The University of Pretoria (UP) is celebrated for its sports achievements and champions, producing sports stars who have excelled nationally and globally. Those interested in sports or aspiring to a career in sports coaching, administration or education can be part of UP's sports excellence by enrolling in different sports sciences programmes offered fully online or on-campus.
Sports enthusiasts can enrol for a fully online Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences or an on-campus Bachelor of Sports Science degree.
The Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences is one of three fully online programmes offered by UP’s Comprehensive Online Education Services (COES) through its UPOnline offering. The programme, housed in the Department of Humanities Education in the Faculty of Education, is ideal for those who want to further their studies and seek career opportunities in sports. It provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in various sports-related roles.
The Bachelor of Sports Science (BSportSci) degree, housed in the Faculty of Health Sciences and accredited with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), is offered full-time on campus and focuses on sports science and health aspects, including advanced courses in exercise science, sports psychology, and nutrition. It is ideal for students who want to become sports scientists, coaches or professionals in sports medicine.
Sporting Excellence
While the Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences is a great starting point for a career in sports, the qualification does not give students direct access to the Bachelor of Sports Science programme in the Faculty of Health Sciences. Students must meet additional requirements to continue to the BSportSci programme, as outlined by the Faculty of Health Sciences.
Professor Linda van Ryneveld, Director of COES, says those interested in enrolling for a sports science qualification should consider their career goals when choosing a programme. "The Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences offers a fully online, flexible, yet highly structured sports sciences programme designed to help students achieve their career goals in sports coaching."
Professor Tiaan de Jager, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, emphasised UP’s commitment to sports excellence. “Our on-campus Bachelor of Sports Science (BSportSci) degree is ideal for students aiming to become sports scientists, coaches or professionals in sports medicine, providing them with the expertise and accreditation needed to excel in their careers." He also highlighted that UP provides students with the unique opportunity to learn from and be part of a legacy of national and global sports stars.
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Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences |
Bachelor of Sports Science degree |
| Purpose |
Aims to develop coaches who can function successfully in an interdisciplinary environment to improve athletes’ and sports teams’ performance using the latest techniques. It also serves to provide students with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools, and practical techniques for higher education studies in sports sciences. |
The BSportSci curriculum aims to prepare students to work competently in the health, wellness and sporting environment. It also serves to prepare students who want to continue with the BSc Hons programme in Sports Science or Biokinetics.
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| NQF Level |
5 |
7 |
| Mode of delivery |
Fully online |
On-campus |
| Duration |
Two years |
Three years |
| Full/Part-time |
Part-time |
Full-time |
| Admission criteria |
- National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) APS (or equivalent) of 20. - English Home Language 50% - English First Additional Language 50% -Students will need to have access to a school, sports club and/ or accredited training facility for the proposed field of specialisation. The first part of the practical module will guide you through the process of getting permission/ access.
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- National Senior Certificate (NQF Level 4) APS (or equivalent) of 30. AND - English Home Language - English First Additional Language AND Mathematics AND Physical Sciences or Life Sciences Note: Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS, and meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.
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| Payment method |
Tuition fees are charged per module, allowing students to pay only for the module they are currently enrolled in. This pay-as-you-go model provides flexibility and makes it easier for employed students to manage their education expenses. Payments are made at the start of each module. |
Tuition fees are typically charged per semester or academic year, with students required to pay for a full set of modules at the start of each semester. Payments can often be made in installments, and additional fees may apply for specific courses, labs and administrative costs. Financial aid and scholarship options are also available to help manage these expenses. |
| Number of students accepted
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Unlimited |
100 |
For more information, visit the Higher Certificate in Sports Sciences and Bachelor of Sports Science websites.