BSc Astronomy and Astrophysics at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

In this BSc degree in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics, you will study astronomical data and gain a deeper understanding of how the universe works. Bachelor of Science in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics Astrophysicists interpret astronomical data gathered by astronomers to understand how our universe works. Astronomers view the entire electromagnetic spectrum – called “Multi-Frequency Astronomy” – through optical telescopes, radio telescopes, microwaves, gamma-rays, and X-rays.

Faculty: Science | Department: Physics | Duration: 3 years | Study mode: full-time | Location: Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

What you will study

First-year; Physics I (Major); AND; Mathematics I (Major):; Algebra I; Calculus I; AND; Computational and Applied Mathematics I:; Mathematical Methods and Modelling Mechanics; Scientific Computing; AND; Astrophysics:; Introduction to Astronomy I; Modern Astrophysics I; Second-year; Physics II:; Physics IIA (Major); Physics IIB (Major); AND; Mathematics II:; Multivariable Calculus; Introduction to

Career pathways

Astrophysicist Physicist

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 43. APS 43+ English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5 Mathematics Level 6 Physical Science Level 6 Wait-listing International Applicants National Benchmark Test All applicants to the Faculty of Science are required to write the National Benchmark Test by 31 October 2026. There are two tests: The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Both tests must be written in one session. 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. You can register for the NBT before you submit your application to Wits. DO NOT wait for an official notification from Wits to register for and write the tests, as you may miss the end of September deadline. For test dates, registration dates and available venues, please refer to the NBT website www.nbt.ac.za

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Postgraduate applications are made online at www.wits.ac.za/applications; the closing date for each programme is listed in its course finder entry. The application fee is R200 (not payable by current Wits students applying online), paid via the Self-Service Portal or by EFT to the Wits University Application Fees account at FNB.

Apply through the official page: https://www.wits.ac.za/applications

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