All registered students at the University of Pretoria have had to choose a specific degree and, therefore, a specific faculty. The various faculties at UP include Economics, Education, Engineering, Built Environment and IT (EBIT), Health Sciences, Humanities, Law, Natural and Agricultural Science, Theology and Religion, and Veterinary Science. As a student, you may recognise your faculty, but do you understand what this means in the broader context? What does your faculty have to offer?
Firstly, if you are a part of the EBIT faculty, you should know that you are part of the best engineering faculty in Africa. What many students do not realise about being an EBIT student is that you have a compulsory Community Engagement module, more commonly known as the Joint Community-Based Project (JCP). JCP is a credit-bearing educational experience that aims to equip students with interpersonal skills. It also allows them to engage with community partners for a purpose greater than just academics. A third-year Computer Science student said, “JCP [is] a second-year EBIT module that [gives] learners the opportunity to complete community service [while] teaching team [various] skills.” They explained that the “experience was rewarding and taught [them] about hard work, compassion, and collaborating with others”. As an EBIT student, you can rest easy knowing that your degree is accredited by statutory and professional bodies at both national and international levels, and that you have been taught valuable skills by your faculty.
Another faculty that students may be a part of is the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS). You may have chosen this degree because you have an affinity for business or accounting, but by choosing this degree, you will have an excellent reputation among corporate employers. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International has awarded the EMS faculty its international business education accreditation. They are the first faculty of its kind in South Africa and Africa to be accredited by this body. When asked what they think makes their faculty stand out, a BCom Accounting graduate said that it “stands out because of its prestigious programmes and high academic standards”. They further explained that the “Chartered Accountancy (CA) programme consistently achieves a 100% pass rate in the ITC exam”. But beyond their academic accolades, the EMS faculty cultivates a “forward-thinking mindset”.
The Faculty of Education prides itself on being a multiracial and culturally diverse environment for learning, and it works in partnership with the Department of Basic Education (DBE). Alternatively, the Faculty of Health Sciences includes a number of schools such as Dentistry, Healthcare Sciences, Health Systems, and Public Health and Medicine. On the other hand, you may find inspiration from the Humanities Faculty. They offer subjects that are ranked among the top 400 in the world, and they are ranked number four in South Africa. You can specialise in a variety of fields such as African Languages, Ancient and Modern Languages and Cultures, English, Psychology, and Psychology, Political Sciences.
Among the university’s faculties is the Faculty of Law. They have recently tied with the University of Cape Town (UCT) as the best law faculty in Africa. A part of this prestigious faculty is the Law Clinic that was launched by students to help low-income communities at community-based branches in Hatfield and Hammanskraal. The faculty also has a vibrant campus life and community by offering various societies and social programs. A fourth-year LLB student said that through working with Law House, they got to “serve as a student leader and work alongside amazing people [while] networking throughout the faculty and campus”.
Alongside all the faculties described above are the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Science, the Faculty of Theology and Religion, and the Faculty of Veterinary Science. They are all reputable faculties that have their own advantages. As a student at UP, you have the exciting opportunity to engage with your faculty and utilise all of the opportunities presented to you that will help you engage with your future career.
