2026 FACULTY AT A GLANCE
MAKE TODAY MATTER
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of Africa’s leading research-intensive universities and the largest contact university in South Africa. We produce relevant, socially impactful research to find solutions for the world’s most pressing issues. We believe that in every moment lies the potential to make a positive impact on the future and, in doing so, change the world for the better.
We have a high quality of teaching and learning in the classroom, online and in communities. We have support in place for our students to graduate on time as well-rounded, responsible citizens - fully prepared for the world beyond university. Our degrees are locally accredited and internationally recognised. We have agreements in place with the relevant legal accreditation bodies around the world to ensure the recognition of our academic programmes.
Guided by a vision for global research leadership, our mission is to excel in our core functions of research, teaching and learning — integrating engagement with society and the communities we serve. The University uses the following elements as its navigational markers:
QUALITY RELEVANCE DIVERSITY SUSTAINABILITY
PROMOTING RESEARCH WITH REAL-WORLD IMPACT
UP’s research and collaborative efforts with its partners are key to transforming the lives of people by providing African solutions to global concerns. UP is rated among the top 1% of universities globally in 14 of the 22 Essential Science Indicator (ESI) fields. Our theme-based approach leverages knowledge fields and research platforms for the greatest impact. Transdisciplinary research projects with the potential to make a real-life difference are strongly encouraged.
FOSTERING EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
Our educational approach has a strong focus on inclusivity and equitable access to education, but ultimately on equity of outcomes. Our committed academics have multiple approaches to teaching to ensure that students with a variety of learning strengths succeed. UP believes that a vibrant student experience encompasses more than successful grades. The University therefore offers a wide range of support services to foster resilient students. We believe our multi-layered support systems play a significant role in student success.
We produce graduates who understand the world of work and can make a valuable contribution to their communities. Our ready-for-work courses help our students to prepare for the workplace, and our entrepreneurship programmes foster the entrepreneurial spirit to encourage innovation.
FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
EMS
The mission of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) is to advance relevant knowledge and develop employable, innovative and diverse graduates to co-create value for society.
The Faculty of EMS at UP is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Learn more: aacsb.edu/about
ACADEMIC OFFERING
74
16 postgraduate degree programmes
SAIT South African Institute of Tax Professionals undergraduate degree programmes
ENDORSEMENTS FROM NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PROFESSIONAL BODIES
ABET Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
ACCA Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
CFA® Institute University Affiliation Program*
CIMA Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
ELA European Logistics Association
HPCSA Health Professions Council for South Africa
IIA Global Institute of Internal Auditors
SABPP South African Board for People Practitioners
SAICA South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
*CFA Institute and CFA are registered trademarks owned by CFA Institute
JOIN OUR WORLD-CLASS INSTITUTION
TOP 201-250 in the world
Accounting & Finance*
#1 IN SA #1 IN SA
TOP 101-150 in the world
Economics***
#1 IN SA
TOP 151-200 in the world
Finance***
TOP 201–250
Economics & Econometrics*
TOP 401–450
Business & Management Studies*
TOP 301–400
Business & Economics**
*QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
**Time Higher Education World
University Rankings by Subject 2025
***Shanghai Ranking’s Global Rankings of Academic Subjects 2024
ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS + SCHOOL OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION
FACULTY RESEARCH PROFILE
64%
Academic staff members with a doctorate
RESEARCH CHAIRS
• Chair in Customer Experience
• Chair in Municipal Finance in Africa
40 NRF-rated researchers
• South African Research Chair in Tax Policy and Governance
• South African Reserve Bank Chair in Monetary Policy Studies
• DSI-NRF Bilateral SARChI-Chair in Just Energy Transition
RESEARCH CENTRES AND INSTITUTES
• African Tax Institute
• Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute
• Centre for the Future of Work
• Mamelodi Business Hub
• UP Public Policy Hub
• Energy Economics Research Unit
• Unit for Forensic Accounting
Department of Auditing recognised as one of only 13 Centres of Excellence of the International Institute of Internal Auditors
FLAGSHIP CA PROGRAMME
The UP Accounting Sciences programme is renowned for producing students who consistently excel in the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Initial Test of Competence (ITC). UP candidates have maintained an average first-time ITC pass rate of 95% over the past 20 years.
UP BUSINESS INCUBATOR
The University of Pretoria Business Incubator (UPBI) is a rapid business incubator that helps aspiring young entrepreneurs build the companies that will shape the future by equipping them with the tools, skills and connections that they need to turn that dream into a tangible reality.
SOCIAL RESPONSIVENESS
MAMELODI BUSINESS HUB
The Mamelodi Business Hub aims to facilitate entrepreneurship and small business development in and around the larger Pretoria community through skills development, business advice and business mentoring processes.
ACTIVE STUDENT BODIES
HOUSE COMMERCII + 8 DISCIPLINE-SPECIFIC STUDENT HOUSES
ENQUIRIES
Student administration: ems@up.ac.za
General enquiries: emsdean@up.ac.za