Computer Science
The MSc by Coursework and Research Report in Computer Science offers advanced courses in specialised topics within Computer Science. The variety of topics on offer allows you to customise your curriculum to your interests.
Overview
Computer Science is fundamentally the science of problem solving. The discipline is best characterised as a search for general, efficient solutions to problems, which will most commonly be implemented as software. These problems can be real-world, tangible problems such as speech recognition, or abstract problems such as determining what types of problems can be solved with computers.
Principle domains within computer science include artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, formal languages, logic and the theory of computing.
Why study Computer Science?
The research report component of the programme requires you to conduct research under the guidance of a supervisor. The topic that you will focus on will be formulated by you and your chosen supervisor. The wide variety of research interests in the school allows you to work on problems that you find interesting and which the broader community considers important.
Why study Computer Science at Wits?
Each topic is taught by a published researcher in the field, ensuring that the coursework is relevant and of a high standard. The primary value of any educational institution is the group of people that it places you with. The researchers which Wits affords you the opportunity to work with are leading figures in their respective fields. The students within the programme are drawn from both academic and industry backgrounds, and are a diverse group drawn from across the continent.
Career Opportunities
Software engineering, Machine Learning, Data Science, Academia, Robotics, Information Technology, Finance.
Curriculum
Compulsory courses
- COMS7009A Research Report: Computer Science [After completing coursework]
- COMS7072A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Computer Science
- COMS7041A Applications of Algorithms
5 Electives from:
- COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence
- COMS7045A High-Performance Computing and Scientific Data Management
- COMS7046A Distributed Databases and Transaction Processing
- COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning
- COMS7048A Multi-agent Systems
- COMS7049A Robotics
- COMS7050A Computer Vision
- COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science
- COMS7055A Data Policy and Ethics
- COMS7056A Data Visualisation and Exploration
- COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation and Data Science
- COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
- COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific Programming
- COMS7062A Special Topics in Data Science
- COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science
- COMS7065A Computational Intelligence
- COMS7066A Natural Language and Technology
- COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics
- COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning
- COMS7238A Advanced Digital Image Processing
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science with Honours degree from a relevant discipline in Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms, Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics.
Applicants require a minimum average of 65 percent.
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.