Computer Science

The MSc by Research in Computer Science allows you to work with leading researchers in Computer Science. You will be trained as a researcher, allowing entrance into PhD programmes in Computer Science, and will be expected to produce work of a high standard that can contribute to the field.

Overview

Principle domains within computer science include artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, formal languages, logic and the theory of computing.

Why study Computer Science?

The MSc by Research in Computer Science allows you to work with leading researchers in Computer Science. The purpose of the programme is two-fold. You are trained as a researcher, allowing entrance into PhD programmes in Computer Science, and are also expected to produce work of a high standard which can contribute to the field.

When you pursue an MSc by research, the topic that you will focus on will be formulated by you and your chosen supervisor. The wide variety of research interests in the school allows you to work on problems that you find interesting and which the broader community considers important.

Why study Computer Science at Wits?

The primary value of any educational institution is the group of people that it places you with. The researchers which Wits affords you the opportunity to work with are leading figures in their respective fields. You will join a motivated and very productive group of students who are publishing original research both locally and internationally.

Career Opportunities

Software engineering, Machine Learning, Data Science, Academia, Robotics, Information Technology, Finance.

Curriculum

Dissertation

Entry Requirements

  • A Bachelor of Science Honours in a related field with a minimum weighted average of 65%.
  • A supervisor from the School must be identified and approached prior to application.

 

A candidate will only be accepted into the programme if a staff member has agreed to supervise their research. The onus is on the applicant to contact staff members working in fields of interest. Applicants are encouraged to contact the coordinator for assistance with this process.

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.