Key Takeaways: The “Bridging” Myth
- The Clarification: UJ does not offer generic “Bridging Courses” (short 6-month courses) that fix your Matric results. Instead, they offer Extended Curriculum Programmes (ECP).
- How ECP Works: This is a full degree or diploma, but the first year is spread over two years. It turns a 3-year degree into a 4-year degree.
- The Benefit: The admission requirements (APS) are lower than the mainstream degree. You get extra support, smaller classes, and foundational modules in Maths and English.
- The Result: At the end, your degree certificate looks identical to the mainstream one. It does not say “Extended” on the final parchment.
- The Alternative: If you don’t even qualify for the Extended Programme, you might need to look at Continuing Education (SCU) short courses or upgrading your Matric at a college.
You open your Matric results. You passed, but your Maths mark dropped to 40%, or your APS is 24 instead of the required 28. You panic.
Most students immediately search for “UJ Bridging Courses.”
It is important to understand UJ’s terminology. If you ask for a “Bridging Course” at the admin office, they might look at you blankly. What you are actually looking for is an Extended Degree or Extended Diploma.
These programmes are designed specifically for students who have the potential to succeed but just missed the entry requirements by a few points.
Here is the comprehensive list of Extended Programmes available at the University of Johannesburg, categorized by faculty.
1. College of Business and Economics (CBE)
This is the most popular faculty for extended programmes. If you want to be an Accountant, Logistics Manager, or HR specialist but missed the Maths mark, look here.
Extended Degrees (4 Years)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) in Accounting (Extended):
- Purpose: For aspiring CAs who missed the Maths cutoff.
- Requirement: Pure Maths is still usually required (not Math Lit), but the level required is lower (e.g., Level 3/4 instead of Level 5).
- BCom in Business Management (Extended)
- BCom in Economics and Econometrics (Extended)
- BCom in Finance (Extended)
- BCom in Logistics Management (Extended)
- BCom in Transport and Supply Chain Management (Extended)
Extended Diplomas (4 Years)
- Diploma in Logistics (Extended)
- Diploma in Transportation Management (Extended)
- Diploma in People Performance Management (HR) (Extended)
- Diploma in Small Business Management (Extended)
How it works:
In your first year, you will do modules like “Fundamental Business Maths” and “Academic Literacy” to prepare you for the tough 2nd-year subjects.
2. Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE)
Engineering is notoriously difficult to get into. The Extended Diploma route is a lifesaver for students with “Technical Matric” or lower Maths/Science marks.
Extended Diplomas (4 Years)
- Diploma in Civil Engineering (Extended)
- Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Extended)
- Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Extended)
- Diploma in Construction (Extended)
- Diploma in Management Services (Extended)
- Diploma in Operations Management (Extended)
The “Foundational” Modules:
FEBE extended students spend a lot of time on Physics and Maths foundation courses. You cannot progress to the heavy engineering subjects until you pass these.
Note: UJ generally does not offer an “Extended” version of the BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) Degree. The extended route is usually only for the National Diploma stream.
3. Faculty of Science
If you want to work in IT, Zoology, or Chemistry, the Faculty of Science offers several “Extended BSc” options.
Extended Degrees (4 Years)
- Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Information Technology (Extended):
- Focus: Computer Science and Informatics.
- BSc in Life and Environmental Sciences (Extended):
- Focus: Geography, Environmental Management, Zoology.
- BSc in Mathematical Sciences (Extended):
- Focus: Applied Maths, Statistics.
- BSc in Physical Sciences (Extended):
- Focus: Chemistry, Physics, Geology.
Admissions Hint:
The Faculty of Science is strict about Pure Mathematics. Even for the extended programme, Math Literacy is rarely accepted (except perhaps for some Geography streams, but always check the yearbook).
4. Faculty of Humanities
Humanities (Arts) programmes often accept Mathematical Literacy, making them accessible to a wider range of students.
Extended Degrees (4 Years)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) (General) (Extended):
- Majors: Psychology, Sociology, Politics, Languages.
- BA in Public Management and Governance (Extended):
- Focus: Working in government or municipalities.
Extended Diplomas
- Diploma in Public Relations and Communication (Extended):
- Focus: Media, PR, Corporate Comms.
5. Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA)
FADA courses are mostly portfolio-based, but they do have extended versions for students who need academic support.
- Diploma in Architecture (Extended)
- Diploma in Fashion Production (Extended)
- Diploma in Jewellery Design and Manufacture (Extended)
6. How “Extended” Differs from “Mainstream”
You need to know what you are signing up for.
| Feature | Mainstream (Regular) | Extended (Bridging) |
| Duration | 3 Years | 4 Years |
| First Year | Full academic workload (Standard Modules). | Reduced workload + Foundation Support modules. |
| APS Requirement | High (e.g., APS 28+). | Lower (e.g., APS 22 – 26). |
| Classes | Large lecture halls. | Smaller groups for foundation modules. |
| Final Qualification | Degree Certificate. | Identical Degree Certificate. |
| Cost | Standard Fees. | Slightly higher total cost (because you study for an extra year). |
7. Admission Requirements: The “Range”
There is no single “APS Score” for all extended programmes, but generally, the extended programme requires 3 to 4 points less than the mainstream one.
Example (Hypothetical):
- BCom Accounting (Main): Requires APS 28 with Maths Level 5.
- BCom Accounting (Extended): Might accept APS 25 with Maths Level 4.
The “Bottom Line”:
You still need a Bachelor’s Pass (or Diploma Pass) in Matric. If you failed Matric or got a Higher Certificate Pass, you generally cannot enter these programmes.
8. What If You Don’t Qualify for “Extended”? (The SCU Option)
If your marks are too low even for the Extended Programme, UJ has a department called the School of Continuing Education (SCU).
This is arguably the closest thing to a traditional “Bridging Course.”
- Offerings: Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) in fundamental business or IT skills.
- Purpose: These courses help you upskill or gain entry-level employment.
- Warning: Passing an SLP does not automatically guarantee entry into a Degree. It is not a direct “backdoor” into the university. You usually still need to upgrade your Matric subjects to get into a degree.
9. How to Apply for Extended Programmes
You do not fill in a separate form. It is part of the standard UJ application system.
- Go to UJ Online Application.
- Select your choices:
- Choice 1: Mainstream Degree (e.g., BCom Accounting).
- Choice 2: Extended Degree (e.g., BCom Accounting Extended).
- The Code: Look for the specific programme code. Extended programmes usually have a different code starting with a specific letter (check the prospectus).
- Automatic Placement: Sometimes, if you apply for Mainstream but your marks are slightly low, the Admissions Department will automatically offer you a place in the Extended Programme if there is space.
Summary: Is It Worth It?
Many students feel ashamed of doing the “Extended” version. Don’t be.
- Pros: You get a gentler introduction to university. Statistics show that Extended students often perform better in their final years because they have a stronger foundation.
- Cons: It costs one year of your life and one year of tuition fees.
Action Plan:
- Download the UJ Undergraduate Prospectus: Do not guess. Look at the “Admission Requirements” table. It will have a column specifically for “Extended Programme.”
- Check the “E” Code: When applying, ensure you select the programme code that corresponds to the Extended version as your backup choice.
- Apply Early: Extended programmes have fewer spots than mainstream ones. They fill up first.
Read Article: How to Calculate Your APS Score for University
Disclaimer: Course codes and specific admission criteria (APS) change annually. Always consult the official UJ Undergraduate Prospectus for the current academic year.