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Computer Science and Applied Maths
Robotics Robotics is one of the world’s fastest growing fields. It has the potential to revolutionise society. There are two aspects to robotics that are of interest to scientists and engineers. The physical design and construction of robots, and the algorithms that are used for control.
Robotics Robotics is one of the world’s fastest growing fields. It has the potential to revolutionise society. There are two aspects to robotics that are of interest to scientists and engineers. The physical design and construction of robots, and the algorithms that are used for control.

Qualification: MSc

School: Computer Science and Applied Mathematics

Faculty: Science

Duration: 1 - 2 years

Study mode: Full-time; Part-time

Overview

The programme is tailored to understanding how robots perceive the world, build models and plans, and take actions to manipulate their environment. This is done by focussing on machine learning, control, computer vision and artificial intelligence.

Why study Robotics?

The MSc by Coursework and Research Report in Computer Science offers a curriculum tailored towards intelligent robotics. Robotics is one of the sciences that is most likely to change the way our societies are structured. The central objective in the field is to reduce human responsibility for dull, dirty and dangerous jobs. Advances in the field have meant that we are closer than ever to achieving this, but a number of difficult challenges remain. These challenges need smart people to solve them, and this programme will equip you with the required knowledge to do this.

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 supervisor, focussing on cutting edge problems in the field of intelligent robotics.

Why study Robotics at Wits?

Wits has a large and expanding group of roboticists publishing original research in leading local and international publications. Robotics is recognised as a strategic priority both by government and the university, with strong growth expected in the sector. Wits has a variety of robot hardware as well as staff and students with the mathematical and technical skill to drive advances in the field.

Robotics, Machine Learning, Process Automation, Academia, Finance.

A candidate must successfully complete 6 courses and a research report

Compulsory courses

  • COMS7070A Research Report: Robotics
  • COMS7047A Adaptive Computation and Machine Learning
  • COMS7049A Robotics
  • COMS7050A Computer Vision
  • COMS7069A Advanced Topics in Robotics

Elective courses

  • COMS7044A Artificial Intelligence
  • COMS7045A High Performance Computing and Scientific Data Management
  • COMS7048A Multi-agent Systems
  • COMS7053A Special Topics in Computer Science
  • COMS7054A Human Computer Interaction
  • COMS7063A Statistical Foundations of Data Science
  • COMS7238A Advanced Digital Image Processing

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.

Additional Entry Requirements

A candidate will only be accepted into the programme if a staff member has agreed to supervise their research. The onus is on the applicant to contact staff members working in fields of interest. Applicants are encouraged to contact the coordinator for assistance with this process.

  • 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.
  • Applications are handled centrally by the Student Enrolment Centre. 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.
  • 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, view academic application status, accept or decline an offer, apply and check residence application status, and generate a fees estimate.
  • 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.

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

Click here for closing dates.