BSc in Computer Science
The BSc in Computer Science programme will equip you with extensive knowledge of computer science, including programming, computer systems, databases, networks, operating systems, concurrent programming. This will enable you to study further and pursue a career in the industry as a programmer or in various other software-, data-, and technology-related roles.
With a degree in Computer Science, you have an international qualification enabling you to find work with or do research for national or international companies. Many different companies require technical specialists, ranging from companies that develop mobile solutions for cell phones to financial institutions that need to guarantee security. Suppose you have an interest in the business world. In that case, you can start a business providing computer solutions or work as an independent consultant or contractor.
Programme content
The Computer Science programme has five streams of which you choose one. A stream is a combination of subjects that prepares you for a different line of work. All streams feature Computer Science as a major subject and allow access to an honours programme in Computer Science. A second major may lead to an honours degree in that field of study, which broadens your career options. See below for a desciption of the programme’s streams and the lines of work they prepare you for. For the streams’ curricula, see our Calendar.
Stream 1: General Computer Science (with a variety of other subjects)
This stream offers you a choice of subjects covering a wide and interesting field to combine with Computer Science. We recommend that you identify a second major subject from a specific selection that includes subjects offered in other faculties.
After completing your BSc, you can pursue an honours programme in Computer Science. Depending on your second major, this stream could also lead to honours programmes in Applied Mathematics, Economics, General Linguistics, Mathematical Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research or Statistics. In this way, you could broaden your career options.
Stream 2: Computer Systems
If you think you might be interested in hardware systems and design, then this is the stream for you. You take some subjects from Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Computer Science as major. After obtaining your BSc, this stream can lead to an honours in Computer Science. By taking this stream, you will develop the skills required for jobs in computer systems, such as computer systems analyst or software developer for embedded systems.
Stream 3: Data Science
Nowadays, skills in data analysis and data processing are in great demand. Insights gained in this way help organisations to make effective data-driven decisions. By taking Computer Science with Data Science, Data Engineering and Statistics modules, students acquire valuable and versatile skills that will open doors to job opportunities in the health sector, banking, consultation services and e-commerce industry, to list a few. Besides an honours in Computer Science, this stream could also lead to an honours programme in Mathematical Statistics, or Statistics, depending on your subject combination.
Stream 4: Computer Science with Genetics
If you are interested in biology, then this stream where you combine Computer Science with Genetics will hold excitingg job opportunities for you. Depending on your interests, you can study further by taking an honours programme in Computer Science or Genetics.
Stream 5: Computer Science with Geographical Information Technology
Geographical Information Technology covers geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques for the capture and analysis of spatial information to manage and solve spatial problems caused by human-environment interaction. Equipped with such knowledge and skills, you may come in line for jobs requiring GIS analysis, geospatial modelling and analysis or conservation planning.
By combining Geographical Information Technology with Computer Science, you could gain access to an honours programme in Computer Science or GeoInformatics.
Minimum admission requirements
- For the NSC, an average final mark of 65% (excluding Life Orientation)
- Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50%
- Mathematics 70%
- Any other school subject from the designated subject list for university admission 50%
AND
If you wish to take Chemistry or Physics as a first-year university subject:
- Physical Sciences 50%
The BSc in Computer Science programme will equip you with extensive knowledge of computer science, including programming, computer systems, databases, networks, operating systems, concurrent programming. This will enable you to study further and pursue a career in the industry as a programmer or in various other software-, data-, and technology-related roles.
With a degree in Computer Science, you have an international qualification enabling you to find work with or do research for national or international companies. Many different companies require technical specialists, ranging from companies that develop mobile solutions for cell phones to financial institutions that need to guarantee security. Suppose you have an interest in the business world. In that case, you can start a business providing computer solutions or work as an independent consultant or contractor.
Programme content
The Computer Science programme has five streams of which you choose one. A stream is a combination of subjects that prepares you for a different line of work. All streams feature Computer Science as a major subject and allow access to an honours programme in Computer Science. A second major may lead to an honours degree in that field of study, which broadens your career options. See below for a desciption of the programme’s streams and the lines of work they prepare you for. For the streams’ curricula, see our Calendar.
Stream 1: General Computer Science (with a variety of other subjects)
This stream offers you a choice of subjects covering a wide and interesting field to combine with Computer Science. We recommend that you identify a second major subject from a specific selection that includes subjects offered in other faculties.
After completing your BSc, you can pursue an honours programme in Computer Science. Depending on your second major, this stream could also lead to honours programmes in Applied Mathematics, Economics, General Linguistics, Mathematical Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research or Statistics. In this way, you could broaden your career options.
Stream 2: Computer Systems
If you think you might be interested in hardware systems and design, then this is the stream for you. You take some subjects from Electrical and Electronic Engineering with Computer Science as major. After obtaining your BSc, this stream can lead to an honours in Computer Science. By taking this stream, you will develop the skills required for jobs in computer systems, such as computer systems analyst or software developer for embedded systems.
Stream 3: Data Science
Nowadays, skills in data analysis and data processing are in great demand. Insights gained in this way help organisations to make effective data-driven decisions. By taking Computer Science with Data Science, Data Engineering and Statistics modules, students acquire valuable and versatile skills that will open doors to job opportunities in the health sector, banking, consultation services and e-commerce industry, to list a few. Besides an honours in Computer Science, this stream could also lead to an honours programme in Mathematical Statistics, or Statistics, depending on your subject combination.
Stream 4: Computer Science with Genetics
If you are interested in biology, then this stream where you combine Computer Science with Genetics will hold excitingg job opportunities for you. Depending on your interests, you can study further by taking an honours programme in Computer Science or Genetics.
Stream 5: Computer Science with Geographical Information Technology
Geographical Information Technology covers geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques for the capture and analysis of spatial information to manage and solve spatial problems caused by human-environment interaction. Equipped with such knowledge and skills, you may come in line for jobs requiring GIS analysis, geospatial modelling and analysis or conservation planning.
By combining Geographical Information Technology with Computer Science, you could gain access to an honours programme in Computer Science or GeoInformatics.
Minimum admission requirements
- For the NSC, an average final mark of 65% (excluding Life Orientation)
- Afrikaans or English (Home Language or First Additional Language) 50%
- Mathematics 70%
- Any other school subject from the designated subject list for university admission 50%
AND
If you wish to take Chemistry or Physics as a first-year university subject:
- Physical Sciences 50%