Palaeontology and Geology

This BSc Honours is a cross-disciplinary programme in Earth Sciences that includes elements of Palaeontology and Geology. It's aimed at students who wish to integrate this knowledge to solve problems about the history of life, environmental change, and surface conditions through geological time.

Overview

Why study Palaeontology and Geology?

Palaeontology and Geology caters to students who wish to integrate geological and palaeontological knowledge to solve problems about the history of life, environmental change, and surface conditions through geological time. The very rich geological and fossil heritage of South Africa gives this country a geographic advantage in understanding the development of Life. The large number of internationally significant fossil forms that have been discovered in the country have made international news headlines and are a source of national pride and inspiration for all SA citizens.

Because of its diverse fossil heritage, the world-class research facilities of the University of the Witwatersrand and the international status of its palaeontologists this country is an exciting place to embark on a career in Palaeontology.

Why study Palaeontology and Geology at Wits?

Wits has the largest grouping of Earth Scientists in South Africa, with strength in Geology and Palaeontology. This is the only programme of its kind in South Africa. Wits scientists are undertaking game-changing research on dinosaurs (eg. Ledumahadi mafube), the most distant ancestry of mammals, tortoises, and human evolution (Homo naledi, Australopithecus sediba, Little Foot), as well as undertaking ground-breaking research in stratigraphy and basin analysis.

Wits is also host to the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Palaeosciences and has well-equipped palaeontological and geological research facilities. For palaeontological news in Africa, please see the PAST website.

Career Opportunities

  • Research (National or International) in sedimentology, stratigraphy, vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology, and palaeobotany.
  • Museum curators.
  • Fossil preparator, Museum and laboratory technician.
  • Palaeontological Impact Assessment consulting.
  • Consulting for mining and oil companies.

Curriculum

Compulsory Course Modules

  • Research Project (PALP4025)
  • Vertebrate  osteology and palaeontology (PALP 4010)/ Lecturers Responsible: Dr Julien Benoit and Dr Shaw Badenhorst
  • Statistics and Geometric Morphometrics (PALP4012)/ Lecturers Responsible: Kimi Chapelle and Dr Julien Benoit
  • Phylogenetics (PALP4011)/ Lecturer Responsible: Prof. Jonah Choiniere
  • Terrestrial and Marine Micropalaeontology (PALP 4015)/ Lecturer Responsible: Dr Cameron Penn-Clarke

Block 4:

  • Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics (GEOL4026A) – Dr Zubair Jinnah & Dr Sharad Master

Optional Course Modules

Block 2:

  • Hydrogeology (GEOL4014)/ Lecturer Responsible: Prof. Tamiru Abiye and Dr Khuliso Masindi
  • Structural Geology and Mineralisation Processes (GEOL4030A) - Drs Ben Hayes, Scott MacLennan, Linda Iaccheri, Leo Vonopartis

Block 3:

  • Surficial Geochemistry (GEOL4022A) - Prof. Robert Bolhar

Entry Requirements

Honours:

  • A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
  • A pass in the relevant major course at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate.
  • At least 60% average in the final undergraduate course.

Priority is given to graduates who have completed a BSc Geological Sciences or equivalent in the School of Geosciences at Wits, with a minimum of 60% in Geology III. 

Applications from individuals who have been outside of academia for a period of time should include a motivation as to why they want to pursue an Honours degree in Geology and a strong recommendation from their current or previous employer.

Please note that the selection process is competitive and an average of 60% does not guarantee admission.

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.
  • 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. 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.