Program Overview

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University Program Information

The University of South Africa (Unisa) offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Bachelor of Arts

The Bachelor of Arts degree is a 360-credit qualification at NQF level 7. It consists of 30 modules and is presented using both online and distance learning modes.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this qualification is to familiarize learners with the content and basic theories of a number of disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. It aims to provide learners with a deeper grasp of one or more of these disciplines, as well as to enable them to place new knowledge in context and to use appropriate methods for seeking resolution of problems.

Curriculum

The curriculum for this qualification is divided into three levels: first level, second level, and third level.

• First Level:
  • Group A: Compulsory modules
    • HSY1511 - Africa in the World: Historical Perspectives
    • HSY1512 - Southern Africa Until the Early 1800s: Encounters and Transformations
    • PLC1501 - Politics as Social Activity
    • PLC1502 - Understanding the State
  • Group B: Fundamentals - Select 2 modules
    • AFC1501 - Isandulelo kwizifundo ngezindlela zokucwaninga ulwazi lwaseThebes/ Afrika
    • AFL1501 - Language Through an African Lens
    • ENG1503 - Academic Language and Literacy in English
  • Group C: Electives - Select 2 modules
    • AFK1501 - Voetspore: Op reis deur die Afrikaanse Letterkunde
    • AFK1502 - Inleiding tot teksontwerp in Afrikaans
    • AFK1503 - Afrikaans Vandag: Taalkunde en skriftelike kommunikasie
• Second Level:
  • Group A: Compulsory modules
    • HSY2601 - Themes in the 19th Century History: Power and the Western World
    • HSY2602 - Early State Formation, Slavery and Colonial Conquest in Africa
    • HSY2603 - Transformation in Southern Africa in the 19th Century: Colonisation, Migration, Mining and War
    • PLC2601 - Understanding Political Behaviour and Participation
    • PLC2602 - Politics and Public Policy
  • Group B: Fundamentals - Select 3 modules
    • EWS2601 - Engaging with Society: Meeting the Challenges of a Changing World
    • HRV1601 - Human Rights, Values and Social Transformation
    • PLS2601 - Critical Reasoning
  • Group C: Electives - Select 3 modules
    • ADL2601 - Administrative Law
    • AFK2601 - Genre and Theme
    • AFK2602 - Afrikaanse Grammatika
• Third Level:
  • Group A: Compulsory modules
    • HSY3701 - Decolonisation, Independence and Social Change in Modern Africa
    • HSY3702 - Themes in 20th Century World History: Towards Globalisation
    • HSY3703 - Globalisation
    • HSY3704 - Modern South Africa: Afrikaner Power, the Politics of Race and Resistance, 1902 to the 1970's
    • HSY3705 - Modern South Africa: From Soweto to Democracy
  • Group AB: Compulsory modules - Select 1 module
    • PSC3702 - Political Conflict and Conflict Resolution
    • PSC3703 - Political Knowledge

Registration

To register for this qualification, applicants must have received an offer of placement from Unisa and have accepted the offer online. Re-registering students may register for the 2026 academic year once the registration period opens.

Module Selection

Each Unisa qualification is structured in such a way that students need to pass a certain number of NQF level credits within a certain amount of time in order to graduate. Students must choose their modules carefully, taking into account the pre-requisite and co-requisite requirements for each module.

Study Time

Students need to take their available time into consideration when choosing their modules, as this will impact their academic performance. Approximately 6 to 8 hours per week are required for semester modules, and 4 to 6 hours per week are required for year modules.

Examination Timetable

The examination timetable is available on the Unisa website.

Transitional Arrangements

Transitional arrangements are in place for students who have already started their studies.

Colleges

Unisa has several colleges, including:

• College of Accounting Sciences
• College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences
• College of Economic and Management Sciences
• College of Education
• College of Human Sciences
• College of Law
• College of Science, Engineering and Technology
• College of Graduate Studies

Each college offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Research

Unisa has a strong research focus, with several research centers and institutes. The university's research areas include:

• Problem-solving research with relevance and impact
• People in research
• Research and innovation initiatives
• Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation
• Research support
• Research ethics

Alumni

Unisa has a strong alumni network, with several benefits and services available to graduates.

Library

Unisa has a comprehensive library system, with several branches and online resources.

News and Media

Unisa has a news and media section, which includes news, publications, media releases, and calendar and events.

Donate

Unisa welcomes donations, which can be made online or by contacting the university's fundraising office.

Contact

For more information about Unisa and its programs, please visit the university's website or contact the relevant department.