Home › Articles › UNISA BA Requirements 2026

UNISA BA Requirements 2026

What Is the UNISA BA Degree?

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) at UNISA is a three-year undergraduate degree offering tremendous flexibility and breadth. It is one of UNISA's most popular qualifications, with thousands of new registrations each year. The BA allows students to study across the humanities and social sciences, choosing from a wide range of major subjects including psychology, communication science, languages, sociology, political science, criminology, philosophy, and more.

The BA is offered through UNISA's College of Human Sciences (CHS), one of the university's largest colleges. The degree consists of 360 credits across three academic levels, with students typically choosing two major subjects and several elective modules. The flexibility of the BA makes it suitable for students with diverse interests and career aspirations.

One of the BA's greatest strengths is its development of critical thinking, analytical writing, communication, and research skills — competencies that are valued across virtually every industry. BA graduates find careers in media, government, education, social services, business, and many other sectors. The BA also serves as an excellent foundation for postgraduate study in specialised fields.

BA Admission Requirements

General Requirements

  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with bachelor's degree admission
  • Minimum APS: Typically 22-24 points (varies by major combination)
  • English: Level 4 (50-59%) in English Home Language or First Additional Language
  • Mathematics/Mathematical Literacy: The BA generally does not require Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy Level 3 (40-49%) or Mathematics Level 3 (40-49%) is sufficient for most majors.

Subject-Specific Requirements

Some BA majors have additional requirements:

  • Psychology: No specific subject requirements beyond the general BA admission, but strong performance in languages is advantageous.
  • Languages (e.g., English Studies): Level 5 (60-69%) in the relevant language may be required.
  • Communication Science: English Level 4 (50-59%) minimum.
💡 Note: The BA has some of the most accessible admission requirements among UNISA's bachelor's degrees. If you do not qualify for a BCom or BSc, the BA may be an excellent alternative that still leads to meaningful careers.

Popular BA Majors at UNISA

Psychology

One of the most popular BA majors. Covers developmental, social, abnormal, and industrial psychology. A BA in Psychology is the first step toward becoming a registered psychologist — you will need to continue to Honours, Master's, and complete an internship for full registration with the HPCSA.

Communication Science

Covers media studies, journalism, public relations, corporate communication, and digital media. Prepares graduates for careers in media houses, corporate communications departments, PR agencies, and digital content creation.

English Studies

In-depth study of English literature, linguistics, and academic writing. Ideal for aspiring writers, editors, publishers, and English teachers (in combination with PGCE).

Criminology

Studies crime, criminal behaviour, the criminal justice system, and crime prevention. Graduates work in law enforcement, correctional services, forensic social work, and policy development.

Political Science

Examines political systems, governance, international relations, and public policy. Prepares graduates for careers in government, diplomacy, NGOs, and political analysis.

Sociology

Studies social structures, inequality, culture, and social change. Graduates work in social research, community development, HR, and public policy.

African Languages

UNISA offers majors in several South African languages including isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, and others. These are valuable for careers in translation, media, education, and government.

History

Examines South African and world history, developing research and analytical skills. Graduates pursue careers in education, museum curation, heritage management, and academic research.

BA Module Structure

The BA at UNISA typically includes:

First Year (Level 1)

Introductory modules in your chosen majors plus electives from other departments. You will typically take 8-10 modules at Level 1. First-time UNISA students are limited to 3 modules per semester.

Second Year (Level 2)

Intermediate modules in your two major subjects plus additional electives. You begin to deepen your knowledge in your specialisation areas.

Third Year (Level 3)

Advanced modules in your major subjects. Third-year modules are more demanding and may include research components. Successful completion of all required modules earns your BA degree.

Use our Study Load Calculator to plan your semester module load, and our Fees Calculator to estimate costs.

Career Opportunities with a BA

Despite misconceptions, BA graduates are highly employable. The skills developed during a BA — critical thinking, writing, analysis, research, and communication — are in demand across many industries:

  • Media & Communications: Journalist, PR officer, content creator, social media manager, editor
  • Government & Public Service: Policy analyst, diplomat, municipal officer, parliamentary researcher
  • Education: Teacher (with PGCE), lecturer (with postgrad), education administrator
  • Social Services: Social worker (with BSW or further study), community development officer, NGO manager
  • Human Resources: HR officer, recruitment consultant, training coordinator
  • Psychology: Psychologist (with further study to Master's level), counsellor, industrial psychologist
  • Corporate Sector: Management trainee, corporate communications, market researcher
  • Creative Industries: Writer, publisher, cultural curator, film/media producer

Frequently Asked Questions – UNISA BA

What APS do I need for UNISA BA?+
The BA typically requires an APS of 22-24 points. This is lower than most BCom and BSc programmes, making the BA accessible to a wider range of students.
Do I need Mathematics for the UNISA BA?+
No, most BA majors do not require Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy at Level 3 (40-49%) is generally sufficient. Only a few BA programmes with quantitative components may recommend Mathematics.
How long does the BA take at UNISA?+
The BA is a 3-year qualification (360 credits). Part-time students typically take 4-6 years. With good planning and consistent study, some students complete it in 3-4 years even while working.
Can I study psychology at UNISA?+
Yes, Psychology is one of the most popular BA majors at UNISA. To become a registered psychologist, you need to complete a BA with Psychology major, then Honours in Psychology, Master's in Psychology (clinical, counselling, or industrial), and a supervised internship.
Is a BA from UNISA worth it?+
Absolutely. UNISA's BA is accredited by the CHE and recognised nationally and internationally. BA graduates develop versatile skills that are valued across many industries. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What APS do I need for UNISA BA?+
The BA typically requires an APS of 22-24 points. This is lower than most BCom and BSc programmes, making the BA accessible to a wider range of students.
Do I need Mathematics for the UNISA BA?+
No, most BA majors do not require Mathematics. Mathematical Literacy at Level 3 (40-49%) is generally sufficient. Only a few BA programmes with quantitative components may recommend Mathematics.
How long does the BA take at UNISA?+
The BA is a 3-year qualification (360 credits). Part-time students typically take 4-6 years. With good planning and consistent study, some students complete it in 3-4 years even while working.
Can I study psychology at UNISA?+
Yes, Psychology is one of the most popular BA majors at UNISA. To become a registered psychologist, you need to complete a BA with Psychology major, then Honours in Psychology, Master's in Psychology (clinical, counselling, or industrial), and a supervised internship.
Is a BA from UNISA worth it?+
Absolutely. UNISA's BA is accredited by the CHE and recognised nationally and internationally. BA graduates develop versatile skills that are valued across many industries. The qualification also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study.

Related UNISA Tools

🎯

APS Calculator

Calculate your admission point score

💰

Fees Estimator

Estimate your UNISA tuition costs

📚

Study Load Calculator

Find the right number of modules