List of all departments
Department of Accounting
The Department of Accounting provides both relevant and quality training, research, and community service that will cater for the accounting training requirements of civil service, local government and public enterprise in South Africa, as well as that of the private sector in the composite disciplines of Accounting (incorporating Financial Accounting, Management Accounting, Financial Management, Auditing and Control, Information Systems and Taxation) in both the private sector and public sector environments.
More InfoDepartment of African Language Studies
The core activity of the Department of African Language Studies at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is the teaching of Xhosa to both mother-tongue speakers (Xhosa Studies) and non-mother-tongue speakers (Xhosa Language Acquisition).
More InfoDepartment of Afrikaans and Nederlands
You are now at the heart of Afrikaans, the language which originated from the communities we serve. It is the language in which most people in this part of the country express their first words, live life to the fullest and breathe their last.
More InfoDepartment of Anthropology
We are a community of anthropologists committed to the understanding of the complex world we live in. We continuously challenge commonplace assumptions and ways of being.
More InfoDepartment of Biodiversity and Conservation Biology
Welcome to the Biodiversity and Conservation Biology Department homepage. The department was formed as an amalgamation of the former Botany and Zoology departments. Our location at the southern tip of Africa places us in an ideal position for field research into a host of interesting plants and animals.
More InfoDepartment of Biotechnology
The simplest definition of biotechnology is “applied biology” through the application of biological knowledge and techniques to develop products or services. It may be further defined as the use of living organisms to make a product or run a process. By this definition, the classic techniques used for plant and animal breeding, fermentation and enzyme purification are to be considered biotechnology.
More InfoDepartment of Chemistry
Chemistry is often described as the central science because it touches all the other sciences.
More InfoDepartment of Community Dentistry
The Department of Community Dentistry provides undergraduate as well as postgraduate programmes which enable students to make a diagnosis of a population’s oral health problems, establish the causes and effects of the problems and plan effective interventions through interdisciplinary co-operation and organised efforts of society.
The discipline is concerned with promoting the health of a population, and, therefore, focuses action at community level as opposed to an individual.
Department of Computer Science
Our vision is to provide innovative programmes in Computer Science, in order empowering our graduates to advance the quality of life in Africa.
More InfoDepartment of Craniofacial Biology, Pathology and Radiology
The Department is dedicated to providing evidence-based dental and craniofacial health care through excellence in research, education,
and clinical practice.Our aim is to enhance our knowledge of craniofacial biology and elucidate the complexities of pathological conditions that impact dental and craniofacial health.
This is a diagnostic science department that provides a holistic evaluation of a disease/condition in terms of clinical, radiological and pathological investigations with the aim of providing an accurate diagnosis which informs the therapeutic management of the patient.
Through interdisciplinary collaboration, dental professionals are enabled to provide comprehensive care, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life.
Department of Criminal Justice & Procedure
We play a pivotal role in the education of law students, as we teach the core courses in the Bachelor of Laws (LLB) syllabus. These are: Criminal Law, the Law of Criminal Procedure, the Law of Civil Procedure, and the Law of Evidence. The latter three are the so-called “tools of the trade”, as they include equipping the prospective lawyer with the know-how required to litigate cases in court.
More InfoDepartment of Dietetics and Nutrition
Dietetics is a health profession in which the science of nutrition is applied to the management of individuals or communities in states of health and disease.
More InfoDepartment of Earth Sciences
The Department of Earth Sciences at UWC offers challenging opportunities in the nationally strategic areas of natural resources combining the disciplines of Applied geology, environmental and water sciences. These rapidly expanding programmes have established an international profile through teaching and research. Our research aim as a department is to study fundamental processes, and to investigate linkage between different components of the earth system (solid earth, hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere).
More InfoDepartment of Economics
Welcome to the Department of Economics at the University of the Western Cape. Our professional degree programmes are carefully designed and focused on developing your skills as an economist that can be applied to a range of real world issues.
More InfoDepartment of Educational Psychology
The field of educational psychology is concerned with the study of learning in educational settings, the effectiveness of educational interventions, the psychology of teaching and of the school as a social institution.
More InfoDepartment of Educational Studies
The Department of Educational Studies teaches courses in the social, political and historical foundations of education. We draw on a rich theoretical understanding of education, mindful of its implications for teaching practice in the South African context.
More InfoDepartment of English
The Department of English at UWC is a leading interdisciplinary department in the humanities in South Africa.
More InfoDepartment of Finance
The Department of Finance's mission is to offer relevant world-class financial education and scholarship and promote financial literacy.
More InfoDepartment of Foreign Languages
The Department of Foreign Languages offers Arabic, French, German, and Latin from the first year, which are foundation courses, to the second- and third-year levels.
