Start main page content
Computer Science and Applied Maths
Computational and Applied Mathematics Study the application of mathematical and computational techniques to model, solve, and understand problems in a wide variety of fields and contexts.
Computational and Applied Mathematics Study the application of mathematical and computational techniques to model, solve, and understand problems in a wide variety of fields and contexts.

Qualification: BSc

Faculty: Science

Duration: 3 years

School: Computer Science and Applied Mathematics

Study mode: Full-time

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Computational and Applied Mathematics: Programme code SBA21

In the 21st century, we find ourselves living in a complex and modern world that requires thoughtful and well-reasoned analytical, mathematical, and computational tools and methods in order to solve the burning problems and answer the critical questions that we are being faced with. These span a variety of fields including the physical, biological, and social sciences as well as within commerce, business, and finance.

The undergraduate Computational and Applied Mathematics curriculum will teach you these applied mathematical problem-solving skills as well as develop the use of computational methods and the implementation of algorithms on computers as a key component of problem-solving. You will take courses where the focus is on modeling and solving problems from a variety of areas including business, engineering, and science, and using mechanics, optimisation, differential equations, and scientific computing skills in order to achieve the intended outcomes. Through this course, you will also develop skills in critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective scientific communication.

As an applied mathematician, you will find yourself straddling different fields because you are working on understanding very interdisciplinary problems. As such, being a student who is majoring in applied mathematics places you in a unique position of being enrolled in a semi-flexible curriculum that has a wide and diverse variety of options giving you the opportunity to tailor-make a suite of course choices that are aligned to your own interests, and career aspirations and goals. These courses may be chosen from: physics, chemistry, computer science, biology, astrophysics, geology, philosophy, economics, finance, and accounting. In general, these additional courses should be ones that broaden your skills and have multifaceted value.

Applied mathematicians working in the School as well as in industry are involved in making meaning of and understanding the world that we live in, and working on real-world problems with real consequences for real people living in the real world. Applied Mathematics has thus become a very powerful and practical tool in many disciplines and professions. The specialised task of finding practical solutions to real-life problems by means of mathematical invention and computational expertise is the objective of researchers in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics at Wits.

Analytics (Data, Quantitative, Risk, Supply Chain), Forecasting, Consulting, Investment Banking, Finance and Financial Services, Operations Research, Data Scientist, Systems and Modelling Engineer, Programmer, Developer, Research and Academia, Teaching.

First-year

Computational and Applied Mathematics I

  • Mathematical Methods and Modelling
  • Mechanics
  • Scientific Computing

AND

Mathematics I (Major):

  • Algebra I
  • Calculus I

AND
Any two other Level I courses

Recommended courses:
Computer Science I:

  • Discrete Computational Structures
  • Introduction to Algorithms and Programming
  • Introduction to Data Structures and Algorithms
  • Basic Computer Organisation

Physics I (Major)

Second-year

Computational and Applied Mathematics II:

  • Mathematical Methods and Modelling
  • Mechanics
  • Scientific Computing

AND
Mathematics II :

  • Abstract Mathematics
  • Basic Analysis
  • Introduction to Mathematical Statistics
  • Linear Algebra
  • Multivariable Calculus
  • Advanced Analysis

AND Any other Level II course

Third year

Computational and Applied Mathematics

AND Any other Level III major

APS 44+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 6

Wait-listing

Applicants with 41-43 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

National Benchmark Test

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT).

Application Closing Date: 30 September 2023 | Residence Applications: 30 September 2023

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Wits Plus applicants, applications can only be done online. We will be in contact with you should we require additional documentation.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website 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. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS websiteExternal bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.