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Undergraduate degrees

Why a BA Degree?

To build a just, developed country and world, we must first understand it. Studying the social sciences, languages and arts allows us to make sense of the human condition, of our histories, ideas, and stories, and it gives us the thinking and creative tools to envision the future.

Our world is characterised by increased reliance on digital technologies on the one hand, and political, social, and environmental volatility and unpredictability on the other. The jobs of the future will not only require the ability to capture, process and analyse data, but will also demand critical and creative thinking skills that enable problem-solving and sense-making. Now more than ever, we need graduates who can engage with complex ideas and communicate these ideas to others, who have a deep understanding of the world and remain adaptable in their thinking and decision-making, and who are committed to bringing positive change.

An education in the social sciences and humanities will equip you with the skills to think critically and creatively about interconnected problems. You will learn how to communicate effectively in different environments and how to work in a team. You will develop an understanding of South African, African and global social and political realities, while discovering the history, languages, literature, art, music and drama of our country and our continent and their relation to the rest of the world.

Through your exposure to a wide range of subjects and learning environments, you will grow both intellectually and creatively. A BA degree programme will prepare you to understand, shape and flourish in a complex world.

What is a ‘degree programme’?

A degree programme is a three-year programme of study you follow from your first to final year. Once you have successfully completed the programme, you receive your degree. Each degree programme consists of a group of subjects which complement one another. In some degree programmes you have some scope for choosing your subjects and in others the choice is made by the Faculty.

Our general degree programmes are ideal for students who have not yet decided on a specific career path and would like keep their options open. These programmes offer you a wide range of subjects from which to choose. 

Our specialised degree programmes have been tailor-made for a specific career or family of careers and therefore have fewer subject choices.

Our degree programmes

General programmes

Specialised programmes

Some of these programmes are available as extended degree programmes (EDPs). Read more about EDPs by clicking here.

If you want to study music but do not want to enrol for a BA in Music or a BMus, you can consider one of these three diploma programmes in the Music Department:

I want to know more about the Faculty’s degree programmes

If you want more information about our degree programmes, click HERE to go to Part Four of the University Calendar. It will give you all the details you need on degree programmes and subjects.

If you have general questions about studying in our Faculty or you have questions the Calendar did not answer, you can contact the SU Client Service Centre at 021 808 9111 or info@sun.ac.za. The staff there will gladly assist you or refer your question to the relevant person for further assistance.

I have a question about something else

If you want to know more about registration, your studies in general, accommodation or other important student matters, you can click HERE to find answers.

International Students

If you are an international students who is interested in studying in our Faculty, contact Stellenbosch University International to find out what your options are and what you need to do to join us.