Marang Centre Programmes

Marang Centre is located in the Division of Science and Maths Education in the School of Education at Wits University Education Campus. Being the research hub of the Division, Marang co-ordinates the research components of the postgraduate programmes:

B Sc Honours in Mathematics and Science Education

• An honours degree specifically designed for mathematics and science educators
• It focuses on issues pertinent to mathematics and science education
• It is aimed at both professional and academic development of educators
• The degree can be completed in mathematics, physical science or biology
• Mathematics and science teachers, teacher educators, learning area specialists or anyone interested in mathematics and science education and looking for an opportunity to improve their professional and academic abilities.

What are the entry requirements?

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent (M 4)
• Degree: a 60% pass in Mathematics 1 OR Chemistry 1 OR Physics 1 OR Biology 1
• Diploma Equivalent (M 4): a 60% pass in Mathematics at a 4th year level OR Physical Science OR Biology at a 3rd year level( and a 4th year course)

Download the BSc Honours Brochure 2013 (400Kb pdf)

MSc in Mathematics and Science Education

 The most common way for students to complete a Masters degree is by coursework and research report. The MSc in Science Education is a one-year full- time or two-year part time degree focusing on educational aspects of one or more of the sciences. Science, as used here, includes the physical sciences, mathematical sciences, biological sciences and earth sciences.

The aims of the MSc by coursework and research report are:

• To develop an understanding of the current issues and problems in science education, and to promote discussion on ways of addressing these problems in the southern African context;
• To develop informed thinking;
• To acquaint students with research currently being followed in a defined field of science or mathematics education;
• To familiarise students with the basic methods of research in this field.

The normal admission requirement for this degree are a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in one of the approved science subjects (or a BA with a major in mathematics or geography), plus a BSc Honours or equivalent degree(such as a B Ed Honours degree), and appropriate teaching experience.

Download the MSc Brochure 2013 (3.3Mb pdf)

PhD in Mathematics and Science Education

The PhD degree is awarded solely by the submission of a thesis prepared under supervision. There is not coursework, although a student may be required to take certain courses in order to acquire specific knowledge or expertise to complete their research satisfactorily. The thesis should give evidence of the student's ability to carry out original and independent research and that the student has made a significant contribution to knowledge in mathematics or science education. It is expected that some of the work in the thesis would be worthy of publication.

1. To be admitted into PhD study the student must have a master's degree.
2. Applications for admission to PhD study are welcome at any time on the prescribed application form. In addition to the form you need to submit your full CV, which shows your qualifications, experience (work and research) as well as a piece of writing you consider your best writing so far.
3. Once you have been formally admitted to PhD study, you may register.
4. PhD students can register to study full-time or part-time.
5. In cases where students do not have sufficient background in mathematics or science education they may be required to register for Master's courses.
6. All PhD students are allocated at least one supervisor
7. Part time students are expected to submit their proposal for examining within 12 months of their registration
8. Fulltime students are expected to submit their proposal for examining within 6 months of their registration
9. If a student is not making satisfactory progress on their proposal within the 12 months they may be requested to deregister.
10. All PhD students are required to:
    • Attend supervisory meetings as agreed with the supervisor punctually regularly
    • Attend all PhD weekends as organised by the Marang Centre
    • Produce timely written work discussed with the supervisors
    • Produce written work of an acceptable academic standard
    • Carry out research within the parameters discussed with supervisors
11. PhD weekends are held four times a year.
12. Purpose PhD weekends:
    • to create an opportunity for all PhD students across maths and science to share their work in
    • a supportive and collegial environment
    • to develop a community of researchers where ideas are engaged with robustly and supportively
    • to give students an opportunity to get feedback from other supervisors.
13. Participation and attendance by students
    • Students are expected to attend all PhD weekends. If they are not able to attend then they must give an apology with reason.
    • Students are expected to present their work at least once a year.
14. Bursaries are normally available through supervisors for students who have been accepted. These, however, need to be applied for and the closing date is 31 January. For further information contact Ms. Samantha Govender at samantha.govender@wits.ac.za