Ecology and Conservation

Study ecology, conservation and environmental science.

Overview

Bachelor of Science in the field of Biological Sciences

Offered by the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences, this career line includes diverse training in ecology and conservation, which are sought-after skills in dealing with the interdisciplinary challenges faced by society.

You will gain insight into the quantitative study and use of ecological, physiological, and systematic principles. These are studied in the contexts of ecology, conservation, and environmental science, and their applications in conservation biology and environmental management.

You can continue studies in Law, Economics, Engineering, Veterinary Science, and Development Management.

To find out more about the Biological Sciences Programme at Wits, visit our site.

Career Opportunities

  • Ecotourism
  • Environmental Consultancy
  • Environmental Economist
  • Environmental Education
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Lawyer
  • Environmental Management
  • Environmental NGO
  • Forestry
  • Nature Conservation
  • Planning and Consulting
  • Wildlife Documentaries
  • Research for South African Environmental Observation Network (SAEON)

Curriculum

First-year

Introductory Life Sciences I
AND
Chemistry I
AND
Auxiliary Mathematics I
AND
Any other Level I course
Recommended: Complementary Life Sciences I

Second-year
  • Life on Earth: Diversity
  • Life on Earth: Evolution 
  • Ecology, Environment, and Conservation IIA and IIB 
  • Plant Form and Function

AND

  • Basic Statistics for the Natural Sciences

AND

  • Any other Level II courses
Third-year

Each major has a choice of the following courses:
Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIA: Individuals, Populations and Communities
Applied Ecology and Global Change IIIB: Managing our Complex World

AND Any other level III course

Entry Requirements

APS 43+

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Mathematics Level 5

Wait-listing

Applicants with 41-42 points may be wait-listed, subject to place availability.

National Benchmark Test

All Faculty of Science applicants must write the National Benchmark Tests (NBT) before being considered for admission. There are two tests. The Academic and Quantitative Literacy Test and the Mathematics Test. Your test results are used in addition to your Grade 12 results to identify students who may need additional support during their studies. 

University Application Process

  • The Student Enrolment Centre at Wits handles all student applications.
  • Please click here for an overview of the application process. 
  • Check the admission requirements for your degree. Check if any additional selection requirements apply. 
  • Submit your application, required documentation and application fee before the closing date.
  • Once you have applied, an admissions consultant will be assigned to your application.
  • Applicants can monitor the progress of their applications via the Self Service Portal.
  • If you are an international applicant and/or have a foreign qualification, please click here.

Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.

University Fees and Funding

Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal. 

The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.

Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.