More InfoDepartment of Geography, Environmental Studies and Tourism
The Department of Geography, Environmental Studies and Tourism is a dynamic teaching and research department with a wide range of expertise in human and physical geography, GIScience, environmental management, and tourism.
More InfoDepartment of Historical Studies
The UWC Department of Historical Studies is committed to changing the ways that history is taught, written about and represented.
More InfoDepartment of Industrial Psychology
If you have a mind for business and a heart for people, then Industrial Psychology is the place for you. For an overview of what Industrial Psychology is all about, please click on the following link (www.siop.org ). In general, our Department has several stakeholders and responsibilities: aspiring student Industrial Psychologists and Human Resources Managers (HR), business world, research, and the community.
More InfoDepartment of Information Systems
The intersection and interaction of technologies, people, organisations and societies have created a demand for Information Systems graduates with specific attributes, knowledge and skills. In response to this demand, the Department of Information Systems develops and equips students to participate in the 21st century digital world and in particular the digital economy. Across our undergraduate and post graduate programs the Department offers a range of ICT related skills. This includes both technical and non-technical skills both of which are essential for the Information Systems practitioner in the real-world. We have embedded into our programmes the necessary range of graduate attributes that are demanded by the modern local and global economies. Our course content traverses information systems fundamentals, systems analysis and design, decision making, information management, technical design skills and data analysis, among others. These skills provide a foundation for a well-rounded graduate to function in the digital economy.
More InfoDepartment of Language Education
The Language Education Department is a fast-growing department that is integral to the faculty’s teaching, research and community engagement endeavours. Regarding teaching, the department offers some 50 courses across four undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, aimed at producing language teachers who are competent in English, Afrikaans and/or isiXhosa, and who are at home in multilingual classes.
More InfoDepartment of Library and Information Science
Like its parent institution, our Department is alert to its African and international context. It strives to be a place of quality and a place to grow from hope to agency through knowledge.
More InfoDepartment of Linguistics
South Africa is a highly multilingual society and recognises 11 official languages and hosts many more spoken varieties within its borders. In this respect, South Africa is typical of our world of complex translocal communities characterised by a linguistic dispensation where multilingualism is the norm.
More InfoDepartment of Management and Entrepreneurship
The Department of Management and Entrepreneurship's professional and innovative degree programmes are carefully designed and focused on developing your skills, knowledge, and abilities to optimally function as a manager and an entrepreneur in a range of real-world issues.
More InfoDepartment of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics
The Department of Mathematics offers programs for undergraduate and post graduate degrees. We have established programs of fundamental research in mathematics, as well as research in various areas such as Mathematical Modelling, Financial Mathematics and Mathematics Education among others.
More InfoDepartment of Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery and Anaesthesiology and Sedation
The cluster, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, and Anaesthesiology and Sedation consists of the two departments namely “Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery” as well as ”Anaesthesiology and Sedation”.
The cluster offers postgraduate programmes that vary from clinical postgraduate diplomas, a clinical specialist master’s programme, research masters and PhD studies.
Department of Medical Biosciences
In the Department of Medical Biosciences, we aim at training and developing scientists who will conduct research with a view to reduce the many lifestyle associated diseases.
To prepare students, the Medical Biosciences programme teaches students anatomy, physiology and medical microbiology thereby providing an understanding of the structure and function of the human body, and how the body protects itself against disease.
Department of Mercantile and Labour Law
The Department of Mercantile and Labour Law introduces students to the world of commercial and business law. The department’s focus is on developing students’ critical thinking skills and supplying them with practical, transferable capabilities to positively contribute to the legal profession or corporate field.
More InfoDepartment of Occupational Therapy
The Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of the Western Cape was established around 1984. It is a leading academic entity that offers quality undergraduate and postgraduate occupational therapy education programmes. Our graduates are competent, reflective practitioners who are able to practice at all levels of the health care system.
More InfoDepartment of Oral Hygiene
The Department of Oral Hygiene is primarily responsible for development and delivery of the Degree in Oral Health (BOH).
More InfoDepartment of Oral Medicine and Periodontology
The scope of expertise of the specialist in Oral Medicine and Periodontics includes the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and anomalies that affect the oral and periodontal tissues, as well as the oral and peri-oral manifestations of systemic diseases according to evidence based practices.
More InfoDepartment of Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry
The discipline of orthodontics focuses on the growth and development of the craniofacial complex and dental occlusion, as well as the treatment of abnormalities related to these structures. Although the word orthodontics is derived from the Greek "orthos" being "straight" and "odontos" being "tooth", the scope of orthodontics and orthodontic treatment is much wider than only the dentition.
Paediatric Dentistry encompasses all the different disciplines of dentistry for the child patient. The department caters to the needs of all children (including medically compromised and special needs children) under the age of 12 years.
