List of WITS Courses and Requirements – A Detailed Guide

The University of the Witwatersrand (WITS), located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of the country’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. Established in 1922, WITS has consistently been at the forefront of academic excellence, producing high-quality graduates who are leaders in various fields, both in South Africa and internationally. Known for its research-driven programs, diverse academic offerings, and world-class teaching, WITS remains a preferred choice for many students.

This article will guide you through the various courses offered at WITS, their admission requirements, and the application process. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a degree in medicine, engineering, social sciences, or the arts, WITS provides a wide range of programs designed to help you excel in your chosen field.

1. About the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)

WITS is located in the heart of Johannesburg, one of South Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities. With over 30,000 students and a rich history of academic achievement, WITS ranks among the top universities in Africa and is globally recognized for its research output and strong ties to the industry.

WITS offers a broad spectrum of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, and it is particularly renowned for its programs in the fields of health sciences, engineering, business, law, and the arts.

WITS Faculties:

• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
• Faculty of Humanities
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management

Each faculty offers a diverse range of programs to cater to the different academic and professional interests of students.

2. List of WITS Courses

WITS offers a comprehensive list of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties. Below is an overview of some of the key programs offered at the university.

a. Undergraduate Programs

1. Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) The MBChB program at WITS is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in medicine. It is one of the most sought-after programs, with a focus on clinical practice, medical research, and community service.
   • Duration: 6 years
   • Key Modules: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Medical Ethics
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English, 60% in Mathematics, 60% in Physical Sciences, and 60% in Life Sciences.
     • Meeting the selection criteria based on academic performance, including a Medical Admissions Test (MAT), may also be required.
2. Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) WITS offers several engineering specializations, including Electrical, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering. The BEng program prepares students for careers in various sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Engineering Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Materials Science, Electrical Systems, Fluid Mechanics, Structural Analysis
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English and 70% in Mathematics and Physical Science.
     • Additional selection criteria may apply based on academic performance.
3. Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) The BCom program is designed for students who want to pursue careers in business, finance, marketing, or human resources. Students can specialize in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Economics.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Accounting, Business Management, Economics, Marketing, Human Resources, Business Ethics
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and 50% in Mathematics.
     • Additional subjects like Accounting or Economics may be required for certain specializations.
4. Bachelor of Arts (BA) The BA program at WITS offers a broad-based education in the humanities and social sciences. Students can choose from a variety of disciplines such as Sociology, Psychology, History, and Political Science.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Sociology, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Politics, African Studies
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and other relevant subjects.
5. Bachelor of Law (LLB) The LLB program at WITS offers students an in-depth understanding of South African law and prepares them for a career as legal professionals. The program includes both theoretical and practical legal education.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Constitutional Law, Criminal Law, Contract Law, Legal Research, International Law
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English and 60% in other relevant subjects such as History or Legal Studies.
6. Bachelor of Science (BSc) WITS offers a wide range of BSc degrees in fields such as Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Environmental Science. This program is ideal for students interested in research and development, as well as careers in scientific fields.
   • Duration: 3 years
   • Key Modules: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Environmental Studies
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 60% in English, 60% in Mathematics, and 60% in Physical Sciences or Life Sciences, depending on the specialization.
7. Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) The BArch program at WITS is designed for students who wish to become professional architects. The program combines both creative and technical aspects of architecture, focusing on design, construction, and planning.
   • Duration: 5 years
   • Key Modules: Architectural Design, History of Architecture, Structural Engineering, Construction Technology
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English, 60% in Mathematics, and 60% in Physical Science.
     • A portfolio of design work and an interview may be required as part of the selection process.
8. Bachelor of Education (BEd) WITS offers a Bachelor of Education degree with specializations in various phases, including Early Childhood Development, Foundation Phase, and Senior Phase. The program is aimed at students who wish to become professional educators.
   • Duration: 4 years
   • Key Modules: Educational Psychology, Curriculum Development, Teaching Methodology, Classroom Management
   • Admission Requirements:
     • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English and relevant subjects based on the phase you wish to teach.

b. Postgraduate Programs

1. Master of Business Administration (MBA) WITS offers a globally recognized MBA program that focuses on leadership, strategic thinking, and business innovation. The program prepares students for high-level management positions.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Strategic Management, Marketing, Organizational Behavior, Entrepreneurship, Financial Management
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum of 60%.
     • A minimum of 3 years of work experience in a managerial or leadership position.
2. Master of Laws (LLM) The LLM program is for students who wish to specialize in a particular area of law, such as commercial law, human rights law, or environmental law.
   • Duration: 1-2 years
   • Key Modules: Advanced Legal Research, Legal Theory, Specialization in Chosen Area of Law
   • Admission Requirements:
     • An LLB degree or equivalent with at least 60% in the final year.
3. Master of Science (MSc) WITS offers a range of MSc programs in fields such as Engineering, Environmental Science, and Data Science. The MSc program focuses on research and practical application in the chosen field.
   • Duration: 2 years
   • Key Modules: Research Methodology, Advanced Topics in the Chosen Field
   • Admission Requirements:
     • A relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum of 60%.

3. Admission Requirements for WITS Courses

The general admission requirements for undergraduate programs at WITS include:

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) with at least 50% in English.
• Depending on the course, a minimum of 60-70% in subjects such as Mathematics, Physical Sciences, or Life Sciences.
• For competitive programs like Medicine and Law, higher percentages may be required.

Postgraduate programs typically require:

• A relevant undergraduate degree (e.g., BCom, LLB, BSc) with a minimum of 60%.
• Professional work experience may be required for programs like the MBA.

4. How to Apply for WITS Courses

To apply to WITS, follow these steps:

1. Visit the WITS Website: Browse the available courses and check the specific admission requirements.
2. Create an Account: Register on the WITS online application portal.
3. Complete the Application Form: Fill in your personal and academic details.
4. Upload Documents: Upload your NSC results, identification, and other supporting documents.
5. Pay the Application Fee: Submit the required application fee.
6. **Submit

the Application**: After reviewing all information, submit your application for consideration. 7. Check Application Status: Track your application status through the WITS portal.

For more information or to apply online, visit the official WITS website: www.wits.ac.za.