Anatomical Pathology

The BHSc Honours in the field of Anatomical Pathology is a laboratory and research-intensive course aiming to provide students with an understanding of the theoretical aspects of biological processes underlying pathologies.

Overview

We equip students to use cutting-edge histology, cellular and molecular techniques in selected research areas in pathology, including but not limited to cancer, infectious diseases and digital pathology.

 

Career Opportunities

This course is primarily intended for students who wish to continue their postgraduate studies with an MSc or PhD. Completion of the degree may lead to careers in the following fields:

  • Medical sales representative
  • Lecturer
  • Scientific writing
  • Project management
  • Training in research or diagnostics as well as potentially roles as technicians in labs and universities
  • Consulting
  • Students could also further their education by taking a teaching diploma/business diploma

Curriculum

ANAP4001A – Anatomical Pathology Honours Coursework

This course introduces students to a range of advanced diagnostic techniques used in histopathology, with further training in advanced cell biology and molecular techniques.

Students will gain both theoretical understanding and practical exposure to these ancillary techniques, which are essential for modern diagnostic pathology. Moreover, students will learn to apply underlying biological principles to disease states.

ANAP4002A – Anatomical Pathology Honours Research Essay

This module provides students with hands-on research experience by engaging them in a project that addresses a relevant question in Anatomical Pathology. Students will design and conduct a research study, culminating in the submission of a written research report. This report constitutes 40% of the final course mark, fostering critical thinking, scientific writing, and analytical skills essential for a career in pathology or biomedical research.

Entry Requirements

For consideration, a candidate for BHSc Honours must obtain a minimum of 60% average in relevant biological discipline majors. For entry into Anatomical Pathology, a second-class pass in a biological discipline major will be advantageous.

University Application Process

  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Click here to see an overview of the Wits applications process. Refer to Wits Postgraduate Online Applications Guide for detailed guidelines. 
  • Please apply online. Upload your supporting documents at the time of application, or via the Self Service Portal.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

Please note that the Entry Requirements are a guide. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a place. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

International students, please check this section.

For more information, contact the Student Call Centre +27 (0)11 717 1888, or log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees. The Fees site 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.

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, click here. The University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. NRF bursaries: The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.