Welcome to the School of Physics

At the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Physics, which is part of the Faculty of Science, we strive for excellence in teaching, learning and research. Wits’ School of Physics is one of the most productive research structures in the country: many of our members of staff have international reputations and collaborate with industry and other researchers all over the world, and leading-edge research takes place in a wide range of relevant arenas.

For students wishing to pursue a career in Physics, the usual route is to obtain a three-year BSc in Physics (Major). Each of the three one-year courses builds on what was covered in the previous year(s). In the case of the first year course, these are the basic concepts of physics, focusing on branches of classical physics like Classical Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Thermodynamics, Optics and Wave Mechanics. The second and third year courses build on these, covering Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics, etc.

With this background, students can pursue more specialised fields of contemporary physics like Nuclear, Atomic and Condensed Matter Physics. Additional fields in which training in physics is valued include Physics Research, Finance, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Medicine, Industry, Communications, Education, Management and Law. Moreover, some of the positions held by our graduates include researchers and academics, managing directors, project managers, software engineers, consultants and administrators.