| Code | Faculty | Department |
|---|---|---|
| 12131014 | Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology | Department: Information Science |
| Credits | Duration | NQF level |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum duration of study: 3 years | Total credits: 382 | NQF level: 07 |
This package contextualises the South African publishing industry, with specific application to book publishing and corporate publishing. The objectives are to equip students with background knowledge on the industry, role players and trends, as well as with specific skills linked to the publishing value chain. These skills include: the commissioning of manuscripts aimed at specific markets; the management of the design, reproduction and printing phase; copy-editing and proofreading; financial and marketing management. Students are empowered to act as responsible information intermediaries who can add value to publications during the various phases of the publishing process.
Important information for all prospective students for 2025
The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.
Minimum requirements | |
Achievement level | |
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | APS |
NSC/IEB | |
5 | 28 |
The suggested second-choice programmes for Bachelor of Information Science Publishing are Bachelor of Information Science, Bachelor of Arts Languages and Bachelor of Arts.
Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.
Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.
Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.
Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
Successful candidates will be notified once admitted or conditionally admitted.
Unsuccessful candidates will be notified after 30 June.
Applicants should check their application status regularly on the UP Student Portal at click her
Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the International undergraduate prospectus 2025: Applicants with a school leaving certificate not issued by Umalusi (South Africa), available at click here.
International students: Click here.
Transferring students
A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.
Closing dates: Same as above.
Returning students
A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.
Note:
Closing date for applications from returning students
Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.
See Language groups for more information
LANGUAGE GROUPS FOR SELECTION IN PROGRAMMES
Note: Consult the yearbook for module-specific requirements/prerequisites by searching for the relevant language module.
Module group 1 – Afrikaans
Year level 1
• As a first language: AFR 110, 120
• For speakers of other languages (also for speakers of other languages who are registered for qualifications in education and law) AFR 114
Year level 2
• As a first language: AFR 214, AFR 210 ,220
• For students following a programme in education: AFR 214, AFR 220
Year level 3
• As a first language: AFR 311, 321
• For students following a programme in education: Any modules with alpha codes AFR offered at year level 3.
Module group 2 – English
Year level 1
• For special purposes: ENG 118
• For academic purposes: ENG 110, 120
Year level 2
ENG 210, 220
Year level 3
• ENG 310, 320
• ENG 311, 322
Module group 3 – French
Year level 1
• For beginners: FRN 104
• Cultural-professional (for students who have passed French in Grade 12): FRN 113, 123
Year level 2
FRN 211, 221
Year level 3
Cultural-professional: FRN 361, 362, 363, 364
Module group 4 – German
Year level 1
• For beginners: DTS 104
• Cultural-professional (for students who have passed German in Grade 12): DTS 113, 123
Year level 2
DTS 211, 221
Year level 3
Cultural-professional: DTS 361, 362, 363, 364
Module group 5 – Greek
Year level 1
GRK 110, 120
Year level 2
GRK 210, 220
Module group 6 – Hebrew
Year level 1
HEB 110, 120
Year level 2
HEB 210, 220
Module group 7 – Latin
Year level 1
LAT 110, 120 (students who passed Latin in Grade 12 may start immediately with Latin at year level 2)
Year level 2
LAT 210, 220
Year level 3
LAT 310, 320
Module group 8 – IsiNdebele
Year level 1
For speakers of isiNdebele as home language or first or second additional language
NDE 110, AFT 121
Year level 2
NDE 210, AFT 220
Year level 3
NDE 310, AFT 320
Module group 9 – IsiZulu
Year level 1
• For beginners: ZUL 110, 120
• For speakers of isiZulu as home language or first or second additional language: ZUL 111, AFT 121
Year level 2
• For students who did ZUL 110, 120 at year level 1: ZUL 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121: ZUL 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, ZUL 211
Year level 3
ZUL 310, AFT 320
Module group 10 – Sepedi
Year level 1
• For beginners: SEP 110,120
• For speakers of Sepedi as home language or first or second additional language: SEP 111, AFT 121
Year level 2
• For students who did SEP 110, 120 at year level 1: SEP 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121, SEP 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, SEP 211
Year level 3
SEP 310, AFT 320
