One important choice all students have to make while transitioning into adulthood is the choice of what university to attend. This choice may be influenced by a couple of factors that may or may not be directly related to the institution of choice.
Some people attend certain universities because that is the institution where their parents met or older siblings attended while some attend due to the prestige of the university. Regardless, there are certain factors one must also put into account when considering what university to attend.
A computer science degree somewhat assures you of a job placement almost immediately after graduation as the country continues to experience an increase in demand for scientists. In this light, you may be wondering what university in South Africa you may need to apply to for adequate training in your desired field. Well, there are many reasons why you would choose to get your degree in South Africa however, most universities from south Africa are globally ranked and recognised all around the world.
What Is A Computer Science Degree?
Simply put, computer science degrees deal with the theoretical foundations of information and computation, taking a scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications.
The field of computer science is quite broad as it involves one studying the various processes involved in creating algorithms, data processing, and dissemination of information on all distribution channels.
Although a bachelors degree is a minimum requirement in the job market, many computer scientists go on to specialize in different areas by having professional certifications and postgraduate degrees alongside their work experience. some areas of specialization include;
- Computer Network Security
- Mobile and Web Computing
- Software Engineering
- Human-Computer Interaction
- Bioinformatics
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information management and data analytics.
How Many Years Does It Take to Get A Computer Science Degree in South Africa?
Generally, the syllabus and activities required to complete a degree in computer science follow a guideline approved by the universities senate and education planning committee. However, most bachelors degree in computer science take between 3-4 years to complete depending on the university. While graduate programs could be between 18-24 months.
How Much Does A Computer Scientist Earn in South Africa?
A person working as a Computer Scientist in South Africa typically earns around R198,081 on the average. The increase in their demand creates a gap which would always be an option for people to earn more than their previous jobs. For a chance to earn higher income one would need to get additional degrees and certifications coupled with years of experience within the technology industry.
What Schools Can I Consider For a Computer Science Degree in South Africa
Here are some of the top schools you can consider attending for your computer science degree in South Africa.
- University of Pretoria
- University of Johannesburg
- Stellenbosch University
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Rhodes University
- North-West University
- University of Witswaterland
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
To gain admission into these schools or other schools of your choice you would be required to have a national senior certificate showing excellent grades in your science subjects and also pass university examination in order to rank well in the pool of applicants.
Conclusion
As a computer scientist, you must be knowledgeable about the different programming languages, machine learning and the use of databases both during and at the end of your degree program. The multidisciplinary nature of computer science courses, as well as exposure to the industry through internships, allow computer science graduates to pursue a large variety of careers in the tech industries, based on each individual’s personal interests.
