College of Humanities

Welcome to the College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal – a leading hub of critical thought, creative expression, and transformative knowledge in Africa.

As the largest College at UKZN, we are home to three diverse and dynamic Schools:

• School of Arts
• School of Education
• School of Social Sciences

Our structure reflects the complexity and richness of the human experience. We are deeply committed to nurturing scholars, teachers, artists, researchers, and changemakers who are equipped to address the real challenges of our society, while also imagining new possibilities.

As Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College, I am supported by a committed leadership team comprising School Deans, a Dean of Teaching and Learning, a Dean of Research, and our Director of Professional Services, who also fulfills the role of College Registrar. Together, we ensure that the academic, research, and administrative ecosystem is robust, inclusive, and agile.

In a rapidly changing South Africa, where more young people are completing Grade 12 and seeking meaningful career pathways, our College is a natural choice. We offer programmes that respond to local needs and resonate globally, producing graduates who lead in education, media, government, civil society, health, the creative industries, and beyond.

Our teaching and research are globally benchmarked. Our alumni have gone on to postgraduate study at some of the world’s top universities, and our researchers continue to shape national and international dialogues on key issues – from social justice and inequality to gender-based violence, mental health, education, culture, and development.

Each School is home to a vibrant network of centres that advance scholarship and public engagement.

Within the School of Arts, the internationally renowned Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) drives major cultural festivals such as the Durban International Film Festival, Poetry Africa, Time of the Writer, and JOMBA! Contemporary Dance Festival. These festivals position UKZN as a continental leader in artistic excellence and cultural exchange.

In the School of Education, the Ma’at Institute for Human and Community Development pioneers Afrocentric, community-based psychosocial support rooted in Ubuntu and indigenous knowledge systems. Its work strengthens inclusive education and well-being across teaching and learning environments.

The School of Social Sciences hosts several centres focused on justice and democracy. The UJAMAA Centre, grounded in liberation theology, fosters partnerships with grassroots organisations to address gender, land, and economic justice. The Centre for Civil Society plays a critical role in researching and supporting social movements and public participation in democratic governance. The Maurice Webb Race Relations Unit provides evidence-based insights into race, social cohesion, and transformation in post-apartheid South Africa.

These are among many specialised research and engagement centres in the College, each contributing to our mission of producing locally relevant, globally resonant knowledge.

Our College is also a space where the humanities come alive through performance, storytelling, and cultural expression. The iconic Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on the Howard College campus remains a cornerstone of our creative and public-facing work, offering a platform for both emerging and established voices.

Our international footprint continues to grow. With research and doctoral partnerships in Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Eswatini, and Memoranda of Understanding with leading universities across Africa, Europe, and North America, we embrace reciprocal, ethical knowledge exchange. We remain rooted in our South African context, while actively shaping conversations across continents.

Whether you are a prospective student, academic, researcher, or visitor, we invite you to explore this website and connect with us. Each School within the College has a dedicated online space with specific information about programmes, research clusters, and professional pathways.

The College of Humanities is more than a place to study – it’s a community. A space to engage, grow, challenge, collaborate, and contribute to a better world.

We look forward to walking this journey with you.

Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize
Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of College
College of Humanities, UKZN