Module group 11 – Setswana
Year level 1
• For beginners: STW 110, 120
• For speakers of Setswana as home language or first or second additional language: STW 111, AFT 121
Year level 2
• For students who did STW 110, 120 at year level 1: STW 210, 220
• For students who did AFT 121, STW 111 at year level 1: AFT 220, STW 211
Year level 3
STW 310, AFT 320
Module group 12 – Spanish
Year level 1
For beginners: SPN 101, 102
Year level 2
SPN 211, 221
Year level 3
SPN 311, 321
Module group 13 – Portuguese
Year level 1
• For beginners: PTG 101
• Portuguese language and culture (for students who have passed Portuguese in Gr 12): PTG 113, 123
Year level 2
PTG 211, 221
Year level 3
PTG 311, 321
A degree (undergraduate) in the School of IT is conferred with distinction on a student who did not repeat any module of his/her final year, obtained a weighted average of at least 75% in all the prescribed modules for the final year, provided that a subminimum of 65% is obtained in each of these modules and provided that the degree is completed in the prescribed minimum period of time. Ad hoc cases will be considered by the Dean, in consultation with the relevant head of department.
Minimum credits: 132
Fundamental: 26
Core: 82
Elective: 24
Additional information: Select two language modules from the Faculty of Humanities at first-year level (2 x 12 = 24 credits).
Module content:
Find, evaluate, process, manage and present information resources for academic purposes using appropriate technology.
Module content:
Apply effective search strategies in different technological environments. Demonstrate the ethical and fair use of information resources. Integrate 21st-century communications into the management of academic information.
Module content:
By the end of this module students should be able to cope more confidently and competently with the reading, writing and critical thinking demands that are characteristic of the field of Information Technology.
Module content:
This module is intended to equip students with a thorough knowledge of English grammar and is particularly useful for those interested in a career in teaching, editing, document design or other forms of language practice.
Module content:
This module provides an overview of the fundamentals of marketing by considering the exchange process, customer value, marketing research and the development of a marketing plan. It also addresses the marketing mix elements with specific focus on the seven service marketing elements namely the service product, physical evidence, people, process, distribution, pricing and integrated marketing communication.
Module content:
Introduction to Information Science. This module is an introduction to the study field of information science and its various professions. Key concepts that will be discussed include the following: the human as information processor and user; the life-cycle of information in terms of processes, products and role-players; as well as the communication of information. The social-ethical impact of globalisation is included as a key concern, with reference to Africa, the 4th Industrial Revolution and other revolutions to come are addressed as well as core principles such as equity, diversity and inclusion.
Module content:
Information organisation, representation and structuring. This module offers a brief overview of the basic principles and processes underlying the organisation, representation, and structuring of information. The process of organising information on the web (such as social networking sites), in multimedia formats, by means of document image processing and in databases is dealt with. Themes on the representation of information through the creation of metadata include various general and domain specific metadata schemas such as Dublin Core for the web, as well as the various retrieval and management tools available for metadata. Practical classes provide a learning environment for students to apply and integrate academic content learned in the theory classes to complete more hands-on projects (e.g. HTML web design).
Module content:
Information and communication technology. This module offers a brief overview of hardware and software and telecommunications technologies. Various networks, network applications. intranets, internet, the World Wide Web, deep web and cloud computing are discussed. Computer ethics, ICTs, e-commerce, ergonomics, mobile computing technology and the influence that new trends and developments such as the 4th Industrial Revolution and virtual reality have on the creation and distribution of information are covered in this module. The practical component focuses on the introduction to the coding language, Python.
Module content:
*Closed – requires departmental selection.
Introduction to publishing. This module will focus on an introductory overview of publishing: the historical development of publishing; the publishing value chain; business and legal issues relating to the publishing industry; and the broader macro-context.
Module content:
*Closed - requires departmental selection.
