Geospatial Science

Study information technology to understand life on earth.

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Geospatial Sciences

Geospatial Sciences is a discipline that focuses on using information technology to understand people, places, and processes of the earth. Remote Sensing, Geographic Information Systems and Global Positioning Systems technologies are commonly used as measurement, observation and analysis tools.

If you have good Mathematics and Physical Science marks and take Geology II and III, you can specialise in Mining Geology through second- and third year co-majors. The School also offers a co-major in Applied Geology.

Career Opportunities

  • Applications Specialist
  • Cartographer
  • Computer Scientist
  • Database Administrator
  • Geographer
  • GIS Analyst
  • Image Analyst
  • Photogrammetrist
  • Physical Scientist
  • Project Manager
  • Remote Sensing Scientist
  • Surveyor

Curriculum

First year

Geology
AND
Auxiliary Mathematics
AND
Additional courses yielding a minimum of 72 Level I credits
Recommended courses: • Introductory Life Sciences • Chemistry I

Second year

Geospatial Sciences:

  • Engineering Surveying
  • Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IA
  • Auxiliary Computer Science and Programming IB
  • Auxiliary Database Systems

AND
Basic Statistics for Natural Sciences
AND
Geography II:

  • Geographic Information Systems, Science and Mapping Systems
  • Thinking Geographically: Concepts and Practices in Human Geography

AND Any two courses yielding 12 credits each as listed below: 

  • Earth and Atmospheric Processes
  • An Introduction to Climate Change and Society
  • Environmental Governance: From Local to Global
  • Conservation Biogeography

AND Any other Level II course

Third year

Geospatial Sciences III:

  • Geospatial Data Design and Management
  • Project Management in Geospatial Science
  • Spatial Data Analysis and Modelling
  • Introduction to Spatial Statistics

AND
Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry
AND
Three courses from the list below:

  • Economic Geography
  • Climate and Environmental Change
  • Advanced Atmospheric Sciences
  • Theory and Practice in Sustainability Science and Sustainable Development
  • Environmental Monitoring and Modelling
  • Urban Futures: The Political Economy of Population and Scarcity
  • Food: Security, Politics and Culture
  • Geospatial Data Design and Visualization

 

Entry Requirements

APS 42+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with 40-41 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

National Benchmark Test

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during their studies. 

University Application Process

  • 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.

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.

University Fees and Funding

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 website. External 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.