Unisa Courses Under Humanities

The University of South Africa (UNISA) is one of Africa’s leading institutions for distance education. Known for its wide range of courses, UNISA offers numerous programs under its College of Human Sciences (Humanities). These programs are tailored to equip students with critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness—traits crucial for careers in various fields such as education, public service, media, and more.

If you’re interested in studying humanities at UNISA, you’ll find plenty of undergraduate, postgraduate, and short learning programs to explore. This article provides a detailed list of UNISA courses under humanities, highlighting their focus areas to help you make an informed decision about your educational future.

What Are Humanities?

Humanities as a field of study focuses on understanding human culture, society, and behaviors. It incorporates disciplines that explore languages, history, philosophy, religion, and the arts. Whether you’re drawn to literature, cultural studies, or ethical reasoning, humanities offer a wide range of academic pursuits.

Studying humanities enhances your ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively. These skills open doors to diverse career opportunities that make a real impact on society.

UNISA’s College of Human Sciences

The College of Human Sciences at UNISA is dedicated to offering students programs that foster intellectual growth and research. It focuses on areas such as:

Languages and Literature
Communication and Media Studies
History and Heritage
Philosophy and Ethics
Religious Studies
Arts and Culture

Each program is designed to nurture skills applicable in sectors like teaching, journalism, human resources, social work, research, and more.

To simplify your search, we’ve grouped the humanities courses at UNISA into specific categories. Let’s take a detailed look at them.

Undergraduate Degrees in Humanities

UNISA’s undergraduate programs in humanities provide a solid foundation of knowledge while preparing students for professional or academic advancement. These degrees typically span three to four years of full-time study or longer for part-time learners.

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA)

The BA degree is one of the most versatile qualifications within humanities. It allows students to specialize in specific fields while gaining interdisciplinary knowledge. Some of the key BA specializations at UNISA include:

Languages and Literature:
English Studies
African Languages
French
Linguistics
Creative Writing
Social Sciences:
Psychology
Sociology
Anthropology
History and Cultural Studies:
History
Heritage and Museum Studies
Philosophy and Ethics:
Philosophy
Applied Ethics
Politics and International Studies:
Political Science and Governance
International Relations

The BA degree equips students with both theoretical and practical skills, making it suitable for those who wish to pursue careers in teaching, public administration, or creative industries.

2. Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) is specifically designed for students passionate about helping communities and individuals. This program focuses on topics such as:

Child Welfare
Community Development
Mental Health
Counseling
Social Policy and Advocacy

Graduates from this program are eligible for registration with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), which allows them to work as qualified social workers in South Africa.

3. Bachelor of Theology (BTh)

For students interested in religious studies, the Bachelor of Theology (BTh) is an excellent choice. This program explores religious doctrines, practices, and ethics. Students can choose to specialize in areas like:

Christian Ministry
Biblical Studies
Comparative Religion
Pastoral Counseling

The BTh degree is ideal for those pursuing careers in ministry, counseling, or religious education.

4. Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science

This undergraduate degree focuses on communication’s role in society. It equips students with skills in media studies, public relations, and strategic communication. Subjects covered include:

Media Ethics
Corporate Communication
Audience Analysis
Digital Media Strategies

Graduates often find opportunities in journalism, advertising, and corporate communication sectors.

5. Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE)

The BA in PPE is a multidisciplinary program designed to develop practical problem-solving and leadership skills. Students gain insights into:

Political Theories
Economic Policies
Ethical Decision-Making

This degree is highly regarded for careers in government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and policy-making institutions.

6. Bachelor of Education in Arts and Humanities

Future educators can benefit from this program, which focuses on preparing students to teach humanities subjects in schools. The curriculum covers areas such as:

History and Geography Education
Language Teaching Techniques
Classroom Management

Postgraduate Degrees in Humanities

UNISA offers various postgraduate programs for students who wish to specialize further in their areas of interest. These programs include honors, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

1. Bachelor of Arts Honours (BA Hons)

The BA Honours program allows students to deepen their knowledge in specific fields. Some popular specializations include:

Anthropology
Sociology
Political Science
Philosophy
Development Studies

This qualification is ideal for students aiming to pursue research or academic careers.

2. Master’s Degrees

UNISA’s master’s programs focus on advanced knowledge and research skills. Popular humanities master’s programs include:

Master of Arts in History
Master of Arts in Philosophy
Master of Arts in Psychology
Master of Theology
Master of Development Studies

These programs are research-intensive and often require the submission of a dissertation or thesis.

3. Doctoral Degrees (PhD)

Doctoral degrees are the highest qualifications offered at UNISA. Students can undertake PhD programs in fields such as:

Sociology
Ethics and Philosophy
Religious Studies
Cultural and Media Studies

PhD candidates are expected to make original contributions to knowledge in their chosen disciplines.

Diplomas and Certificates in Humanities

For students seeking short-term qualifications, UNISA offers diplomas and certificates in several humanities-related areas.

1. Higher Certificate in Humanities

This program serves as a bridging course for students who wish to pursue further studies in arts and social sciences. It introduces foundational subjects like:

Communication Skills
Introduction to History
Basic Sociology

2. Diploma in Public Relations

This diploma is perfect for students aiming for careers in PR, marketing, or media. Key topics include:

Corporate Communication
Brand Management
Event Planning

3. Diploma in Tourism Management

With a focus on heritage and cultural tourism, this program equips students with skills for the tourism and hospitality industry. Topics include:

Tourism Marketing
Cultural Heritage Management
Customer Service in Tourism

4. Short Learning Programs

UNISA also offers short learning programs (SLPs) for professionals looking to enhance their skills. Popular SLPs under humanities include:

Creative Writing
Intercultural Communication
Basic Counseling Skills
Ethical Leadership

These programs are flexible and can be completed within a few months.

Career Opportunities in Humanities

Studying humanities opens up numerous career paths. Here are some areas where graduates can apply their skills:

Media and Journalism:

Reporters
Editors
Content Creators

Education:

School Teachers
Academic Lecturers
Curriculum Developers

Social Services:

Social Workers
Counselors
Community Program Coordinators

Public Relations and Marketing:

PR Specialists
Brand Strategists
Event Coordinators

Arts and Culture:

Museum Curators
Freelance Writers
Cultural Program Planners

Government and NGOs:

Policy Advisors
Human Rights Advocates
Community Development Officers

The possibilities are virtually endless, as humanities equip students with versatile skills applicable across industries.

Why Choose UNISA for Humanities?

UNISA stands out as a leading institution for humanities education due to its:

Flexible Learning Model:

Study from anywhere at your own pace.

Affordable Fees:

Accessible education options for students across the globe.

Wide Range of Courses:

Diverse specializations tailored to individual interests.

Accredited Qualifications:

Recognized degrees on both national and international levels.

Supportive Resources:

Online libraries, forums, and academic assistance.

How to Apply for Humanities Courses at UNISA

To apply for a humanities course at UNISA, follow these steps:

Check Admission Requirements:

Ensure you meet the specific entry requirements for your chosen program.

Submit Your Application Online:

Visit the official UNISA website and complete the application process during the designated period.

Upload Required Documents:

Provide copies of your ID, academic certificates, and other relevant documents.

Wait for Approval:

Once your application is processed, you’ll receive confirmation if accepted.

Final Thoughts

UNISA offers an impressive range of courses under humanities, catering to diverse interests and career goals. Whether you’re passionate about literature, philosophy, social work, or media, you’re sure to find a program that suits your aspirations. The flexibility and accessibility of UNISA’s distance learning model make it an excellent choice for students worldwide.