Overview

Key Features

University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg has the largest grouping of Earth Scientists in South Africa, with strength in Geology and Palaeontology. Palaeontology and Geology (Honours) is the only programme of its kind in South Africa. Wits scientists are undertaking game-changing research on dinosaurs (eg. Ledumahadi mafube), the most distant ancestry of mammals, tortoises, and human evolution (Homo naledi, Australopithecus sediba, Little Foot), as well as undertaking ground-breaking research in stratigraphy and basin analysis.

Palaeontology and Geology caters to students who wish to integrate geological and palaeontological knowledge to solve problems about the history of life, environmental change, and surface conditions through geological time. The very rich geological and fossil heritage of South Africa gives this country a geographic advantage in understanding the development of Life. The large number of internationally significant fossil forms that have been discovered in the country have made international news headlines and are a source of national pride and inspiration for all SA citizens.

Career Opportunities

Research (National or International) in sedimentology, stratigraphy, vertebrate and invertebrate palaeontology, and palaeobotany.
Museum curators.
Fossil preparator, Museum and laboratory technician.
Palaeontological Impact Assessment consulting.
Consulting for mining and oil companies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Research Project
Vertebrate osteology and palaeontology
Statistics and Geometric Morphometrics
Phylogenetics
Terrestrial and Marine Micropalaeontology
Earth Evolution and Global Tectonics

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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Credits

120 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

Earth Sciences Geology View 18 other Bachelors in Geology in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

Other requirements

General requirements

A Bachelor of Science degree or equivalent.
A pass in the relevant major course at this University or any other university whose programme has been approved by Senate.
At least 60% average in the final undergraduate course.
Priority is given to graduates who have completed a BSc Geological Sciences or equivalent in the School of Geosciences at Wits, with a minimum of 60% in Geology III.
Applications from individuals who have been outside of academia for a period of time should include a motivation as to why they want to pursue an Honours degree in Geology and a strong recommendation from their current or previous employer.

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Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

46280 ZAR / year

≈ 46280 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

46280 ZAR / year

≈ 46280 ZAR / year

Additional Details

R46,280 – R55,190

Living costs

Johannesburg

South Africa

8434 - 12036 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Palaeontology and Geology (Honours).

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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