Bachelor of Health Sciences Degree in Environmental Health at Durban University of Technology

Programme overview

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Environmental Health is a four-year, eight-semester degree on the Ritson Campus that trains Environmental Health Practitioners. It focuses on preventing and reducing people's exposure to harmful pollutants in air, water, soil, food and workplaces, and on enforcing the legislation that manages pollution and harmful environments. Practitioners work in both community and occupational health settings.

Faculty: Faculty of Health Sciences | Department: Department of Community Health Studies | Duration: 4 years (8 semesters) | Study mode: full-time | Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

What you will study

First-year modules include Physics I, Chemistry I, Microbiology I, Anatomy and Physiology IA/IB, Mathematics I, Communications, Computer Literacy, Fundamental Environmental Health and Cornerstone, with one elective. Later study covers control of infectious diseases, port health, safe food and water, waste disposal, and environmental and occupational health.

Career pathways

Employers include private companies, municipal health departments, state health, parastatals, provincial and national government departments, large food manufacturers, industries, mines, some hotel groups and environmental consultancies.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

NSC degree entry with English, Mathematics (rating 4), Physical Science (4), Life Science (4) and two further 20-credit subjects (not more than one language). Senior Certificate with matric exemption: Mathematics, Physical Science and Biology at HG D or SG B. NCV Level 4: Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Science at 70%, plus four other subjects at 70% (only one may be a language). Applicants attend an interview and write an assessment test. Places are limited, so meeting the minimum does not guarantee admission.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-time undergraduate applications for the 2027 academic year must reach the CAO by the closing date of 30 September 2026; some programmes close earlier. Applications are made online through the CAO (www.cao.ac.za). The application fee is R250 (South African citizens) or R300 (international applicants), paid when submitting; the application is active only once payment is received.

Apply through the official page: https://onlineapps.dut.ac.za/

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