Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies
The BSc Honours in Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies is an integrative programme introducing students to the diverse history of human culture and behaviour, and how people interact with the landscape through the study of Archaeology and Geography.
Overview
Archaeologist and Geographers at Wits are actively involved in research and the teaching of a broad spectrum of topics including archaeological theory, environmental policy, Earlier Stone Age archaeology, global atmospheric change, Middle Stone Age, integrated environmental management, historical archaeology, water challenges in Southern Africa, archaeological excavation and field methods, disaster and risk management, rock art management and advanced GIS.
Why study Archaeology and Geography?
Archaeology and Geography are closely integrated multidisciplinary fields that embrace evidence from a wide array of subjects from earth, biological and social sciences to history, anthropology, and ethnography, to explore the intricacies of our past and our relationship with each other and the world. Through these studies we can better understand what makes us who we are today and our historical and contemporary role in the world’s changing landscapes.
Why study Archaeology and Geography at Wits?
The Wits school of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies hosts some of the continent’s leading researchers in archaeology and human and physical geography and houses specialist laboratories in soils, geochemistry, GIS, and OSL dating. Our researchers have active field programs throughout the Southern Africa. These resources provide unique opportunities to engage with active research programs and learn career-enhancing skillsets for a wide range of professional opportunities.
Career Opportunities
Career opportunities available with your honours degree in Archaeology include:
- Cultural Resource Management (after formal accreditation by ASAPA)
- Heritage Management (including museum sciences, heritage legislation and policy management)
- Municipal and governmental consultants on heritage practice
- Research and lecturing in archaeology departments
Curriculum
Please note that your course selection must include both archaeology and geography courses, and that your honours project main supervisor will be an archaeologist.
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Course code |
Description |
Quarter |
|---|---|---|
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Compulsory course – Full year
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GEOG4036A
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Research Project: Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies
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Full-year
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Elective courses Q1 choose ONE of the below courses:
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ARCL4027A
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Theory of Archaeology
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1
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GEOG4034A
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Environmental Management: Water Challenges in South Africa
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1
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GEOG4041A
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Understanding Cities in Africa IV
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1
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Elective courses Q2 choose ONE of the below courses:
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ARCL4016A
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Archaeology in the Field / Laboratory
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2
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GEOG4015A
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Geographic Information Systems
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2
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GEOG4027A
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Air Pollution and Health Impacts IV
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2
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Elective course Q3 choose ONE of the below courses:
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ARCL4020A
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Geoarchaeology
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3
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GEOG4049A
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Advanced Remote Sensing of Environment
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3
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GEOG4045A
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Disaster Risk and Geohazards
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3
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Elective courses Q4: choose ONE of the below courses:
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ARCL4026A
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Stone Age Archaeology IV
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4
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ARCL4024A
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Rock Art of Africa IV
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4
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GEOG4039A
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Local and Regional Economic Development IV
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4
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GEOG4044A
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Global Atmospheric Change
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4
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Entry Requirements
- An undergraduate BSc or BA degree in complimentary fields relating to Geography and/or Archaeology, with a minimum weighted average of 65% is required for consideration for admission into the programme.
This is a highly competitive programme and therefore this minimum requirement allows your application to be considered, and does not guarantee admission.
University Application Process
- Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines.
- Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.
Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
International students, please check this section.
For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.