UKZN 2026 Extended Curriculum Programmes
UKZN provides Extended Curriculum Programmes to students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for mainstream degree programmes. These extended courses at UKZN offer additional academic support to help students transition into higher education successfully.
The extended curriculum courses are designed to bridge knowledge gaps, enhance foundational skills, and increase student retention and success rates.
This blog post provides a comprehensive guide to UKZN's Extended Curriculum Programmes for the 2026 academic year. It covers the list of extended courses, faculties offering these courses, the entry requirements, benefits, and how to apply.
What Are Extended Curriculum Programs?
Extended Curriculum Programmes are structured degree programmes that incorporate additional academic development modules. These programmes extend the usual duration of a degree by one year, giving students additional time to grasp key concepts and adjust to university life. The Extended Curriculum Programmes focus on:
- Strengthening fundamental knowledge in core subjects
- Providing academic literacy support
- Enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills
- Offering personal and academic mentorship
UKZN 2026 Extended Curriculum Programmes
Faculties Offering Extended Curriculum Programmes at UKZN:
- Faculty of Management Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities
- Agriculture, Engineering and Science
Here are UKZN Extended Curriculum Programmes for the 2026 academic year:
- Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Extended Curriculum)
- BSc Engineering Extended Programme (UNITE)
- B Com Extended Curriculum (General)
- B A in Music Extended Curriculum
- Bachelor of Social Science Extended Curriculum
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Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting (Extended Curriculum)
- Duration: 4 years
- Entry Requirements:
- NSC Bachelor's degree pass
- Minimum of 28 NSC points (excluding Life Orientation)
- Level 4 in English, Life Orientation, and Mathematics
- Applicants should be from Quintile 1-3 schools
- Programme Structure:
- First Year: Foundation modules in Mathematics, Economics, and Academic Literacy
- Subsequent Years: Progression into mainstream commerce modules
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can pursue careers as Chartered Accountants, Financial Managers, Auditors, Tax Consultants, and roles in financial analysis and management.
Bachelor of Commerce Extended Curriculum (General)
- Duration: 4 years
- Entry Requirements:
- NSC Bachelor's degree pass
- Minimum of 26 NSC points (excluding Life Orientation)
- Level 4 in English and Life Orientation
- Level 3 in Mathematics
- Applicants should be from Quintile 1-3 schools
- Programme Structure:
- First Year: Foundation modules in Academic Literacy, Economics, Mathematics, and Service Learning
- Subsequent Years: Mainstream commerce modules with options to major in disciplines such as Marketing, Information Systems, Human Resource Management, and Supply Chain Management
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can explore roles in marketing management, business analysis, human resource consulting, entrepreneurship, financial management, and public administration.
Bachelor of Arts in Music Extended Curriculum
- Duration: 4 years
- Entry Requirements: Targeted at applicants from disadvantaged schools or those with no prior formal musical training
- Programme Structure:
- First Year: Compulsory foundational modules in Practical Studies, Performance Skills, Music Fundamentals, and Academic Literacy
- Subsequent Years: Standard Bachelor of Arts in Music curriculum
- Career Opportunities: Graduates may pursue careers as performers, music educators, composers, music therapists, or roles in arts administration.
Bachelor of Social Science Extended Curriculum
- Duration: 4 years
- Entry Requirements:
- Matric points between 20-27
- Applicants should be from Quintile 1-3 schools
- A pass in English
- Programme Structure:
- First Year: Compulsory modules in Academic Literacy, English Language Development, Basic Computer Skills, Basic Numeracy, and Life Skills
- Students choose mainstream subjects such as Sociology, Political Science, or Psychology, with augmenting lectures provided
- Career Opportunities: Graduates can work in social research, public policy, community development, human resources, and various roles within governmental and non-governmental organizations.
BSc Engineering Extended Programme (UNITE)
Upon successful completion of the one-year extended programme, students are eligible to enrol in the first year of the mainstream BSc Engineering degree at UKZN. This pathway facilitates a smoother transition into the rigorous engineering curriculum.
The Engineering Extended course curriculum provides a holistic and solid foundation in the engineering sciences in preparation for the mainstream syllabus.
Benefits of UKZN Extended Curriculum Programmes:
- Extended Curriculum Programmes students receive extra support in key subjects, ensuring they develop a strong foundation before progressing to mainstream courses.
- Extended Curriculum Programme students benefit from smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalized attention from lecturers and tutors.
- The extended curriculum bridges the knowledge gap for students who come from under-resourced schools or did not take certain prerequisite subjects.
- ECPs have been shown to improve student retention and graduation rates by equipping students with the skills needed to succeed in university.
Understanding UKZN 2026 Extended Curriculum Programme
Students who perform exceptionally well in their first year of the Extended Curriculum Programme may have the opportunity to transition to the mainstream programme. The good thing about the extended curriculum programmes is that they are funded by NSFAS, therefore students do not need to worry about funding.
This funding covers tuition fees, accommodation, meals, and learning materials, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder students from furthering their education.
Conclusion
UKZN Extended Curriculum Programmes are an excellent opportunity for students who do not meet direct entry requirements but are determined to pursue a university degree. These programmes provide essential academic support, improve success rates, and help students transition smoothly into higher education.
If you are considering applying for an ECP at UKZN in 2026, make sure to check the entry requirements, apply through the CAO, and prepare yourself for an amazing academic journey.
