Department of Applied Sciences
Programmes

We are a department that is passionate, vibrant, and energetic in our commitment to expertly prepare our students for professional careers in the chemical and chemically related industries, as well as the food and beverage industries. The department strives to build a just, equitable, and sustainable world through teaching and learning by providing academic programs that provide in-depth vocational expertise to empower students, allowing graduates to access all doors of opportunity in their post-university careers. We are committed to high-quality instruction and student success, through an integrated framework of academics, laboratory experiences, and cutting-edge research.

The Department operates from two delivery sites, namely, Potsdam and College Street. In Potsdam, the Department offers a Diploma in Analytical Chemistry and Advanced Diploma in Chemistry programmes. In College Street, the Department offers a Diploma in Consumer Science in Food and Nutrition.

The department of Applied Sciences offers the following programmes:

QUALIFICATION CODE: WS7161

QUALIFICATION NAME: Diploma in Analytical Chemistry

MINIMUM ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS:
• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a diploma or bachelor's endorsement and with at least an achievement in the subjects as follows:

  • English at Level 4 (as a Home Language or First Additional Language)
  • Mathematics at Level 3 (not Mathematical Literacy)
  • Physical Science at Level 4

• A Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification with a minimum of:

  • D – symbol or (3-4) (HG) in English (Second Language)
  • D – symbol (SG) or (3-4) E – symbol (HG) in Mathematics
  • D – symbol (SG) or (3-4) E – symbol (HG) in Physical Sciences

• Applications from international students are considered in terms of institutional equivalence reference document (where required) submission of international qualification to SAQA for benchmarking in terms of HEQF

• Mature: Refer to requirements as per Walter Sisulu’s General Rules & Regulations – Section 1.6

• NCV-4 from the FETs – Minimum statutory NSC requirements for diploma entry must be met

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW:

The purpose of the diploma is to offer specialized knowledge and skills that are tailored to respond to the occupational and skills shortages in chemical and chemical-allied industries such as pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food, mining, petrochemicals, automotive, environmental, wastewater management, pollution control, waste disposal and recycling, agriculture, research, and the health sector.

The programme aims to empower graduates with knowledge to find innovative routes to start-up businesses and develop their business ideas into opportunities that can be exploited by providing a successful product or service in the emerging economy.

The purpose of this programme is to produce diversified graduates who can contribute immediately and meaningfully to the human resource needs of the chemical and chemical-allied industries.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Successful graduates from the programme can register for an advanced diploma in chemistry, which is a gateway to postgraduate qualifications such as a Postgraduate Diploma in Analytical Chemistry, a Master of Science, and doctoral qualifications.

Graduates from the programme can occupy technical positions in chemical and chemical-allied industries such as laboratory technicians, scientists, quality control managers, laboratory managers, or even start their own businesses.