History
Rhodes owes its unique character among South African universities to a combination of factors - historical, geographical, cultural and architectural.
Its history is a chronicle of the people whose intellect, vision and courage created and sustained a university, often against seemingly insuperable odds.
Education
With just over 8200 students, Rhodes is a small University, which enjoys the distinction of having among the best undergraduate pass and graduation rates in South Africa, outstanding postgraduate success rates, and the best research output per academic staff member. This is a testimony to the quality of students that Rhodes attracts and of academic provision, and to the commitment of Rhodes staff to student development and success.
Research
The University takes pride in its motto, Where Leaders Learn, and producing graduates who are knowledgeable intellectuals, skilled professionals, and critical, caring and compassionate citizens who can contribute to economic and social development and an equitable, just and democratic society.
Career
Our graduates perform well in an increasingly competitive job market and are highly regarded by employers around the world. During your time here, we will help you prepare for your chosen career. The employability of our graduates continues to increase and rates up there with the very best the world has to offer. Our degree offering prepares students for the job market by ensuring they develop the skills employers want, whether through work experience, volunteering or social activities.
Short Courses
Education & Training (8)
- Short Course Assessment of and for student learning
- Short Course Curriculum development
- Short Course Evaluation of teaching and courses
- Short Course Introduction to blended learning
- Short Course Portfolio development
- Short Course Teaching for learning in higher education
Computer Science & IT (1)
University Ranking
QS World University Rankings by TopUniversities
2024
901 -100
2023
801
2022
801
QS World University Rankings is one of the top international rankings measuring the popularity and performance of universities all over the world. They measure university reputation based on the impressions of higher education experts, companies who hire graduates, and teaching quality. QS also considers the ratio of international teachers and students present at universities, as well as the times research papers were mentioned by researchers. After calculating and comparing these criteria, QS ranks the universities accordingly.
World University Rankings by Times Higher Education
2024
-
2023
801
2022
-
World University Rankings is a vital resource that provides the definitive list of the world's best universities. They look at how often they're producing new ideas, what their reputation is around the world, and how much they're contributing to science and academic fields. After calculating and comparing these criteria, THE ranks the universities accordingly.
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report
2024
-
2023
935 -80
2022
855
Best Global Universities Rankings by U.S. News & World Report presents all the top universities from the U.S. and 60 other countries around the world. They measure the rate of students going to their second year of studies, as well as the rate of students who graduate. It also asks university representatives on the performance of universities, and evaluates university resources, teacher salaries, graduation rates, student academic achievements and satisfaction. After calculating and comparing these criteria, U.S. News ranks the top international universities accordingly.
Housing services
- Allan Webb Hall:
Allan Webb consists of Canterbury, Canterbury Annex, Salisbury, Truro and Winchester.The smallest hall on campus situated in the beautiful and historic grounds of St.Peter’s.
- Courtenay-Latimer Hall
Courtenay-Latimer consists of Beit, Jameson and Oriel. Located in the heart of campus, Courtenay-Latimer Hall is the home of a vibrant group of young women.
- Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu Hall consists of Ellen Kuzwayo, Amina Cachalia, Calata, Margaret Smith, Hilltop 3 and Oakdene. This hall was formally know as Hill Top Hall.
Library services
The Rhodes University Library (RUL) has evolved into an attractive, well-resources and popular facility that is designed to actively promote and support the research, teaching and learning endeavours of the University.
The RUL, aligned to the RU faculties, provides customised services and products to undergraduates, post-graduates, staff, alumni and visiting scholars of each faculty.
ICT services
Student Support
Our Student Networking service provides a way for students to make use of their own private computers on the University's network.
Medical services
- Treatment of minor ailments such as flu, tonsillitis, etc.
- Long-term treatment of chronic illnesses, such as hypertension and diabetes
- In-patient care for acute illnesses, infectious diseases eg. measles, mumps
- Management and care of patients with infectious diseases
- Post-operative care
- Emergency assessment and crisis management
Campus life
Over the years the campus has grown - today there are about 150 buildings, including 39 residences.
Graced with lovely grounds, 203 hectares in extent, an abundance of sports facilities and nestling in the hills of the beautiful and historic city of Grahamstown, the University offers an ideal physical environment for studying.
You will live, learn and play in elegant plaster and stone-under-tile buildings, several of which are National Monuments.
Sports facilities
We have the follwoing facilities:
- Sand-base AstroTurf/ Athletics Track – with changing rooms and sports bar
- Great Field – (Cricket & Rugby) with changing rooms
- Dojo
- The Hangar – Karate, DanceSport, and Table Tennis
- Rifle Range
- Swimming Pool – with Changerooms
- Prospect Fields (Cricket & Soccer) with changing rooms and sports bar
- King Field – Soccer (with lights) with changing rooms and clubhouse
- Squash Courts – 6 Alec Mullins & 3 Pool Courts
- Indoor Hall – Basketball & Volleyball
- Mountain Wall
- Netball Courts x 2
- Tennis Courts x 8 with a clubhouse
- Futsol Turf (soccer, hockey) with changing rooms and sports bar
Student clubs
The SRC oversees the operation of nearly 80 different Clubs and Societies which operate under their auspices.
Each society has its own elected leadership committee (chair, treasurer, secretary etc) and is responsible for organising their own functions, and monitoring their budgets These societies include cultural interest groups (e.g. debating, drumming, poetry), religious societies, political and awareness-raising groups, and environmental clubs.
Orientation Week is designed not only to provide you with information on courses that are on offer at Rhodes University but also to expose you to the wide array of services and opportunities provided by the University to enhance your chances of success. The overarching goal of our Directorate of Student Affairs is to “create a living and learning student support system and an environment which is inclusive and is conducive to a healthy life-style, personal growth, development and academic success for our students.”