What is computer science? Jobs: What kind?
Computer science is the theory and practice of algorithms. Computer scientists are more than just programmers:
It is a wonderful combination of art (invention and design), They are problem solvers. You’ll find them wherever you
science (analysis and experimentation), and engineering to find computers… from agriculture to accounting, from
solve problems with computers. movie-making to medicine, from software companies to the
Our students learn to program, develop, and manage large service industry, from web development to wildlife preser-
software systems in a team, but – most importantly – to vation.
frame problems in terms of computational processes. Our students go on to a wide variety of jobs. Many write
code, some move into management, and others move into
hardware design. Contrary to the stereotype, they interact
Why Stellenbosch? with people — either working with users, or collaborating
with colleagues, designers, engineers, and many more.
Stellenbosch computer science graduates are in high de-
mand by industry, both locally and all over the world. Our
alumni work for companies like Amazon, Capitec, Face-
book, Google, IBM, Microsoft, NASA, and Takealot.
COMPUTER
Jobs: How many?
SCIENCE
There is a huge demand for computer science graduates
Stellenbosch University is one of South Africa’s leading ter-
all over the world. From the Western Cape alone, we are
tiary institutions – based on research output, student pass
inundated by company requests for qualified employees.
rates, and rated scientists – and is also recognised inter-
nationally as an academic institution of excellence. We This demand mirrors a worldwide trend. Although no con-
have been training computer scientists for 50 years, starting crete statistics are available locally, the graph below illus-
soon after the first programming languages were developed, trates the gap between supply and demand in the USA.
and we have been at the forefront ever since. 1 400 000
Our academic staff include A-rated researchers, interna- 1 200 000
$500 000 000 000
opportunity
tionally recognised leaders in their fields. With our stu- 1 000 000
dents, we do cutting-edge research in artificial intelligence,
800 000
data science, machine learning, programming languages, 1 400 000
600 000
space science, and software engineering. computing jobs Computer Science Division
400 000 Department of Mathematical Sciences
Studying in Stellenbosch is more than just an education: It’s
200 000 400 000 Faculty of Science
a lifestyle. The campus is fully integrated in the beautiful
computer science graduates Stellenbosch University
and historic town. Great food and wine, weekend markets,
Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602
exquisite natural beauty, a vibrant music and culture scene, 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
Republic of South Africa
and a host of adventure activities all contribute to a well- +27 21 808 4232
balanced student experience as a Matie. www.cs.sun.ac.za
Degree structure CS study options “Computational thinking is embedded in
the everything we do, from self-driving
Computer Science + Math/Science Subjects cars to business processes. Computer
Computer Science can be combined with a wide variety of
other subjects. It is important to read the official university CS is about information and computation, and combines Science teaches computational thinking,
documents, because for some combinations, Computer Sci- with math and science subjects in a particularly natural progamming, and the concepts that are
ence is only available in the first year. way as part of a BSc degree. Subject choices include Pure required to build software on any system
and Applied Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, Oper- from a phone to a supercomputer.”
Here are the core Computer Science modules that we offer ations Research, Physics, Chemistry, Linguistics, and Mu- Cornelia P. Inggs
for undergraduate and honours studies: sic Technology. With Biology and Genetics, it can also lead Senior Lecturer, Computer Science
to a qualification in bioinformatics.
First year
Computer Science + Commerce Subjects
CS114 CS144 CS and commerce is a killer combination, and graduates in
Introductory Introductory
Computer Science 1 Computer Science 2 this field (either BCom or BSc) are in high demand.
“In the 21st century, data is the new driv-
Computer Science + Data Science
Second year ing force behind industries. Data science
The new BDatSci degree combines CS, statistics, machine provides tools to interpret all this data
CS214 CS244 learning, and related methods for the extraction of knowl-
Data Structures Computer
and to provide meaningful observations
& Algorithms Architecture edge and insights from data. that will help companies make profound
Computer Science + Engineering decisions. With the increase of comput-
Third year ing power and digital storage come many
From 2022, selected engineering subjects will be offered
CS314 CS315 CS334
new possibilities for data scientists to solve
as part of the BSc degree in CS (SAQA approval pending).
Concurrency Machine Learning Databases & Web- complex problems.
centric Computing Some CS modules are already available as part of BEng.
Mkhuseli Ngxande
CS344 CS345 CS354
Program Design
Lecturer, Computer Science
Computability Computer
(Software Engineering) & Automata Networks
Requirements
Honours (extra fourth year) Note: Admission requiremens vary from year to year, and also
CS712 CS713 between faculties and degree programmes. Make sure you know “If you want a well-paying, always chang-
CS716
Advanced Compilers Advanced the latest requirements and deadlines before you apply. ing job with travelling opportunities, then
Algorithms Automata study computer science. There is a dire
Current CS admission requirements for BSc include:
CS741 CS743 CS791 need for qualified CS students in the West-
Machine Learning Simulation Artificial ≥ 65% average performance
ern Cape, the rest of South Africa, and
of Networks Intelligence ≥ 70% for Mathematics
more importantly, the world. Silicon Val-
CS791 CS795 CS796
≥ 50% for Afrikaans or English
ley awaits — just get your MSc in CS.”
Space Science Functional Software Verification ≥ 50% for Physical Science (to take Physics or Chemistry)
Algorithms Programming & Analysis Willem Visser, Professor of Computer
≥ 50% for another designated university admission subject
Science, NRF A-rated Researcher, and
BCom, BDatSci, and BEng have different requirements. For
Senior Principal Applied Scientist at
up-to-date information about admission to any degree, visit
Amazon Web Services
www.sun.ac.za/english/maties.
