University of Johannesburg: Top Choice for Academic and Career Success
About and History
The University of Johannesburg
(UJ) is a prominent South African institution known for its commitment to
academic excellence and social justice. Established on January 1, 2005, UJ was
formed through the merger of Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), Technikon Witwatersrand
(TWR), and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University. This merger
was part of a broader transformation of the South African higher education
landscape, aimed at making universities more inclusive and representative of
the country's diverse population.
UJ has grown to become a
significant player in the global academic community, with a reputation for
innovation, research, and community engagement. The university serves over
50,000 students across its four campuses: Auckland Park Kingsway (APK),
Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB), Doornfontein (DFC), and Soweto (SWC).
Chancellors and Leadership
The university has seen notable
leadership throughout its history:
- Chancellors: The role of
Chancellor at UJ is largely ceremonial, with responsibilities including
conferring degrees at graduation ceremonies. The current Chancellor is Dr
Phumzile Mhlambo Ngcuka, is the former United Nations Under Secretary-General
and Executive Director of UN Women
- Vice-Chancellors: The
Vice-Chancellor is the chief executive officer of the university. Since its
inception, UJ has been led by several Vice-Chancellors, including Professor
Ihron Rensburg (2006-2017) and the current Vice-Chancellor, Professor Letlhokwa
Mpedi.
Awards and Achievements
UJ has garnered numerous awards
and recognitions, reflecting its excellence in education, research, and
community engagement:
- QS Stars Rating: UJ has
received a QS 5-Star rating in various categories, including Teaching,
Employability, and Innovation.
- Times Higher Education (THE)
Impact Rankings: The university ranks highly in the THE Impact Rankings, which
assess universities against the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs).
- Innovation: UJ's commitment to
innovation has been recognized through various awards and grants, supporting
cutting-edge research and development projects.
Rankings
- UJ is now ranked number one in South Africa and on the African
continent among universities worldwide that are less than 50 years old.
- QS World University Rankings:
UJ is ranked among the top 600 universities worldwide.
- Times Higher Education (THE)
World University Rankings: UJ is often placed within the top 500 universities
globally.
- ARWU (Shanghai Rankings): The university
has been recognized in specific subject areas, such as Engineering and Technology,
and Social Sciences.
Open
Days
UJ hosts regular Open Days to
provide prospective students with an opportunity to explore the campus, meet
faculty, and learn more about the programs offered. These events are held in
the first half of the year, allowing students and their families to experience
the university environment first-hand.
Why
Choose UJ?
Choosing UJ comes with numerous
benefits:
- Quality Education: UJ offers a
high standard of education, with programs accredited both nationally and
internationally.
- Research Opportunities: The
university is a research-intensive institution, offering students numerous
opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research.
- Diverse Community: UJ's
inclusive environment supports a diverse student body, promoting cultural exchange
and mutual understanding.
- Industry Connections: Strong
links with industry provide students with practical experience and enhance
their employability.
Facilities
and Departments
UJ boasts state-of-the-art facilities
across its four campuses:
- Libraries: Comprehensive
libraries equipped with extensive academic resources.
- Laboratories: Advanced labs
supporting research in various fields, including Science, Engineering, and
Health Sciences.
- Sports Facilities: Modern
sports complexes and fitness centres.
- Student Residences: Comfortable
and secure on-campus housing options.
UJ is organized into several
faculties, each comprising various departments:
- Faculty of Art, Design, and
Architecture
- Faculty of Economic and
Financial Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Faculty of Engineering and the
Built Environment
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Faculty of Law
- Faculty of Science
Courses Offered
UJ offers a wide range of
undergraduate and postgraduate programs across its faculties, including but not
limited to:
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc)
- Bachelor of Education (BEd)
- Bachelor of Engineering (BEng)
- Master's and PhD programs in
various disciplines
Minimum Admission Requirements
Admission requirements vary by
programme, but general requirements include:
- Undergraduate Programmes: A
National Senior Certificate (NSC) with appropriate subject combinations and
levels of achievement, or equivalent international qualifications.
- Postgraduate Programmes:
Relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification, with specific
requirements depending on the program.
