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Nelson Mandela University undergraduate programmes include:

  • Higher Certificates (HCert)
  • Diplomas (Dip)
  • Advanced Diplomas (AdvDip)
  • Bachelor’s degrees (B degrees)

Higher Certificate (HCert)

This qualification is primarily vocational, or industry oriented. It provides you with the basic introductory knowledge, critical thinking skills and practical techniques in the chosen field of study. After obtaining a Higher Certificate, graduates may apply for admission to a Diploma in similar or related field of study as stipulated by the University.

Duration of study: Full-time 1 year

Example: HCert (Veldfire Management); HCert (Business Studies)

Diploma (Dip)

This qualification is primarily professional, vocational or industry specific. The purpose of the diploma is to develop graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in a particular field. Vocational Diplomas typically include simulated work experience or integrated learning work as part of your training.

After obtaining a Diploma, graduates may apply to pursue an Advanced Diploma in a similar or related field as stipulated by the University.

Duration of study:

  • Full-time 3 years / part-time 4 years

Examples: Dip (Marketing); Dip (Building)

Advanced Diploma (AdvDip)

This qualification is primarily professional, vocational or industry specific. Graduates can on completion of a three-year Diploma in a cognate field of study articulate to an Advanced Diploma. The purpose of the Advanced Diploma is to equip graduates with additional skills and knowledge in a particular field, so as to enable them to demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in that field. Advanced Diploma programmes typically include simulated work experience or integrated learning work.

Duration of study:

  • Full-time 1 year / part-time 2 years

Examples: AdvDip (Economics); AdvDip (Public Relations Management)

Bachelor’s degree (B degrees)

Bachelor’s degrees refer to the initial or first-degree qualifications in a specific field or discipline. This qualification enables graduates to demonstrate knowledge and skills required for entry into the labour market, further professional training, postgraduate studies, or professional practice in a wide range of careers.

General Bachelor’s

Some bachelor’s degrees may be made up of modules from more than one discipline and are referred to as general degrees, e.g., BA (General) or BCom (General), or may be career-focused, referring to an area of focus such as the BA in Human Resources Management, BCom (Law) or BCom in Financial Planning.

Duration of study: Full-time 3 years / part-time 4-5 years

Advanced career-focused/professional Bachelor’s

These bachelor’s programmes have a higher volume of learning and cognitive demand and may lead to further professional development on master’s degree level. Some programmes are designed in consultation with professional bodies and recognised accordingly as a requirement for a license to practice such profession.

Examples include the Bachelor’s in Pharmacy (BPharm), Architectural Studies (BAS), Law (LLB), Psychology (BPsych), Education (BEd), Engineering (BEng) and Nursing.

Duration of study: Full-time 4 years