Background

UNISA is South Africa’s largest university and one of the eleven mega-distance teaching universities in the world.

The University was established in Cape Town in 1873 as the University of the Cape of Good Hope and changed its name to the University of South Africa in 1916. UNISA moved to Pretoria in 1918 and under its auspices, several colleges became autonomous (residential) universities in the South African higher (or tertiary) education system.

In 1946, UNISA pioneered tertiary distance education — a move that heralded the beginning of the University as it is known today. Distance education provides a unique opportunity for all who wish to further their studies and who cannot attend residential institutions because of personal circumstances or occupational obligations. Given the political history of South Africa and the legacy of the apartheid years, UNISA has played a very important role in giving access to high-quality tertiary education to previously disadvantaged groups.

Vision

Enabling scholarship through superior academic innovation and research to contribute to the rapidly evolving discipline of communication in Africa and beyond.

Mission

We serve society by promoting an African perspective that encompasses quality, technological guided education through interdisciplinary, dynamic communication subject matter for academic excellence through interactive, open distance learning.