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2026

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The MSc degree is conferred on grounds of a dissertation and such additional postgraduate coursework as may be prescribed. A student is required to demonstrate, by means of a dissertation, the ability to plan, institute and execute a scientific investigation.
A student works under the guidance of a supervisor and is expected to identify and complete a research project. The research results are to be fully reported in an MSc dissertation.

Also refer to G30-G41.

General Admission Regulations:

Refer to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules (Go to https://www.up.ac.za/yearbooks/home and click on General Rules and Regulations, then on General Academic Regulations and Student Rules)

1.  All applications must be accompanied by the following documents: 
   1. Certified full academic transcripts from undergraduate to current level; 
   2. Certified copy of ID or passport; 
   3. A research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees): A description of the proposed research field indicating a research topic and the broad scope of the proposed study, not exceeding 500 words.
2.  All applicants with international qualifications must submit the following documents, subject to provision number 9: 
   1. A SAQA evaluation of the completed qualification or a comprehensive Foreign Qualification Report
   2. *TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results (if applicable) 
   3. Certified copy of passport.
3. All postgraduate applications are subject to departmental admissions processes. 
4. Admissions is based on the content of and performance in the prior degree, bridging arrangements (where required), academic merit and prior work experience (if applicable). 
5. Admission to all qualifications is subject to supervisory capacity and/or research projects in the field of specialisation in a department, therefore the relevant department has the right to limit the number of students per year. 
6. Complying with the minimum admissions requirements, does not automatically guarantee admission to the degree. 
7. Proposed research studies for masters and doctoral applicants should align with the research focus of the relevant department. 
8. If a qualifying candidate has expressed an interest in a field of study that the relevant department cannot  accommodate, the applicant may be considered for an alternative project. 
9. All postgraduate applicants must be proficient in English as English is the official language of tuition, communication and correspondence at the University of Pretoria. Candidates who cannot provide evidence that previous studies were completed in English, must submit TOEFL or IELTS or Pearson Test of English or Oxford Test of English test results with their application. 
10. All applicants must be computer literate.
11. All students need to have access to an internet enabled device, as well as consistent email and internet access.
12. Allowance will be made for the diversity profile of students in accordance with the University strategy. 

Minimum admissions requirements:

1. Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Computer Science (or equivalent)
2. A weighted average of at least 65% for the honours degree

The stipulations of the relevant Faculty regulations are applicable.

The Dean may, on recommendation of the relevant head of department, exempt a student from the examination on the dissertation.

The average mark awarded by all the examiners is the final mark, with the pass mark being at least 50%.

If the supervisor affirms that a candidate has progressed satisfactorily, registration may be renewed for the second year (full-time) or for the second to fourth year (part-time). Re-registration thereafter will only take place if a written motivation from the candidate, supported by the relevant head of department is submitted to the student administration offices.

Refer also to G40.

With the exception of an honorary degree, a degree will be conferred on a student only if the student has complied with all the requirements for the particular degree and has reached the level of competence prescribed for the degree, and on condition that no one is entitled to any privileges pertaining to a degree before the degree has been conferred on him or her at a graduation ceremony.

The MSc degree is conferred with distinction on candidates who obtain a final average mark of at least 75%.