Sol Plaatje University Kimberley, The main campus (North Campus in Chapel Street) of the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is situated in the city centre, is well located and in an amazing region of the country with a distinctive heritage and a natural beauty.
The position offers numerous existing facilities which have the capacity to make this university grow exponentially such as the proximity of this university to the Square Kilometre Array (SHA) and the South African Large Telescope (SALT). Due to these factors SPU will be offering related programmes in space exploration.
The fact that Kimberley is the capital of the Northern Cape Province and is rich in history and culture, seems to have influenced the choice of this city for the main campus of SPU.
The buildings being used at the moment for this University are:
- The Old Legislature Building, in Chapel Street
- William Pescod School Building, in Scanlan Street.
Campuses
Plans are being made to construct new buildings for SPU but at the moment the above mentioned locations are being used. Some structures already in use will be retained and there is also the idea that the McGregor Museum may be used as a nucleus of a new faculty.
Programmes
- Bachelor of Education: B.Ed (Senior Phase & FET Teaching) (Accommodating 75 students)
This programmes is aimed at students who have completed Grade 12 and have admission points for a degree and plan to teach Graphic Design. Geography, Engineering, and Technology or Life Sciences
- Diploma: Information & Communication Technology (Application Development) (Accommodating 30 students)
The rapid speed at which Technology is growing has been the deciding factor in the implementation of this course at this stage. It will provide qualifications and skills in technology competencies and implementation of computer software applications and many more aspect of this discipline.
- Diploma: Retail Business Management (Accommodating 30 students)
Students will acquire knowledge and skills needed to embark on a successful management career in the wholesale or retail business.
Available from 2014:
- Computer and Information Science/Engineering
- Business, Economics and Management Sciences
- Education
From 2015:
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences:
- Social Sciences: Museology/Museum Studies and Heritage Studies
- Life Sciences & Physical Sciences
From 2016:
- Business, Economics and Management Sciences
- Visual and performing arts
- Engineering
- Agriculture
- Diploma in Law or Bachelor Law
Residences
Limited accommodation for full time students only is available at present.
History
2010: Minister appoints Professor de la Rey to investigate the possibility of a university in Northern Cape
2011: Report presented to Minister who then gives the approval
2012: Towns in Northern Cape assessed and Kimberly was chosen
2013: Record of intention signed to obtain the land
2013: Name of Sol Plaatje University chosen and interim council chosen
22 August 2013: Sol Plaatje University formally promulgated as a legal entity
19 September 2013: Official launch of the university.