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Career

Faculty Head Career in South Africa

Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.

OFO Code2021-134503
Trade occupationNo
Green occupationNo
Related qualifications0

Occupation overview

Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the educational and administrative aspects of a department, faculty or school within a university or other tertiary education institution.

What does a Faculty Head do?

A Faculty Head leads a university or other tertiary-education faculty or department. The role combines academic leadership with administration: setting priorities, coordinating staff and programmes, managing resources, supporting teaching and learning, and helping the faculty meet institutional objectives. Depending on the institution, related titles may include Faculty Manager, Dean of Faculty or Campus Principal.

Specialisations

Campus PrincipalDean of FacultyHead of College Faculty

Alternative job titles

Faculty Manager

How to become a Faculty Head in South Africa

  1. Build a strong background in tertiary education, academic administration or a related professional area.
  2. Gain experience coordinating teaching, learning, research, student support or departmental operations.
  3. Take on increasing responsibility for teams, programmes, budgets or institutional projects.
  4. Develop leadership and management experience through workplace progression and responsibility.
  5. Review the current requirements for Faculty Head roles with the relevant university or tertiary institution, as expectations can differ between institutions and positions.

Edupstairs Preparation Guidance

Relevant education can support preparation for this career, but management roles commonly also involve workplace progression, leadership experience and increasing responsibility. There is no single universal qualification pathway stated for this occupation. Before applying, confirm the institution's current qualification, experience and appointment requirements directly with the relevant university or tertiary-education provider.

Useful school subjects

  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Business Studies
  • Accounting
  • Economics
  • Computer Applications Technology

Skills that may help

  • Academic and administrative leadership
  • Strategic planning
  • Organisation and coordination
  • Staff supervision and teamwork
  • Communication and stakeholder engagement
  • Problem-solving and decision-making
  • Budget and resource management
  • Project management

Related Careers

Data source: Career information is based on South Africa’s Organising Framework for Occupations (OFO) and Edupstairs career guidance. Employer, training and professional requirements may vary and should be confirmed with the relevant organisation.