Programmes offered:

• BSc in Mathematical Sciences, Biology and Agricultural Sciences or Physical Science; and
• BCom in Management or Financial Sciences.

(Take note that the Agricultural Sciences Programme is 5 years in length.)

 

BSC EXTENDED PROGRAMME

FACULTY OF NATURAL & AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES EXTENDED PROGRAMME

Admission requirements:

BSc in Mathematical Sciences stream:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for degree purposes
• An Admission Points Score (APS) of at least 28
• Mathematics: level 5
• Two languages, one has to be English or Afrikaans: level 4
• Life Orientation: level 4 (excluded when calculating APS)
• Three other subjects

BSc in Biological and Agricultural Sciences or Physical Sciences streams:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for degree purposes

• An Admission Points Score (APS) of at least 28 (Physical Sciences) and 26 (Biological Sciences)
• Mathematics: level 4
• Physical Sciences: level 4
• Two languages, one has to be English or Afrikaans: level 4
• Life Orientation: level 4 (excluded when calculating APS)
• Two other subjects: level 4

 

BCOM EXTENDED PROGRAMME

FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES EXTENDED PROGRAMME

BCom in Management or Financial Sciences streams:

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for degree purposes
• An Admission Points Score (APS) of at least 26
• Mathematics: level 3
• Two languages, one has to be English or Afrikaans: level 4
• Life Orientation: level 4 (excluded when calculating APS)
• Three other subjects

All prospective students are encouraged to write the NBT. Students are advised to write the test between July and October. Please visit our website for information on registration procedures for the NBT at www.nbt.ac.za.

Features of programmes:

• The programmes have two phases. During the first phase, which lasts 18 months (three semesters), students are assisted to develop on a personal and academic level to excel in their further studies. They then continue their studies in the second phase where they join students in the normal three-year mainstream degree programmes. The first phase of the Four-Year Extended Curriculum Programmes lasts 12 months (2 semesters) and is offered at the UP Mamelodi Campus.
• During the first phase, more exposure is given to the academic content than in the mainstream programmes, so that students have more time to engage with the subject content and develop a thorough understanding of the material. During the three semesters of the first phase the pace is gradually increased to the standard pace required of university students.
• Additional modules help students cope at university by focusing on the use of language, writing and study skills in specific disciplines. Basic computer skills are also taught in the first year.
• Most of the teaching and learning takes place in smaller groups. This allows individual attention and gives ample opportunity for questions and discussion.
• In addition to small classes, students also attend lectures in large groups where the teaching style is more formal. This is excellent preparation for the second phase of the programmes.
• A variety of methods are used to deliver subject content to remedy possible gaps in school knowledge. The programmes focus on understanding to develop critical thinking skills as well as practical skills needed to continue with the subjects.
• Progress is assessed continuously. Throughout the year students have to meet certain levels of academic performance. Failing to do so will result in a student not being allowed to continue with the programmes.
• A Student Support office at the Mamelodi Campus deals mainly with issues that may hinder academic success to students individually. It offers support for personal and academic development. On a day to day basis it offers assistance on career guidance, study methods, test taking skills, time management, etc. It also assists students with transfers to different academic pathways on completion of the one year at the campus.

Continuation and Transfer Guidelines:

The following are guidelines on how continuation or the major transfers take place from the programme:

STEM Pathway

Natural and Agricultural Science (NAS)

• Students who stay in the faculty will continue into the third semester and take any additional modules from the first semester in the degree they want to enter into.
• Exception is made for BSc (Actuarial and Financial Mathematics): Admissions from the BSc Extended programme to the BSc (Actuarial and Financial Mathematics) programme will be considered if students have passed all their first-year modules with an average mark of at least 60% and a minimum mark of 65% for the mathematic modules WTW 143 and WTW 153.
• Students who wish to study health sciences and veterinary science should apply for the Biological stream of the BSc Four-year Extended Curriculum Programmes. During the first semester of the BSc Four-year Extended Curriculum Programmes, students may apply to the Faculty of Health Sciences. This Faculty admits students based on their performance in the first year of the programme.
• If accepted by the Faculty of Health Sciences, the student leaves the programme at the end of the first year (after two semesters). Access to the Health Sciences is not guaranteed as the numbers are limited.
• During the third semester of the BSc Four-year Extended Curricula Programmes, students may apply to the Faculty of Veterinary Science. Access to the BVSc is not guaranteed as numbers are limited.
• Students who wish to study engineering should apply for the Physical Sciences stream of the BSc Four-year Extended Curriculum Programmes. During the first year of the BSc Four-year Extended Programmes, students may apply to the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology. This Faculty admits students based on their performance in the first year of the programme. If accepted by the faculty, the student leaves the programme at the end of the first year (after two semesters). Access to engineering is not guaranteed as the numbers are limited.

Commerce Pathway

Economic and Management Science (EMS)

• Students wishing to transfer to BCom (Accounting Sciences) and BCom (Investment Management) should first continue with their second year (first year at Hatfield Campus) in either BCom (Own Choice) or BCom (Financial Sciences). At the end of this second year, they can apply to enter into either one of the aforementioned degrees - provided they comply with all the set transfer requirements published yearly in the EMS Transfer Guide.
• Students wishing to enter into any of the Management Sciences degrees will continue into the third semester (first year at Hatfield Campus) and take any additional modules from the first semester of the degree they want to pursue. For their second semester at Hatfield Campus, they will then enroll for the normal modules prescribed for their degree of choice.

 

Alternative Pathway

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Are the programmes easy?

No. This is a university course and not simply a repetition of Grade 12. At the end of each semester, students write university examinations and receive university credits when they pass. The programmes are demanding and students will be in class early in the morning until late in the afternoon.

Where will I attend classes?

Students admitted for the Four-year Extended Curriculum Programmes will be placed at the Mamelodi Campus in the first year of study, and then transferred to the Hatfield Campus after the successful completion of their first year.

Will all applicants meeting the requirements for the four-year programmes be placed?

No. There are a limited number of spaces. The Four-year Extended Curriculum Programmes’ placement is based on the final Grade 12 results, with due consideration of the NBT results.

Will a student be able to transfer in the middle of the year to another campus?

No. Students have to complete their first year at the Mamelodi Campus. Applications for transfers happen during the year. The transfer itself happens only at the end of the year or after 18 months – depending on the transfer applied for.

What about accommodation?

Students may apply for accommodation at Hatfield Campus or find their own private accommodation close to Mamelodi Campus. A daily bus service is available to transport students between Hatfield and Mamelodi campuses.

(Same as Hatfield Campus accommodation)

How and when do I apply?

The closing date for applications is 30 September. Applications are done online at www.up.ac.za  Follow the “Online Application” link.