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Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Mathematical Statistics: Focal Area in Data Science

The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Mathematical Statistics: Focal Area in Data Science program is presented jointly by the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and the Department of Computer Science. Consequently students have to be admitted to postgraduate study by both these departments. A bachelor’s degree with an average mark of at least 65% in Mathematical Statistics 3 is required, together with a satisfactory mark of at least 65% in Computer Science up to at least second year level.

Contact information
Prof Paul Mostert
Programme leader

Programme overview

Duration
One year
Campus
Stellenbosch
Type
Coursework

More information

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When applying

When applying for a postgraduate programme, some may require you to upload additional supporting documents beyond completing the standard application form online. Where such documents are required, more information will appear under the section below titled “Supporting Application Documents.”

Please note that selection for postgraduate programmes is highly competitive. Meeting the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Minimum admission requirements

Admission requirements
A bachelor’s degree with a combined average mark of at least 65% for the third-year modules in Mathematical Statistics , and a satisfactory mark in Computer Science up to at least second-year level.

Selection
The number of students selected will be influenced by, among other things, staff capacity and the availability of resources within the departments, as well as academic merit and University transformation objectives (within the Division of Computer Science and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science). As staff capacity and resources may fluctuate from year to year, the number of students selected can also differ from year to year.

If the Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics background of the applicant is deemed insufficient after a case-by case determination by the Division of Computer Science and the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, the departments may require an additional departmental assessment on third year level Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics topics.

Students may also be required to complete additional undergraduate Stellenbosch University Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics modules along with their honours studies.

Programme structure

Programme structure
You must choose coursework modules from both of the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science and the Division for Computer Science and complete a research assignment from the Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science.

Programme content
You must earn a total of at least 120 credits for this programme.
Please also note:
The research assignment is compulsory. You must complete it under supervision and submit it examination.

Compulsory modules (48 credits)
13074 Introduction to R Programming 723 (6)
11228 Research Assignment: Mathematical Statistics 791 (30)
13360 Statistical Learning Theory 771 (12)
Elective modules (at least 72 credits)

Last updated 01 April 2026
Disclaimer:
The University reserves the right to amend the information on this webpage at any time. While every effort is made to ensure that the information provided is accurate and complete, it may be subject to change or become outdated. It remains the responsibility of prospective students to verify all details against the relevant faculty yearbook or directly with the relevant department.

Application dates

South African students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Oct 2026

International students
Applications open:
1-Apr 2026
Applications close:
31-Oct 2026