Incorporating the former ML Sultan and Natal technikons, the university has major campuses in Durban and Pietermaritzburg as well as satellite campuses in Umlazi. As a university of technology, DUT focuses on applied research as well as on technological innovation.
It operates on five different campuses in Durban, and two in Pietermaritzburg, offering tuition through its six faculties of accounting and informatics; applied sciences; arts and design; engineering and the built environment; health sciences; and management sciences. It also has a Business Studies Unit.