Faculty of Arts & Humanities
UWC’s Arts & Humanities Faculty is well respected and well connected, both nationally & internationally. It boasts top academics and a strong research profile. It offers high-quality education which is of an international standard, yet remains engaged with the specifics of our society.
The information on this page is aimed at providing you with all you need to know about programme and registration requirements.
Please download these helpful guides and resources for information:
Enquiries
The information on this page is aimed at providing you with all you need to know about programme and registration requirements.
Welcome message from the Dean
Please download these helpful guides and resources for information:
- Faculty of Arts & Humanities Student Guide
- Language and Communication Studies (LCS) Information Pack
Registration: how to select your modules
Choosing which modules to register for can be a daunting task. In this short informational video, Senior Faculty Officer, Geran Siljeur, answers some of the most frequently asked questions related to the BA degree, its curriculum and registration requirements.
Major Explainer Series
Overview
The core activity of the African Language Studies Department at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) is the teaching of isiXhosa to both mother-tongue speakers (isiXhosa Studies) and non-mother-tongue speakers (isiXhosa Language Acquisition).
Popular Combinations with this Major
English, Language & Communication Studies, Psychology, Political Studies, History, Sociology and Anthropology
What Can I Do with this Major?
- Teaching (Mother-tongue and non-mother tongue)
- Translation and Editing
- Forensic Linguistics
- Journalism
- Creative Writing
- Research
- Media
Enquiries
Overview
Afrikaans is a national asset and the fact that most of the community of Afrikaans speakers reside in the Western Cape is a huge advantage. Afrikaans is an important source of knowledge and empowerment. That is why our department is home to all varieties of Afrikaans.
We want all speakers of Afrikaans to share once again in the creation and enjoyment of literature and the development of the language as an intellectual instrument. With our special courses, we also open the doors widely to non-Afrikaans-speakers.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
We want all speakers of Afrikaans to share once again in the creation and enjoyment of literature and the development of the language as an intellectual instrument. With our special courses, we also open the doors widely to non-Afrikaans-speakers.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Popular Combinations with this Major
Other languages, Language & Communication Studies, English, Geography, History, Psychology
What Can I Do with this Major?
- Teaching
- Vertaling/Translation
- Skeppende Skryfwerk/Creative Writing
- Joernalistiek/Journalism
- Uitgewersbedryf/Publishing
- Navorsing/Research
Enquiries
Prof Steward Van Wyk
E-mail: svanwyk@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: svanwyk@uwc.ac.za
Overview
Anthropology is the comparative study of human societies and cultures. Anthropologists are committed to the understanding of the complex world we live in. We continuously challenge commonplace assumptions and ways of being.
In 2021, the Department of Anthropology begins teaching a brand-new undergraduate curriculum, redesigned to respond to new developments in the discipline and the need to substantiate decolonial, anti-racist, anti-patriarchal training at the university.
In 2021, the Department of Anthropology begins teaching a brand-new undergraduate curriculum, redesigned to respond to new developments in the discipline and the need to substantiate decolonial, anti-racist, anti-patriarchal training at the university.
Popular Combinations with this Major
Anthropology, Women & Gender Studies, Industrial Psychology, History, Sociology
What Can I Do with this Major?
Possession of higher degrees opens the door for engagement in a range of careers, including:
- Research
- Media
- Development
- Government
- Academia and
- Education
Enquiries
Prof Heike Becker
E-mail: hbecker@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: hbecker@uwc.ac.za
Overview
The Department of English at UWC is a leading interdisciplinary department in the humanities in South Africa. The department's courses combine traditional literary studies with new courses in media, theatre, creative writing and practical training in various modes of cultural critique.
Watch this video to learn more about us
Watch this video to learn more about us
Popular Combinations with this Major
Language & Communication Studies, Afrikaans, Arabic, Psychology (all other modules)
What Can I Do with this Major?
- Creative writing
- Editing
- Research
- Theatre
- Journalism
- Publishing
Enquiries
Overview
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.
Watch these videos to learn more about us:
Watch these videos to learn more about us:
Popular Combinations with this Major
French & German, French/German & Language & Communication Studies, Arabic & Language & Communication Studies, Foreign Language & Psychology, Foreign Language & Tourism, Arabic & Psychology
What Can I Do with this Major?
- Academia
- Translation/Interpretation
- Teaching
- Media
- International Finance
- Industry
- Government
- Law and
- Religion
Enquiries
Overview
Our discipline focuses on the complex relationships between humans and their environment(s). In our exciting modules on environmental/geographical issues ranging from cities to land issues to environmental management, you will be exposed to key debates in the Southern African and global context.
With its impact on the economy, environment, and society in South Africa, tourism as an academic discipline offers opportunities for understanding the roles and effects of tourism in South Africa and beyond.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
With its impact on the economy, environment, and society in South Africa, tourism as an academic discipline offers opportunities for understanding the roles and effects of tourism in South Africa and beyond.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Popular Combinations with this Major
History, Languages, Anthropology, Sociology, Political Studies
What Can I Do with this Major?
