Top 10 English Courses In South Africa

Undergraduate English courses in South African universities typically focus on English literature, language, and related fields such as creative writing, linguistics, and cultural studies. In this article, we will see some examples from some leading universities in the country, along with typical entry requirements.

English Courses In South Africa

1. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language and Literature

At: University of Cape Town

Key Modules: English Literature, Literary Theory, South African and African Literature, Creative Writing
Entry Requirements:
- National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 40-50% in English Home Language or First Additional Language
- An Admission Points Score (APS) of around 40 (specific points vary depending on the course)

2. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

At: University of the Witwatersrand

Key Modules: Literary Studies, Postcolonial Literature, Linguistics, Poetry, Drama, and Prose
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60-65% in English
- APS score of around 34
- Proficiency in English is crucial for international students (typically proven by tests like IELTS or TOEFL)

3.Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Studies

At: Stellenbosch University

Key Modules: South African Literature, Renaissance Literature, English Linguistics, Literary Criticism
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60-70% in English
- APS score of 30 or higher
- A pass in specific language proficiency tests for non-native speakers

4.Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Studies

At: University of Pretoria

Key Modules: English Literature, Drama, Poetry, and Narrative Prose, Literary Theory, African Writing
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60% in English
- APS score of 30-32
- International students may need additional language proficiency exams

5.Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language and Linguistics

At: Rhodes University

Key Modules: Shakespeare, African Literature, Creative Writing, Critical Thinking, Literary Theory
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with at least 60-65% in English
- APS score of 35 or higher

6. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Studies

At: University of KwaZulu-Natal

Key Modules: Postcolonial African Literature, Language in Society, Shakespeare Studies, Critical Theory, Gender and Literature
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60% in English
- APS score of 28 or higher
- Proficiency in English required for international students, typically assessed via standardized language tests

7. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Language and Literary Studies (English)

At: Northwest University

Key Modules: English Literature, Creative Writing, Translation, Modern and Contemporary Literature, African Literature
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60% in English
- APS score of 24-30
- For international students, proof of English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)

8. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

At: University of Johannesburg

Key Modules: African Literature, English Drama, Poetry, Prose, Literary Criticism, Cultural Studies
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60% in English
- APS score of around 30
- International students: English proficiency tests may be required

9. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English

At: University of the Western Cape

Key Modules: English Literary Traditions, African and Diaspora Literature, Theories of Narrative, English Linguistics
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with at least 50-60% in English
- APS score of 25-30 or higher, depending on the program
- International students may need to meet additional language proficiency requirements (IELTS/TOEFL)

10. Bachelor of Arts (BA) in English Language and Literature

Ar: Nelson Mandela University

Key Modules: World Literature, African Writing, Linguistics, Literary Criticism, Theories of Language
Entry Requirements:
- NSC with a minimum of 60% in English
- APS score of 30 or higher
- English language proficiency required for international students, with possible assessment via IELTS or TOEFL

General Admission Requirements

NSC with Bachelor’s Degree endorsement: Most universities require a minimum of 50% in English Home Language or First Additional Language.
APS (Admission Points Score): Calculated based on your NSC results. The required APS varies by institution and course.
Language Proficiency for International Students: International students may be required to prove proficiency in English through tests like IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent exams.

Application Process:

Step 1: Apply online through the university’s application portal, submitting all required documents (e.g., NSC results, identification, language proficiency tests for international students).
Step 2: Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Step 3: Await confirmation of acceptance and offers based on academic performance and availability of space.

Fees Of English Courses In South Africa

The fees for English courses in South Africa can vary widely depending on the institution, course length, and level of instruction. Generally, you might find:

Language Schools: Fees can range from about ZAR 5,000 to ZAR 15,000 for a few weeks of intensive courses.
Universities and Colleges: More structured programs, such as those leading to a diploma or degree, can cost anywhere from ZAR 20,000 to ZAR 100,000 or more per year.
Online Courses: These can be more affordable, often ranging from ZAR 2,000 to ZAR 10,000, depending on the provider and course length.

It’s a good idea to check with specific institutions or online platforms for the most accurate and up-to-date information

Common Career Paths for Graduates in English

Teaching and Academia: Many students pursue postgraduate qualifications to become English teachers or lecturers.
Publishing and Editing: Opportunities in book publishing, editing, and writing.
Media and Journalism: Writing, content creation, and editing roles in journalism, online media, and communications.
Creative Writing: Careers in poetry, fiction writing, screenwriting, and other creative endeavors.
Corporate Communications: Roles in public relations, advertising, and business communication.
Translation and Linguistics: Translation services, linguistic research, and consultancy.

Conclusion

These programs typically focus on equipping students with skills in literary analysis, communication, critical thinking, and research, opening up career opportunities in teaching, media, publishing, and other fields related to writing and language.

Many universities in South Africa offer flexible course structures, allowing students to tailor their degree through elective subjects in areas like history, philosophy, or media studies