PhD Computer Science - Wits University

Overview

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

The PhD in Computer Science programme allows you to work with leading researchers in Computer Science. In the course of a PhD, you will become adept at independently conducting high-calibre original research. With the guidance of a leading researcher in your chosen field, you will be expected to produce original research contributions that further the science. By the end of your PhD, your publication record, knowledge and abilities will have progressed to the point where you are an acknowledged expert in your field.

When you pursue a PhD, the research that you conduct 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 Research Masters degree in a related field.
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.