University Of The Witwatersrand Chemical Engineering, Chemical Engineering is the branch of engineering which deals with large-scale industrial processes that convert, by physical or chemical change, raw materials into products with a higher economic and social value.
Industries in fields such as plastics, oil refining, explosives, fertilisers, detergents, food processing and mineral processing all need chemical engineers.
The curriculum reflects the need for a thorough understanding of mathematics, physics and chemistry. Courses such as Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics, Chemical Reactor Theory, Process Control, Solid Fluid Systems, Transport Phenomena, Mass-Transfer Operations and Chemical Plant Design are studied after first year, and in final year a number of elective subjects in advanced topics in chemical engineering are studied.
Mastery of computing methods is necessary for solving many problems in chemical engineering. The curriculum therefore emphasises the use of computers from the first year of study onwards and in the courses on Mathematics, Computing for Process Engineers and Numerical Methods. Mathematics is a vital element in the training of chemical engineers and the curriculum has a mathematical flavour.
An important role played by chemical engineering in modern society is the minimisation and control of the impact of modern industrialised society on the environment. Engineering practice also impacts on society and business in many ways. Accordingly, the curriculum includes courses on environmental engineering, management principles and professional practice and ethics.
The University’s undergraduate engineering degrees are recognised by the Engineering Council of South Africa and have received the approval of professional accrediting bodies in the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Ireland and Hong Kong. Career opportunities for engineers are in high demand and extend beyond the engineering sector.
Career Opportunities
Design, operate and manage large-scale industrial processes that convert chemicals, minerals, or foodstuffs from one form to another, in areas such as manufacturing, the petroleum industry, water and waste management, mining and pharmaceuticals.
- Process Design Engineer
- Process Control Engineer
- Biochemical Engineer
- Environmental Engineer
- Technical Sales Engineer
- Food Processing Engineer
- Process Plant Manager
- Systems Engineer
Entry Requirements
Engineering and the Built Environment |
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| Programme | Minimum Admission Requirements | Selection procedures | |
| APS | Subjects & achieved scale | ||
| Bachelor of Science in Engineering BSc (Eng) (4 years) | English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5 Mathematics – 5 Physical Science – 5 | Note: Due to the limited number of places available, admission is not guaranteed. Selection will be based on final NSC results. Generally students who achieve at least 70% in Mathematics, Physical Science and English stand a greater chance of being accepted. | |
|
40+ | ||
|
42+ | ||
|
36+ | ||
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36+ | ||
|
40+ | ||
|
40+ | ||
|
42+ | ||
|
40+ | ||
| Bachelor of Engineering Science in the field of Digital Arts (3 years) |
42+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5 Mathematics – 5 Physical Science – 5 |
Applicants will be required to complete additional selection criteria, e.g. workshop, interview. |
| Bachelor of Engineering Science in Biomedical Engineering BEngSc (BME) (3 years) |
42+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5 Mathematics – 5 Physical Science – 5 |
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| Bachelor of Architectural StudiesBAS (3 years) |
34+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang – 4 Mathematics – 4 |
Acceptance is dependent on departmental selection procedures. Applicants are required to complete a written and graphic exercise and may be required to attend an interview. Applicants with a Wits APS of 34 and above may be accepted on this basis. Applicants with a Wits APS of between 29 and 33 may only be considered on the basis of exceptional exercise scores. The selection process for the BAS is conducted by a panel of senior academics from the School of Architecture and Planning, monitored by the Assistant Dean. Selection is based predominantly on performance against the selection exercise, interview and academic performance, although demographic balance is taken into consideration where a choice needs to be made between applicants scoring within the same range. |
| Bachelor of Science in Construction Studies BSc (CS) (3 years) Bachelor of Science in Property Studies BSc (PS) (4 years) |
36+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5 Mathematics – 5 |
Provided that Mathematics and English pass at NSC Scale of Achievement Level 5. |
| Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning BSc (URP) (3 years) |
36+ | English HL or 1st Add Lang – 5 Mathematics – 5 |
Provided that Mathematics and English pass at NSC Scale of Achievement Level 5. |
Application Process
Your application
- You may apply for three programmes (degrees).
- Applications to Wits must enclose a non-refundable application fee of R100 (for international applicants, R700).
Documentation / Checklist
- Submit your Grade 11 report which must be signed and stamped by your school principal.
- If you have already matriculated, attach a copy of your matric certificate.
Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
Apply now
Faculty of Health Sciences (All programmes)
Bachelor of Architecture
Bachelor of Audiology
Bachelor of Speech-Language Pathology
30 September 2018
All other University programmes
Residence applications
Online applications
- Complete an online application to study at Wits
Course Costs
The average course costs for local students range from R34 000 to R62 000, depending on the course and the number of years of study.
Tuition fees are payable for each course for which a student is registered.