Geology

Overview

Geologists are primarily engaged in the search for, and management of the extraction of metal and energy resources necessary to drive the global economy, as well as the monitoring of environmental consequences of human activity.

Why study Geology?

Geology incorporates everything! Whether you enjoy hiking, computer modelling, or blasting minerals with a laser, there's something for you to do as a geologist. Geology permeates into every aspect of life, whether you're driving over an interesting landscape, or tracing the origin of the materials that make up everything from your smartphone to your toothpaste. Geology gives you a fundamental understanding of how the Earth formed and continues to develop with time, and integrates observations from the planetary to the submicroscopic scales to build holistic models of how the Earth system works.

South Africa has a rich geological and mining heritage and world-class examples of some of Earth's oldest rocks, large ore deposits, and spectacular fossils.

Why study Geology at Wits?

The School of Geosciences is one of the llargest and most diverse geoscience departments in Africa, geology, economic geology, geochemistry, geophysics, hydrogeology, and paleontology. Honours students can select from a wide range of research topics and have access to excellent preparation and analytical facilities for petrography, geochemistry and hydrogeology. We are centred in the hub of geological activity in South Africa and host numerous events each year that allow students to network with industry.

Career Opportunities

Geology Honours can lead to careers in the mineral and energy resource industry, where the search for new mineral deposits and oil, gas, and coal is driven by an understanding of Earth processes. Field mapping projects, either government programmes or private enterprise, are led by geologists, who are required to integrate field and laboratory observations and data with state-of-the-art satellite remote sensing imagery. Hydrogeologists focus on the sustainable use of water and other natural resources. Scientific research is an important part of geology, and research in geology has answered important questions such as "how old is the Earth?" and "how did the Earth form?".

Curriculum

Geology Honours is a 120-credit course (NQF level 8) in the School of Geosciences that involves a research project, classroom lectures, lab-based practicals, and a 2-week field excursion. The main component of this programme is the research project (40 credits). The student will select a research topic at the beginning of the academic year, under the supervision of a staff member within the school, give oral presentations on their research, and produce a written proposal and a final written report. There is one 20-credit course that includes a field excursion to various mineral deposits in South Africa. The rest of the programme includes six 10-credit courses that cover a broad theme of topics in Geology. Our students develop the required skills in our Honours programme to thrive in their future careers, be it in industry or academia.

Compulsory courses

• Research Project in Geology (GEOL4029A) – various supervisors (40 credits)
• Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes (GEOL4030A) – Drs Ben Hayes, Scott MacLennan, Linda Iaccheri and Leo Vonopartis (20 credits)
• Advanced Petrology & Geochemistry (GEOL4025A) – Prof. Rais Latypov (10 credits)
• Hydrogeology (GEOL4014A) – Prof. Tamiru Abiye & Dr. Khuliso Masindi (10 credits)
• Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing in Geology (GEOL4028A) – Drs Khuliso Masindi & Leo Vonopartis (10 credits)
• Geophysics for Geologists (GEOP4009A) – Prof. Susan Webb (10 credits)
• Exploration, Mining, Economics, and Entrepreneurship (GEOL4027A) – Prof. Glen Nwaila (10 credits)
• Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics (GEOL4026A) – Dr. Zubair Jinnah & Dr. Sharad Master (10 credits)

Elective courses

While there are no elective courses for Geology Honours in the School of Geosciences, students can replace the compulsory courses above with courses offered by other schools at the discretion of the Head of School. GIS or Palaeontology courses are commonly selected. Such requests are subject to timetabling constraints and the student having the prerequisite undergraduate background to enter the Honours courses in question.

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent
• A pass in the relevant major course at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate.
• At least 60% average in the final undergraduate course.

Priority is given to graduates who have completed a BSc Geological Sciences or equivalent in the School of Geosciences, with a minimum of 60% in Geology III. Non-Wits applicants will be considered on an individual basis. 

Applications from individuals who have been outside of academia for a period of time should include a motivation as to why they want to pursue an Honours degree in Geology and a strong recommendation from their current or previous employer.

Please note that the selection process is competitive and an average of 60% does not guarantee admission.

University Application Process

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.