University of Johannesburg UJ Undergraduate Programmes

What is a degree?

Degrees are traditionally offered at Universities and consist of subjects from various fields, enabling you to tailor your studies to your own interests and career plans. Usually this type of qualification has to be followed by additional postgraduate studies in order to prepare you for a career in a specific field. A general curriculum may be followed in order to obtain a Bachelor of Arts (BA), or Bachelor of Science (BSc), or Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree. A degree has a more theoretical and a less practical basis.

What is a BTech degree?

The BTech degree is generally practice or career oriented, as opposed to academically oriented. The degree is obtained after four years of study, and is usually offered as a one year programme, following completion of a relevant three-year National Diploma. 

What is a National Diploma?

A National Diploma is career-focused and directly linked to a specific career field. So, for example, if you study a National Diploma in Hospitality Management you will have the option of becoming a Hotel Manager, Food and Beverage Manager or Executive Chef depending on what you specialise in. With a National Diploma you are required, before you graduate, to do a period of in-service training at an accredited company where you will get hands-on experience to add to your theoretical knowledge.