Materials Science

Study the properties and applications of materials of construction or manufacture (such as ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites).

Overview

BSc in the field of Materials Science

Materials Science is a multidisciplinary field. A materials scientist studies the structure, properties (such as physical, mechanical, thermal, electronic and magnetic), and behaviour of materials. They use their knowledge to develop new materials with improved properties, such as strength, lightness, or durability.

The School of Chemistry offers this 3-year BSc degree that combines a Chemistry major with Materials Science topics.

Please contact the Student Call Centre for any application queries:

Tel: +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits

Career Opportunities

Some industries that employ Materials Scientists:

  • Automotive and Construction: Materials scientists develop composite materials (alloys, ceramics and plastics) for the vehicle manufacture, buildings, bridges and other structures.
  • Electronics: Materials scientists develop materials for electronic devices (e.g. TV displays and touchscreens)
  • Energy: Materials scientists develop better materials for energy production and storage (e.g. solar cells, batteries, and fuel cells)
  • Medical: Materials scientists develop new materials for medical devices (e.g. prosthetics and implants)

Curriculum

The courses you require for this degree are outlined in the curriculum plan.

Entry Requirements

APS 43+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 6

Physical Science Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with 40-42 points may be waitlisted, 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.