Program Overview

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Economic Science Program

The Division of Economics prides itself on the diversity of interests and fields of its faculty. The faculty is actively involved in research and publication activities, and is active in international and national professional societies.

Overview of Research Interests

The research interests of the Division are both applied and theoretical, spanning from:

• Financial market dynamics
• Firm and industry dynamics
• Political economy
• Technological institutions
• Social welfare issues

Curriculum

The Economic Sciences Honours programme comprises of 6 courses 5 compulsory and one elective as well as a research paper of 10 000 words.

Compulsory Courses

• Research Paper
• Advanced Microeconomics (Applied & Theory)
• Advanced Macroeconomics (Applied & Theory)
• Research Methods
• Advanced Econometrics
• Advanced Mathematical Economics

Elective Courses

• History of Economic Thought
• Development Economics
• Financial Economics
• Topics in Labour (Impact Evaluation)
• Economic Change and Comparative Development
• International Finance

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor of Commerce or Bachelor of Economic Science with a major in Economics from a recognised university and must have achieved at least 65% in the final undergraduate (Economics III) year.

Requirements for International Applicants

International applicants and South African applicants who do not hold South African university degrees must have their degree(s) assessed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) before making an application.

University Application Process

Applications are handled centrally. Once your application is complete in terms of requested documentation, your application will be referred to the relevant School for assessment.

Application Monitoring

Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.

Selection Process

Selections for programmes that have a limited intake but attract a large number of applications may only finalise the application at the end of the application cycle.

University Fees and Funding

The Fees site 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.

Funding Opportunities

For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, the University's Postgraduate Funding portal is a database of scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students.

External Funding

The National Research Foundation (NRF) offers a wide range of opportunities in terms of bursaries and fellowships to students pursuing postgraduate studies.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: CHA17
• Faculty: Commerce, Law and Management
• School: Economics and Finance
• Qualification: BEconSc(Hons)
• Duration: 1 - 2 years
• Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time

Closing Date

Applications for January 2026 entry open on 1 May 2025 and close on 31 October 2025

Course Coordinator

Dr Aylit Romm

Programme Administration

Postgrad Applications Administrator: Ms Kamo Nhlapo Postgraduate Administrator: Ms Masego Kubu

Postgraduate Handbooks

Our postgraduate handbooks provide comprehensive information on admission requirements, course structure, assessment policies, research requirements, and academic procedures.