The Four-year Programmes have lower entrance requirements and are designed for students who are not academically prepared, but who are willing to work hard to succeed and obtain their degree. The programmes include an additional year of study which will enhance students’ basic knowledge and skills before progressing onto more specialist studies in the later years of the programmes. Furthermore, students who embark on this programme have much greater opportunity to succeed in their studies, as it provides dedicated support to students who need assistance to bridge the gap between school and higher education.

In 2008, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences implemented the BSc Four-year Programme. This Programme proved to be very successful with students excelling in their studies. In 2012, the UP  Four-year Programmes were expanded to give students who are interested in a career in Information Technology, Computer Science, Multimedia as well as Commerce, but do not meet the normal admission requirements, an opportunity to further their studies.

Features of the UP Four-year Programmes
• The programmes have two phases. During the first phase, which lasts 18 months (3 semesters), students are trained and developed academically and psychologically for further studies. They then continue their studies in the second phase where they join students in the normal three-year mainstream degree programmes. The first phase of the BCom Four-year Programme lasts 12 months (2 semesters).
During the first phase the academic content is delivered at a slower pace than the normal programmes so that students have more time to engage with the subject content and develop a thorough understanding of the material. During the three semesters of phase 1 the pace will be increased gradually. By the time students have completed the first phase they should be able to work at the normal speed required of university students.

• Additional modules help students to cope at university by focusing on the use of language in specific disciplines and study skills. Extra support is also given through career guidance and counselling.

• Most of the teaching and learning takes place in smaller groups. This allows individual attention and gives ample opportunity for questions and discussion.

• In addition to small classes, students also attend lectures in large groups where the teaching style is more formal. This is excellent preparation for the second phase of the programmes.

• A variety of methods is used to deliver subject content to remedy possible gaps in school knowledge.
The programmes focus on understanding and develop critical thinking skills as well as the practical skills needed to continue with the subject.

• Progress is assessed continuously. Throughout the year students have to meet certain levels of academic performance. Failing to do so will mean that students are not allowed to continue in the programmes.

• The programmes are only offered in English. The programmes support the development of language skills in English.

Are the programmes easy?
No. This is a university course and not simply a repetition of school work. Students will not be re-writing grade 12. At the end of each semester students write university examinations and receive university credits when they pass. The programme is demanding and students will be in class from early morning until late afternoon.

How and when do I apply?
Prospective students are advised to apply as soon as possible at the Client Service Centre at the University of Pretoria. The closing date for applications is 30 September.
 

Contact details:

BSc Four-year Programme
Ms Boitumelo Sehoole:
Mamelodi Campus
012 842 3430
boitumelo.sehoole@up.ac.za
Ms Henda van Vuuren:
012 420 2726
henda.vanvuuren@up.ac.za
Ms Grace Zitha:
012 420 4578
grace.zitha@up.ac.za


BIS (specialising in Multimedia) Four-year Programme
Prof TDJ Bothma
012 420 2961
infosci@up.ac.za


BCom Four-year Programme
Ms Fhumulani Maanda
012 420 2289
fhumulani.maanda@up.ac.za
 

BSc IT Four-year Programme
Ms Elmari Willemse
012 420 2504
ewillemse@cs.up.ac.za


The Client Service Centre
012 420 3111
csc@up.ac.za