Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSc (Eng))

The BSc (Eng) is divided into four years of study. There is a set curriculum for the first three years of study, but a choice of elective units is offered in some branches in the fourth year of study. The first two years provide a solid foundation in the basic sciences and a general engineering education. 

Many of the units taught in these two years of study are therefore not taught by the branch of engineering for which the student is registered. (Since this may lead to difficulty identifying with the branch of engineering chosen, first - year students may be assigned a Personal Tutor from their home branch to whom they may turn for advice and guidance.)

Students should note that the curricula for the various engineering programmes are not all the same, even at the first - year level. Units in Mathematics, Mechanics and Physics are largely common but the units in Engineering and Drawing differ to suit the needs of the different branches. Chemistry is taken for the entire year by Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy and Materials students; whereas all other students take a semester long unit in Chemistry. All the branches also have branch - specific units in their first - year curricula.

NEW in 2013: The School with be offering the 3 year BEngSC in Digital Arts.
This specialised programme combines Electrical Engineering and Digital Art courses in a way that will prepare students for careers in game design and development. The game design programme is a collaboration between the Wits School of the Arts and the School of Electrical and Information Engineering. Students accepted to this programme will complete selected Electrical Engineering courses as well as some specialised game design courses. On completion of the BEngSC in Digital Arts students may continue into the third year of the BSc(Eng)(Electrical) (Information Engineering) option or into the Honours course in Digital Arts.

Practical Training

In the second year some engineering students are required to undergo practical training during the year. The arrangements vary from branch to branch and the training may take place in vacations or during the term. The general objective is for students to be exposed to the more practical aspects of engineering such as visits to industries, 'hands - on' work in workshops or in the field, or practical technical assistance with research projects.

At the end of second and third year, students are required to be employed in industry for a prescribed period.

Design & Research Projects

The final examinations in the fourth year of study in all branches include a design project, in which students are required to undertake a full engineering design appropriate to their branch of engineering, and an extended research project.

 Click here for curriculum information for all the engineering programmes.