Program Overview

Geosciences Program

The MSc by dissertation is offered in Geology, Geophysics, or Palaeontology.

Overview

The School of Geosciences at Wits University enjoys a high international research profile, with strong multidisciplinary research programmes in Geology and Geophysics and has close links to the Evolutionary Studies Institute. The School has a strong focus on the Precambrian geology of South Africa and other parts of Africa, with particular strengths being in geophysics, geochemistry, petrology, and economic geology.

The School co-hosts the national DST/NRF Centre of Excellence in Integrated Mineral and Energy Resource Analysis (CIMERA) and the international AfricaArray Geophysics Programme.

In the past 5 years, it has significantly expanded its research facilities in microbeam analysis (Cameca SX5 FE EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, and TIMA), geohydrology, and isotope analysis (including a state-of-the-art metalfree, ultraclean isotope laboratory) with the most recent acquisition of a collision cell SF-MC-ICPMS and TIMS. Digital mapping tablets, state-of-the-art geophysical equipment, and a drone with hyperspectral imaging capability are available in the School. In addition, our high-end computing labs are equipped with a variety of GIS/RS, 3D-modelling, and geophysics software.

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor of Science with Honours from this or another university, specialising in geosciences subjects (geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and/or palaeontology).
• In exceptional circumstances, applicants with 4-year degrees in physics, mathematics, chemistry, or the biological sciences may be accepted on the strength of an exceptional motivation; in such cases, the School of Geosciences reserves the right to require the candidate to complete background courses to the satisfaction of the Head of School.
• A graduate of this or another university who holds a degree in another faculty whose curriculum has ordinarily extended over not less than four academic years of full-time study.
• International students: Please apply for SAQA Evaluation if you hold a foreign qualification.
• A supervisor from the School of Geosciences or the Evolutionary Studies Institute must be identified and approached prior to application.

Course Application Process

To apply, you must have a clear idea of what subject area you intend to pursue for your research. Ideally, you should be able to clearly state in as much detail as possible the type of research project you are interested in. You should then:

• Check the website to identify those staff members whose research interests match best with yours
• Contact these individuals by email to determine if one or more of them would be prepared to serve as the supervisor for your degree programme
• Include as a minimum, your CV, certified copies of your academic records, and a statement of your specific research interests that will form the basis for your thesis or dissertation
• State whether you intend to pursue your post-graduate degree on a full-time or part-time basis. If your intention is to study part-time, while employed, you must provide acknowledgement from your employers that they support your intentions to study while working.
• At least two letters of recommendation from persons familiar with your academic and other scholarly proficiency should also be secured and supplied with your enquiries and applications.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees are available upon request. The Fees site 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.

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. Please also check your School website for bursary opportunities. 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: SRA00
• Faculty: Science
• School: Geosciences
• Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 1 - 2 years
• Study Mode: Full-time; Part-time
• Closing Date: Offered throughout the year with multiple intakes.