Mathematics, which originated from arithmetic and geometry, is about pattern and structure and is the language of science and technology. Applied mathematics is concerned with the modelling and treatment of real-life problems in a variety of fields, such as engineering, finance, statistics, physics and biology. The power of mathematics and applied mathematics lies in their abstract, analytical and computational nature. Nowadays, mathematics is essential for all technological, financial and managerial industries that form the backbone of the South African economy.
The Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics is not only one of the largest departments on the Hatfield Campus, but also one of the largest mathematics departments in the country, with approximately 19 500 student enrolments for mathematics modules. The Department prides itself on excelling in both teaching and research, as well as in community-based activities.
The diverse and competent staff complement has expertise in various fields. Researchers regularly travel abroad to attend conferences and to pay research visits. The Department has 29 researchers who have received NRF ratings in fields ranging from the more traditional abstract analysis to contemporary epidemiology, where the modelling of biological phenomena leads to exciting options. The Department regularly hosts international visitors.
A degree in mathematics trains students to apply, evaluate and adapt existing problem-solving techniques, or to develop new mathematical models and techniques to solve problems stemming from natural, technological and financial phenomena.
For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.
Graduates in mathematics and applied mathematics are employed by research institutions, educational bodies (universities and schools), the public sector (government and medical institutions) and the private sector (engineering companies, financial institutions and the computer industry). These graduates’ training in abstract, analytical and computational thinking provides them with the background to easily adjust to changing circumstances in the professional environment and to construct mathematical models of natural, technological and financial phenomena. Mathematicians and applied mathematicians apply, evaluate and adapt existing problem-solving techniques or develop new techniques to solve problems.
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Transferring students
Candidates previously registered at UP or at another university
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers applications of candidates who have already completed the final NSC or equivalent qualification examination and/or were previously registered at UP or another university, on grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Candidates previously registered at a FET college or a university of technology
The faculty’s Admissions Committee considers the application of these candidates on the grounds of their final NSC or equivalent qualification results as well as academic merit.
Qualifications from countries other than South Africa
University of Pretoria website: click here
Minimum requirements | ||||
Achievement level | ||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | APS | ||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
5 | C | 6 | B | 34 |
* Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.
* International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission.
Candidates who do not comply with the minimum admission requirements for BSc (Applied Mathematics), may be considered for admission to the BSc – Extended programme – Mathematical Sciences. This programme takes a year longer than the normal programmes to complete.
BSc – Extended programme – Mathematical Sciences Minimum requirements | ||||
Achievement level | ||||
English Home Language or English First Additional Language | Mathematics | APS | ||
NSC/IEB | AS Level | NSC/IEB | AS Level | |
4 | D | 5 | C | 28 |
3 years, full-time.
The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is a diverse faculty with 13 departments that is supported by more than 20 centres and institutes. More than 5 000 students register in this faculty annually of which 70% are undergraduate and 30% postgraduate students.
All degree programmes are designed to develop problem-solving individuals who can easily adapt to changing circumstances and take the lead in their chosen fields of specialisation. The qualifications awarded are of world-class and provide access to a multitude of career opportunities for dynamic and creative people.
In the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, we strive to continuously improve our high impact research and significantly address the national shortage of PhD graduates that respond to global and local challenges.
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