Somatology is the study of aesthetics, body therapies and wellness. To study it you need a National Senior Certificate with Life Sciences at level 4, plus English and either Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy at the levels set by the Durban University of Technology (DUT) or the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT).
Both institutions offer a three-year Diploma in Somatology. Mathematical Literacy is accepted at both, so you do not need pure Mathematics.
Entry Requirements at a Glance
- A National Senior Certificate with diploma entry
- Life Sciences at level 4
- Mathematics (level 3) or Mathematical Literacy (level 4 at CPUT, level 5 at DUT)
- English, with the level set by each institution
- A medical report from a medical practitioner
- At DUT, an assessment (entrance) test
Academic and Minimum Admission Requirements
CPUT offers a three-year Diploma in Somatology and a one-year Advanced Diploma in Somatology for those who already hold the diploma. For the diploma it requires Home Language at 4 and First Additional Language at 3 (one of them English), Life Sciences at 4, and Mathematics at 3 or Mathematical Literacy at 4. Physical Sciences at 3 is recommended. CPUT does not state an intake year on this page.
The DUT career leaflet gives the DUT Diploma in Somatology as NQF level 6 (SAQA ID 99725). It requires English at 3, Life Science at 4, Mathematics at 3 or Mathematical Literacy at 5, and two further 20-credit subjects at 3, with no more than one of them a language. The leaflet carries no year.
Subjects, APS and Qualification Requirements
Life Sciences at level 4 is the common requirement at both institutions. Mathematical Literacy is accepted, which keeps somatology open to applicants who did not take Mathematics.
Neither institution page quoted here sets an APS. Ask the institution whether selection uses points on top of the subject levels.
Documents and Application Requirements
DUT asks for a prescribed medical showing a clean bill of health, a medical report and an assessment test. At CPUT, you complete a biographical questionnaire and submit a medical report from a medical practitioner, both handed in at programme orientation after registration.
Apply to DUT through the CAO (code DUDST3) and to CPUT through its application portal.
Selection, Intake and Eligibility Considerations
DUT’s closing date for the 2027 intake was 30 September 2026, according to the DUT Study Opportunities 2027 guide, so that cycle has closed. Check DUT’s site for the next one.
DUT also admits applicants without a matric who are 23 or older in their first year of registration, with three years’ work experience and/or capacity assessed by a DUT assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is somatology?
It is the study of aesthetics, body therapies and wellness, taught as a diploma at CPUT and DUT.
Do I need Life Sciences?
Yes. Both CPUT and DUT list Life Sciences at level 4.
Can I study somatology with Mathematical Literacy?
Yes. DUT accepts Mathematical Literacy at level 5 and CPUT at level 4, as an alternative to Mathematics at level 3.
Is somatology regulated by the HPCSA?
The CPUT and DUT pages describe the diploma without any HPCSA registration requirement. Ask the institution what professional registration or industry membership applies to the career you want.
How do I check a private college is legitimate?
Ask for the qualification’s SAQA ID and NQF level before you pay. DUT’s diploma, for example, is SAQA ID 99725 at NQF level 6.
Confirm requirements and closing dates with DUT or CPUT for your intake year. See admission requirements and browse all education requirements.