The University of Dar es Salaam offers a broad range of undergraduate programmes spanning engineering, arts, social sciences, journalism, humanities and environmental studies. For students comparing UDSM courses, the university’s official programme directory provides programme names, fields of study, academic units and duration. Choosing the right course takes more than spotting an attractive title, though. Applicants should also check entry requirements, career direction and current admission instructions before submitting an application.
UDSM courses and academic programmes
The University of Dar es Salaam, commonly known as UDSM, is Tanzania’s oldest and largest public university. It was established on October 25, 1961 and is located on Observation Hill, about 13 kilometres from Dar es Salaam city centre.
Its programme catalogue covers multiple disciplines through colleges, schools and specialised academic units. Among the undergraduate programmes currently listed by the university are:
- Bachelor of Science in Geology and Geothermal Resources
- Field: Engineering
- Academic unit: School of Mines and Geosciences
- Duration: 4 years
- BA in Anthropology
- Field: Arts
- Academic unit: College of Social Sciences
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Archeology
- Field: Social Sciences
- Academic unit: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Archeology and Geography
- Field: Social Sciences
- Academic unit: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Archeology and History
- Field: Social Sciences
- Academic unit: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Art and Design
- Field: Arts
- Academic unit: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Development Studies
- Field: Arts
- Academic unit: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Film and Television
- Field: Arts
- Academic unit: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Geography and Environmental Studies
- Field: Social Sciences
- Academic unit: College of Social Sciences
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Heritage Management
- Field: Social Sciences
- Academic unit: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
These are only part of the university’s programme catalogue. UDSM maintains a multi-page directory, so prospective students should use the official programme portal rather than relying on incomplete third-party course lists.
Visit the official UDSM programme portal at: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/programme
Arts, media and social science programmes at UDSM
UDSM also offers a substantial selection of courses for students interested in communication, politics, languages, culture, psychology and public affairs.
Programmes listed by the university include:
- BA in History
- Field: Social Sciences
- College: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Journalism
- Field: Arts
- Academic unit: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Language Studies
- Field: Arts
- College: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Literature
- Field: Arts
- College: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Mass Communication
- Field: Arts
- Academic unit: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Music
- Field: Arts
- College: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Philosophy and Ethics
- Field: Social Sciences
- College: College of Humanities
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Political Science and Public Administration
- Field: Arts
- College: College of Social Sciences
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Psychology
- Field: Social Sciences
- College: College of Social Sciences
- Duration: 3 years
- BA in Public Relations and Advertising
- Field: Arts
- Academic unit: School of Journalism and Mass Communication
- Duration: 3 years
The range reflects UDSM’s long-standing role in training professionals who later work across government, media, civil society, education, research and the private sector in Tanzania and elsewhere in East Africa.
For students targeting communication careers, the presence of journalism, mass communication, public relations and advertising as distinct programmes is worth examining closely. They may sound similar at first, but their academic emphasis and career pathways can differ significantly.
How to choose the right UDSM course
Course selection should begin with eligibility, not popularity. A student may be interested in geology, journalism or political science, but admission ultimately depends on whether their academic background satisfies the programme requirements published for the relevant admission cycle.
Before settling on a course, applicants can use this self-assessment checklist:
- Check whether your Form Six, diploma or equivalent qualifications meet the programme’s entry requirements.
- Confirm that your subject combination matches the required subjects.
- Compare the programme duration with your study and financial plans.
- Consider the college or school offering the programme.
- Review likely career routes after graduation.
- Check whether the programme has additional selection conditions.
- Confirm current application dates before paying any admission-related fees.
- Read the latest UDSM prospectus and admission instructions.
Students should also think beyond the course name. Geography and Environmental Studies, for example, can connect with environmental planning, climate-related work, research and development programmes. Political Science and Public Administration can lead toward public administration, governance, policy research and related fields.
That broader career thinking matters in Tanzania, where graduates increasingly compete across both traditional professions and emerging interdisciplinary roles.
How to apply for UDSM admission
Applications should be handled through official University of Dar es Salaam channels.
Apply directly through: https://admission.udsm.ac.tz/index.php?r=site%2Flogin
Applicants can also review undergraduate admission information through:
https://www.udsm.ac.tz/index.php/undergraduate
Before starting an application, prepare the documents and information you are likely to need, including academic examination details, certificates where applicable, personal identification information and an active phone number and email address.
Do not rush payment.
Applicants should first confirm the current admission instructions, application fee, payment method and deadline from UDSM’s official website. Fees and application procedures can change between admission cycles.
For Tanzanian applicants, it is also sensible to review guidance from the Tanzania Commission for Universities where applicable and, for students seeking financing, information issued by the Higher Education Students’ Loans Board.
Official TCU website: https://www.tcu.go.tz/
Official HESLB website: https://www.heslb.go.tz/
Avoid admission scams and unofficial application links
University admission periods often attract fake social media posts, fabricated acceptance notices and individuals promising guaranteed placement for a fee.
Use a simple verification rule: if an admission instruction cannot be traced to an official UDSM channel, verify it before acting.
Applicants should:
- Use websites ending in udsm.ac.tz for university information and services.
- Avoid sending application money to personal mobile numbers unless an official UDSM instruction specifically authorises that payment method.
- Never pay an individual who claims they can guarantee admission.
- Check programme names against the official UDSM programme catalogue.
- Verify admission announcements directly through the university.
- Keep payment confirmations and application records.
- Be cautious with WhatsApp groups or social media pages presenting themselves as official university representatives.
A legitimate admission process is based on published requirements and formal selection procedures. No third party can safely promise a place outside those procedures.
UDSM programme planning for Tanzanian students
UDSM has educated generations of Tanzanian professionals since the early years after independence, and its course portfolio has expanded alongside changes in the country’s economy and labour market.
That history gives applicants both an advantage and a responsibility. The university has strong name recognition, but students still need to match their programme choice with realistic career demand.
Engineering and geoscience programmes may appeal to students looking toward mining, energy, infrastructure and geothermal development. Journalism, film, public relations and mass communication connect with a media sector that now extends far beyond newspapers and broadcasting into digital production, corporate communications and online platforms.
Social science courses remain relevant too. Tanzania’s development programmes, local government structures, research institutions, NGOs and policy organisations continue to need people trained in governance, development, psychology, geography, history and related disciplines.
The best choice is therefore personal. Select a programme that meets three tests: you qualify for it, you can sustain interest in it, and you understand where it can take you after graduation.
Useful official UDSM resources
Prospective and continuing students may also need several university services during their studies.
- UDSM main website: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/
- Programme catalogue: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/programme
- Admissions portal: https://admission.udsm.ac.tz/index.php?r=site%2Flogin
- Undergraduate information: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/undergraduate
- UDSM prospectus: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/udsm-prospectus
- Timetable system: https://timetable.udsm.ac.tz/
- ARIS: https://aris3.udsm.ac.tz/
- UDSM Library: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/udsm-library
- Counselling Unit: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/counselling-unit
- Health services: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/udsm-hospital
The university lists its postal address as P.O. Box 35091, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with the main campus located on the western side of Dar es Salaam.
Final guidance for applicants
UDSM offers far more programmes than any single page of results can show, so applicants should treat the official course directory and current prospectus as their primary references. Compare entry requirements carefully, prepare documents early and apply only through official university channels.
Visit the official portal at: https://www.udsm.ac.tz/programme
