Computer Science

Overview

Computer Science is fundamentally the science of problem solving. The discipline is best characterised as a search for general, efficient solutions to problems, which will most commonly be implemented as software. These problems can be real-world, tangible problems such as speech recognition, or abstract problems such as determining what types of problems can be solved with computers.

Principle domains within computer science include artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, database systems, human computer interaction, vision and graphics, formal languages, logic and the theory of computing.

Why study Computer Science?

The research report component of the programme requires you to conduct research under the guidance of a supervisor.  The topic that you will focus on will be formulated by you and your chosen supervisor. The wide variety of research interests in the school allows you to work on problems that you find interesting and which the broader community considers important.

Why study Computer Science at Wits?

Each topic is taught by a published researcher in the field, ensuring that the coursework is relevant and of a high standard. The primary value of any educational institution is the group of people that it places you with. The researchers which Wits affords you the opportunity to work with are leading figures in their respective fields. The students within the programme are drawn from both academic and industry backgrounds, and are a diverse group drawn from across the continent.

Career Opportunities

A master's degree in computer science opens a wide array of career opportunities across industries. Graduates can work as machine learning engineers, data scientists and software developers utilizing their expertise in programming, algorithms, and optimization to create and manage cutting-edge technologies. Roles such as artificial intelligence engineers, and systems specialists are highly sought after in sectors like technology, finance, healthcare, and education. With advanced knowledge in computer science, graduates can also pursue leadership roles in technology strategy, product development, and innovation. This degree equips professionals to solve complex computational problems and drive progress in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

Curriculum

Compulsory courses 

• COMS7009A Research Report: Computer Science [After completing coursework]
• COMS7072A Research Methods and Capstone Project in Computer Science
• COMS7041A Applications of Algorithms

5 Electives from:

• COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence
• COMS7045A High-Performance Computing and Scientific Data Management
• COMS7046A Distributed Databases and Transaction Processing
• COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning
• COMS7048A Multi-agent Systems
• COMS7049A Robotics
• COMS7050A Computer Vision
• COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science
• COMS7055A Data Policy and Ethics
• COMS7056A Data Visualisation and Exploration
• COMS7057A Large Scale Optimisation and Data Science
• COMS7058A Mathematical Foundations of Data Science
• COMS7059A Large Scale Computing Systems and Scientific Programming
• COMS7062A Special Topics in Data Science
• COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science
• COMS7065A Computational Intelligence
• COMS7066A Natural Language and Technology
• COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics
• COMS7071A Reinforcement Learning

Entry Requirements

• Applicants require a minimum average of 65 percent.

• Applicants are required to have a Bachelor of Science with Honours degree from a relevant discipline in Science (Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, and Statistics) or a relevant NQF level 8 qualification.

• or a relevant Professional Engineering Degree with demonstrable knowledge of basic principles of Algorithms, Computing, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics equivalent to 2nd Year Mathematics and 2nd Year  Computer Science (see FAQ for more details on the equivalence).

FAQ

Q: Is there a part-time option for this degree and how does the schedule differ from the full-time degree?

A: There is a part-time option, however you would still attend the same lectures as full-time students, you would just take less of them at any given time and spread the degree over longer. Your schedule would depend on the courses which you take. Typically for part-time students you take the compulsory courses in the first year and then the electives in the second (Please see the Curriculum section above for details on compulsory and elective courses). This would mean that you would likely have two to three hours of courses three days a week. The exact timetable for next year has not been finalized yet and so we cannot advise on scheduling at this time.

Q: How strict are the minimum requirements with respect to formal Mathematics and Computer Science courses?

A: Unfortunately, unless you have taken two years of Mathematics and Computer Science courses you do not meet the minimum requirements. For Mathematics the primary topics we are looking for on a transcript are: Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Probability and Statistics. For Computer Science the topics we are looking for are: Algorithms Analysis, Data Structures and an aptitude for programming in multiple languages. For candidate who do not meet these requirements, we would advise you to look into the Postgraduate Diploma in Data Science which has online lectures and is designed for people from other fields to bridge into machine learning and data science topics. This is approached more practically, and so is less theoretical than the MSc degrees. Note that some assessments for this program may still be in-person.