Here are a few examples of
admission requirements per programme;
Diploma
in Sport Management (D9S01Q)
Duration: 3 years
NQF Level: 6
Minimum Entry Requirements:
- APS Score: 18 with Mathematics,
19 with Mathematical Literacy (Life Orientation excluded). The top 6 subjects
are considered for the APS score.
- English (compulsory): 3
- Mathematics: 3
- Mathematical Literacy: 4
- Additional subjects: 3 each
Bachelor
of Biokinetics (B9S05Q)
Duration: 4 years
NQF Level: 8
Professional Registration: Leads
to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
(HPCSA)
Work-Integrated Learning: Minimum
of 1000 hours required
Mode of Study: Full-time
only
Minimum Entry Requirements:
- APS Score: 28 with Mathematics,
29 with Mathematical Literacy (Life Orientation excluded). The top 6 subjects
are considered for the APS score.
- English (compulsory): 5
- Mathematics: 4
- Mathematical Literacy: 5
- Additional subjects: 4-5 each
Bachelor of Commerce in Sport
Management (B9S14Q)
Duration: 3 years
NQF Level: 7
Minimum Entry Requirements:
- APS Score: 24 with Mathematics
(Mathematical Literacy or Technical Mathematics not accepted; Life Orientation
excluded). The top 6 subjects are considered for the APS score.
- English (compulsory): 4
- Mathematics: 4
- Additional subjects: 3-4 each
Bachelor of Health Sciences in Sport and Exercise Science (B9SE1Q)
Duration: 3 years
NQF Level: 7
Mode of Study: Full-time
only
Admission: Limited to
approximately 122 applicants per year
Further Study: Graduates may
pursue an honours degree in Sport Science with a minimum achievement of 65%
Minimum Entry Requirements:
- APS Score: 27 with Mathematics,
28 with Mathematical Literacy (Life Orientation excluded). The top 6 subjects
are considered for the APS score.
- English (compulsory): 5
- Mathematics: 3
- Mathematical Literacy: 4
- Life Sciences (compulsory): 4
- Additional subjects: 3-4 each
How to
Apply to the University of Johannesburg (UJ)
To apply to the University of Johannesburg (UJ), start by visiting the official UJ website and navigating to the admissions section. Applications open on April 1 of the year preceding the intended year of study and close on October 31 at 12:00 PM. Prospective students must complete the online application form, which is free of charge. Alternatively, for paper applications, submit a completed application form along with all required supporting documents and a non-refundable application fee of R200.00. Ensure that all necessary documents, such as certified copies of academic transcripts and identification, are included. For more details, applicants can refer to the university's guidelines and contact the admissions office if needed. Click here to apply.
Documents Required
Applicants need to provide the
following documents:
- Completed application form
- Certified copies of academic
transcripts and certificates
- Proof of payment of the
application fee
- Identification document or
passport
- English proficiency test
results (for international students, if applicable)
Closing
Dates
Undergraduate Applicants
Applications open on April 1 of
the year before the intended year of study and close on October 31, 2024, at
12:00 PM.
Postgraduate Applicants
Applications open on April 1 of
the year before the intended year of study and close on October 31, 2024, at
12:00 PM.
Application Fee
Submit a completed application
form with the necessary supporting documents and a non-refundable application
fee of R200.00. Online applications are free of charge.
Housing and Transportation
UJ provides various housing
options:
- On-Campus Residences:
Accommodation on all four campuses, with different options ranging from shared
rooms to private apartments.
- Off-Campus Housing: Assistance
in finding suitable off-campus accommodation.
Transportation options include
- Shuttle Services: Regular
shuttles between campuses and surrounding areas.
- Public Transport: Proximity to
major transport routes and public transport facilities.
Contact Details
For more information or specific
inquiries, contact UJ at:
- Website: UJ website
- Tel: +27 11 559 4555
- WhatsApp: +27 87 2406 854
Email: mylife@uj.ac.za
- Physical Address: University of
Johannesburg, PO Box 524, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
The University of Johannesburg is
a leading school in South Africa, offering many programs and opportunities for
students to succeed in their studies and careers.