BA part-time

The part-time Bachelor of Arts degree is focused on the Social Sciences, one of the most exciting areas of study at the University. Part-time students receive the same qualification as full-time students at Wits.

Overview

Part-time students have two choices when they plan their studies:

  • The BA Option 1:  BA in Social Sciences 
    This option requires students to major in 2 courses from Social Sciences, such as Sociology and Psychology, or Politics and International Relations

  • The BA Option 2: BA for the World of Work 
    Part-time students have a unique opportunity to include HR Management / Management / Marketing (from the BCom degree) as a second major in the BA degree – contributing a maximum of 180 points, as long as the student fulfills specific conditions and pre-requisites.

You need to attend lectures on the Braamfontein West Campus in the evening. Students attend lectures one evening a week for each course being studied. Normally part-time students are allowed to register for a maximum of 2 full-year courses or 4 modular courses in a year. Experience has shown that it is very difficult for students to cope with more courses while working and also maintaining a healthy family life.

Lectures are usually held in the evenings (17:30-21:00) and specified courses or tutorials are usually held on Saturday mornings (09:00-13:00).  

This may be subject to change depending on the final timetable.

Career Opportunities

The complex social problems of the 21st century around the world require innovative and imaginative thinkers. A BA degree will equip you with these skills and open up interesting and challenging fields of work. 

Curriculum

The degree is awarded on completion of two major courses on first, second and third-year levels as well as four (4) elective courses. A full-year course typically extends over a year (two semesters) – and points are allocated to each course and you will only accrue those points when you pass the course. A minimum of 432 points is required to be awarded the degree.

Students are advised to enrol for a maximum of two (2) courses per year. 

You can major in any two (2) of the following subjects:

  • International Relations
  • Political Studies
  • Psychology (Clinical and Industrial courses)
  • Sociology
  • English
  • Media Studies

Click here for the BA second major options. 

Entry Requirements

GENERAL BA

APS 36+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with entry requirements of at least 30-35 APS points are wait-listed, subject to place availability.

Prior to 2008 - Old Matric:

  • Matric with endorsement and an admission rating score of 22.  
  • English on Higher Grade (first or second language) with a symbol of E or above.
  • If you are older than 23 and matriculated prior to 2008 without endorsement, an application may be considered based on your Matric school leaving certificate (leading to a conditional mature age exemption) or appropriate post-school studies.

Please contact the degree administrators for information on mature access options into the BA degree.

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.