Q: When can I expect feedback on my application, and if I apply early will there be a pre-emptive round of intake?

A: Applications for the MSc by Coursework and Research Report closed on the 31st of December. So, we cannot provide feedback on the applications until early January 2025. Unfortunately, we cannot give an exact date for when the outcome of your application will be communicated. Further, due to the competitive nature of the degrees we are unable to provide provisional acceptances as admissions are competitive and based on the cohort of applications as a whole.

Q: Can I get a quote for the cost of the degree?

A: You can get information on the cost of the modules from the fees book here, but for a formal quote, you would need to contact the fees office directly. 

Q: Do I need to be in contact with a supervisor before applying for an MSc by Coursework and Research Report degree even though the research component is in the second year?

A: For the Masters by Coursework and Research Report the research report you do not need to have a supervisor lined up before applying. You do the coursework in the first year, and after completing that you would find a supervisor and continue with the research. Thus, you should rather apply to the program and during your coursework interact with the lectures in the different fields and ultimately find a supervisor towards the end of the first year of study. For part-time candidates this will happen at the end of the second year once all coursework is completed.

Q: Does it still help my application to a MSc by Coursework and Research Report if I have a supervisor in mind or contacted supervisors?

A: For the MSc by Coursework and Research Report degrees the decision on your application will be based primarily on your performance in your most recent year of study and whether you meet the minimum requirements listed. Thus, having a preliminary supervisor will be weighted relatively less highly in this case.

Q: I do not meet the minimum requirement, but have extensive work experience in a relevant field. Can I use this experience as justification for my admission to the programme?

A: Yes this is called applying with Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). We emphasise that RPL is a rigorous process. You must demonstrate that, despite lacking formal training, you still meet all technical requirements across the prerequisite fields. Specifically, you need to show a strong technical background in Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics. These are essential for entry into such a programme through RPL. It is not sufficient to demonstrate your capabilities in a subset of these fields. To apply through RPL you need to compile a portfolio of your work demonstrating your aptitude in these fields. This portfolio will then be submitted with your application and considered in place of the required minimum requirements. Importantly, demonstrating that you cover the minimum requirements does not guarantee you a position in the programme as entry is still competitive. The depth of your knowledge and aptitude as demonstrated by the portfolio will be considered.

Q: Is 2nd year Engineering Mathematics considered equivalent to 2nd year Mathematics for the purposes of this application?

A: We do accept 2nd year Engineering Mathematics.

Q: What is the equivalent level of programming course from the engineering faculty required to meet the 2nd year Computer Science requirement?

A: For an Engineering background you need to show clear evidence of programming courses on your transcript up to at least a 3rd year level.

Q: Does Wits offer funding for MSc by Coursework and Research Report students?

A: Unfortunately, Wits does not offer funding by default to MSc by Coursework and Research Report students. If a candidate has studied at Wits in the previous year they may be eligible for the Postgraduate Merit Award (PMA). Such students will be automatically considered  for this award and notified early in the academic year if they have been given the award (there is also a smaller intake at the beginning of the second semester). Otherwise students are advise to plan accordingly and seek their own sources of funding, for example through the NRF. 

Q: I am a foreign student looking to apply at Wits, how do I demonstrate that my other qualifications meet the minimum requirements such as an NQF 8 level?

A: You are required to obtain an Evaluation of Foreign Qualifications certificate from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). This will describe the equivalent qualification to the one you hold but from a South African institution. This certificate and more information can be obtained here: https://www.saqa.org.za/services/evaluation-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Q: I am having issues working with the online application system, such as being unable to upload documents. How can I resolve these issues?

A: Please contact the Help Desk.

Q: I have faculty in another school or faculty which I would like to supervise my research report. Do I need to have a Computer Science supervisor for my research report?

A: Yes you do require a supervisor explicitly from Computer Science. However, it is possible to be co-supervised by other faculty, subject to the agreement of your primary supervisor (who is in Computer Science).

University Application Process

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.