Program Overview

Master of Economic Science

The Master of Economic Science program is designed to equip students with specialized knowledge to apply to Economics, Statistics, and Actuarial Science problems.

Overview

The Division of Economics boasts a diverse range of interests and fields among its faculty, with active involvement in research and publication activities, as well as participation in international and national professional societies. The research interests of the Division span both applied and theoretical areas, including financial market dynamics, firm and industry dynamics, political economy, technological institutions, and social welfare issues.

Curriculum

The Master of Economic Science comprises 6 courses 4 compulsory and 2 electives as well as a research paper. The compulsory courses include:

• Research Report
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics A
• Advanced Mathematical Economics
• Time-Series Econometrics or Applied Econometrics In addition, students must choose 2 elective courses offered for Economics and Economic Science Masters. Note that not all electives will be offered every year. Students will also be required to complete a maths refresher course.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for the Master of Economic Science program, applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree with honors, specifically a BCom Honours degree in Economics/Economic Sciences (or equivalent) from a recognized university, with an average of at least 65% in the Honours degree. International applicants and South African applicants without 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 by the Student Enrolment Centre (SEnC). Once an application is complete, it will be referred to the relevant School for assessment. Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal. Selections for programs with limited intake may only finalize applications at the end of the application cycle. Meeting the entry requirements does not guarantee a place, as final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results, and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

The current average tuition fees can be found on the university's fees website, which also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once applied, students can access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. For information about postgraduate funding opportunities, including the postgraduate merit award, students can visit the University's Postgraduate Funding portal, which is a database of scholarships, bursaries, and other funding opportunities available to Wits postgraduate students.

Programme Details

• Programme Code: CCA11
• Faculty: Commerce, Law and Management
• School: Economics and Finance
• Qualification: MEconSc
• 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

Professor Miracle Benhura

Postgraduate Handbooks

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