A Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSc or BSocSci) is a three-year general degree in a university’s humanities faculty in which you build your studies around at least two majors, such as psychology, sociology, politics, anthropology, industrial sociology or geography. The Bachelor of Social Science requirements are set by each university, not nationally: you need a National Senior Certificate with a bachelor’s pass, a minimum English result and the university’s minimum points score.
As examples for 2027 entry, the University of Pretoria asks for an APS of 30 with English at level 5 for its BSocSci programmes, and UCT asks for a Faculty Point Score (FPS) of at least 380 plus a National Benchmark Test result. Neither UP’s BSocSci programmes nor UCT’s general BSocSc require Mathematics, but some majors and named programmes add their own requirements.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- A National Senior Certificate endorsed for bachelor’s degree study (or an equivalent qualification the university accepts)
- English at the university’s minimum: level 5 (60–69%) at the University of Pretoria; 50% Home Language or 60% First Additional Language at UCT
- The university’s points minimum: APS 30 at the University of Pretoria; FPS 380 at UCT; 28 points in UKZN’s College of Humanities admission criteria
- UCT only: the Academic & Quantitative Literacy NBT, with an Academic Literacy score of at least Intermediate
- An application submitted by the university’s closing date (30 June for Humanities at the University of Pretoria for 2027 entry)
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
Every university starts from an NSC with a bachelor’s pass. On top of that, the three universities below show how differently the minimum is expressed:
- University of Pretoria: its BSocSci specialising in Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies, and its BSocSci in Heritage and Cultural Sciences (Heritage and Cultural Tourism option), both require an APS of 30 and English Home Language or First Additional Language at level 5, with no Mathematics requirement, according to UP’s 2027 admission requirements.
- UCT: the BA and BSocSc share one set of requirements in the 2027 prospectus. The minimum is an FPS of 380 with an NBT Academic Literacy score at Intermediate level. An FPS of 450 or more with a Proficient Academic Literacy score gives guaranteed admission. Life Orientation must be passed at 50% but does not count towards the FPS.
- UKZN: its College of Humanities admission criteria set a bachelor’s pass with at least 28 points and seven subjects, level 4 in English and Life Orientation, and level 5 in two other subjects relevant to the chosen package. UKZN offers the BSocSc on its Howard College and Pietermaritzburg campuses.
Meeting a minimum makes you eligible to be considered; it does not guarantee a place. UKZN states that admission depends on the availability of places.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
English is the one subject every BSocSc programme checks, because the degree is built on reading and writing. Beyond English, the Bachelor of Social Sciences programmes at UP and UCT’s general BSocSc have no compulsory school subject, so Mathematical Literacy is acceptable for the degree itself.
Points are calculated differently at each university:
- UCT’s FPS is out of 600: your English percentage plus your five best other subjects, excluding Life Orientation. Results below 40% do not score.
- UP and UKZN use an APS built from your NSC achievement levels. Each university publishes its own method, so calculate your score using its prospectus.
Named programmes and some majors carry extra requirements. UCT’s BSocSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) needs an FPS of 450, NSC Mathematics at 60% and Upper Intermediate scores in both the Academic and Quantitative Literacy NBTs. UCT also uses the Quantitative Literacy NBT result for degrees that include psychology or other courses with quantitative content. At UKZN, BA/BSocSc packages in Philosophy, Politics and Law, or with Legal Studies as a major, need 30 points.
If you want to register professionally later, choose your degree with that in mind. Social workers must hold the prescribed Bachelor of Social Work qualification to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP), so apply for the BSW rather than a BSocSc. Registration as a psychologist or registered counsellor is controlled by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and requires further accredited training after the undergraduate degree.
Documents and Application Requirements
Apply directly to each university through its own online application. Have these ready:
- A certified copy of your South African ID, or your passport if you are an international applicant
- Your final Grade 11 results if you are still in Grade 12, or your final NSC results if you have already matriculated
- NBT results if you are applying to UCT; South African applicants are usually not considered until an NBT score is available
- Proof of payment of the application fee, where the university charges one
- Academic transcripts if you are transferring from another institution; UCT normally requires an average of at least 65% across a full load of courses
Apply for NSFAS or a bursary at the same time, because funding deadlines are separate from admission deadlines.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
Selection is mostly on school results. UCT also weighs the NBT and uses admission bands, including a weighted point score (WPS) for South African applicants in targeted redress categories.
If your results are just below the minimum, look at extended programmes. UCT offers a four-year extended BA or BSocSc for South African applicants who show potential, selected on NBTs, FPS and educational background, although extended students cannot take Economics, Law or most Science majors. UKZN’s BSocSc Extended Curriculum requires a degree-endorsed NSC with at least 20 points and level 4 in English and Life Orientation, and only considers applicants from quintile 1 and 2 schools.
Getting into the degree does not guarantee a place in every major. Some majors limit certain combinations; UCT, for example, does not allow Sociology with Industrial Sociology or Economics with Organisational Psychology. Check the rules for your intended majors before you register.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bachelor of Social Science?
A three-year general degree in the humanities in which you specialise in at least two social science majors, such as psychology, sociology, politics or anthropology. Some universities also offer named BSocSc programmes, such as UCT’s structured BSocSc in Philosophy, Politics and Economics or UP’s BSocSci specialising in Industrial Sociology and Labour Studies.
What APS do I need for a Bachelor of Social Science?
It depends on the university. For 2027 entry, UP requires an APS of 30 and UCT an FPS of 380 (out of 600) plus the NBT. UKZN’s College of Humanities criteria set 28 points. Check the current figure with each university for your intake year.
Can I study a Bachelor of Social Science with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes, for UP’s BSocSci programmes and UCT’s general BSocSc, which have no Mathematics requirement. Programmes such as UCT’s PPE require Mathematics, and courses with statistics may use your quantitative results, so check the requirements for your majors.
Is a BSocSc the same as a BA?
They are closely related. At UCT, both are three-year general degrees built around two or more majors, and they share the same admission requirements.
Can I become a social worker with a Bachelor of Social Science?
No. Registration as a social worker with the SACSSP requires a Bachelor of Social Work, so apply for the BSW directly.
How long does a Bachelor of Social Science take?
Three years for the standard degree. Extended programmes, such as UCT’s, take four years.
Admission points, closing dates and major rules change each year, so confirm them with the university’s admissions office or prospectus for your intake year, and confirm professional registration routes with the HPCSA or SACSSP. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.