Economics

Gain a deeper understanding of Economics and its impact. Candidates must complete 4 compulsory, and two elective courses.

Overview

The Division of Economics prides itself on the diversity of interests and fields of its faculty. The faculty is actively involved in research and publication activities, and is active in international and national professional societies.

The research interests of the Division are both applied and theoretical, spanning from financial market dynamics, firm and industry dynamics, political economy, technological institutions, and social welfare issues. 

Curriculum

The Economics Honours programme comprises of 6 courses – 4 compulsory and 2 electives – as well as a research paper of 10 000 words. 

Compulsory Courses:
  • Research Paper
  • Advanced Microeconomics (Applied & Theory)
  • Advanced Macroeconomics (Applied and Theory)
  • Research Methods
  • Advanced Econometrics 

In addition, the candidate must complete two of the following elective courses:

  • History of Economic Thought
  • Advanced Mathematical Economics
  • Development Economics
  • Financial Economics
  • Topics in Labour (Impact Evaluation)
  • Economic Change and Comparative Development
  • International Finance

Entry Requirements

Honours:  

  • A bachelors degree or equivalent.
  • At least an upper second class pass in the final undergraduate course in the subject.

Applicants are required to hold a BCom degree with a major in Economics from a recognised university and must have achieved at least 65% in the final undergraduate (Economics III) year.

International applicants and South African applicants who do not hold South African university degrees must have their degree(s) assessed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before making an application. Ideally, the applicant should apply for SAQA assessment at least 3 months before applying to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management. Please see the SAQA website for more details: www.saqa.co.za

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process.
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site 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.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.