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:
  • 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.