Khumalo Dakarai
History Courses In South Africa
1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History
Institution: University of Cape Town (UCT), University of Pretoria, Stellenbosch University, University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), etc.
Course Overview:
- This undergraduate program typically takes 3 years to complete.
- Core subjects include South African history, African history, and world history.
- Topics might include colonialism, apartheid, global conflicts, social movements, and historical methodology.
Entry Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a Bachelor’s pass.
- A minimum Admission Point Score (APS) of 30-34, depending on the institution.
- A good score in English and often in a second language or History, if taken at school.
- Institutions like Wits and UCT may require a minimum of 60% in English or the humanities subjects.
2. Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) with History
Institution: University of Cape Town (UCT), University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), University of Pretoria.
Course Overview:
- Focuses on combining history with other social sciences like politics, sociology, or anthropology.
- It is interdisciplinary and explores historical events’ impact on society, politics, and global developments.
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a Bachelor’s pass.
- APS of around 30-36, depending on the institution.
- Good performance in English and humanities subjects.
3. BA Honours in History
Institution: Stellenbosch University, UCT, University of the Western Cape (UWC).
Course Overview:
- A postgraduate degree that offers an in-depth study of specific historical themes or periods.
- Students engage in research methodologies and are expected to write a research essay or mini-thesis.
Entry Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree with history as a major.
- A minimum average of 65% in third-year history courses.
- A good academic record and sometimes a proposal for the intended research area.
4. Master of Arts (MA) in History
Institution: UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch University.
Course Overview:
- A research-based degree that requires students to complete a dissertation on a specialized topic.
- Topics can range from South African history, gender studies, post-colonialism, and global history.
Entry Requirements:
- An Honours degree in History or a related field.
- A proposal for the research project.
- Some institutions may require a minimum average of 65% in the Honours degree.
5. PhD in History
Institution: UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch University, University of KwaZulu-Natal.
Course Overview:
- A doctoral degree where students conduct original research and produce a thesis.
- Students typically work with a supervisor to develop their research, which must contribute new knowledge to the field of history.
Entry Requirements:
- A Master’s degree in History or a related discipline.
- A strong academic record and a research proposal.
- Institutions may require proof of previous research work or publications.
Common Skills and Subjects Covered in History Programs:
- Research methods in history.
- Analytical and critical thinking.
- Historiography and historical theory.
- African, South African, and world history.
- Specialized topics such as apartheid, resistance movements, colonialism, or global conflicts.
General Requirements For History Courses In South Africa
In South Africa, the general requirements for studying history courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels may vary depending on the institution, but there are common criteria that most universities follow:
1. Undergraduate Level (Bachelor’s Degree)
- National Senior Certificate (NSC): Applicants must have completed their NSC or an equivalent qualification.
- Minimum Admission Points Score (APS): Most universities require a minimum APS score, which includes points for history or related subjects.
- Subject Requirements: While history is not always compulsory in high school, some institutions prefer applicants who have studied history or social sciences.
- Language Proficiency: English or Afrikaans language proficiency (depending on the university’s language of instruction).
- Matriculation Requirements: A pass in certain subjects like English and possibly history.
2. Postgraduate Level (Honours, Master’s, PhD)
- Bachelor’s Degree in History or Related Field: For honours or master’s programs, a bachelor’s degree in history or a closely related field (such as political science, anthropology, or cultural studies) is required.
- Academic Performance: A strong academic record, often with a minimum average mark (usually around 65-70%) in history or related subjects.
- Research Proposal (For Master’s and PhD): For higher degrees, applicants may need to submit a research proposal outlining their intended area of study.
- Letters of Recommendation: Many programs require letters of recommendation from academic staff who are familiar with the applicant’s academic work.
- Work Experience (Sometimes Required for PhD): In some cases, professional or research experience in history or related fields is required for admission into a PhD program.
3. Special Admission Routes
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): For students without formal qualifications but with relevant work or life experience, some universities offer RPL as a route into undergraduate or postgraduate history programs.
4. Course Content
- African and South African History: Many programs focus on African, South African, and global history.
- Research and Writing Skills: Emphasis is often placed on developing research and critical analysis skills.
- Historiography: Understanding historical methods and approaches is crucial.
Each university may have additional specific entry requirements, so it is recommended to consult the institution’s website or contact the admissions office for precise details
Fees Of History Courses In South Africa
The fees for history courses in South Africa can vary depending on the institution, level of study (undergraduate, postgraduate, or short courses), and whether the student is domestic or international. Here’s a general breakdown:
1. Undergraduate History Courses
- Public Universities: Fees for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in History typically range between ZAR 30,000 to ZAR 60,000 per year for domestic students. International students usually pay higher fees, ranging from ZAR 60,000 to ZAR 100,000 per year.
- Private Universities: Fees may be higher and can range between ZAR 50,000 to ZAR 90,000 per year.
2. Postgraduate History Courses
- Master’s Degree (MA) in History: Tuition fees range from ZAR 35,000 to ZAR 75,000 per year for domestic students. International students often pay between ZAR 70,000 and ZAR 120,000 per year.
- PhD in History: Fees vary significantly, but generally fall between ZAR 40,000 to ZAR 80,000 per year for domestic students, with international fees being higher.
3. Short Courses and Diplomas
- Fees for short courses in history vary, but can range between ZAR 5,000 to ZAR 20,000, depending on the course length and institution.
These are approximate values, and actual fees may vary based on the university or program. It is always recommended to check directly with the specific institution for the most accurate and up-to-date information
Career Opportunities for History Graduates:
- Academic researcher or historian.
- Museum curator or archivist.
- Policy advisor or consultant.
- Diplomat or foreign service officer.
- Teacher or lecturer.
- Journalist or media analyst.
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Conclusion
Requirements for admission may vary depending on the institution and the specific program level. It is always recommended to check directly with the university for detailed and updated information