BSc Geological Sciences at University of the Witwatersrand

Programme overview

Study the formation and development of the earth and how it affects the formation of mineral deposits, climate, and the environment. Bachelor of Science in the field of Geological Sciences Majors: Geology and Applied Geology Geoscientists are key to South Africa and Africa’s current and future economic development and carry out important work in searching for, and extracting, economic mineral resources. Most graduates work in mines or for mineral exploration companies.

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

What you will study

First year; Geology; AND; Chemistry; AND; Mathematics I (Major): Algebra Calculus OR Mathematics (Auxiliary); AND; Any other Level I course; Recommended courses: • Geography • Physics I (Major); Second year; Geology II:; Igneous Petrology and Processes; Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy; Metamorphic Petrology and Processes; Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology; AND; Applied Geology II:; I

Career pathways

Mining Geologist Hydrogeologist Academic Researcher Environmental Consultant Geochemist Exploration Geologist Geophysics Consultant GIS-Remote Sensing Specialist Government Survey Geologist Mineralogist Heritage/Tourism Consultant Mining Analyst Minerals and Oil Exploration Geologist Palaeontologist Teacher

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Minimum APS: 42. APS 42+ English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5 Mathematics Level 6 Physical Science Level 5 Wait-listing Applicants with 40-41 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability. 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 a

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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