The Book Publishing Environment. This module provides a basic introduction to the book publishing environment in the South African context. The following aspects are highlighted: processes, tasks and role-players involved in South African book publishing; different sectors of the book publishing industry; different types of publishing houses; external role-players; initiatives, strategies, current trends and issues.
Module content:
Foundations of visual culture
This module introduces art and visual culture theory using a wide range of texts and ideas. The module gives students wide exposure to visual discourses and includes a variety of visual culture examples e.g. artworks, advertisements. These discourses may include: exploring what visual culture is; modes of analysis; introducing terminology such as ideology and myth; dealing with selected periods from history contextually; introducing cultural icons and themes from popular visual culture.
Module content:
Taalkundekomponent: Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde
Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde met die klem op skryfvaardighede.
Letterkundekomponent: Inleiding tot Afrikaanse literatuurstudie
Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse literatuurgeskiedenis, -kritiek en -teorie.
Module content:
Taalkundekomponent: Fonetiek en fonologie
Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse fonetiek en fonologie. Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse taalkunde.
Letterkundekomponent: Afrikaanse populêre kultuur
Inleiding tot kultuurstudie: ʼn Oorsig oor populêre fiksie, musiek en films in Afrikaans.
Module content:
Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as an introduction to literary concepts such as literary text(s), topic, characters, events, time and place; the analysis of selected short stories.
Module content:
Comprehensive review of German grammar; development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of tests.
Module content:
Continuation of comprehensive review of German; further development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes - 2 discussion classes per week Introduction to Literature in English (1)
This module introduces the study of literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, prose, drama). The texts studied here will be mainly from the pre-twentieth century era and may include texts written in English from both Africa and other parts of the world. The aim of this module is to equip students with the critical and analytical skills required for a perceptive reading of poetry, novels and plays.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes: 2 discussion classes per week
Introduction to Literature in English (2)
This module introduces the study of post-nineteenth century literature by examining a number of texts representing different genres (poetry, drama, prose). Texts will be from both Africa and other parts of the world. By the end of this module students should have the background and analytical skills to perceptively read modern and contemporary poetry, novels and plays.
Module content:
Comprehensive review of French grammar; development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.
Module content:
Comprehensive review of French grammar; further development of reading, writing, speaking and understanding skills; analysis and interpretation of texts.
Module content:
For speakers of isiNdebele as home language or first or second additional language.
Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.
Module content:
*For speakers of Sepedi as home language or first or second additional language.
Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.
Module content:
*For speakers of isiZulu as home language or first or second additional language.
Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as an introduction to the word categories; an introduction to the structure, meaning and use of the noun, the adjective, the relative, the possessive; the verb; writing and spelling rules; dictionaries and dictionary use; grammatical analysis.
Minimum credits: 124
Fundamental: 8
Core: 76
Elective: 40
Additional information: Select two language modules from the Faculty of Humanities at second-year level (2 x 20 = 40 credits).
Module content:
The Joint Community Project module is a credit-bearing educational experience where students are not only actively engaging in interpersonal skills development but also participate in service activities in collaboration with community partners. Students are given the opportunity to practice and develop their interpersonal skills formally taught in the module by engaging in teamwork with fellow students from different disciplines and also with non-technical members of the community. The module intends for the student to develop through reflection, understanding of their own experience in a team-based workspace as well as a broader understanding of the application of their discipline knowledge and its potential impact in their communities, in this way also enhancing their sense of civic responsibility. Compulsory class attendance 1 week before Semester 1 classes commence.
Module content:
Social and ethical impact. This module examines moral and legal regulation practices related to information in print and digital environments. Different ethical theories are identified and applied to privacy, accuracy, intellectual property, access and security information, information poverty and censorship. Digital divide, information poverty and big data are discussed in this module. The interpretation and enforcement of rules and regulations are discussed.
Module content:
*Closed - requires departmental selection.
