South Africa is home to some of the most highly rated universities in Africa. These institutions offer competitive courses such as Actuarial Science and Mathematics that could help set you apart in the job market. But not all these courses are easy to pursue. Here are some of the most difficult degrees in South Africa based on multiple factors.
In compiling this list, we used public sentiment online from social media sites and college blogs. However, you must note that a topic such as the most difficult degrees is highly subjective, and it varies from person to person depending on their strengths and weaknesses.
A degree in philosophy is extremely challenging. It deals with matters outside the known universe. Religion, nature, aesthetics, the universe, and mathematics are all studied in philosophy. A philosopher must be wise to question various dynamics..
Psychology is also regarded as one of the most difficult courses in the world. Students can learn about human behaviour in various contexts through this programme, including individual, social, psychological, and industrial settings.
Psychologists primarily research people in various contexts, such as workplaces, prisons, schools, homes, children, people with disorders, and any other group of people. Being an excellent observer and communicator and possessing an inquisitive nature and a keen eye for detail are prerequisites for a career in psychology.
Statistics is one of the hardest courses to complete because it entails more than simple data collection, representation, and interpretation. In almost all fields, different statistical techniques are used to represent data. To study statistics, one needs to be skilled in logic, reasoning, and math.
The study of quantum mechanics examines matter and light's atomic and subatomic behaviour. It aims to explain and describe how molecules, atoms, and their component particles -- such as quarks and gluons -- behave. These particles include electrons, protons, neutrons, and other more esoteric ones like quarks.
People who study quantum mechanics should have a strong foundation in functional analysis, integral calculus, basic probability, and complex number manipulation. Quantum mechanics is among the top 20 most difficult degrees in South Africa.
Biochemistry students typically focus on the chemical processes and materials found in living things. It propels advancements in forensic science, nutrition, and other fields of medicine and science.
To better understand the world and develop new applications for chemical reactions, biochemistry enables you to investigate chemical reactions at the molecular level. You will likely need to take biology, chemistry, physical science, and math courses to earn a biochemistry degree.
Astronomy studies celestial objects such as planets, asteroids, and stars. Students in this major are typically required to take physics, calculus, computer science, astrophysics, cosmology, and planetary geology courses.
The fact that it requires learning one of the most complex branches of physics gives you an idea of how challenging it is. Astronomers must make falsifiable predictions about space and the universe, which they must then test in a controlled environment, just like in any other hard science.
Students in architecture and engineering programmes study the theories and history of architecture while learning how to design and construct structures.
Math, physics, plan measures, architecture theory, history of architecture, and architectural history are among the subjects that must be studied to earn this degree.
Contrary to popular belief, it also addresses the environment and its composition. This is one of the toughest courses, and pursuing it requires dedication.
One of the top 10 most difficult degrees in South Africa that students are afraid of nowadays is neuroscience. This is because of the involved technicalities and high demand from students.
The course focuses on the brain and how it affects or influences behavioural and cognitive functions. Lots of research is involved in the course because, among other things, you will have to explore the cause of people's neurological, neurodevelopmental, and psychiatric disorders.
One of the most difficult undergraduate degree programmes to study is medicine. The difficulty of this course begins with the entry requirements.
Almost every higher learning institution will require prospective students to have at least 60% scores in English, mathematics, and physical science.
If you have a phobia of certain things, such as blood, and are too emotional, you should not enrol in this course. This is because several practicals will require you to be active at heart.
Apart from that, there are lots of research works that students continually embark on, which means you must be a very dedicated learner if you want to pursue this course. The simple truth is that only the strong excel in this field of study.
The average student will tell you that the most difficult engineering degree to get is biomedical engineering, and that is because it is seen as combining medicine and engineering. Therefore, Biomedical engineering is among the top 10 hardest degrees in the world.
The course is about the application of the science of engineering to medicine in the improvement of health. A challenging aspect of the course is that you must develop knowledge and skills to help solve biology and medicine-related problems.
In South Africa, taking the University of Pretoria as an example, the entry requirement to study the course is a 60% score in English, mathematics, and physical science.
With that, you should have an idea of the great expectations from prospective students. Being a part of science, a high level of commitment and hard work is needed to succeed in the course.
If you cannot manage your workload and you cannot work under pressure, you will find this course very challenging. And most importantly, the fact that you should be sound academically because the course is a sensitive one, as it involves human well-being.
Actuarial Science is among the top 5 hardest courses in the world. The entry requirement for this course is pure mathematics, and you need a high grade of 80%, especially if you are applying to an institution like the University of Pretoria.
The reason is that many of the subjects you will be offered are calculation-related. This includes courses like actuarial science, business management, financial accounting, and statistics. You will find the course difficult if you dislike calculations or are not good at them.
If you prefer to avoid calculations, you had better not put in for this course. Because it involves a lot of data computations and auditing. Apart from that, you will also have to compute lots of data and audit, among others.
If you manage to scale through the university, you will have to obtain professional certificates to be allowed to practise the profession in South Africa.
Depending on the area you want to specialise in, you may have to write professional examinations in auditing, financial management, and taxation.
Law is among the top 5 hardest courses in South Africa. As interesting as the course may be, one of the areas that most students find challenging is passing examinations, and this is because you will hardly come up with a perfect answer in an examination.
Just at the time when you think you have given the right interpretation to an aspect of the law, you discover later that some things could have been expressed in a better way or the right words used for them.
A technique that most of the students offering this degree programme use is memorising cases and facts and preparing arguments.
Mathematics is, no doubt, the most difficult degree in the world. For instance, right from elementary classes, you will rarely find learners who like mathematics. A lot of them get scared when it comes to calculations.
There are lots of formulas you will need to learn by heart and work with always, as well as steps that you must never miss out on when solving an equation. This degree demands that you think analytically and logically to succeed in it.
Several degree programmes are challenging to study, particularly at South Africa's top universities. They include courses such as mathematics and aw.
The hardest degree subjects in the world are mathematics, chemistry, medicine, architecture, physics, biomedical science, law, neuroscience and philosophy.
Degrees in Information Technology (IT) and related fields like Data Science, Software Development, and Business Analytics are in high demand in South Africa. Other in-demand fields include Business Management, Engineering, and Banking/High Finance.
While there is no single "hardest" degree, as that's subjective depending on your strengths and weaknesses, the Biomedical Honours degree at Wits is frequently cited as being one of the most challenging due to its unique and intensive curriculum.
While "easiest" is subjective and depends on individual aptitude, degrees in the arts and humanities, such as Social Sciences or Humanities, are often considered less mathematically intensive.
If you put in the effort and dedication, you can excel in the most difficult degrees in South Africa and the world. This article will help you mentally prepare for what to expect if you choose any of the above degree programmes. Also, keep in mind that, despite their difficulties, they are among the highest-paying careers in the country.
Briefly.co.za recently published an article ranking South Africa's top 15 best private colleges and schools. Quality education allows you to gain knowledge and skills that will help you succeed in life. The job market is looking for well-rounded graduates who can demonstrate their abilities practically.
Private colleges in South Africa offer both online and virtual classes, particularly for those who may not have the time to attend physical classes.