North-West University – It All Starts Here!

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WhatsApp number: +27 (0) 60 070 2606 | SMS number: 31750 | NWU Call Centre: 0860 169 698
E-mail: studies@nwu.ac.za | Interest-Index

Why are subject choices important?

In Grade 9, you must choose subjects for Grade 10 – 12 that will shape your future career options. Choosing wisely keeps your study and career doors open after matric. Your dreams must match your talents, passions, and values – be honest with yourself! Your subject choices should excite you, not just feel “easy” or “comfortable”.

Take the Interest-Index survey!

 

You are about to make your subject selection. We know it can be overwhelming since you have so many options available to you. We’ve put everything together to assist you.

Requirements for Grade 10 subjects:

Four compulsory subjects

 

  1. One Official Language: This is your choice as the first official language.
  2. First Additional Language: This subject allows you to learn an additional language.
  3. Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: You can choose between Mathematics, which focuses on problem-solving and logical thinking, or Mathematical Literacy, which emphasizes the practical applications of mathematics in real-life situations.
  4. Life Orientation: This subject covers various important life skills, such as personal development, health and well-being, career guidance, and social responsibility.

 

Select your subjects

You get to choose three more subjects from the list below. Take your time, explore your interests, and select the subjects that resonate with you.

Remember, these subjects are opportunities for you to pursue your passions, expand your knowledge, and prepare for your future career. We encourage you to choose subjects that align with your interests and aspirations.

 

 

Choose from these NSC 20-Credit Subjects

Choose a minimum of three (3) subjects from the NSC 20-credit subjects:

Select the subjects that interest you and align with your goals.  

  1. Accounting
  2. Agricultural Management Practices
  3. Agricultural Science
  4. Agricultural Technology
  5. Business Studies
  6. Civil Technology (Civil Services)
  7. Civil Technology (Construction)
  8. Civil Technology (Woodworking)
  9. Computer Applications Technology
  10. Consumer Studies
  11. Dance Studies
  12. Design
  13. Dramatic Arts
  14. Economics
  15. Electrical Technology (Digital Systems)
  16. Electrical Technology (Electronics)
  17. Electrical Technology (Power Systems)
  18. Engineering Graphics and Design
  19. Geography
  20. History
  21. Hospitality Studies
  22. Information Technology
  23. Life Sciences
  24. LANGUAGES: A maximum of three languages at HL and FAL and a maximum of four languages at any level (see options below).
  25. Maritime Economics
  26. Marine Science
  27. Mechanical Technology (Automotive)
  28. Mechanical Technology (Fitting and Machining)
  29. Mechanical Technology (Welding and Metal Work)
  30. Music
  31. Physical Sciences
  32. Religion Studies
  33. Sports and Exercise Science
  34. Technical Mathematics
  35. Technical Science
  36. Tourism
  37. Visual Arts

Languages Options:

  • Afrikaans First Additional Language
  • Afrikaans Home Language
  • Afrikaans Second Additional Language
  • Arabic Second Additional Language

 

  • Urdu First Additional Language
  • Urdu Home Language
  • Urdu Second Additional Language
  • English First Additional Language
  • English Home Language
  • English Second Additional Language
  • French Second Additional Language

 

  • Xitsonga First Additional Language
  • Xitsonga Home Language
  • Xitsonga Second Additional Language
  • German Home Language
  • German Second Additional Language
  • Gujarati First Additional Language
  • Gujarati Home Language
  • Gujarati Second Additional Language
  • Latin Second Additional Language
  • Modern Greek Second Additional Language
  • Portuguese First Additional Language
  • Portuguese Home Language
  • Portuguese Second Additional Language

 

  • Hebrew Second Additional Language
  • Hindi First Additional Language
  • Hindi Home Language
  • Hindi Second Additional Language

 

  • IsiNdebele First Additional Language
  • IsiNdebele Home Language
  • IsiNdebele Second Additional Language
  • IsiXhosa First Additional Language
  • IsiXhosa Home Language
  • IsiXhosa Second Additional Language
  • IsiZulu First Additional Language
  • IsiZulu Home Language
  • IsiZulu Second Additional Language
  • Italian Second Additional Language

 

  • Tamil First Additional Language
  • Tamil Home Language
  • Tamil Second Additional Language
  • Telegu First Additional Language
  • Telegu Home Language
  • Telegu Second Additional Language
  • Tshivenda First Additional Language
  • Tshivenda Home Language
  • Tshivenda Second Additional Language

 

 

Why is subject selection so important?

