Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Studying science opens doors to exciting careers in fields like medical research, chemistry, computer science, biotechnology, genetic engineering, and environmental sciences.
Overview
BSc General
This is a flexible degree programme, that allows you to design your own curriculum.
If you are interested in a more specialised BSc degree, you may choose from one of the fields below. These degrees have different entry requirements.
BSc Biological Sciences
Biology involves the study of living organisms, from understanding genes to managing ecosystems. This includes the biochemistry of molecules, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins; the physiological functions of cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems; the influence of evolutionary relationships on biological problems; and aquatic and terrestrial ecology.
Biological Sciences fall into two main streams: the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, and the School of Molecular and Cell Biology.
BSc Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences study the earth’s processes, atmosphere, and organisms. Specialist fields include the exploration for, and mining of, minerals; weather and earthquake prediction; the evolution of species; and the state of our natural environment and how to best manage it. Earth Sciences courses are taught through the Schools of Geosciences and Geography, Archaeology, and Environmental Studies.
BSc Mathematical Sciences
Wits has three ‘Mathematical Sciences’ schools, including the School of Mathematics, the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, and the School of Statistics and Actuarial Science.
Know the difference
- Pure Mathematics is a developing science.
- Computer Science covers hardware and software, in all their applications.
- Applied Mathematics has applications in banking, finance, and industry.
- Statistics and Actuarial Science are important in business and governmental planning, insurance, finance, banking, and investments.
BSc Physical Sciences
Physical Sciences include nuclear, particle, solid and liquid state physics, as well as electricity, electronics, magnetism, optics, acoustics, heat, and thermodynamics. This area also covers the composition of matter (gas, liquid or solid) and the changes that take place under certain conditions. Physical Sciences are taught by the Schools of Chemistry and Physics.
Please apply for the correct field
If you apply for the BSc General degree, you will not be able to change to a specialised degree at registration.
Career Opportunities
The BSc degree is primarily a stepping stone to further study. An additional year of study could lead to a teaching qualification or a more specialised Honours qualification. Because the Faculty actively encourages research, many students go on to study for Master of Science and Doctoral degrees. Career opportunities for Science graduates are many and varied.
Curriculum
The general BSc is a flexible three-year programme that allows you to ‘design’ your own degree. However, some fields of study may be restricted.
WHEN PLANNING YOUR BSC DEGREE, KEEP IN MIND...
You need two major courses at third year Level. Choose complementary first year courses that will expand your options as you proceed to second and third year. In some cases, you can include courses from other faculties, like Psychology, Philosophy, or Economics.
The BSc programme is based on a credit system. Each course carries a number of credits, defined by Level and duration. You need to complete a minimum number of science courses to have two major courses at third year Level, one of which must be in the Faculty of Science.
THE BSC CREDIT STRUCTURE
- FOUR LEVEL I COURSES
Three of these must be major courses (minimum of 144 credits) - THREE LEVEL II COURSES
Two of these must be major courses (minimum of 144 credits) - TWO LEVEL III COURSES
At least one of which must be taken through the Faculty of Science (minimum of 144 credits)
Entry Requirements
BSc General
APS 42+
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 5
Waitlisting
Applicants with 40-41 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability
BSc in other fields
APS between 42 and 44+, depending on the field of study. Please see specific entries for APS and subject requirements.
National Benchmark Test
All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies. Click here for more information.
University Application Process
- The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
- Please click here for an overview of the application process.
- Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply.
- Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
- Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
- Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
- If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.
Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
University Fees and Funding
Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website 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.
The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.
Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.