciences-at-unisa-2025\">How to Apply for Human Sciences at UNISA (2025)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Visit <a>www.unisa.ac.za<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Register an account or log in via the myUnisa portal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upload documents: certified ID, results, proof of address<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apply for up to two qualifications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Track your application online<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Application Tip:<\/strong> Apply early\u2014space in popular programmes like Social Work is limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-mistakes-to-avoid\">Common Mistakes to Avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Applying for a degree without checking subject requirements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Missing the chance to apply for a Higher Certificate as a backup<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Assuming a Higher Certificate guarantees entry into a BA \u2014 it doesn\u2019t<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ignoring how self-discipline is essential for distance learning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1566814248\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-to-get-help\">Where to Get Help<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>UNISA Student Enquiries Line:<\/strong> 0800 00 1870<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>UNISA Ethics Hotline:<\/strong> 0800 075 278<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Email for Support:<\/strong> <a>unisa@thehotline.co.za<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Visit a UNISA campus:<\/strong> Pretoria Muckleneuk or Sunnyside, or regional offices across provinces<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Also check: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/tut-faculty-of-arts-and-design\/\">TUT Faculty of Arts and Design<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Choosing a qualification in Human Sciences at UNISA can open doors to <strong>meaningful careers<\/strong> in government, NGOs, education, health, and corporate sectors. With a variety of entry points\u2014from Higher Certificates to full BA degrees\u2014there\u2019s something for every South African learner, no matter where you\u2019re starting from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ready to take the first step?<\/strong><br>Explore courses and start your application at <a>www.unisa.ac.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Explore UNISA&#8217;s Human Sciences qualifications, entry requirements, career prospects, and funding options. Learn how to choose the right programme, avoid common mistakes, and start your academic journey with confidence. Apply for 2025 courses today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":19412,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"Explore UNISA's Human Sciences qualifications, entry requirements, career prospects, and funding options. Learn how to choose the right programme, avoid common mistakes, and start your academic journey with confidence. Apply for 2025 courses today!","footnotes":""},"categories":[68],"tags":[82,1025],"class_list":{"0":"post-19409","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-education","8":"tag-nsfas","9":"tag-unisa"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19409","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19409"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19409\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19414,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19409\/revisions\/19414"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19412"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19409"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19409"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19409"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}