- Environmental Management
- GIS Mapping
- Urban Planning
- Sustainability and Conservation Management
- Teaching
- Academia
- Tourism
- Research the Land Sector
Enquiries
Overview
The courses offered by the Department are designed to provide students with critical insights around the writing and re-writing of history. The emphasis is on textual, visual, material and oral analysis.
In all the courses differing interpretations and debates are highlighted. Areas of specialisation include women and gender studies, museum and heritage studies, visual history, critical archival studies, political biographies and activism, popular culture, oral history, forensic history, liberation history, urban history, history of anthropology and experimental forms of history writing.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
In all the courses differing interpretations and debates are highlighted. Areas of specialisation include women and gender studies, museum and heritage studies, visual history, critical archival studies, political biographies and activism, popular culture, oral history, forensic history, liberation history, urban history, history of anthropology and experimental forms of history writing.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Popular Combinations with this Major
Geography, Sociology, Psychology, Afrikaans, Political Studies, Anthropology, Women & Gender Studies
What Can I Do with this Major?
A postgraduate degree in history provides an excellent grounding in the skills of research, reading and writing. This provides an excellent grounding for an academic or teaching career, in the museum, heritage and tourism sector, or as a researcher or writer in a variety of fields (NGOs, government, film and media).
Enquiries
Prof Paolo Israel
E-mail: pisrael@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: pisrael@uwc.ac.za
Overview
The department contributes significantly towards the development of an information literate South African society.
Advisory Video
Popular Combinations with this Major
Languages, Linguistics
What Can I Do with this Major?
Librarian, information analyst, information architect
Enquiries
Dr Lizette King
E-mail: lking@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: lking@uwc.ac.za
Overview
The Department of Linguistics brings together experts from its various fields and sub-disciplines to address the questions that arise when we seek to understand the role of multilingualism as a resource for participatory linguistic citizenship.
Popular Combinations with this Major
English, Afrikaans, Industrial Psychology, Foreign Languages, Political Studies, Ethics, Anthropology, Sociology, History
What Can I Do with this Major?
Research, editing, publishing, lexicography, media, journalism
Enquiries
Prof Felix Banda
E-mail: fbanda@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: fbanda@uwc.ac.za
Overview
This course requires no previous familiarity with philosophy, and it serves to introduce the subject and philosophical issues through the work of a major figure like Descartes or a group of philosophers like the Ancient Greeks.
The work of the central figure/s is used as an entry route to understanding philosophical problems as they were seen at the time and how they feature in contemporary philosophy.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
The work of the central figure/s is used as an entry route to understanding philosophical problems as they were seen at the time and how they feature in contemporary philosophy.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Popular Combinations with this Major
Psychology, History, Political Studies, Sociology, Anthropology, Industrial Psychology, Religion
What Can I Do with this Major?
This major prepares you for various fields, such as law, publishing, politics and research
Enquiries
Prof Simon Beck
E-mail: sbeck@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: sbeck@uwc.ac.za
Overview
The Psychology Department offers a range of programmes spear headed by academics committed to social change and transformation. Our niche areas in the department are varied and include but are not limited to: substance abuse, child well-being, family resilience, women’s health, including the psychology of reproductive health, all forms of violence including gender-based violence.
Popular Combinations with this Major
Sociology, Anthropology, Women and Gender Studies, Ethics,Language & Communication Studies, Philosophy
What Can I Do with this Major?
Enquiries
Overview
The Department of Sociology at UWC has a rich intellectual tradition steeped in the highest standards of research and academic rigour. We are passionate about deepening sociological knowledge and insight to address important social challenges that affect the real world.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Popular Combinations with this Major
Anthropology, Women & Gender Studies, Industrial Psychology, History, Political Studies
What Can I Do with this Major?
Sociology, research, lecturing, publishing
Enquiries
Prof Marelize Rabe
E-mail: mrabe@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: mrabe@uwc.ac.za
Overview
The Department of Religion and Theology at UWC offers modules in three subject areas, namely Theological Studies, Ethics, and Religious Studies.
Popular Combinations with this Major
Philosophy, Psychology, Arabic, History, Women & Gender Studies
What Can I Do with this Major?
The BTh degree is well suited for ordained pastors, priests, ministers, reverends, or pastoral counsellors. Theological Studies also allows students to develop skills in a variety of other areas, especially in community leadership.
Enquiries
Prof John Klaasen
E-mail: jklaasen@uwc.ac.za
E-mail: jklaasen@uwc.ac.za
Overview
The Women & Gender Studies (WGS) Department is an inter- and trans-disciplinary department that offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs and engages in a wide range of collaborative research projects with local and international partners towards intersectional gender justice.
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Watch this video to learn more about us:
Popular Combinations with this Major
Sociology, History, Anthropology, Psychology, Political Studies What Can I Do with this Major? Gender transformation and sexual rights
