Bachelor of Engineering Science in Digital Arts

Digital Arts is a specialised programme combining Electrical Engineering and Digital Arts courses to prepare you for a career in game design and development. The game design programme is a collaboration between the Wits School of Arts and the School of Electrical and Information Engineering.

Overview

Work at the cutting edge of software development in gaming.

Once you’ve completed the BEngSc in Digital Arts, you may continue into the third year of the BSc(Eng) (Electrical) or (Information Engineering) option, or into the Honours course in Digital Arts.

The BEngSc (Digital Arts) is intended to produce graduates that can become specialist practitioners in the technological arena of software development within a game context. You will attend half of your courses in the School of Electrical and Information Engineering. Here you will do Physics, Mathematics, Electric Circuits, Software Development, and Electromagnetic Systems with Game Design as the core subject.

This degree aims to give you an introduction to both the hardware and software environments. A key focus of the course is the development of a portfolio of both analogue and digital games with which you can approach the industry. For example, one of the more interesting avenues of exploration within the course entails the development and prototyping of alternative game controllers, using the knowledge you’ve garnered from circuitry as well as your programming skills to build alternative ways to interact with games, further enhancing the nature of play and exploration.

Career Opportunities

  • Animation
  • Game Design
  • Software Engineer
  • Software Development 

Curriculum

First-year
  • Engineering Analysis and Design IA AND IB
  • Engineering Mathematics IA AND IB
  • Engineering Physics IA AND IB
  • Applied Physics
  • Key Concepts in Game Design I AND II 
Second-year
  • Engineering Analysis and Design IA AND IB
  • Engineering Mathematics IA AND IB
  • Engineering Physics IA AND IB
  • Applied Physics
  • Key Concepts in Game Design I AND II
  • Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Software Development I
  • Microprocessors
  • Electronics I
  • Electric Circuits
  • Mathematics II
  • Digital Art Design Project
  • Introduction to Game Creation IIA AND IIB 
Third-year
  • Electrical and Magnetic Systems
  • Signals and Systems I
  • Professional Practice and Software Development
  • Introduction to the World Wide Web as Creative Medium III
  • Game Design IIIA AND IIIB 

Entry Requirements

APS 42+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language
Level 5

Mathematics
Level 5

Physical Sciences
Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at Level 5 will be wait-listed, subject to place availability. Generally, applicants who achieve Level 6 in English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences stand a greater chance of being accepted. 

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.