Subject selection plays a crucial role in shaping your academic and career path. From Grade R to Grade 9, you’ve been building a foundation that will guide your choices in Grade 10. The subjects you choose now will lay the groundwork for your university studies and future career opportunities.

When deciding on your subjects, consider the knowledge you’ve gained thus far, your enjoyment of the subjects, and the skills you've acquired and wish to develop further. It’s important to assess the level of difficulty for each subject and ask yourself: Will I be able to excel in my chosen subjects?

By carefully selecting your subjects, you’re setting yourself up for success. They will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge in your desired field of study. So, take the time to make informed decisions and choose wisely.

How does subject choice guidance fit into the career decision-making process?

Subject choice guidance plays a crucial role in the process of making career decisions. It is essential to seek professional guidance to make informed choices. By consulting trained experts, such as career counsellors, who consider your interests, values, aptitude, and academic achievements, you can receive valuable insights and options tailored to your strengths and aspirations.

At the North-West University, we understand the importance of career guidance in conjunction with subject choices. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support and resources to help you make well-informed decisions that align with your career aspirations. Through our expert guidance, we can help you explore various paths and discover the best possible options for your future.

Find your future career with NWU’s Interest-Index!

NWU’s FREE  Interest-Index survey gives you valuable insight into the activities you find most engaging and rewarding. Your personalised report will be vital in helping you make informed decisions about your academic journey, from choosing school subjects to pursuing tertiary education.

  • The Interest-Index is not intended to replace professional career guidance.
  • Once you’ve completed the survey, you’ll immediately receive a personalised report with information on occupations and tertiary courses that may be of interest to you.
  • For professional career guidance (psychometric testing), contact our Student Guidance Services Department on 018 299 2893. Or, you can contact a Career Psychologist in your area.

Requirements for admission to study at NWU:

  1. A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with an endorsement for a bachelor’s degree, issued by Umalusi.
  2. An NSC with at least 50% in any four NSC 20 credit subjects.
  3. The admission requirements of the particular university with regards to the language of learning and teaching (at least 50% to 70% in the language of instruction).
  4. The required Academic Point Scale (APS) or Cambridge level is determined by universities for specific study programmes.
  5. Subject-specific requirements for specific study programmes (e.g., Mathematics 70% and Physical Science 60% for Engineering).

 

Compulsory school subjects required to study at the NWU:

Language 1: English or Afrikaans

  • Medium of teaching and learning
  • Compulsory for all programmes
  • 50% − 70% minimum accepted

 

Language 2

 

Mathematics

  • Compulsory for all BCom, BSc, and Engineering.

 

Mathematics and Literacy

  • Acceptable for all BA, BCom, and BCom Extended Degrees.
  • BA Law: Math / Maths Literacy
  • BCom Econ and Marketing: Math 50%
  • BCom CA: Math 60%, Accounting 50%
  • BA Communication Official Language 70%, 2nd Language 60%

 


Explore your study options (& admission requirements)

Admission Requirements

Please note the above admission requirements can change pending selection and possible faculty-specific requirements.

Study information is also subject to change, and this is a summary of the general fields of study. This information was compiled for introduction and orientation purposes and the North-West University accepts no liability for inaccuracies that may occur in this guide. The official yearbook of the University must be consulted in all cases during the process of compiling a programme for a specific field of study.

Please note that owing to specific capacity constraints, the University reserves the right to select candidates for admission to certain study fields. This means that prospective students who comply with the minimum requirements will not automatically be admitted to the courses in question. Because of the capacity limitations and the high demand for admission to particular fields of study, students will be selected based on their final Grade 11 results and fully accepted for admission based on their final Grade 12 results.