Information Systems

Information Systems are systems that allow individuals, organisations and societies to gather, store, organise, protect, retrieve, share and make sense of the information in their environments.

Overview

The pervasiveness of technology in the knowledge economy has resulted in increasing demand for professionals with a unique blend of analytical, technical, business and communication skills.

In Information Systems, we study what happens when technologies, people, organisations and societies interact. Technology now lies at the heart of a dynamic, information and knowledge-driven world that needs people to point the way, people who “get it”. Our analysts solve “real world” problems, using technology to build systems that allow for quicker and smarter responses to changes in dynamic and complex environments.

It is important to note that we focus on the design of end-to-end solutions of which technology may be an element, and not only on technology for the sake of technology. This is what differentiates us from other disciplines such as Information Technology (IT), Computer Science and Software Engineering.

Career Opportunities

The analytical, technical, business and communication skills gained through the BCom with specialisation in Information Systems can lead to a wide range of career choices, including:

  • Business Analyst
  • Systems Analyst
  • Consultant
  • Analyst Programmer
  • Application Developer
  • Technology Architect
  • Database Administrator
  • UX/ UI Designer
  • IT Auditor
  • Project Manager
  • Change Manager
  • Chief Information Officer
  • Chief Information/Technology Officer

We regularly supply graduates to major professional services and banking organisations, including  ABSA, Accenture, BSG, Deloitte, EY, First National Bank, Investec, Nedbank, PWC, Rand Merchant Bank and Standard Bank; Technology organisations, including Amazon, Facebook, Google, Oracle and SAP; and telecommunications organisations, including Telkom, MTN and Vodacom.

We also have many graduates working internationally.

Curriculum

First-year
  • Information Systems IA and IB
  • Accounting I
  • Computational Mathematics I
  • Business Statistics I
  • Economic IA (Microeconomics)
  • Economics IB (Macroeconomics)
    OR
  • Economic Theory IA (Microeconomics for Economists)
  • Economics Theory IB (Macroeconomics for Economists)
Second-year

  • Information Systems IIA and IIB

A total of 72 credits must be taken from the following courses. At least 48 of these credits must make up the second-year level of your second major. Students who wish to pursue a second major in Computer Science must be aware of the prerequisite requirements for this course.

  • Corporate Finance II
  • Investment II
  • Economics IIA and IIB
  • Consumer Behaviour
  • Principles of Marketing
  • Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Retail Management
  • Insurance and Risk Management IIA AND IIB
  • Human Resources IIA
  • Human Resources IIB (Labour Relations)
Third-year
  • Management and Application of Information Systems
  • Information Systems Development Project

A total of 72 credits must be taken from the following courses:

  • Investment and Corporate Finance III
  • Economic Science III
  • Economic Theory III
  • Applied Development Economics III
  • Marketing IIIA and IIIB
  • Operations Management
  • Project Management
  • Innovation and Intrapreneurship Management
  • Strategic Management
  • Insurance and Risk Management III
  • Compensation and Benefits
  • Human Resource and Individual Performance
  • Human Resources and Organisational Performance
  • Organisational Theory

Entry Requirements

APS 38+
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with an APS of 35-37, as well as English Level 5 and Mathematics Level 5, will be wait-listed subject to place availability.

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website 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. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.