Unisa has identified ten catalytic niche areas that have the potential to significantly enhance its academic agenda, transform the global academic landscape, and address societal needs. These focus areas are designed to drive innovation and positive change both locally and globally.
The focus is on coastal oceanography and economic opportunities along South Africa's 2 800km coastline with major collaborations across multiple Unisa colleges to develop a BSc in Marine Studies. There need to be further development of short learning programmes and research groups in custom and marine studies to support economic growth while protecting the marine world from degradation.
South Africa's 18 airports which cater for people and goods coming into the country and or transiting to and from other countries highlight the importance of this niche area for the country's economy. The area involves the development of aviation mechanics, engineering, electronics, and safety policy adherence.
The South Africa Automotive Master Plan (2021-2035) projects growth in the automotive industry and Unisa sees the need to explore producing quality students in this specific niche. Unisa's Department of Mechanical Engineering showcased a solar-powered car in the Sasol Solar Challenge in 2021 which did not use fuel.
South Africa's diverse energy mix requires specialized knowledge and skills. Developments concerning power shortages are proof that there is an urgent need to review how energy is provided to the growing and transforming population. There are opportunities in solar and wind energy, with initiatives to support clean energy education.
Unisa has been involved in the SKA project since 2012. SKA is a $1billion international project to create an array of antennas for detecting radio waves that will have a receiving area of one square kilometre. The university offers undergraduate to PhD level courses in Astrophysics and Astronomy. Modern Unisa Observatory facility housing the 14” telescope is used to train Astronomy students and research.
The emphasis on disruptive technologies and their impact on business and studies focussing on building capacity in legal, commercial, and technology fields. Programs on Big Data and digitalisation are currently offered at the university.
Highlighting the need for vaccine development, research capacity and technology, Unisa’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences partners in the African BioGenome Project to enhance biodiversity and agriculture. A coordinated Pan-African effort to build capacity and infrastructure to generate, analyse and deploy genomics data for the improvement and sustainable use of biodiversity and agriculture across Africa.
The Covid-19 challenges underscore the need for specialized health research to respond to health challenges which include pandemics that may erupt. Research in molecular biology, healthcare, the development of health equipment and specialised skills in pulmonary medicine is urgently needed. In the College of Graduate Studies, the UNESCO-Unisa Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology is leading international research into the nanodelivery of drugs, including African herbal medicine. The College of Law offers an elective undergraduate module on Medical Law.
The emphasis is on intersectional feminism and Bosadi theory with research into eliminating gender-based violence, homophobia, transphobia and discrimination against women in the workplace and political arena. The institute also uses education about gender as an effective way to achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women.
The niche area focuses on equipping students with life skills beyond academics is crucial. Education and skills imparted to students from all different walks of life are such that they allow them to be citizens of the world, who can compete favourably in the global village as they explore different ways of doing things and yet remain proudly African/South African. The areas focusses on developing life skills, global citizenship, and inclusivity. Training programs which offer support for students with disabilities and leadership development initiatives are offered.
Where to find us
Tel: 012 441 5687
E-mail: ufound@unisa.ac.za
Unisa Main Campus (Muckleneuk)
Preller str, Muckleneuk Ridge, Pretoria
Kgorong Building, 2nd floor