The scope of Paediatric Dentistry involves the practice of oral and dental health care for infants, children and adolescents, through appropriate preventive, educational and treatment services, which includes treatment under general anaesthesia and sedation.
Department of Philosophy
Philosophy has undergone a regeneration at UWC. For years, it offered only a few modules, but now it is back with a full programme of modules for a major and new philosophers on the staff.
More InfoDepartment of Physics and Astronomy
The Physics and Astronomy Department carries out physics and provides teaching programmes that will contribute significantly to the development of human capacity, science and technology in South Africa. The study of Physics and Astronomy at UWC produces holistically educated citizens who understand our rapidly changing technological world. Our vision is to see our graduates be equipped with the fundamental knowledge of physics, problem solving, life and communication skills.
More InfoDepartment of Physiotherapy
The department has a proud history of community engagement and professional development of physiotherapists from all over the African continent and has graduated physiotherapists from Honours to PhD all over Africa.
More InfoDepartment of Political Studies
Welcome to the Department of Political Studies, a dynamic team that strives for excellence in teaching and research.
The department provides a balanced mixed of modules in our undergraduate and postgraduate programmes covering International Relations, Comparative Politics, South African politics and Political Theory.
Department of Private Law
The Department of Private Law offers a full complement of courses at undergraduate level and selected courses at postgraduate level. These courses are presented by experienced and highly-regarded law teachers who use contemporary and innovative teaching and assessment methodologies to enhance their students’ learning experiences. The department also possesses considerable supervision expertise in regard to LLM theses as well as LLD/PhD dissertations.
More InfoDepartment of Prosthodontics Dentistry
The Department of Prosthodontics Dentistry core business is teaching removable prosthodontics, research, and clinical services. Teaching and learning removable prosthodontic courses in the undergraduate and postgraduate programs revolve around the rehabilitation of partially and completely edentulous patients. This involves the art and science of designing, planning, constructing and fitting removable artificial appliances or prosthesis in patients’ mouths to replace missing teeth.
The undergraduate curriculum in the BDS program commences from the second year, and spreads over four years. It consists of laboratory and clinical modules. At the end of fifth year, the student is able to successfully treat and manage edentulous patients that present with basic or advanced complications.
The postgraduate programs share a joined platform between Prosthetic and Conservative Dentistry. Postgraduate programs include MChD - clinical Master’s program of 4 years, MSc - clinical Master of Science program of three years (open to international students) and MSc - research Master's program. The department also offer PDD diploma courses in aesthetic dentistry, removable prosthodontics and implantology.
Department of Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of human emotion, cognition, and behaviour. Careers in psychology can be very rewarding and fulfilling, albeit challenging. Being allowed entry into the private and often vulnerable sides of others, is a privilege, and the opportunity to contribute to the healing and growth of others, makes for a meaningful life experience.
More InfoDepartment of Public Law and Jurisprudence
The Department of Public Law and Jurisprudence prides itself on the extensive variety of courses it offers, both at undergraduate and postgraduate level, as well as its strong record of high quality research. In addition to the courses that are traditionally regarded as public law and jurisprudence courses (i.e. human rights law, public international law, constitutional law, jurisprudence, administrative law as well as legal interpretation), the department presents a diverse menu of elective courses at undergraduate level, including, among others advanced public law, environmental law, gender law, and the South African Bill of Rights.
More InfoDepartment of Religion and Theology
The Department of Religion and Theology at UWC offers modules in three subject areas, namely Theological Studies, Ethics, and Religious Studies. Collaborative research activities in the Department take place within six research frameworks, namely Religion; Ethics and Social Transformation; Religion and Gender; Religion and Development; Ecumenical Theology and Spirituality in Africa; Christian Ecotheology and Biblical Hermeneutics, and Rhetoric.
More InfoDepartment of Social Work
We at the Department of Social Work at the University of the Western Cape are committed to excellence in Social work education, practice and research.
More InfoDepartment of Sociology
The Department of Sociology at UWC has a rich intellectual tradition steeped in the highest standards of research and academic rigour.
More InfoDepartment of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science
The Department of Sport, Recreation and Exercise Science (SRES) provides students with the necessary academic and professional skills to promote health through participation in sport, recreation and physical activities.
More InfoDepartment of Statistics and Population Studies
Welcome to the Statistics and Population Studies Department at the University of the Western Cape.
Our Department revolves around two axes of teaching and research: Statistics with specialisation in Data Science and Population Studies. Two growing and important fields as data become more and more used everywhere and every day for planning purposes and to understand the challenges of our modern societies: from stock markets, medical research, economic forecasting to human populations.
Department of Women's and Gender Studies
The Women’s & Gender Studies (WGS) Department is an inter- and transdisciplinary department that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and engages in a wide range of collaborative research projects with local and international partners towards intersectional gender justice.
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