Copy-editing. This module offers an introduction to copy-editing as a phase in the publishing process. Topics covered are the role of the copy-editor in the publishing value chain; the levels of editing; the responsibilities of the copy-editor towards the manuscript, the author and the publishing house; the responsibilities and skills of the proof-reader; typical problems in texts; proof-reading and copy-editing symbols and the mark-up of texts; as well as legal and ethical aspects of editing. Learners are also equipped with practical skills in proofreading and copy-editing both digital and print-based texts.
Module content:
*Closed - requires departmental selection.
The Visual and Production Dimensions of Publishing. This module focuses on the visual design, packaging and production of publications and information products for different audiences. Topics addressed during the theoretical component include graphic design practice; the historical development of design and print technologies; the use of visual elements in publications; the project management of this phase.
During the practical component learners are introduced to selected applications of desktop publishing (DTP) software and the practical aspects of the production phase.
Module content:
Gender, sexuality and visual representation
Introduction to the representation of sex, gender and sexuality in visual culture. Gender theory and terminology related to feminism, masculinity studies and lbgtq theory (lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgendered, queer) are unpacked. Themes and issues in gender and identity politics such as the male hero, the nude in late 19th century art, the femme fatale, hysteria, androgyny and transsexuality are dealt with. Sexuality and gender issues across a range of visual cultural such as soaps, sitcoms, artworks, advertisements, fashion, music videos and films are addressed.
Module content:
Taalkundekomponent: Semantiek en pragmatiek
Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse semantiek en pragmatiek.
Letterkundekomponent: Teks en konteks I
Verdere bestudering van Afrikaanse letterkundige en kultuurtekste binne breër geskiedkundige, sosiokulturele en teoretiese konteks. Afrikaanse literatuur tot die 1970’s binne historiese en teoretiese konteks.
Module content:
Taalkundekomponent: Sosiolinguistiek
Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse sosiolinguistiek.
Letterkundekomponent: Teks en konteks II
Afrikaanse literatuur sedert die 1970’s binne historiese konteks. Verdere bestudering van Afrikaanse letterkundige en kultuurtekste binne breër geskiedkundige, sosiokulturele en teoretiese konteks.
Module content:
Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as the continuation of the study of concepts such as text, topic, characters, events, time and place; the study of plot and style; the critical analysis of a novel/novelette.
Module content:
This module focuses on the further development of communication skills with special emphasis on the receptive activities of the language, namely listening and reading. Careful attention is given to critical aspects of German grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the German-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
This module continues with the development of communicative skills of the language. Special attention is given to the comprehension of non-fictional and literary written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs, as well as the application of knowledge of German grammar in oral and written production. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes - 3 discussion classes per week
Modern English literature and English language studies
This module focuses on post-nineteenth century literature in English as well as on historical and theoretical aspects of the English language.
Module content:
*Alternative evening classes - 3 discussion classes per week
Twentieth-century, postcolonial and contemporary literature
This module focuses on post-nineteenth century literature in English. Various genres are covered and particular attention is given to postcolonial writing.
Module content:
This module focuses on the further development of communication skills with special emphasis on the receptive activities of the language, namely listening and reading. Careful attention is given to critical aspects of French grammar. Short fictional and non-fictional texts are used for comprehension as well as for demonstrating cultural aspects of the French-speaking countries. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
This module continues with the development of communicative skills of the language. Special attention is given to the comprehension of non-fictional and literary written texts, spoken and audio-visual inputs, as well as the application of knowledge of French grammar in oral and written production. This module complies with the requirements for level B1.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to isiNdebele speech sounds/phonetics.
Module content:
Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to Sepedi speech sounds/phonetics.
Module content:
Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; the structure, meaning and use of the pronoun and the enumerative; an introduction to isiZulu speech sounds/phonetics.
Minimum credits: 126
Core: 96
Elective: at least 30
Additional information: Select one language module from the Faculty of Humanities at third-year level (at least 30 credits).
Module content:
*Closed - requires departmental selection.
