Professor Thabani Ndlovu

The Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences (FLHSS) is one of the most vibrant and diverse faculties within the university, offering a dynamic academic environment that integrates teaching, research, and community engagement. The faculty comprises seven departments: African Languages, Arts, Psychology, the School of Law, Social Sciences, Social Work, and Visual Arts.

The faculty is geographically distributed across campuses. Fashion programmes are offered at the Ibika and Buffalo City Campuses, while Visual Arts is located at the Buffalo City Campus. The remaining departments: African Languages, Arts, Psychology, the School of Law, Social Sciences, and Social Work, are based at the Mthatha Campus. This multi-campus presence ensures broader access and a rich diversity of learning environments.

With a student population exceeding 2000 across diploma, advanced diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, the faculty offers a comprehensive suite of academic programmes. At the undergraduate level, students can enrol in eight programmes: Diploma in Fashion, Diploma in Fine Arts, Advanced Diploma in Fine Art, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Social Science, Bachelor of Psychology, and Bachelor of Social Work. These programmes are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills relevant to a wide range of industries.

Graduates from the faculty pursue diverse career paths. Opportunities exist in self-employment, particularly within the creative and entertainment industries, as well as in the public sector, including departments such as Arts and Culture, Correctional Services, Education, Justice, Policing, Social Development, and Tourism. Additional opportunities are available in civic organisations and non-profit organisations, as well as in industries such as film, advertising, and banking. Career pathways include, but are not limited to, fashion designers, artists, educators, lecturers, researchers, and creative writers. Law graduates may pursue careers as academics, attorneys, advocates, prosecutors, arbitrators, magistrates, and legal advisors. Graduates in Social Work and Psychology commonly work as social workers, counsellors, consultants, researchers, and academics.

The faculty prides itself on its strong academic staff complement, which includes accomplished scholars, some of whom are rated by the National Research Foundation in recognition of their sustained research excellence. These academics teach at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and are known for their engaging, professional, and student-centred approach. Many lecturers have received awards for innovation, dedication, and empathy in teaching and assessment, ensuring that students are supported throughout their academic journey. The faculty is further strengthened by a committed support staff who contribute to its smooth and effective operation.

FLHSS fosters a rich culture of academic engagement through various intellectual platforms and events, including Enkundleni (faculty roundtable discussions), Research Methods Workshops, the Key Authors and Concepts Lecture Series, and Public Lectures. These platforms are particularly beneficial for postgraduate students, who are encouraged to participate actively. The faculty also hosts initiatives such as the Creatives Collective, which provides a vibrant space for artistic expression, and the Postgraduate Society, which offers networking opportunities and encourages student-led academic and social initiatives.

Through its Africanised curriculum, the faculty delivers a high-quality educational experience that equips students with innovative and contextually relevant skills to contribute meaningfully to the development of the Eastern Cape, South Africa, the broader region, and beyond. The faculty remains committed to excellence in learning and teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement, guided by the university’s core values of honesty and integrity, quality and excellence, respect, and ubuntu.

Students joining the Faculty of Law, Humanities and Social Sciences can expect a supportive, stimulating, and inclusive academic environment grounded in humanising pedagogy, respect for human dignity, and freedom of expression. These principles foster robust academic engagement and enriching social interaction, ensuring a fulfilling and transformative university experience.