Are you ready to embark on your academic journey in 2026? Choosing the right university and course is one of the most important decisions you will make. The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice, and community engagement.
To secure your future, you need the right information. This comprehensive guide details all the undergraduate courses offered at UWC for the 2026 academic year, along with the critical entry requirements you must meet. Let’s navigate your path to becoming a UWC Proud student.
List of Courses Offered at University of the Western Cape
UWC’s academic offerings are structured across seven dynamic faculties, each providing a range of programmes designed to equip you for the future.
Faculty of Arts and Humanities
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Arts – 4 Year Extended Programme
- Bachelor of Library and Information Studies (BLIS)
- Bachelor of Theology (BTh) – Full-Time & Part-Time
Faculty of Community and Health Sciences
- BSc Sport & Exercise Science
- BA Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science
- BSc Complementary Health Sciences (Standard & CMA Stream)
- BSc Occupational Therapy
- BSc Physiotherapy
- BSc Dietetics
- Bachelor of Nursing (BNur) – 4 Year & 5 Year Options
- Bachelor of Nursing and Midwifery
- Bachelor of Complementary Medicine (Phytotherapy, Naturopathy, Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, Unani Tibb)
- Bachelor of Social Work (3 Year & 5 Year Extended)
- Bachelor of Community Development (Nutrition, Sport & Recreation)
- BA Human Ecology
Faculty of Dentistry
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Bachelor of Oral Health (BOral Health)
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) – Full-Time, Part-Time, General & Extended Curriculum (ECP)
- Bachelor of Administration (BAdmin) – Full-Time & Part-Time
- BCom Accounting
- BCom Financial Accounting
- Bachelor of Economics (Development Economics)
- BCom (Information Systems)
- BCom Law
- Higher Certificate in Economic Development
- Advanced Diplomas in: Accounting, Public Administration, Management
Faculty of Education
- BEd (Foundation Phase Teaching)
- BEd (Mathematics & Natural Sciences)
- BEd (Languages & Social Sciences)
- BEd (Languages & Life Orientation)
- BEd (EMS & Social Sciences)
- BEd (Maths & Languages)
- BEd (Natural Sciences & Maths)
- BEd in Senior Phase & Further Education and Training (FET) Teaching
- Higher Certificate in Education (Adult Learning)
- Higher Diploma in Education (Adult Learning)
Faculty of Law
- Higher Certificate in Forensic Examination
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) – 4 Year & 5 Year (Full-Time)
- BCom Law
- BA Law
- Advanced Diploma in Labour Law
Faculty of Natural Sciences
- BSc Biotechnology
- BSc Applied Geology
- BSc Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
- BSc Chemical Sciences
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Environmental and Water Science
- BSc Mathematics & Statistical Science
- BSc Medical Bioscience
- BSc Physical Science
- Bachelor of Pharmacy (BPharm)
Entry Requirements for 2026 Admission
Meeting the minimum requirements is the first step. Please note that specific programmes (like Dentistry, Nursing, and Law) have higher, competitive requirements due to limited space. Always check the official UWC website for the most detailed programme-specific criteria.
For Bachelor’s Degree Programmes:
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi with an achievement rating of 4 (Adequate Achievement, 50-59%) or better in four (4) subjects chosen from the official designated subject list.
Designated Subject List:
Accounting, Agricultural Sciences, Business Studies, Dramatic Arts, Economics, Engineering Graphics and Design, Geography, History, Consumer Studies, Information Technology, Languages (one language of learning and teaching at a higher education institution and two other recognized language subjects), Life Sciences, Mathematics, Mathematical Literacy, Music, Physical Sciences, Religion Studies, Visual Arts.
For Diploma Programmes:
The minimum admission requirement is an NSC with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four (4) recognized NSC 20-credit subjects.
For Higher Certificate Programmes:
The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) as certified by Umalusi.
Understanding the UWC Admissions Point System (APS)
UWC uses a weighted Admissions Point Score (APS) to evaluate applicants for degree and diploma programmes. Calculate your score using your final NSC results and the table below.
Important: This system emphasises performance in key subjects relevant to your chosen field of study.
| NSC Level | Percentage | Points for English* | Points for Maths / Maths Lit | Points for Life Orientation | Points for each Other Designated Subject |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 90-100% | 15 | 15 | 3 | 8 |
| 7 | 80-89% | 13 | 13 | 3 | 7 |
| 6 | 70-79% | 11 | 11 | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | 60-69% | 9 | 9 | 2 | 5 |
| 4 | 50-59% | 7 | 7 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | 40-49% | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| 2 | 30-39% | 3 | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| 1 | 20-29% | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 0 | <20% | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
*English refers to either English Home Language or English First Additional Language. English Second Additional Language is classified as an “other subject”.
How to Calculate Your APS:
- Identify your seven (7) best subjects, which must include English (Home or 1st Additional) and the specific subject requirements for your desired programme (e.g., Maths for Science, Accounting for Commerce).
- Use the table to find the points for each subject.
- Add the points for your top six subjects only (excluding Life Orientation) to get your final APS.
Choosing UWC is the first step toward a transformative education. With this guide, you are now equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision and prepare a strong application for 2026.
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