Publishing in the Digital Environment. The module focuses on the study of publications in the digital environment. Differences between paper-based and digital texts are studied., as well as publication formats and distribution channels . The influence of the digital environment on different publishing sectors and publication processes is also addressed, focusing on understanding the nature and management of the e-publishing environment and digital publishing technologies.
During the practical component, learners are introduced to the appropriate software and applications to create an e-book.
Module content:
*Closed - requires department selection.
Commissioning. This module offers an introduction to the commissioning phase of the book publishing process. The process of manuscript commissioning is studied within the dual contexts of the South African publishing environment and the internal environment of the publishing house.
Topics covered include: market research; list building; the management of both the manuscript development and production phases; costing a project; scheduling and contracts. Learners demonstrate their understanding of commissioning through case studies, role-plays and the creation of a manuscript proposal.
Module content:
*Closed – requires departmental selection.
Management and Marketing in the Publishing Environment. This module offers an introduction to publishing as a business with a specific focus on marketing in a publishing context. Topics covered include the business environment in South Africa; market research and costing; sales and marketing in the traditional and digital context; and the business of bookselling. Learners demonstrate their understanding through case studies and the development of a marketing proposal.
Module content:
*Closed - requires department selection.
Publishing in the Magazine and Corporate Environment. This module offers an introduction to the publishing value chain as applied to magazines and corporate publications; the magazine and corporate publishing environment (including kinds of magazines and corporate publications, readership, market segmentation); commissioning writing for magazines and corporate publications; production processes; sales and marketing; and distribution.
Module content:
Taalkundekomponent: Historiese taalkunde
Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse historiese taalkunde.
Letterkundekomponent: Gevorderde literatuurstudie I
Afrikaanse literatuur in die konteks van resente literatuurteoretiese diskoerse.
Module content:
Taalkundekomponent: Sintaksis
Inleiding tot die Afrikaanse sintaksis.
Letterkundekomponent: Gevorderde literatuurstudie II
Afrikaanse literatuur in die konteks van resente literatuurteoretiese diskoerse.
Module content:
Aspects of the literature of isiNdebele/isiZulu/Sepedi/Setswana such as the critical analysis of a dramatic work and poetry (selected poems).
Module content:
Introduction to German linguistics. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of relevant texts from different disciplines. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Principles of textual grammar of the German language. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of literary texts in cultural-historical perspective. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.2 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Reading Medieval and Early Modern literature
In this module students study the works of writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, Milton and Pope. The general characteristics and techniques of these authors are discussed in relation to developments in aesthetic theory, generic conventions and socio-historical change.
Module content:
Reading the Nineteenth Century
In this module students read a selection of 19th-century texts in English. The general characteristics and techniques of these texts are discussed in relation to developments in aesthetic theory, generic conventions and socio-historical change.
Module content:
Principles of textual grammar of the French language. This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of relevant audio-visual material and texts from non-fictional and fictional sources.
This module complies with the requirements for level B2.1 set by the “Common European Framework of Reference for Languages”.
Module content:
Principles of grammar of the French language. Introduction to professional translation and interpreting for the purpose of learning French as a foreign language.
Module content:
Analysis, interpretation and appropriation of literary texts in cultural-historical perspective.
Module content:
Aspects of the grammar of isiNdebele such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes/phonology of isiNdebele.
Module content:
Sepedi grammar - Capita selecta
Aspects of the grammar of Sepedi such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes / phonology of Sepedi.
The acquisition and inculcation of advanced communicative skills within a larger number of social, occupational and educational situations. Awareness of the nature and function of language structures is heightened further. Attention is also paid to cultural phenomena.
Module content:
isiZulu grammar - Capita selecta
Aspects of the grammar of isiZulu such as a continuation of the study of the word categories; grammatical analysis; more intensive study of the structure, meaning and use of the noun (specifically derived nouns) and verb (specifically moods and verbal extensions); an introduction to the sound changes/phonology of isiZulu. The acquisition and inculcation of advanced communicative skills within a larger number of social, occupational and educational situations. Awareness of the nature and function of language structures is heightened further. Attention is also paid to cultural phenomena.
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