2026 FACULTY AT A GLANCE
MAKE TODAY MATTER
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. We produce relevant, socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. We believe that in every moment lies the potential to make a positive impact on the future and, in doing so, change the world for the better.
We have a high quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, online and in communities. We have support in place for our students to graduate on time as well-rounded, responsible citizens - fully prepared for the world beyond university. Our degrees are locally accredited and internationally recognised. We have agreements in place with the relevant legal accreditation bodies around the world to ensure the recognition of our academic programmes.
Guided by a vision for global research leadership, our mission is to excel in our core functions of research, teaching and learning — integrating engagement with society and the communities we serve. The University uses the following elements as its navigational markers:
QUALITY RELEVANCE DIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY
PROMOTING RESEARCH WITH REAL-WORLD IMPACT
UP’s research and collaborative efforts with its partners are key to transforming the lives of people by providing African solutions to global concerns. UP is rated among the top 1% of universities globally in 14 of the 22 Essential Science Indicator (ESI) fields. Our theme-based approach leverages knowledge fields and research platforms for the greatest impact. Transdisciplinary research projects with the potential to make a real-life difference are strongly encouraged.
FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Our educational approach has a strong focus on inclusivity and equitable access to education, but ultimately on equity of outcomes. Our committed academics have multiple approaches to teaching to ensure that students with a variety of learning strengths succeed. UP believes that a vibrant student experience encompasses more than successful grades. The University therefore offers a wide range of support services to foster resilient students. We believe our multi-layered support systems play a significant role in student success.
We produce graduates who understand the world of work and can make a valuable contribution to their communities. Our ready-for-work courses help our students to prepare for the workplace, and our entrepreneurship programmes foster the entrepreneurial spirit to encourage innovation.
FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
The Faculty of Humanities is internationally recognised for its teaching, research and community work. Its coursework combines academic and practical skills – embracing innovative and entrepreneurial thinking.
ACADEMIC OFFERING
16
Specialised undergraduate degree programmes
133
12
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
WORLD-CLASS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Specialised postgraduate degree programmes offering training in 12 specialised disciplines
DEDICATED MUSIC LIBRARY
TO SUPPORT TEACHING, LEARNING AND RESEARCH ACTIVITIES
JOIN OUR WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTION
TOP 378
worldwide for arts and humanities*
TOP 350
worldwide for English language and literature*
TOP 400
worldwide for politics and political sciences***
TOP 400
worldwide for social sciences and management*
TOP 100
worldwide for development studies*
TOP 400
worldwide for archaeology**
TOP 400
worldwide for art, performing arts and design**
TOP 400
worldwide for language, literature and linguistics**
The University of Pretoria hosts Africa’s first and only Master’s programme in Tangible and Heritage Conservation and Africa’s only Specialist
Neuro-Otologic Test Centre
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
**Time Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
***Shanghai Ranking’s Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2024
FACULTY RESEARCH PROFILE
71% 25 67
NRF-rated researchers
Academic staff members with a doctorate International partnerships and agreements
RESEARCH CENTRES AND UNITS
• Centre For Augmentative & Alternative Communication
• Emerging Scholars Initiative
• Centre For Sexualities, AIDS & Gender
• Itsoseng Psychological Clinic - Mamelodi Campus
• Unit For Academic Literacy
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
African Languages
Afrikaans
English
Psychology Historical and Heritage Studies
Sociology
Ancient and Modern Languages and Cultures
Anthropology, Archaeology and Development Studies
Philosophy
Political Sciences
Social Work and Criminology
Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
The Faculty’s School of the Arts strives to be the academic locus in South Africa that produces the most distinguished postgraduate researchers, prolific creative talent and performing artists, and provide access and opportunity across demographics to all talented students from all South African communities who wish to maintain standards of excellence.
JAVETT-UP ARTS CENTRE
Javett-UP is built on a firm belief in the emancipatory potential of the arts in society. This inspirational space hosts international award-winning artists, including a unique artist in residence programme. The curated work responds to the histories of Africa’s creative outputs and the future aspirations of the continent and the diaspora.
ENSAMBLES UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA MUSEUMS
• Tuks Camerata
• UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble
• UP Symphony Orchestra
UP hosts numerous museum collections and associated archives. Key museum collections are publicly displayed in two historical buildings on the Hatfield Campus, the Old Arts Building and the Old Merensky Building.
SOCIAL RESPONSIVENESS
Dr Michael Joseph Barrett directs the TUKS Choir and is a co-founder of the Capital Singers, a community-based mass choral programme.
The Student Entrepreneurship Office aims to ensure that the Faculty’s students are marketable once they graduate. It helps students to develop essential work experience that broadens their ability to think laterally and innovate.
Ntokozo Nkabinde: ntokozo.nkabinde@up.ac.za
www.up.ac.za/faculty-of-humanities