BSc Mathematics

Mathematics, which originated from arithmetic and geometry, is based on patterns and structures and is the fundamental language of science and technology. 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, which form the backbone of the South African economy.

Mathematics students who enjoy the course and excel in it are those who enjoy solving problems and have a strong background in the basics of the subject.

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 17 500 student enrolments for mathematics modules. The Department prides itself on excelling in teaching and research, as well as in community-based activities.

The diverse and competent staff has expertise in various fields. The Department regularly hosts international visitors and its researchers frequently travel abroad to attend conferences and pay research visits. No fewer than 31 of its researchers have received NRF ratings in fields ranging from more traditional abstract analysis to contemporary epidemiology, where the modelling of biological phenomena leads to exciting options.

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.

Graduates in mathematics and applied mathematics are employed by research institutions, in education (universities and schools), the public sector (government and medical institutions) and the private sector (engineering companies, financial institutions and the computer industry).

The training of these graduates in abstract, analytical and computational thinking provides them with the versatile background required 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 those problems.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.


Career Opportunities

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.


Programme Code

02133263


Closing Dates

  • SA – 12/06/2022
  • Non-SA – 12/06/2022

Admission Requirements

Important information for all prospective students for 2023

The admission requirements below apply to all who apply for admission to the University of Pretoria with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) and Independent Examination Board (IEB) qualifications. Click here for this Faculty Brochure.

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

APS

NSC/IEB

NSC/IEB

5

6

34

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS. 

You will be considered for final admission to degree studies if space allows, and if you have a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent qualification with admission to bachelor’s degree studies, and comply with the minimum subject requirements as well as the APS requirements of your chosen programme.

Applicants with qualifications other than the abovementioned should refer to the Brochure: Undergraduate Programme Information 2023: Qualifications other than the NSC and IEB, available at click here.

International students: Click here.

Transferring students

A transferring student is a student who, at the time of applying at the University of Pretoria (UP) is/was a registered student at another tertiary institution. A transferring student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance. Students who have been dismissed from other institutions due to poor academic performance will not be considered for admission to UP.

Closing dates: Same as above.

Returning students

A returning student is a student who, at the time of application for a degree programme is/was a registered student at UP, and wants to transfer to another degree at UP. A returning student will be considered for admission based on NSC or equivalent qualification and previous academic performance.

Note:

  • Students who have been excluded/dismissed from a faculty due to poor academic performance may be considered for admission to another programme at UP, as per faculty-specific requirements.
  • Only ONE transfer between UP faculties and TWO transfers within a faculty will be allowed.
  • Admission of returning students will always depend on the faculty concerned and the availability of space in the programmes for which they apply.

Closing date for applications from returning students

Unless capacity allows for an extension of the closing date, applications from returning students must be submitted before the end of August via your UP Student Centre.


Candidates who do not comply with the minimum admission requirements for BSc (Mathematics), may be considered for admission to the BSc – Extended programme – Mathematical Sciences, which requires an additional year of study.

Please note: Progression from the BSc – Extended programme – Mathematical Sciences to the mathematics-intensive programmes will be considered only for students who obtained a GPA of 65% in all their first-year modules. Students who pass all first-year modules will be advised on alternative academic pathways.

BSc – Extended Programme – Mathematical Sciences

Minimum requirements

Achievement level

English Home Language or English First Additional Language

Mathematics

APS

NSC/IEB

NSC/IEB

4

5

28

Note:

*The BSc – Extended programmes are not available for students who meet all the requirements for the corresponding mainstream programme.

*Please note that only students who apply in their final NSC or equivalent qualification year will be considered for admission into any of the BSc – Extended programmes. Students who are upgrading or taking a gap year will not be considered.


Minimum duration of study

3 years, full-time


Faculty Notes

All modules will only be presented in English, as English is the language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria.

Faculty Yearbooks: click here

The University of Pretoria has decided not to set a specific closing date for applications to non-selection programmes for 2023. Applications will close when the available study spaces are filled (close on availability of space). Once the available number of study places for a specific programme are filled, no further applications for that particular programme will be considered. All applicants are therefore strongly advised and encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible after 1 April 2022 and to check the application site (UP Student Portal) regularly. 

The Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences is home to more than 6 500 undergraduate and postgraduate students. The Faculty presents degrees in fields ranging from the proverbial A to Z – from actuaries to zoologists, and consists of 13 departments.

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. According to the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings the University has achieved new world rankings in Physical Sciences, a discipline which features strongly in NAS and also maintains excellent positions on the ISI Web of Science (WOS) field rankings in Plant and Animal Sciences, Agricultural Sciences, and Environment and Ecology Sciences.

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.

  • Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.

Enquiries about the programme

Click Here
How to apply

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