Geological Sciences

Study the formation and development of the earth and how it affects the formation of mineral deposits, climate, and the environment.

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Geological Sciences

Geoscientists are key to South Africa and Africa’s current and future economic development and carry out important work in searching for, and extracting, economic mineral resources.

Most graduates work in mines or for mineral exploration companies. An increasing number of graduates work in environmental geoscience. As a geoscientist, you must be inquisitive and passionate about the world, be prepared to travel, and enjoy working outdoors or in a mining environment. South Africa’s large mining sector provides bursary opportunities.

The School also offers a co-major in Applied Geology.

Career Opportunities

  • Mining geologist
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Geochemist
  • Minerals/Oil exploration geologist
  • Environmental consultant
  • Geophysicist (Geology/Physics co-major)
  • GIS-Remote sensing specialist
  • Government survey geologist
  • Mining analyst
  • Mineralogist
  • Palaeontologist
  • Academic researcher
  • Heritage/Tourism consultant

Curriculum

First year

Geology
AND
Chemistry
AND
Mathematics I (Major): Algebra Calculus OR Mathematics (Auxiliary)
AND
Any other Level I course
Recommended courses: • Geography • Physics I (Major) • Introductory Life Sciences

Second year

Geology II:

  • Igneous Petrology and Processes
  • Mineralogy and Optical Mineralogy
  • Metamorphic Petrology and Processes
  • Sedimentology, Stratigraphy and Palaeontology

AND
Applied Geology II:

  • Introduction to Geochemical Techniques
  • Geological Mapping Techniques

AND Basic Statistics for Natural Scientists

AND Any other Level II course

Third year

Geology III:

  • Advanced Petrology
  • Economic Geology and Ore Petrology
  • Structural Geology
  • Tectonics of the Earth

AND Applied Geology III:

  • Advanced Geological Mapping Techniques
  • Exploration Methods
  • Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
  • Hydrogeology and Water Resource Management

Entry Requirements

APS 42+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 6

Physical Science Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with 40-41 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 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.