Degree Programme in Mathematical, Physical and Statistical
Sciences
The degree Programme in Mathematical, Physical and Statistical Sciences offers students
who enjoy working with Mathematics, Statistics and Physics, a combination of a sound
foundation in the mathematical and physical sciences, together with exposure to and training
in problem-solving techniques across a range of related disciplines. Training in these
fundamental, quantitative sciences is recognised worldwide as providing the most flexible
graduates.
Who would be interested in this Programme?
This Programme has been designed to attract students who have an appreciation of, and
aptitude for, mathematics or physics in the broadest sense, and who wish to enter careers in
which they would be able to make substantial use of their mathematical and problem-solving
skills
What courses will you take?
The Programme provides the combination of a sound theoretical foundation with training in
problem-solving techniques across a range of related disciplines. There are a number of
distinct curricula, with particular groupings of courses leading to a very specific focus of
study. These are:
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Actuarial Science
Applied Mathematics
Astrophysics
Demography and Statistics
Mathematics
Physics
Statistics
In the first year, students are encouraged to take subjects that are common to all curricula.
This will allow students a chance to determine their areas of interest before choosing a
specific curriculum in which to continue their studies in their second year. It is also possible
to take senior courses from other programmes in the Sciences Faculty, and even from other
Faculties.
Career Opportunities for Graduates
You can get the high paying jobs in finance that need quantitative skills: actuaries, financial
analysts, quants in stock-broking firms. You can work in industry as mathematical modelers
networking simulators. You can design and run real-time analysis systems.
You can do research into hard materials, semi-conductors or metals. You can design and
build electronics and scientific measuring systems. You can work in government labs or in
industry, locally or abroad. You can work telecommunications, mining, manufacturing or
banking. You can work anywhere where your understanding of numbers and decisions
based on understanding of numbers are needed. You can work in one of the many
institutions and departments in government and civil society that enable South Africa to
develop, and ensure a better life for all.
You can teach – there is a huge shortage of good science and mathematics teachers both
nationally and abroad. You can do research in academia or industry, finding new knowledge
and news ways to apply it – from scientific computing to nuclear physics. You will not find it
hard to get a fascinating job.