Astronomy and Astrophysics

In this BSc degree, you will study astronomical data and gain a deeper understanding of how the universe works.

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysicists interpret astronomical data gathered by astronomers to understand how our universe works. Astronomers view the entire electromagnetic spectrum – called “Multi-Frequency Astronomy” – through optical telescopes, radio telescopes, microwaves, gamma-rays, and X-rays.

An exciting career awaits you in Astronomy and Astrophysics in South Africa, which was awarded the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project.

This comprises a core of radio telescopes in the Karoo, and is one of many projects supported by our own South African Large Telescope (SALT), an optical telescope sited at Sutherland.

Career Opportunities

  • Astrophysicist
  • Physicist

Curriculum

First-year

Physics I (Major)

AND

Mathematics I (Major):

  • Algebra I
  • Calculus I

AND

Computational and Applied Mathematics I:

  • Mathematical Methods and Modelling Mechanics
  • Scientific Computing

AND

Astrophysics:

  • Introduction to Astronomy I
  • Modern Astrophysics I
Second-year

Physics II:

  • Physics IIA (Major)
  • Physics IIB (Major)

AND

Mathematics II:

  • Multivariable Calculus
  • Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
  • Linear Algebra

AND

Computational and Applied Mathematics:

  • Mathematical Methods and Modelling II
  • Mechanics
  • Scientific Computing 

AND

  • Modern Radio and Gamma−ray Astronomy
  • Relativity: The Basis of Cosmology and Astrophysics
Third-year

Physics III:

  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Applications of Quantum Mechanics
  • Statistical Physics
  • Waves and Modern Optics
  • Advanced Experimental Physics and Project

Astrophysics III:

  • Advanced Astrophysics
  • Cosmology: The Origin and Evolution of the Universe

Entry Requirements

APS 43+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 6

Physical Science Level 6

Wait-listing

Applicants with 40-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

National Benchmark Test

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during the course of their studies. 

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.