Courses of the 21st century shaping the future at South African universities
In an ever-changing global landscape, universities play a crucial role in shaping the future by offering programs that not only meet the demands of today’s job market but also equip students with the skills to navigate tomorrow’s challenges.
Universities shared their most popular courses chosen among students and also those fostering innovation and addressing emerging global trends.
From traditional fields like Medicine and Engineering to cutting-edge disciplines in Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, and Digital Transformation.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular programs and courses that are paving the way for the 21st century.
University of Cape Town (UCT):
Among the most popular programs at UCT, Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) continues to stand out as the most prestigious and competitive.
Drawing thousands of applications each year from top-performing students across South Africa and beyond, it remains a top choice for those passionate about healthcare and making a global impact.
The Faculty of Health Sciences is renowned for its cutting-edge research and partnerships with institutions like Groote Schuur Hospital, making it an attractive option for future healthcare leaders. Similarly, UCT’s Business Science program, particularly in fields like Actuarial Science, Finance, and Marketing, appeals to academically exceptional students aiming to excel in the fast-paced world of commerce and business.
Another area of growing interest at UCT is the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, which consistently attracts students with a passion for innovation and technology. Engineering programs, including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering, are highly regarded for their relevance in addressing global challenges such as sustainable energy and infrastructure development
Gcinumzi Haduse, Director: Admissions at the University of Cape Town said the University is committed to equipping students with skills and knowledge that prepare them for the global job market.
“Our courses are designed with a focus on innovation, critical thinking, and industry relevance, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to excel in a competitive world.”
With programs that align with the technological and environmental shifts of the 21st century, the university also aims to shift the future of education, offering cutting-edge courses in areas like robotics, coding, and artificial intelligence.
Haduse said these courses prepare students for careers in industries that are reshaping the world.
Programs in fields like Mechatronic Engineering, Computer Science, and Data Science focus on emerging technologies such as automation, AI, and machine learning.
Stellenbosch University (SU):
Programmes in mathematical sciences and human health seem to be the ones stealing the spotlight at Stellenbosch University, while the university received more than 20 000 BEd undergraduate applications for 2024.
SU is known for developing new programmes, while existing programmes are continuously renewed, to stay abreast of the latest trends and skills required by the marketplace.
In the Faculty of Science, for example, focus areas such as Applied Medicinal Chemistry, Bioinformatics, and Biomedical Mathematical Sciences were adapted to address the connection between the health sciences and data analysis.
The science faculty's structured MSc in Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence, currently in its third year, has created a lot of interest from the tech industry.
Examples of programmes that have increased in popularity over the last few years are amongst others the new programme in Data Science (Bachelor of Data Science) and the Master of Engineering Management degree, while the BSc (Computer Science) programme remains popular.
The number of honours students in Computer Science has increased to 60 in 2024.
A popular postgraduate programme in Theology is in pastoral care (Master's degree level).
SU spokesperson Martin Viljoen explained: “Examples of new programmes to be implemented soon include multi- and interdisciplinary knowledge fields such as pain management, bioethics, media and communication, fire engineering, integrated production management and violent histories and repair.
“Many of these programmes' admission requirements are broad enough to allow for people from different fields of knowledge to enter the field.”
The faculties that received the highest number of undergraduate applications are Medicine and Health Sciences (55 300), Economic and Management Sciences (35 200), and Arts and Social Sciences (34 100).
Viljoen said these are the number of applications, not applicants.
“A person could have applied for multiple programmes, for example, medicine, physiotherapy and accounting,” he explained.
“Part of Stellenbosch University’s vision is to advance knowledge in service of society. This includes equipping students to address and react to real needs and challenges in society.”
University of Western Cape (UWC):
The most popular course that students apply for at UWC is the Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts.
The University also has a robotics club on campus and a Co-Lab where straight-out-matric applicants can learn coding and app buidling.
UWC Media Manager Gasant Abarder explained that the app buildingr students are either interned at companies or can apply to enter an undergraduate programme.
“We also offer a postgraduate diploma in e-skills which incorporates augmented and virtual reality and we offer a nanotechnology programme.
“A large amount of our science students are involved in the SKA project and others do research into renewal energy innovations like hydrogen fuel cells.”
“Apart from these programmes equipping students with skills for jobs of the future, the university also offers an Academic Excellence Programme for students to learn the softer skills they need - not only to be gainfully employed but to also help them become graduates who serve their communities, cities, country and the world by making community engagement part of the curriculum and putting social justice (like research that is relevant to our world) and graduate employability part of the attributes we place high on our list of priorities and values,” Abader said.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za