Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for the various IS degrees are provided below.
Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems)
The Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems) degree is designed for learners who wish to specialize in one of the computing related disciplines, specifically, Information Systems.
Admission into the ordinary (three-year) degree is subject to a successful matriculation with a bachelors entrance pass, and meeting the minimum requirements for the new NSC including a level 4 achievement (50 - 59) in Mathematics, English Language, Life Orientation, and four other subjects, and with an overall bachelors pass. However, applicants who have achieved higher achievements, i.e. a higher pass mark in both Mathematics and English Language are given preference in the selection process. The minimum admission point score (APS) for entry on the NSC is 28 points. Life Orientation is capped at level 4 for calculating the admission score.
Admission into the foundation (four-year) degree is subject to a successful matriculation with a bachelors entrance pass, and meeting the minimum requirements for the new NSC including a level 3 achievement (40 - 49) in Mathematics and a level 4 (50 - 59) in English Language, Life Orientation, and four other subjects. However, applicants who have achieved higher achievements, i.e. a higher pass mark in both Mathematics and English Language will be given preference in the selection process. The minimum admission point score (APS) for entry on the NSC is 27 points. Life Orientation is capped at level 4 for calculating the admission score.
These entry requirements are tabled below:
| Bachelor of Commerce (Information Systems) | |||||
| 60011 (3 years) | 60101 (4 years) | ||||
| National Senior Certificate (NSC) | National Senior Certificate (NSC) | ||||
| Subject Requirements | Level of Achievement | Total Points | Subject Requirements | Level of Achievement | Total Points |
| English Language | 4 (50 - 59) | 28* | English Language | 4 (50 - 59) | 27* |
| Mathematics | 4 (50 - 59) | Mathematics | 3 (40 - 49) | ||
| Life Orientation | 4 (50 - 59) | Life Orientation | 4 (50 - 59) | ||
| Four other subjects | 4 (50 - 59) | Four other subjects | 4 (50 - 59) | ||
*Life Orientation (LO) is capped at level 4 for calculating the APS.
Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Information Systems)
The Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Information Systems) degree is geared for those learners who wish to pursue their Information Systems studies further. The Department requires a combined 3rd year average pass mark of 60% in the Information Systems modules. Learners who receive less than this mark, or have completed a undergraduate qualification in another computing discipline can still apply. All students who apply will have their suitability for admission to the degree based on the marks obtained at undergraduate, a sample of writing, and an in-depth interview.
The Department usually has twenty-four (24) places available annually, which are allocated to full-time (one-year) or part-time (two-year) basis. It is the policy of the Department to give preference to full-time over part-time placements.
Master of Commerce (Information Systems) by dissertation
The Master of Commerce (Information Systems) degree is undertaken by those learners who possess good written and analytical skills, and who are interested in researching a specific topical area within the broad field of Information Systems.
This qualification is by dissertation (100% research), either on a full-time or part-time basis. Those with a degree in Information Systems or a cognisant discipline must contact the Department to seek an interview with the Masters Coordinator to determine their eligibility to complete the qualification, and will be advised accordingly. The Department will only consider candidates annually if sufficient supervision capacity exists.
Doctor of Philosophy (Information Systems)
The Doctor of Philosophy (Information Systems) degree by thesis (i.e. 100% research) is offered. The purpose is to equip the student to become an independent researcher in the field of Information Systems. A successful D.Phil will provide novel and original research to the existing body of knowledge in the discipline.
The admission requirements are a Masters degree in Information Systems or a cognisant discipline with a pass mark of at least 60% or/and a good Masters with evidence of scholarly contribution (research output). A research proposal of less than 600 words is also required indicating the topic, introduction, the problem statement, objectives of the study and the methodology.
Prospective candidates must contact the Department to seek an interview with the Research Coordinator to determine their eligibility to complete the programme. Please note that there are limited places available on the programme.