Planning your future career starts with knowing which qualifications you can study at university — and if you’re thinking about applying to DUT for the 2027 academic year, this guide breaks down the main qualifications available and what they mean for you.
1. Undergraduate Qualifications
Durban University of Technology offers a wide range of undergraduate programmes that prepare you for careers in business, engineering, science, design and more. These are typically your first step after finishing Grade 12.
Higher Certificates
- Shorter than diplomas and degrees.
- Great for learners who may not yet meet the full requirements for a Diploma or Bachelor’s degree but want to start university-level study in areas such as business, tourism, or technology.
Diplomas
Diplomas are career-focused qualifications that usually take about 3 years. They’re ideal if you want practical, hands‑on training. Some example areas include:
- Business & Information Management
- Internal Auditing
- Financial Accounting
- ICT (Information Communications Technology)
- Hospitality and Tourism Management
Bachelor’s Degrees
These qualifications are typically 3–4 years long and are more academic, tailored toward professional careers and further postgraduate study. DUT’s faculties offer degrees like:
- Bachelor of Information and Communications Technology
- Bachelor of Engineering (various engineering streams)
- Bachelor of Applied Science (e.g., Biotechnology, Food Science)
- Bachelor of Design and Arts
- Bachelor of Health Sciences (like Nursing or Medical Laboratory Science)
- Bachelor of Management Sciences degrees such as Business Management or Marketing
2. Postgraduate Qualifications
If you’ve already completed an undergraduate qualification, DUT also offers higher studies, where you can specialise further.
Honours Degrees
- Usually 1-year programmes after a Bachelor’s degree.
- Focus on advanced knowledge in a field of study.
Master’s Degrees
- Typically research‑focused programmes (sometimes combined coursework and research, depending on the department).
- Examples include Master of Technology or Master of Science in areas like ICT, Engineering or Applied Sciences.
Doctoral Degrees (PhD)
- Highest academic qualification — several years of advanced research.
- A great path if you want to become an academic, researcher, or expert in your field.
3. Short Courses and Certificates
Besides full qualifications, DUT also runs short courses, certificates, and specialised training in areas like:
- IT skills (e.g., networking or technology certificates)
- Maritime communication
- Business and project management certificates
These are useful if you want specific skills quickly, or if you’re upskilling while working.
Faculties at DUT
DUT’s qualifications are offered through several faculties, each specialising in different fields of study:
- Faculty of Accounting & Informatics
- Faculty of Applied Sciences
- Faculty of Arts & Design
- Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Management Sciences
Each faculty has its own set of programmes and specific entry requirements — which you’ll find in the official prospectus or career leaflets on the DUT website.
Tips for Applying (2027)
- Undergraduate applications are made through the Central Applications Office (CAO).
- Postgraduate applications are made directly to the relevant DUT department.
- It’s important to check specific entrance requirements, because some programmes require certain subjects (like Mathematics or Physical Science).
Final Thought
DUT offers a diverse range of qualifications — from certificates and diplomas to Bachelor’s, Honours, Master’s and Doctoral degrees — across technical, creative, scientific and management fields. Whatever your interests and career goals, there’s likely a programme that can help you get there for the 2027 intake.
