The School of Geosciences is one of the largest and most diverse groupings of geoscientists in Africa, with strengths in geology, geochemistry, geophysics and palaeontology. Honours students can select from a wide range of research topics and have access to excellent preparation and analytical facilities for petrography, geochemistry, and hydrogeology. We are centred in the hub of geological activity in South Africa and host numerous events each year that allow students to network with industry.
Geochemistry students receive hands-on training, working with a range of state-of-the-art analytical equipment in the School of Geosciences such as laser ablation instruments, mass spectrometers and ultra-clean isotope laboratories. Geochemistry also provides the opportunity for students to combine, to varying degrees, field work with laboratory studies.
The School of Geosciences is one of the largest and most diverse groupings of geoscientists in Africa, with strengths in geology, geochemistry, geophysics and palaeontology. Honours students can select from a wide range of research topics and have access to excellent preparation and analytical facilities for petrography, geochemistry and hydrogeology.
Wits is the only university in the country which offers degrees in Geophysics at Honours, M.Sc. and Ph.D. level as well as Geophysics options for students taking the Geology degree. A degree in geophysics from Wits is recognised internationally, and Wits Geophysics students have gone on to study at many different universities in the UK, America, Canada, Australia, etc. and work all over the world.
The Wits Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) is the largest palaeontological/palaeoanthropological research entity in Africa and one of the largest of its kind in the world. Amongst other exciting discoveries, Wits palaeoscientists 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.
Over the past two decades, Africa has experienced a mineral and energy resources exploration boom, driven by demand for raw materials. The programme is seen as a key strategy for upskilling of the geological labour force to meet the increasingly complex demands for finding new mineral deposits and for successfully managing deposits with lower profit margins. This is an integral aspect of the mission of the Centre of Excellence (CIMERA) that is jointly hosted by the University of Johannesburg and Wits, to provide a hub in southern Africa for research excellence and training in Economic Geology.
Internationally recognised for academic excellence, Wits is a leading university in Africa for postgraduate students looking to further their studies and make a positive impact on society. Our research focus ensures that students and staff operate at the leading edge of disciplines. We are also dedicated to providing quality training to postgraduate students.